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grabowski 046f66f6eb Refine repository structure for KiCad 9 optimization

- 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

2025-08-03 16:27:46 +07:00

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/hardware/assembly

Assembly drawings and instructions for your KiCad project.

Purpose

This directory contains assembly-related documentation and drawings that help with the physical construction of your PCB:

Assembly drawings
Component placement guides
Assembly instructions
Pick and place references

File Types

.pdf: Assembly drawings and instructions
.png/.jpg: Assembly photos and diagrams
.txt/.md: Text-based assembly instructions
.csv: Component placement data

Assembly Drawings from KiCad

Open your PCB (.kicad_pcb)
Go to File → Plot
Select layers for assembly:
- F.Fab (Front Fabrication)
- B.Fab (Back Fabrication)
- F.SilkS (Front Silkscreen)
- B.SilkS (Back Silkscreen)
Enable "Plot footprint values" and "Plot reference designators"
Set output directory and plot

Recommended Assembly Files

assembly/
├── ProjectName-Assembly-Top.pdf      # Top side assembly drawing
├── ProjectName-Assembly-Bottom.pdf   # Bottom side assembly drawing
├── ProjectName-Assembly-Guide.pdf    # Complete assembly instructions
├── ProjectName-Placement.csv         # Component placement coordinates
├── assembly-photos/
│   ├── step1-power-components.jpg
│   ├── step2-mcu-section.jpg
│   └── step3-connectors.jpg
└── instructions/
    ├── assembly-checklist.md
    ├── soldering-notes.md
    └── testing-procedure.md

Assembly Drawing Guidelines

Include component reference designators
Show component values where helpful
Indicate polarity for polarized components
Mark pin 1 locations for ICs
Include assembly notes and warnings
Use different colors for different component types

Assembly Instructions Content

Component list: What components go where
Assembly order: Sequence for efficient assembly
Special procedures: Unique assembly steps
Soldering notes: Temperature, time, flux requirements
Testing points: Where to probe during assembly
Troubleshooting: Common issues and solutions

Pick and Place Data

Generate component placement data for automated assembly:

In KiCad PCB editor, go to File → Fabrication Outputs → Component Placement
Configure format (CSV recommended)
Include position, rotation, and side information
Save to this directory

Quality Control

Assembly checklist: Step-by-step verification
Visual inspection: What to look for
Electrical testing: Basic functionality tests
Rework procedures: How to fix common mistakes

Best Practices

Create assembly drawings at 1:1 scale when possible
Use clear, high-contrast colors
Include revision information
Document any special tools required
Provide multiple views for complex assemblies
Include photos of completed assembly

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