Hi !
We created a small robot to teach students in Robotic, Linux and Python coding.
The main parts of the Robot are finished PCBs (breakout boards) like DC-DC step up converter, USB Charger for LiIon cells and a Motor driver which you can buy easily on ebay for example.
We need to design a PCB where we can connect / solder such boards directly.
What’s the best way to do this? Should we create our own schematic symbol and footprint?
Or can it be done easier?
Thx for your help
Dominik
Can you show us some illustration, like a photo, or a sketch?
Hi !
Just found this tutorial:
http://kicad.txplore.com/index-cat=9.html
It explains exactly what I need with the nRF24 as Sample breakout.
So I will start with that chapter and come back if questions are left open.
Dominik
Yes, in general you will have to create both schematic symbols and component footprints. It is not difficult to learn these tasks, especially if you have ever used any kind of CAD program. These are very fundamental skills for doing PCB layout with ANY layout program (KiCAD, ORCAD, Eagle, PADS, etc).
The only exception would be if your modules have a mechanical interface that matches some standard component package. For example, your modules might use the same pinout dimensions as the venerable through-hole “DIP” packages. (In that case, even a DIP footprint might not be optimum since your modules probably have pins with different dimensions than through-hole IC packages.)
Schematic symbols for your modules could be nothing more than rectangles with pin numbers but it is actually extremely helpful to create more informative symbols. This will help you properly document your design, and troubleshoot both design shortcomings and in-service failures as they happen.
The “Arduino” processors are actually preassembled modules. Search this Forum for threads dealing with Arduino versions. Some of them include helpful discussions about how to make meaningful schematic symbols and usable footprints. The same philosophy can be used for your robotic modules.
Dale
I just skimmed through that web page and it looks like a useful guide. There are other examples and tutorials on the web - find one or two that seem to match your knowledge level, and learning style, and work through them. Be aware that some of them are rather old and may not match the current KiCAD “stable version” (4.0.7) in all details, and will certainly not match the pending Version 5 (available as a pre-release version from the “Nightly Builds” download page). As you already mentioned, people on this Forum are willing to help you if something isn’t clear.
Dale
What you’re describing is a “mezzanine” or “daughterboard”, and it’s a very common (but not simple) scenario these days. This thread discusses some useful techniques:
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