New version of the Alternate KiCad Library has been released and is available via KiCad’s Package and Content Manager.
Simply select it in the PCM and install it - it works out of the box now.
Helpful links:
Documentation
Installation instructions
Github page
New features:
- Colorful LED and LED indicator symbols with corresponding footprints
- Alternate body styles for existing symbols
Most 2-terminal devices (diodes, resistors, capacitors) can be rotated by 45-degrees. Pins for the alternate symbols are still located on the default 50 mil grid. This allows for drawing schematics like these:
Dual common cathode, common anode and series diodes have an alternate symbol with different pin placement, that might be more useful in certain drawing scenarios.
Some complex integrated circuits have resistors incorporated in their symbol’s body. By default, this is an EU-style resistor symbol. Alternate symbol body has US-style resistor symbols instead.
- Voltage regulator symbols
- New Thermal Via footprints
These footprints use soldermask to keep solder from flowing into the vias. While this approach reduces the heat transfer efficiency somewhat, because of insulating effect of the soldermask, but it results in a more repeatable and predictable connection with reduced risk of voids under the part.
- NC pins overhaul
Most devices that have NC pins do not have any internal connection to the die, and in some scenarios routing through these pads might be advantageous. KiCad typically prevents the PCB designer from routing through pins that have the “Unconnected” electrical type.
To change that behaviour AKL symbols have their NC pins set to “free” electrical type, thus allowing the PCB designer to easily assign nets to these NC pins during routing.
Devices that have DNC pins (as in Do Not Connect) do not support that behavior - these pins’ electrical type is still set to the “Unconnected” type. Refer to symbol tables in documentation for detailed NC pins behavior of each symbol in the library.
Below is an example of layout utilizing NC pads 3 and 6 of D1.
- Pre-biased BJT symbols overhaul
Symbol graphics now include values of the included bias resistors.
See the links at the top of this post for more details
