Multi-Channel with existing schema and PCB layout

Layout
1

I try again with a new topic because my previous post in a “solved” topic didn˚t seem to make much sense.
—
I’m new to KiCad but meanwhile familiar with the principle of hierarchical sheets and labels and I think I understand the methodology of how a layout is replicated on the board to some extent.

Current state:
I have a finished schematic with a finished PCB layout. Now I thought it shouldn’t be a problem to get this layout identically onto the board another 5 times. Apparently a mistake. I have tried the old way with the ‘Replicate Layout’ plugin and the new way with the Multi-Channel function and neither was successful.

Question:
Is it correct, that for a multi-channel layout the routing must already be done in a hierarchical sheet, so it is not possible to transfer a schema and its routing into a freshly created hierarchical sheet?

If this is the case, I will have to redo the routing of the whole thing in a hierarchical sheet. Although I hope that there is a workaround to transfer the existing routing to the sheet so that it can be declared as a master for replication on the PCB.

2

With the Replicate Layout plugin, usage of hierarchical sheets was mandatory. I think this is not a prerequisite anymore, but am not sure, I’m still on KiCad V8 myself.

At the moment you cut and paste a schematic section (either on the same sheet or on another sheet), the connection between symbols and footprints is lost. The current (kludgy) solution is to use Paste Special to preserve the Refdes, and then Update the PCB with the Re-link footprints to schematic symbols based on their reference designators to repair the broken links (Normally the links are done with UUID’s, but those are not accessible via the GUI.

1 Like
3

“Paste Special” was the magic word.
Thank you very much!

With Paste Special the hierarchical sheet takes over the PCB layout.

With the KiCad 9 Multi-Channel function I did not succeed in replicating. I drew rule areas, but with ‘Repeat Layout’ I was only asked to click on a source, but nothing happened when I did that.

However, it worked with the plugin. The layout is good. I have to change names etc., but that was to be expected because a multi-channel version was not originally intended. All good.

2 Likes