Mastering KiCAD: Open-Source PCB Design for Beginners

Course Overview

This course covers all these topics. This is a step-by-step course on printed circuit board design. We will demonstrate how KiCAD can be used to create professional PCB designs through multiple examples. You’ll dive deep into specific use cases such as multi-page schematic, multi-layer PCB layout and PCB panels, all while highlighting the best practices to be followed while designing a schematic or a layout. One of the unique aspects of this course is its focus on hands-on learning. Whether you are a beginner or have some experience in electronics, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to create professional printed circuit boards. This course is ideal for Electronics, Electrical, and Computer Science engineering students, aspiring embedded systems professionals, and makers and hobbyists with a foundational understanding of basic electronics and components. It’s designed for anyone eager to develop professional-grade PCBs using open-source tools like KiCAD, offering practical insights and hands-on experience to bring your electronic designs to life. Participants should have a basic understanding of electronics concepts, including types of components, current flow, Ohm’s law, 3-pin regulator circuits, basic oscillators like astable multivibrators, and simple microcontroller circuits. Computer proficiency is also essential. Additionally, ensure you have KiCAD software version 8.0.6 installed and your system meets the common requirements. We will explore KiCAD to create multilayer and mixed signal PCB designs, route differential pair signals, design PCB panels, generate gerber files and apply signal integrity and EMC techniques.