189 lines
4.5 KiB
Markdown
189 lines
4.5 KiB
Markdown
# KiCad PCB Design Analysis Guide
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This guide explains how to use the PCB design analysis features in the KiCad MCP Server.
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## Overview
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The PCB design analysis functionality allows you to:
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1. Extract and analyze information from schematics
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2. Validate projects for completeness and correctness
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3. Get insights about components and connections
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4. Understand PCB layout characteristics
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## Quick Reference
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| Task | Example Prompt |
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|------|---------------|
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| Get schematic info | `What components are in my schematic at /path/to/project.kicad_sch?` |
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| Validate project | `Validate my KiCad project at /path/to/project.kicad_pro` |
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| Analyze PCB | `Analyze the PCB layout at /path/to/project.kicad_pcb` |
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## Using PCB Analysis Features
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### Schematic Information
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To extract information from a schematic:
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```
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What components are in my schematic at /path/to/project.kicad_sch?
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```
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This will provide:
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- A list of all components in the schematic
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- Component values and footprints
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- Connection information
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- Basic schematic structure
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Example output:
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```
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# Schematic: my_project.kicad_sch
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## Components (Estimated Count: 42)
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(symbol (lib_id "Device:R") (at 127 87.63 0) (unit 1)
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(symbol (lib_id "Device:C") (at 142.24 90.17 0) (unit 1)
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(symbol (lib_id "MCU_Microchip_ATmega:ATmega328P-PU") (at 170.18 88.9 0) (unit 1)
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... and 39 more components
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```
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### Project Validation
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To check a project for issues:
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```
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Validate my KiCad project at /path/to/project.kicad_pro
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```
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The validation checks for:
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- Missing project files
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- Required components (schematic, PCB)
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- Valid file formats
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- Common structural issues
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This is useful for identifying problems before opening files in KiCad.
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### PCB Layout Analysis
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To analyze a PCB layout:
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```
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Analyze the PCB layout at /path/to/project.kicad_pcb
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```
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This will provide information about:
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- Board dimensions
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- Layer structure
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- Component placement
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- Trace characteristics
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- Via usage
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## Available Resources
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The server provides several resources for accessing design information:
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- `kicad://schematic/{schematic_path}` - Information from a schematic file
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- `kicad://pcb/{pcb_path}` - Information from a PCB file
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These resources can be accessed programmatically by other MCP clients or directly referenced in conversations.
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## Tips for Better Analysis
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### Focus on Specific Elements
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You can ask for analysis of specific aspects of your design:
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```
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What are all the resistor values in my schematic at /path/to/project.kicad_sch?
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```
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```
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Show me all the power connections in my schematic at /path/to/project.kicad_sch
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```
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### Integration with Other Features
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Combine analysis with other features for better insights:
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1. Analyze a schematic first to understand component selection
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2. Check the BOM for component availability and cost
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3. Run DRC checks to find design rule violations
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4. View the PCB thumbnail for a visual overview
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## Common Analysis Tasks
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### Finding Specific Components
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To locate components in your schematic:
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```
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Find all decoupling capacitors in my schematic at /path/to/project.kicad_sch
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```
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This helps with understanding component usage and ensuring proper design practices.
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### Identifying Signal Paths
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To trace signals through your design:
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```
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Trace the clock signal path in my schematic at /path/to/project.kicad_sch
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```
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This helps with understanding signal flow and potential issues.
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### Board Metrics
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To get metrics about your PCB:
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```
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What are the dimensions of my PCB at /path/to/project.kicad_pcb?
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```
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```
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How many vias are in my PCB at /path/to/project.kicad_pcb?
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```
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## Troubleshooting
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### Schematic Reading Errors
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If the server can't read your schematic:
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1. Verify the file exists and has the correct extension (.kicad_sch)
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2. Check if the file is a valid KiCad schematic
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3. Ensure you have read permissions for the file
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4. Try the analysis on a simpler schematic to isolate the issue
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### PCB Analysis Issues
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If PCB analysis fails:
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1. Check if the PCB file exists and has the correct extension (.kicad_pcb)
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2. Ensure the PCB file is not corrupted
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3. Check for complex features that might cause parsing issues
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4. Try a simplified PCB to isolate the problem
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## Advanced Usage
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### Design Reviews
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Use the analysis features for comprehensive design reviews:
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```
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Review the power distribution network in my schematic at /path/to/project.kicad_sch
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```
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```
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Check my PCB at /path/to/project.kicad_pcb for potential EMI issues
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```
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### Custom Analysis Scripts
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For advanced users:
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1. Use the schematic and PCB analysis tools to extract data
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2. Ask for specific analytical insights on that data
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3. Request recommendations based on the analysis
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