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