80 lines
2.5 KiB
Markdown
80 lines
2.5 KiB
Markdown
# My Personal KiCad Library
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This library contains custom KiCad components that are not available in the standard library.
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## 📁 Structure
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```
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my-kicad-libs/
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├── symbols/ # Symbol libraries (.kicad_sym)
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│ ├── Custom_Logic/
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│ ├── Custom_Power/
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│ ├── Custom_Connectors/
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│ ├── Logos_Artwork/
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│ └── ...
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├── footprints/ # Footprint libraries (.pretty)
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│ ├── Custom_QFN.pretty/
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│ ├── Custom_BGA.pretty/
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│ ├── Logos_Silkscreen.pretty/
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│ └── ... # Only custom footprints, standard uses KiCad libs
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├── 3d_models/ # 3D models (.step, .wrl)
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│ ├── Connectors/
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│ ├── IC_Packages/
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│ ├── Mechanical/
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│ └── ...
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├── datasheets/ # Datasheets (optional)
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├── docs/ # Documentation
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├── scripts/ # Automation scripts
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└── templates/ # Project templates
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```
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## 🏷️ Naming Conventions
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### Symbols (.kicad_sym files)
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- **Format**: `[Category]_[Manufacturer]_[Series].kicad_sym`
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- **Examples**:
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- `Logic_TI_74HC.kicad_sym`
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- `Power_LTC_Switching.kicad_sym`
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- `Connectors_JST_XH.kicad_sym`
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- `Logos_Personal.kicad_sym`
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### Individual Symbol Names (within .kicad_sym)
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- **Format**: `[Partnumber]_[Package]_[Variant]`
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- **Examples**:
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- `TPS54340_HTSSOP-14_PowerPAD`
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- `STM32F407VGT6_LQFP-100`
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- `USB-C_16Pin_Receptacle`
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- `Logo_MyCompany_10mm`
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### Footprints (.pretty folders)
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**Note**: Standard passives and common ICs use existing KiCad footprints!
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- **Format**: `[Category]_[Specification].pretty`
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- **Examples**:
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- `QFN_Custom.pretty`
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- `USB_Connectors.pretty`
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- `Logos_Silkscreen.pretty`
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- `Mechanical_Standoffs.pretty`
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## ⚙️ Best Practices
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### Component Strategy
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1. **Use KiCad footprints**: Don't reinvent the wheel for standard packages
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2. **Consistent naming**: Follow established naming conventions
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3. **Documentation**: Include manufacturer data and datasheets
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4. **Quality**: Test all components before adding to library
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### Workflow
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#### Adding New Component
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1. **Check KiCad**: Verify symbol/footprint don't exist in standard libraries
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2. **Research**: Find datasheet and manufacturer information
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3. **Create symbol**: With complete manufacturer data
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4. **Link footprint**: Use existing KiCad footprint or create custom
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5. **Test**: Use in test circuit
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6. **Document**: Add to documentation
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---
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*Last update: December 9, 2024* |