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
90 lines
3.7 KiB
Markdown
90 lines
3.7 KiB
Markdown
# /docs/design-notes
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Design decisions and technical documentation for your KiCad project.
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## Purpose
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This directory contains technical documentation that explains the design decisions, trade-offs, and engineering rationale behind your KiCad project.
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## Document Types
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- **Design Requirements**: Project specifications and constraints
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- **Architecture Overview**: High-level system design
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- **Circuit Analysis**: Detailed circuit explanations
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- **Component Selection**: Why specific components were chosen
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- **Design Trade-offs**: Alternative approaches considered
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- **Simulation Results**: SPICE analysis and verification
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- **Design Reviews**: Peer review notes and feedback
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## Recommended Files
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```
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design-notes/
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├── requirements.md # Project requirements and specifications
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├── architecture.md # System architecture overview
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├── power-design.md # Power supply design notes
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├── signal-integrity.md # High-speed design considerations
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├── component-selection.md # Component choice rationale
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├── thermal-analysis.md # Thermal design considerations
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├── emc-considerations.md # EMC/EMI design notes
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├── design-reviews/ # Review meeting notes
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│ ├── review-001-schematic.md
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│ ├── review-002-layout.md
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│ └── review-003-final.md
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└── simulations/ # Simulation results and analysis
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├── power-analysis.md
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├── signal-timing.md
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└── thermal-simulation.md
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```
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## Design Requirements Template
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Document your project requirements:
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- **Functional Requirements**: What the system must do
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- **Performance Requirements**: Speed, accuracy, efficiency
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- **Environmental Requirements**: Temperature, humidity, vibration
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- **Regulatory Requirements**: Safety, EMC, certifications
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- **Cost Constraints**: Target BOM cost and volumes
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- **Size Constraints**: Physical dimensions and weight
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- **Interface Requirements**: Connectors, protocols, voltages
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## Architecture Documentation
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Describe your system architecture:
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- **Block Diagram**: High-level system overview
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- **Signal Flow**: How data/signals move through system
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- **Power Distribution**: Power supply architecture
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- **Interface Definitions**: External connections
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- **Key Components**: Major ICs and their roles
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- **Design Partitioning**: How functionality is divided
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## Component Selection Notes
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Document why components were chosen:
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- **Requirements**: What the component needs to do
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- **Alternatives Considered**: Other options evaluated
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- **Selection Criteria**: Performance, cost, availability
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- **Trade-offs**: Compromises made
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- **Supplier Information**: Primary and alternate sources
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- **Lifecycle Considerations**: Obsolescence risk
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## Design Review Process
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Document design reviews:
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- **Review Objectives**: What was being reviewed
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- **Participants**: Who attended the review
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- **Findings**: Issues and concerns identified
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- **Action Items**: Required changes and improvements
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- **Sign-off**: Approval status and next steps
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## Simulation and Analysis
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Document analysis work:
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- **Simulation Setup**: Tools and models used
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- **Test Conditions**: Operating conditions simulated
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- **Results**: Key findings and measurements
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- **Interpretation**: What the results mean
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- **Design Impact**: How results influenced design
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- **Verification**: How simulation was validated
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## Best Practices
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- Write for future maintainers (including yourself)
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- Include diagrams and schematics where helpful
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- Reference specific component datasheets
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- Document assumptions and limitations
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- Update notes when design changes
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- Use consistent formatting and terminology
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- Include revision history for major changes
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