Hi everyone,
This is my first KiCad project. I’m trying to create an Arduino shield for a microcontrolled volume control (see attached schematic and layout). I’m confused about where to place each component on the PCB. Should everything sit directly on top of the Arduino footprint, or can parts like the power section, IR receiver, and audio jacks be placed off to the sides?
Any advice on grouping components and ensuring everything lines up with the Arduino pins would be a huge help. Thanks!
In schematics, where you assign footprints to the symbols, just use SMD parts if you are running out of space.
In layout, you can adjust the board size with edge cuts. To place componets on the back side of the board, select a component and press “F” (for flip). If the board becomes to big, just make it smaller. If your board is too small, just make it bigger.
But these are all your decissions and not a problem of KiCAD.
Hand soldering SMD (down to 0603) is even easier than THT (you need not to flip PCB continually) and solves your problems with not enough space.
Surprising is electrolytic capacitor footprint for 220nF. Depending on voltages you expect you probably can use ceramic SMD capacitors for all of them.
