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: Wednesday 9th June

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 advancedhackspace@imperial.ac.uk.

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