b4l-project-template/README.md

B4L Open Hardware Project Template

Welcome to the Build4Life (B4L) Open Hardware Project Template!
This repository provides a standardized structure for developing and sharing high-quality open hardware designs.

Use this template to kickstart your own B4L-compatible project.

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📁 Folder Structure

hardware/          # Schematics, PCB layout, BOM, manufacturing files
mechanical/        # Mechanical designs and 3D printable enclosures
firmware/          # Microcontroller firmware
software/          # PC-side tools or GUIs
docs/              # User guides, images, datasheets
tests/             # Test plans and reports
ci/                # Continuous Integration config
tools/             # Development and debug tools
certs/             # Certification and compliance documentation
manufacturing/     # Production-level data for fab and assembly
meta/              # Project metadata and changelog

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📂 Folder Descriptions

/hardware/

Contains all electrical design files:

• schematics/: KiCad or EDA schematic files
• pcb/: PCB layout files
• bom/: Bill of Materials
• manufacturing/: Gerbers, pick-and-place, drill files
• simulations/: Simulation circuits (e.g. SPICE)

/mechanical/

Mechanical or enclosure design:

• enclosure/: STL/STEP files for 3D-printable parts
• cad/: Editable CAD models (FreeCAD, Fusion360)
• drawings/: 2D drawings for fabrication or documentation
• stl/: Final 3D-printable export files

/firmware/

Firmware source code:

• src/, include/, lib/: Microcontroller code and dependencies
• Example: PlatformIO, STM32Cube, Arduino, Zephyr

/software/

Optional software tools, GUI, or helper scripts:

• gui/: Any frontend or desktop apps
• scripts/: CLI or backend support tools

/docs/

Project documentation:

• overview.md, quickstart.md, photos, diagrams
• datasheets/: PDFs of important components

/tests/

Hardware and firmware testing:

• hardware/: Test jigs, test instructions
• firmware/: Unit and integration test code
• reports/: Test results, logs, and photos

/ci/

Automation and CI pipelines:

• GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, etc.

/tools/

Developer tools, flashing utilities, debug helpers

/certs/

Regulatory and certification documents (e.g., CE, FCC)

/manufacturing/

Everything needed for production:

• assembly/: Instructions for assembly/test stations
• fab/: Files needed by PCB fab houses

/meta/

Project metadata:

• b4l_manifest.json: Name, version, tags, license
• authors.md, changelog.md

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📝 License

This template is open source. Choose a license appropriate for your project.
Recommended: CERN-OHL-W for open hardware.

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🤝 Contributing

If you’re creating a new B4L-compatible project, click “Use this template” or clone this repository.

You’re encouraged to submit improvements to this template!

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📡 About Build4Life

Build4Life is a community-driven initiative designing durable, open, and maintainable electronics.

Website: https://buildfor.life