kicad-mcp-server/docs/PCB_DESIGN_WORKFLOW.md

End-to-End PCB Design Workflow

This guide walks through the complete PCB design process using the KiCAD MCP Server, from project creation to manufacturing-ready output.

---

Overview

A typical PCB design follows this flow:

Project Setup -> Schematic Design -> PCB Layout -> Verification -> Manufacturing Output

Each stage maps to specific MCP tools. You can ask your AI assistant to perform any of these steps using natural language.

---

Stage 1: Project Setup

Create a New Project

Create a new KiCAD project named "LEDBoard" in ~/Projects/

This uses create_project to generate:

• .kicad_pro -- project file
• .kicad_pcb -- PCB layout file
• .kicad_sch -- schematic file (with template symbols pre-loaded)

Set Up the Board

Set the board size to 50mm x 50mm.
Add a rectangular board outline.
Add mounting holes at each corner, 3mm from the edges, 3mm diameter.

Tools used: set_board_size, add_board_outline, add_mounting_hole

---

Stage 2: Schematic Design

Place Components

Add an LED from the Device library to the schematic at position 100, 50.
Add a 1K resistor at position 100, 70.
Add a connector from the Connector_Generic library with 2 pins at position 60, 60.

Tool: add_schematic_component

The dynamic symbol loader provides access to all ~10,000 KiCad standard symbols. Specify any library and symbol name.

Wire Components

Connect R1 pin 2 to LED1 pin 1.
Add a net label "VCC" at position 60, 50.
Connect J1 pin 1 to the VCC net.
Connect LED1 pin 2 to GND.

Tools: add_schematic_connection, add_schematic_net_label, connect_to_net

FFC/Ribbon Cable Passthrough (Special Workflow)

For passthrough adapter boards (e.g., Raspberry Pi CSI adapters):

Connect all pins from J1 to J2 as a passthrough with net prefix "CSI_".

Tool: connect_passthrough -- automatically wires matching pins between two connectors

Annotate and Validate

Annotate the schematic to assign reference designators.
Run an electrical rule check.

Tools: annotate_schematic, run_erc

Preview the Schematic

Show me the schematic as an image.
Export the schematic to PDF.

Tools: get_schematic_view, export_schematic_pdf

---

Stage 3: PCB Layout

Synchronize Schematic to PCB

Sync the schematic to the board.

Tool: sync_schematic_to_board -- imports all component footprints and net assignments from the schematic into the PCB (equivalent to pressing F8 in KiCAD)

Place Components

Move R1 to position x=15, y=25.
Move LED1 to position x=25, y=25.
Align all resistors horizontally.

Tools: move_component, align_components

Route Traces

Preferred approach -- pad-to-pad routing:

Route R1 pad 2 to LED1 pad 1 with 0.3mm trace width.

Tool: route_pad_to_pad -- auto-detects pad positions, nets, and inserts vias when pads are on different layers

Manual approach:

Route a trace from x=15, y=25 to x=25, y=25 on the front copper layer.

Tool: route_trace

Advanced Routing

Differential pairs:

Route a differential pair for USB_P and USB_N with 0.2mm width and 0.15mm gap.

Copper zones:

Add a GND copper pour on the bottom layer covering the entire board.

Tools: route_differential_pair, add_copper_pour

Autorouting

For boards with many connections:

Check if Freerouting is available.
Autoroute the board using Freerouting.

Tools: check_freerouting, autoroute

See Freerouting Guide for setup details.

---

Stage 4: Verification

Design Rule Check

Set design rules with 0.15mm clearance and 0.2mm minimum track width.
Run the design rule check.
Show me all DRC violations.

Tools: set_design_rules, run_drc, get_drc_violations

Visual Inspection

Show me a 2D view of the board.

Tool: get_board_2d_view

Save a Checkpoint

Save a snapshot named "post-routing" with label "All traces routed, DRC clean".

Tool: snapshot_project

---

Stage 5: Manufacturing Output

Gerber Files

Export Gerber files to the fabrication folder.

Tool: export_gerber

Bill of Materials

Export BOM as CSV.

Tool: export_bom (supports CSV, XML, HTML, JSON)

Pick and Place

Export the component position file.

Tool: export_position_file

3D Preview

Export a 3D STEP model of the board.

Tool: export_3d (supports STEP, STL, VRML, OBJ)

Documentation

Export a PDF of the board layout.
Export an SVG of the board.

Tools: export_pdf, export_svg

---

Optional: JLCPCB Component Selection

Before placing components, you can search JLCPCB's catalog for optimal parts:

Search JLCPCB for 10K resistors in 0603 package, Basic parts only.
Show me the cheapest option with good stock.
Suggest alternatives to part C25804.

After selecting parts, enrich datasheets:

Enrich datasheets for all components in the schematic.

Tools: search_jlcpcb_parts, get_jlcpcb_part, suggest_jlcpcb_alternatives, enrich_datasheets

See JLCPCB Integration for details.

---

Optional: Custom Components

When existing libraries do not have the part you need:

Create a custom footprint for a 4-pin SOT-23 package.
Create a custom symbol for the XYZ IC with 8 pins.
Register the custom library so it can be used in the project.

Tools: create_footprint, create_symbol, register_footprint_library, register_symbol_library

See Footprint and Symbol Creator Guide for details.

---

Optional: Add a Logo

Import our company logo from ~/logos/logo.svg onto the front silkscreen at position x=25 y=45 with width 10mm.

Tool: import_svg_logo

See SVG Import Guide for requirements and tips.

---

Tips

• Save frequently -- use save_project after major changes
• Use snapshots -- snapshot_project creates named checkpoints you can return to
• Validate early -- run ERC after schematic changes and DRC after routing
• Start with schematic -- always design the schematic first, then sync to PCB
• Use route_pad_to_pad -- it is faster and more reliable than manual XY coordinate routing
• Check the KiCAD UI -- use launch_kicad_ui to open the design for visual verification

---

Related Documentation

• Tool Inventory -- complete list of all 122 tools
• Schematic Tools Reference -- detailed schematic tool docs
• Routing Tools Reference -- detailed routing tool docs
• Freerouting Guide -- autorouter setup and usage
• JLCPCB Integration -- parts selection and cost optimization