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my-kicad-lib/README.md

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My Personal KiCad Library

This library contains custom KiCad components that are not available in the standard library.

📁 Structure

my-kicad-libs/
├── symbols/              # Symbol libraries (.kicad_sym)
│   ├── Custom_Logic/
│   ├── Custom_Power/
│   ├── Custom_Connectors/
│   ├── Standard_Passives/    # Standard R/C/L with LCSC
│   ├── Standard_ICs/         # CAN, STM32, Standard ICs
│   ├── Logos_Artwork/
│   └── ...
├── footprints/           # Footprint libraries (.pretty)
│   ├── Custom_QFN.pretty/
│   ├── Custom_BGA.pretty/
│   ├── Logos_Silkscreen.pretty/
│   └── ...    # Only custom footprints, standard uses KiCad libs
├── 3d_models/           # 3D models (.step, .wrl)
│   ├── Connectors/
│   ├── IC_Packages/
│   ├── Mechanical/
│   └── ...
├── datasheets/          # Datasheets (optional)
├── docs/                # Documentation
├── scripts/             # Automation scripts
└── templates/           # Project templates

🏷️ Naming Conventions

Symbols (.kicad_sym files)

  • Format: [Category]_[Manufacturer]_[Series].kicad_sym
  • Examples:
    • Logic_TI_74HC.kicad_sym
    • Power_LTC_Switching.kicad_sym
    • Connectors_JST_XH.kicad_sym
    • Standard_Passives.kicad_sym
    • Standard_ICs.kicad_sym
    • Logos_Personal.kicad_sym

Individual Symbol Names (within .kicad_sym)

  • Format: [Partnumber]_[Package]_[Variant]
  • Format (Standard Passives): [Value]_[Package]_[LCSC]
  • Format (Standard ICs): [Partnumber]_[Package]_[LCSC]
  • Examples:
    • TPS54340_HTSSOP-14_PowerPAD
    • STM32F407VGT6_LQFP-100
    • USB-C_16Pin_Receptacle
    • 100nF_0603_C14663 (Capacitor with LCSC#)
    • 10k_0603_C25804 (Resistor with LCSC#)
    • MCP2515_SOIC-18_C55199 (CAN controller with LCSC#)
    • Logo_MyCompany_10mm

Footprints (.pretty folders)

Note: Standard passives and common ICs use existing KiCad footprints!

  • Format: [Category]_[Specification].pretty
  • Examples:
    • QFN_Custom.pretty
    • USB_Connectors.pretty
    • Logos_Silkscreen.pretty
    • Mechanical_Standoffs.pretty

📊 Standard Components with LCSC

Standard Passives (R/C/L)

  • Purpose: Consistent, cost-optimized parts with LCSC numbers
  • Footprints: Use standard KiCad footprints (Resistor_SMD, Capacitor_SMD, etc.)
  • Symbols: Custom symbols with LCSC part numbers and manufacturer data
  • Examples: 100nF_0603_C14663, 10k_0603_C25804

Standard ICs

  • Purpose: Common ICs with LCSC numbers for automated assembly
  • Categories:
    • CAN transceivers: MCP2515_SOIC-18_C55199
    • STM32 MCUs: STM32F103C8T6_LQFP-48_C8734
    • Voltage regulators: AMS1117-3.3_SOT-223_C6186
    • Op-amps: LM358_SOIC-8_C7950
  • Footprints: Use standard KiCad footprints (Package_SO, Package_QFP, etc.)

⚙️ Best Practices

Standard Component Strategy

  1. Use KiCad footprints: Don't reinvent the wheel for standard packages
  2. LCSC integration: Add LCSC numbers for cost optimization
  3. Manufacturer data: Include MPN and manufacturer in symbols
  4. BOM automation: Enable direct JLCPCB assembly integration

Workflow

Adding New Standard Component

  1. Check KiCad: Verify symbol/footprint don't exist in standard libraries
  2. LCSC lookup: Find LCSC part number and basic part status
  3. Create symbol: With complete manufacturer data and LCSC number
  4. Link footprint: Use existing KiCad footprint
  5. Test: Use in test circuit
  6. Document: Add to documentation

Last update: December 9, 2024