After this course, you will know how to design your own boards in KiCad.

What will you learn?

This course is for Beginners, Hobbyists, Students and young Engineers. No previous KiCad knowledge is required.

Who is this course for?

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to designing PCBs using KiCAD, perfect for beginners and anyone new to PCB design. Through a hands-on project a switching power supply you’ll learn the entire hardware design process step-by-step, from creating libraries to preparing manufacturing data and testing a prototype.
 
<ul>
<li>Library Management 
Organize and maintain symbol and footprint libraries for efficient design.</li>
<li>Symbol and Footprint Creation 
Develop custom components and integrate 3D models.</li>
<li>Schematic Capture 
Build clear and professional schematics using custom symbols.</li>
<li>Component Placement and PCB Shape Design 
Optimize board layout and outline.</li>
<li>PCB Layout 
Route tracks, define copper planes, and prepare for manufacturability.</li>
<li>Manufacturing Data Export 
Generate Gerber files, BOMs, and assembly documentation.</li>
<li>Prototype Testing 
Validate your PCB design through practical testing techniques.</li>
</ul>

Description

Every student who actively engages with course activities will receive course certificate.

Certificate

Price

Total 7 lessons. Each lesson is approximately 2 and half hours long.

Duration

Requirements

After this course, you will be able to design your own printed circuit boards (PCBs) using KiCAD.

By the end of this course, you will be able to design your own printed circuit boards (PCBs) using KiCAD. Together, we’ll go through the complete hardware design process - from creating symbols and footprints to laying out the PCB and exporting the manufacturing files.
 
In this course, we’ll use a practical example to guide you step-by-step: designing a switching power supply. You can follow along, repeat the steps, and build your confidence to start designing your own projects.
 
This course is ideal for beginners and anyone new to KiCAD. Whether you’re a fresh graduate, a junior engineer, or part of a company onboarding new talent, this course will give you the foundation you need to get started with PCB design. Plus, you’ll pick up plenty of useful tips to help you along the way!

KiCAD for Beginners

Symbol creation, Footprint creation, Library management, 3D model for footprints management, Schematic capture, Importing graphical elements, Company logo creation, Component placement, PCB layout, Polygons, Track routing, Manufacturing data export

How to effectively manage your own symbol and footprint libraries in KiCAD? We’ll explore how to create, organize, and maintain libraries to streamline your PCB design process. Setting up symbol and footprint libraries in KiCAD. Creating and organizing custom libraries for your projects. Adding new components to your libraries, including symbols for resistors, capacitors, and integrated circuits. Editing and updating existing library components.

Starting a new project

In this chapter, you’ll master the art of creating and customizing both symbols and footprints in KiCAD, enabling you to tailor components precisely to your project’s needs. You’ll learn how to design custom symbols and footprints from scratch, reuse and modify elements from KiCAD’s default libraries, and integrate custom 3D models for a complete and professional design.

Symbol and Footprint Creation

The simplest and most effective method for creating schematics in KiCAD using the custom symbols you’ve created. The project focuses on designing a switching buck converter circuit based on the LMR50410 IC. Placing custom symbols into the schematic and organizing the layout. Drawing connections between components, including power nets and signal paths. Proper use of nets, labels, and annotations for a clear and professional schematic.

Schematic capture

Moving from schematic design to PCB layout by focusing on component placement and defining the PCB shape. You’ll learn how to organize your components efficiently while creating a professional and functional board outline. Importing your schematic into the PCB Editor and transferring components. Strategically placing components to optimize layout, signal flow, and manufacturability.

Component placement and PCB Shape Design

Bring your design to life by creating the PCB layout. We’ll cover everything from routing tracks and defining copper polygons to customizing the silkscreen layer and adding your own logo for a professional touch. Routing tracks between components, ensuring clean and effective signal paths. Using copper polygons to define power planes and ground planes for improved performance. Managing clearances and layer stacking to meet design and manufacturing requirements.

PCB Layout

Learn how to prepare and export all the necessary data for manufacturing and assembly of your PCB. From generating Gerber files to creating assembly drawings and a detailed Bill of Materials (BOM), this chapter ensures your design is production-ready. Exporting Gerber files for PCB fabrication, including copper layers, silkscreen, solder mask, and drill files. Generating component placement data (Pick-and-Place files) for automated assembly processes. Creating assembly drawings to guide the manufacturing team, including clear visualizations of component positions. Exporting a comprehensive Bill of Materials (BOM) with all component details for ordering and assembly.

Manufacturing Data Export

In this final chapter, you’ll see how I tested the manufactured prototype to ensure it functions as intended. We’ll cover practical testing techniques, including using resistive loads and performing tests without a load, to validate your design under different conditions.

Prototype Testing and Final Remarks

Includes: Online video access for 12 weeks (can be extended by 1 month for FREE) The first lesson is available after payment, then next lessons open every 7 days1 certificate (if you complete activities) 100% money-back guarantee up to 30 days from order

Online

Includes: Online access to this course for up to 3 people, each access for 12 weeks Every online access can be extended 2 times for FREE, each time for 1 more month ALL lessons accessible immediately after payment Unlimited video access (after downloaded) Video download available (after 30 days) Certificate for up to 3 people (when they complete activities) 100% money-back guarantee up to 30 days from order

Online and Download

(Recommended)

Includes: Online access to this course for up to 5 people, each access for 12 weeks Every online access can be extended 3 times for FREE, each time for 1 more month ALL lessons accessible immediately after payment Unlimited video access (after downloaded) Video download available immediately after payment Certificate for up to 5 people (when they complete activities) 100% money-back guarantee up to 30 days from order

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Extra Online licenses for Online and Download or Quick Download options. For Companies, which need additional online access to this course for their engineers.

Paper certificate upgrade

Paper certificate

An experienced electronics engineer with a deep-seated passion for open-source hardware and a fervent belief in the power of KiCAD. Excels in the entire hardware design process, from concept to prototype to manufacturing, utilising KiCAD as the primary tool for creating electronic designs.The journey into electronics unfolds gradually, fueled by a deep-seated passion for creating. Formal education commences in a technical high school and culminates at the Czech Technical University in Prague. Proficient in digital electronics, with a strong foundation in mixed-signal systems and a moderate level of knowledge in analog electronics.Fulfilment comes from projects that deliver tangible results and contribute to the advancement of technology. Believes that even the most modest projects can hold immense value, providing valuable learning experiences and opportunities to showcase skills.

Petr Dvorak

An experienced electronics engineer with a deep-seated passion for open-source hardware and a fervent belief in the power of KiCAD. Excels in the entire hardware design process, from concept to prototype to manufacturing, utilising KiCAD as the primary tool for creating electronic designs.

With over 20 years of experience in the electronics industry, Robert Feranec is a distinguished engineer who has contributed to numerous high-profile projects. His diverse roles include hardware designer at VOIPAC Technologies and senior hardware engineer at EUROTECH.Robert is known for his expertise in the field of hardware design, particularly in the areas of PCB design, signal integrity, and high-speed digital design. In addition to his role as a founder and CEO of FEDEVEL, he is a passionate content creator on YouTube. There, he provides valuable tips, tricks, and tutorials on PCB design and electronics engineering. Robert's commitment to education and innovation continues to inspire and empower the next generation of electronics engineers.

Robert Feranec

With over 20 years of experience in the electronics industry, Robert Feranec is a distinguished engineer who has contributed to numerous high-profile projects. His diverse roles include hardware designer at VOIPAC Technologies and senior hardware engineer at EUROTECH.

With a diverse skill set, Philip's areas of specialization span from high-speed, mixed-signal electronics for industrial drones to cutting-edge audio electronics. He is also a sought-after industrial consultant and content creator for Altium. Philip holds a degree in Electronics and Control Systems Engineering from the University of Cambridge, England, and is certified by IPC CID+, demonstrating his expertise in the industry.His identity is greatly shaped by his renowned YouTube channel, Phil's Lab. As an experienced hardware and PCB design consultant, Philip uses his channel as a platform to share educational engineering content, covering topics such as PCB design, electronics, and real-time digital signal processing.

Philip Salmony

With a diverse skill set, Philip's areas of specialization span from high-speed, mixed-signal electronics for industrial drones to cutting-edge audio electronics.He is also a sought-after industrial consultant and content creator for Altium. Philip holds a degree in Electronics and Control Systems Engineering from the University of Cambridge, England, and is certified by IPC CID+, demonstrating his expertise in the industry..

Steven is a power system engineering veteran with over 40 years of experience. As a globally acclaimed authority, Steve frequently lectures and conducts workshops on Power Integrity and Distributed Power System Design. He has been awarded the DesignCon 2017 and EDICON 2017 Best Paper Awards, and was a winner of the Jim Williams ACE Award for Contributor of the Year (2015), as well as DesignCon 2023 Engineer of the Year award. Steve is also a two-time Test & Measurement Test Engineer of the Year Finalist.With numerous publications and books on power supply and distribution network performance, including his latest book "Power Integrity Using ADS" (2020), Steve is a leading authority in the field. Additionally, he is the founder of AEi Systems, specializing in modeling and worst-case circuit analysis for high reliability industries. He is also the founder and CEO of PICOTEST.com, which is a company specializing in instruments and accessories for high-performance power systems and distributed system testing.

Steve Sandler

Steven is a power system engineering veteran with over 40 years of experience. As a globally acclaimed authority, Steve frequently lectures and conducts workshops on Power Integrity and Distributed Power System Design. He has been awarded the DesignCon 2017 and EDICON 2017 Best Paper Awards, and was a winner of the Jim Williams ACE Award for Contributor of the Year (2015), as well as DesignCon 2023 Engineer of the Year award. Steve is also a two-time Test & Measurement Test Engineer of the Year Finalist.

Keith has dedicated his career to solving real-life interference problems in high-tech products and systems across various industries. Graduating with a B.Sc (Hons.) in Electrical Engineering from Imperial College London in 1972, he specialized in analogue circuit design and electromagnetic field theory, earning Upper Second Class Honours (Cum Laude).Throughout his career, he has managed critical projects, such as developing a new range of microwave test instruments (the 6200 series) for Marconi Instruments. As a Chartered Electrical Engineer since 1978 and a Group 1 European Engineer since 1988, Keith has authored numerous papers on EMC and EMC for Functional Safety. He has also held leadership roles in professional organizations, including chairing the IEE's Professional Group (E2) on Electromagnetic Compatibility and the IEE's Working Group on 'EMC and Functional Safety', and serving as the UK expert for the IEC 61000-1-2 maintenance team.

Keith Armstrong

Years in Electronic Design and Management

EMC Specialist & Chartered Electrical Engineer

Keith has dedicated his career to solving real-life interference problems in high-tech products and systems across various industries. Graduating with a B.Sc (Hons.) in Electrical Engineering from Imperial College London in 1972, he specialized in analogue circuit design and electromagnetic field theory, earning Upper Second Class Honours (Cum Laude).

The founder and principal EMC consultant, who brings extensive expertise in power electronics, digital electronics, electric machines, and product design. With a PhD from Newcastle University's Electrical & Electronics Engineering department, where his research focused on novel power switching schemes to reduce EMI emissions, Min's work has been widely cited in research papers. He has worked as an EMC specialist on milestone projects with Dyson Technology in the UK, establishing EMC capabilities for the Dyson Electric Vehicle project.Following that, he joined Cherry Clough Consultants Ltd to provide independent expertise in cost-effective EMC design worldwide. Now he works as a principal EMC consultant in Mach One Design Ltd. Dr. Min Zhang's in-depth knowledge and proven track record in designing cutting-edge electronics and electric machines with minimal EMC issues make him a valuable asset in helping you achieve efficient and cost-effective product designs.

Min Zhang

The founder and principal EMC consultant, who brings extensive expertise in power electronics, digital electronics, electric machines, and product design. With a PhD from Newcastle University's Electrical & Electronics Engineering department, where his research focused on novel power switching schemes to reduce EMI emissions, Min's work has been widely cited in research papers. He has worked as an EMC specialist on milestone projects with Dyson Technology in the UK, establishing EMC capabilities for the Dyson Electric Vehicle project.

With nearly 20 years of experience developing CPU and network chips for high-performance computing systems and several years as founder and CEO of Redwood EDA, Steve Hoover brings a great deal of industry knowledge to his courses.Steve holds a BS in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MS in computer science from the University of Illinois. He contributed to multiple generations of Alpha microprocessors at DEC and Compaq as well as Itanium and Xeon server projects and Omni-Path HPC network switch microarchitecture for Intel. Recognizing the urgency for a new design paradigm, Steve left Intel to found Redwood EDA in 2015. He is fostering an open-source hardware ecosystem with the introduction of makerchip.com, and he is actively contributing to the evolution of the Transaction-Level Verilog standard.

Steve Hoover

With nearly 20 years of experience developing CPU and network chips for high-performance computing systems and several years as founder and CEO of Redwood EDA, Steve Hoover brings a great deal of industry knowledge to his courses.

With a decade of hands-on experience in Altium Designer and Altium Enterprise Systems, this engineering expert is passionate about training professionals to maximize their proficiency and efficiency using these powerful tools. Gaining extensive knowledge through his work as a hardware developer at IDS-Imaging Development Systems GmbH, Sven has managed the transition to Altium Designer, implemented Altium Vault and Altium Concord Pro, and overseen PLM integration.Over the years, he has continued to broaden, extend, and deepen his expertise through numerous development projects. Sven is the founder of the company EDATRON Solutions GmbH (link→ <a href='https://www.edatron-solutions.com/en' style='color: white; text-decoration: underline;'>https://www.edatron-solutions.com/en</a>), where he currently leads practical Altium training sessions. These sessions take place both at the customer's location and at a training center in Germany. As a skilled trainer, Sven has successfully supported several customers in implementing Altium's enterprise products, as well as consulting about Altiums software solutions.

Sven Ingelfinger

With a decade of hands-on experience in Altium Designer and Altium Enterprise Systems, this engineering expert is passionate about training professionals to maximize their proficiency and efficiency using these powerful tools. Gaining extensive knowledge through his work as a hardware developer at IDS-Imaging Development Systems GmbH, Sven has managed the transition to Altium Designer, implemented Altium Vault and Altium Concord Pro, and overseen PLM integration..

A talented FPGA engineer with degrees in Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology and Electrical Engineering from the University of Dayton, Jordan also has a patent pending for an innovative electronic monitoring device. Proficient in FPGA development, digital electronics, circuit board design, and VHDL design and modeling of hardware systems, his expertise is rooted in embedded systems.His passion for engineering extends beyond academia, as he actively pursues diverse interests that allow him to further develop his skills. These include mobile application development, PCB layout and assembly, computer application programming, and various other electrical engineering pursuits, demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning and innovation in the field.

Jordan Christman

A talented FPGA  engineer with degrees in Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology and Electrical Engineering from the University of Dayton, Jordan also has a patent pending for an innovative electronic monitoring device. Proficient in FPGA development, digital electronics, circuit board design, and VHDL design and modeling of hardware systems, his expertise is rooted in embedded systems.

Sierra Circuits excels in providing high-quality, quick-turn PCBs and medium production runs, prioritizing rapid delivery and unmatched product quality. Committed to offering customers exceptional resources and knowledge, their industry-leading circuit boards are designed to withstand even the most extreme conditions.One striking example of their product resilience is a cubesat board that not only survived a catastrophic rocket explosion but also remained undamaged after plummeting back to earth. It is important to emphasize that their cubesat board was not the cause of the explosion. Sierra Circuits' steadfast dedication to engineering and innovation ensures their position at the forefront of the industry, meeting and exceeding customer expectations.

Sierra Circuits

Sierra Circuits excels in providing high-quality, quick-turn PCBs and medium production runs, prioritizing rapid delivery and unmatched product quality. Committed to offering customers exceptional resources and knowledge, their industry-leading circuit boards are designed to withstand even the most extreme conditions.

XJTAG specializes in enabling engineers to swiftly debug, test, and program complex electronic circuit boards, streamlining design, development, and manufacturing processes. With a focus on innovative product development and high-quality technical support, the company caters to a diverse array of industries, including aerospace, automotive, defense, medical, manufacturing, networking, and telecommunications.XJTAG's global presence is supported by an extensive network of over 50 experienced distributors and technology partners, ensuring clients worldwide can access their products and services. By delivering exceptional solutions that facilitate efficient electronic circuit board management, XJTAG helps industries optimize their operations and achieve greater success.

XJTAG

XJTAG specializes in enabling engineers to swiftly debug, test, and program complex electronic circuit boards, streamlining design, development, and manufacturing processes. With a focus on innovative product development and high-quality technical support, the company caters to a diverse array of industries, including aerospace, automotive, defense, medical, manufacturing, networking, and telecommunications.

Voipac provides scalable and compact COMs and SBCs, covering all of the technologically and development demanding parts, significantly cutting customers’ new products time-to-market.Since 2002, Voipac team has served numerous satisfied customers from all over the world. Its focus is to maintain close links with not only other commercial companies, but also with the technical institutes and university students that will once graduate and become the driving force of the future development teams.

Voipac

New product development projects realized

Institutes and universities using our SBCs and COMs

Years of learning and experiences gathering

Voipac provides scalable and compact COMs and SBCs, covering all of the technologically and development demanding parts, significantly cutting customers’ new products time-to-market.

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