I remember starting out wishing I had an example KiCad project just to show me how KiCad (pronouced Key-Cad [French developer pronunciation]) worked for inspiration for further exploration:
555.zip (2.0 MB) Most examples I found weren’t complete enough to help with full project comprehension.
This package can be opened in KiCad with File->Open Project… or just clicking on the 555.kicad_pro file in file explorer. Things you can do immediately;
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Open 555.kicad_sch
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Click on U1, the 555 timer IC and press ‘D’ on your keyboard. You should see the 555 datasheet
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Simulate the 555 Timer using NGSPICE
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My intent with simulation is to show functional output using a circuit with passive, parametric, and functional design parts/blocks. The circuit is simulated at 5V and jumps to 15V power input to see how the 555 might behave with a 3x voltage change.
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Is Q1 really needed? Try modifying the circuit by removing Q1 and wiring the Emitter Q1.1 to Output U1.3 and re-simulate after removing Q1. This will show U1 output with capacitive charge/discharge characteristics caused by slightly higher 555 output loading.
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Make “Smart PDF” documentation using the File->Plot… output
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Click on U1 or Q1 (in the smart PDF) to see schematic part information
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Run Electrical Rules checker and try to fix the issues
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Open 555.kicad_pcb
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See what the board looks like in 3D by pressing [ALT-3]
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Spin the board around to see how it looks in 3D
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Export the board image to STEP format which can be imported to your favorite mechanical CAD design tool; FreeCAD, SolidWorks, etc. for modeling
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Save the board in JPEG format for documentation in Word or LibreOffice Writer
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Export the board to STL and 3D print it
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Pretend you’re going to send the board out by exporting to ODB++ or IPC-2581 which can be submitted to your favorite PCB vendor for a bare PCB and/or assembly quote (if you actually do this, send me one! [though-hole or SMD])
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Fix the mounting holes so they are connected to Ground
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Redo the board with surface mount parts (use 0805 or larger parts if you plan to assemble it yourself by hand)
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Get an idea how much the parts might cost with KiCost (open 555.xlsx) to see example output
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Look at a manufacturing assembly view of the board by opening 555-ibom.html in your browser (made with “Interactive Html Bom” plugin)
The first time I posted parts of this was 3D Formats - 3D Printing fun with KiCAD/FreeCAD + EE101 type KiCAD intro when I wanted to experiment with modeling for parametric case design. I started with a 3D print.
A simple circuit like this shows project layout at a file level, and provides a working simple example of how to use KiCad though several design and production stages.