Kicad Like a Pro, 2nd edition

A book for the world's favourite open source printed circuit board design software. Free sample.

Covers the latest Kicad version

The Kicad development team released Kicad 5 in August 2018. This is an almost complete re-write of version 4. Kicad 5 is full of improvements and new features, including new libraries, a new 3D model viewer, better drawing tools, new symbol and footprint choosers, and new symbol and footprint editors. I wrote this book using Kicad 5.

Project-based learning

We learn best when we learn in context. Projects provide a context so that learners can understand not just how to do something, but also why it is done in a particular way. This book uses the project-based learning method to help you learn simple and complicated concepts and techniques. Use the book to guide you through these projects, experience the process of creating the boards yourself. Be in control, and be satisfied that you own your learning.

  • In project 1, design the simplest possible working PCB: an LED and resistor circuit.
  • In project 2, design a power supply that plugs in your breadboard. Use it to power your breadboard projects.
  • In project 3, design a HAT board for your Raspberry Pi. The board contains LEDs, sensors, and other SMD components.
  • In project 4, design an Arduino clone board that has a real-time clock and an external EEPROM. This board is perfect for remote applications, and you will develop two auto-routed versions.

Clarity & reliability

Learning should be a straight-forward, rewarding experience for you. This is why I have filled this book with clear instructions, triple checked and verified. Be illuminated, not confused. And if something still doesn't work, we have your back; simply raise a ticket on our help desk.

Recipes

This book contains numerous recipes of the most useful workflows and activities in Kicad. Find what you need quickly, and get on with your project. Examples include:

  • Creating copper fills
  • Custom Global Design Rules and changing the width of a trace
  • How to add a custom logo to the silkscreen
  • How to create rounded corners
  • How to use an autorouter
  • How to use the interactive router
These and many more are all covered, with examples.

Online resources

As a reader of this book, you are welcome to use its online resources:

  • A discussion forum where you can interact with the author and other readers
  • A repository with all book project files
  • An errata form, where you can let the author know about any problems with the book
  • A repository of full-resolution images from the book

Multiple formats

This ebook is available in a bundle that contains three formats:

  • PDF (printable),
  • MOBI (works with Kindle readers),
  • EPUB (works with most ebook readers).

eBook bundle features

  • 459 A4 pages (PDF)
  • Full color
  • Printable (DRM-free)
  • 4 Projects
  • 35 recipes
  • Lifetime updates for this edition

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What will you learn?

Learn practical skills on a solid foundation

Introduction to PCB design

Learn about the basics of PCB design, the design process, the Kicad capabilities. Gain an understanding of the schematic and layout design, and how those are implemented in Kicad. Understand how your board layout is manufactured into a professionally finished product.

Schematic and layout design

Creating a PCB starts with the schematic design, in which you describe the circuit using symbols. The work concludes with the layout, in which you design the specifications of the board. Learn how to do this in Kicad for circuits and boards of any complexity and size.

Project-based practical skills

Learn Kicad by working on three real-life projects. With each project, you will learn new skills. Create single, to double and quad-layer boards, manually or automatically routed, with rich features that are both practical and beautiful.

Design principles & concepts

PCB design is engineering and is informed by principles that make designs better in terms of performance, reliability, and manufacturability. This book discusses many of those principles and shows you how to apply them in practice. It will also introduce and explain many of the concepts that you should know before you draw your first board.

Who is this book for?

I wrote this book for people with a variety of backgrounds and objectives.

  • Hobbyists that wish to design once-off boards for their projects
  • STEM students who want to complete their science fair project with a professional-looking board.
  • STEM teachers who are ready to take their students past the breadboard.
  • Engineers with experience in other CAD software that are interested in learning Kicad.

If you are someone with little or no experience in PCB design, you will find this book particularly useful. I took care to make it as gentle as possible for beginners to learn without becoming intimidated by the complexity of the software or the technical language.

Download a free sample of the book (requires registration)

In this free sample you will find:

  • The back cover text with information about the book
  • A guide on how to make the most out of the book
  • A list of pre-requisites
  • Information about the online resources that are available to readers of the book
  • A detailed table of contents
  • An introduction: Why Kicad?
  • Chapters from Part 1: What is a PCB, The PCB design process, fabrication, installation, and examples of Kicad projects
  • Two chapters from Part 2: Start Kicad, and Schematic design in Eeschema which covers the schematic sheet, mouse buttons and hotkeys, and Eeschema buttons and menus
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About the author

Dr. Peter Dalmaris is an educator, electrical engineer, electronics hobbyist, and Maker. He is an instructor of DIY electronics and author of several technical books. Peter is also the author of “Maker Education Revolution,” a book about how Making is changing the way we learn and teach in the 21st century.

As a Chief Tech Explorer since 2013 at Tech Explorations, the company he founded in Sydney, Australia, Peter’s mission is to explore technology and help educate the world. Tech Explorations offers educational courses and Bootcamps for electronics hobbyists, STEM students, and STEM teachers.

A lifelong learner, Peter’s core skill lies in explaining difficult concepts through video and text. With over 15 years of tertiary teaching experience, Peter has developed a simple yet comprehensive style in teaching that students from all around the world appreciate.

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Ready to learn?

Buy with peace of mind.
If you don't like it, ask for your money back within 14 days of your purchase.
No questions asked.
See our Peace of Mind, No Questions Asked, No Hassle, Money Back Guarantee

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