grabowski
046f66f6eb
- Add dedicated /kicad/ directory with organized subdirectories for libraries, schematics, gerbers, plots, and backups - Create comprehensive KiCad 9 library structure (symbols, footprints, 3D models) - Add manufacturing-ready directories for production files (gerbers, drill, pick-and-place) - Update all README files with KiCad-specific documentation and workflows - Add KiCad-optimized .gitignore file for proper version control - Create KICAD-PROJECT-TEMPLATE.md comprehensive usage guide - Add hardware assembly documentation and BOM management - Include detailed manufacturing file generation instructions - Add docs structure with design-notes and user-manual directories - Provide complete workflow from design to manufacturing with quality checklists
65 lines
2.2 KiB
Markdown
65 lines
2.2 KiB
Markdown
# /kicad/gerbers
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Generated Gerber files for design review and verification.
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## Purpose
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This directory contains Gerber files generated during the design process for:
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- Design review and verification
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- Quick prototyping
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- Sharing with colleagues for feedback
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- Design iteration tracking
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**Note**: Final production Gerbers should be placed in `/manufacturing/gerbers/`
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## File Types
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- **`.gbr`**: Gerber files for copper layers
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- **`.gbrjob`**: Gerber job file (KiCad 6+)
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- **`.drl`**: Excellon drill files
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- **`.pdf`**: PDF plots for review
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## Generating Gerbers in KiCad
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1. Open your PCB file (`.kicad_pcb`)
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2. Go to **File → Fabrication Outputs → Gerbers**
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3. Select output directory: `kicad/gerbers/`
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4. Configure layers and options
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5. Click **Plot**
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6. Generate drill files: **File → Fabrication Outputs → Drill Files**
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## Typical Layer Files
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```
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gerbers/
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├── ProjectName-F_Cu.gbr # Front copper
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├── ProjectName-B_Cu.gbr # Back copper
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├── ProjectName-F_SilkS.gbr # Front silkscreen
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├── ProjectName-B_SilkS.gbr # Back silkscreen
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├── ProjectName-F_Mask.gbr # Front solder mask
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├── ProjectName-B_Mask.gbr # Back solder mask
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├── ProjectName-F_Paste.gbr # Front solder paste
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├── ProjectName-B_Paste.gbr # Back solder paste
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├── ProjectName-Edge_Cuts.gbr # Board outline
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├── ProjectName.drl # Drill file
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├── ProjectName-NPTH.drl # Non-plated holes
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└── ProjectName-job.gbrjob # Job file
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```
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## Review Checklist
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- [ ] All layers present and correct
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- [ ] Board outline properly defined
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- [ ] Drill files include all holes
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- [ ] Silkscreen readable and not overlapping pads
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- [ ] Solder mask openings correct
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- [ ] Component references visible
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- [ ] No missing copper or shorts
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## Gerber Viewers
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- **KiCad Gerber Viewer**: Built into KiCad
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- **gerbv**: Open source Gerber viewer
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- **Online viewers**: PCBWay, JLCPCB gerber viewers
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- **Manufacturer tools**: Most PCB fabs provide online viewers
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## Version Control
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- Include gerbers in git for design history
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- Tag important milestones
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- Use descriptive commit messages
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- Consider file size when committing frequently
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