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Week 5:Electronics design


Installing KiCad and Setting Up Libraries


Following Quentin’s instructions, I began by downloading and installing KiCad (PCB Editor x64, Version 9.0.5). Before starting my board design, I also needed to install the required inventory libraries. Initially, I attempted to clone the repository directly through Windows PowerShell using the link: https://gitlab.fabcloud.org/pub/libraries/electronics/kicad Although PowerShell confirmed that the cloning process completed successfully, I noticed that all imported folders were empty. With Gert’s help, I found a simpler solution: downloading the repository as a ZIP file. After unzipping it, I manually copied the contents into my KiCad library folder, located in the Documents directory. This method successfully imported all the necessary libraries, allowing me to begin designing my board.

Project Focus and Design Reference

At this stage, I needed to decide on the specific component I wanted to design. I chose to work on a servo motor controller, building upon the same XIAO RP2040 board that I had previously used during Timothy’s Week 3 recitation. This choice allowed me to build on prior experience with the board’s architecture and connection logic.To guide my process, I referred to Adrián Torres’ Fab Academy documentation which provides a detailed walkthrough for developing a custom development board. The resource includes several examples of input and output configurations, offering valuable insight into how to structure my own design and ensure compatibility with the XIAO board

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PCB layout for XIAO RP2040 module showing labeled pin headers, highlighted traces, and silkscreen text including Module_XIAO_RP2040, M1, VIN, GND, RESET, SWDIO, SWCLK, and pin numbers 1 to 20. The environment is a digital schematic editor with a dark grid background. No emotional tone.

KiCad schematic diagram displaying a servo motor controller circuit connected to a XIAO RP2040 board. Labeled pins include VCC, GND, and Signal. The schematic features highlighted traces and technical annotations. The environment is a digital schematic editor. No emotional tone.

PCB layout for a custom electronics board with XIAO RP2040 footprint, labeled pin headers, and routed traces. Silkscreen text includes pin numbers and component labels. The environment is a digital PCB design tool with a grid background. No emotional tone.

Notes

Seeed Studio Reference: Quentin recommended using Seeed Studio, an open-source platform that provides detailed documentation on port numbering and pin names. This is particularly useful since Arduino’s pin numbering can often be confusing. Having Seeed Studio open as a reference throughout the design process helps ensure correct connections.

Design Constraints:Set the minimum clearance to 0.4 mm to match the required trace diameter.Position the USB port exactly at the edge of the board’s geometry.Use the Design Rule Checker (DRC) to verify both electrical connections and geometric boundaries before finalizing the design.Simulation Tools: Gert suggested testing the design using Wokwi