Introduction to KiCAD (Part 1)

Monday 6th December, 2021
3.30 – 5:30pm
Illustration of woman at computer for a learning workshop

LevelUp your skills and learn KiCAD!

 

Ever wondered how modern electronics are designed and made?

This workshop is designed as an introduction to KiCAD. KiCAD is an opensource suite of software for electronic computer-aided design (ECAD). The free software allows you to design electronic schematic diagrams, and Printed Circuit Boards (PCB).

We think learning KiCAD is a great choice if you are looking to learn how to design your own electronic circuit boards, and enhance your hack skills to start or support a future project or idea!

This 2-part workshop will be run live, with hands-on exercises to put your learnings into practice.

 

Key takeaways

  • What is KiCAD and how to get started
  • Learn about KiCAD’s key tools and capabilities and how to use them
  • Learn how to draw an electronic schematic diagram
  • Learn how to effectively layout a PCB in KiCAD
  • Master the tips and tricks to design a board like a pro (such as copper pouring)
  • Understand how to export your board design files for manufacture

 

Date: Monday 6th December

Time: 3.30 – 5.30pm

Location: Online (full details to follow)

Sign-up: Please use your Imperial email address when registering.

Please note only current students or alumni (within 3 years of graduating) and staff at Imperial are eligible to register and attend this workshop. Please register with your Imperial email .

 

FAQs

What level is the workshop best suited to? Beginner. No previous experience using KiCAD is assumed or required. However, a basic understanding of electronics is advisable, and will help you get the most out of the workshop.

I have used KiCAD before, is this workshop still going to be useful to me? Yes, definitely if you need a refresher!

 

What will I be learning how to do in Part 1 and Part 2 of these workshops?

Workshop Part 1

  • Producing a well organised schematic
  • Finding and importing symbols
  • Producing unique symbols
  • Find and importing footprints
  • Producing unique footprints
  • Producing a Bill of Materials

Workshop Part 2

  • Board layout
  • Ground plane generation and design optimisation
  • Manufacturing/design Rule check
  • Exporting gerber and drill files for production
  • Assigning CAD of components
  • Generating 3D CAD of populated board

 

What do I need to prepare ahead of the workshop? At this stage nothing! All registered participants will receive further information and instructions 1 week ahead of the workshops.

Who can attend this workshop? This is for current students or alumni (within 3 years of graduating) at Imperial. Please register using your Imperial email address.

Any other questions? Drop us an email on [email protected].

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