Plugs and sockets as single symbols / Footprints

Schematic Library Symbols
1

Hi Folks,

I am almost at the point of ordering a board from a Chinese fab house and I am looking for a way to simplify the connector process in KiCad.

I have quite a few User connections to the edge of the boards and each one needs its own mating plug.

Like this:

image
image561Ă—480 75.2 KB

I have my symbol & footprint for the board and all is well.

When I come to order, I cannot add the second component as it is not part of the board and the supplier will not ship components separately from a PCBA order - Not a KiCad issue!

However, If I can create /edit a symbol and footprint to include both parts then when I submit gerbers & Bom both parts will be populated to the order and that works for ordering.

I know I can create a dummy symbol & footprint but its messy and slow and risks me forgetting until the end… better (for me) to automate out the issue.

So, Is there a way to achieve this in KiCad 9.03?

Thanks for reading, Hopefully it’s clear!

2

Does the PCB supplier agree to this because the parts are still not part of the PCB?

3

looks like JLC PCB. You can order a PCB at their house and then order the connectors at LCSC. You can even select “ship together” so you get a single parcel with cheaper shipping costs. I think this is what you want

See: Notice | Updates and Announcements FAQs | LCSC Electronics

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4

Hi, Yes, they state in their FAQ’s that I need to add a note to the order to the effect of “ please assemble C2923221 to C2923266”

Quite useful to have them fully assembled when there are a few hundred!

Cheers

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5

That’s interesting, I had not seen that. Looks like it could be fraught with issues whilst on the learning curve. good service but does then mean self assembly after delivery.

Thanks

2 Likes