Custom pad shapes in kicad (RF)

Indeed, your suggestion is what is usually done. An RF “component” is a way to make a fixed design for the RF segment, that will not change with board edit.

As to the fact that many RF components (e.g. transmission-lines) are DC “short” - This is what I usually do with Kicad. I think people around here call this a “net-tie”. BTW, DRC checker complaining about RF components due to DC “shorts” is a common issue even with very expansive PCB design suits.

I think I’m actually one step ahead of you - I already hacked a python code to create complex footprints for RF components:

The problem with this method is that Kicad doesn’t like SMD pads in internal layers - so if you have for example a 4-layer PCB, in which layer 1 (top) is RF signal, and layer 2 (internal) is RF ground, you can’t hard-code this ground into a component, without getting in trouble.

Hence what I wrote… I know of “ways” but not of “GOOD ways” to design RF sections with Kicad.

Best,
M

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