PCB design with KiCad - updated for KiCad 9
What you will learn
Updated for KiCad 9
Printed Circuit Board design using KiCad.
Single, double, and multi-layer board design.
The PCB design process.
The schematic design process.
The layout design process.
How to associate schematic symbols to footprints.
How to create the layout of a PCB.
Important PCB concepts, such as edge cuts, copper fills, mounting holes, soldermask, silkscreen, traces etc..
A detailed knowledge of the KiCad CAD application (its apps, configuration, toolbars, menus, project files etc.).
Project-based learning to ensure mastery of the topics taught.
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Comidoc Review
Our Verdict
As a seasoned e-learning critic, I can confidently say this course has earned its 4.6-star rating with over twelve thousand subscribers on Comidoc.com's trusted platform. This comprehensive exploration of PCB design using KiCad leads students step by step through the entire design process, ensuring they have a solid understanding of essential concepts related to schematic and layout design. Moreover, this course is an excellent choice for those who want to learn from real-world examples that mimic actual projects in scope and complexity. Users will gain hands-on experience using KiCad's CAD application and its various tools/features while also picking up valuable PCB design practices along the way. I found a few areas where some improvements could be made, such as reducing redundancy and providing more rationale behind specific design choices. Additionally, users familiar with previous versions of KiCad may notice that occasionally, explanations or instructions are focused on outdated features rather than the latest version's most recent advances. Nonetheless, this course serves as one of the best places for beginners to learn KiCad and PCB design from scratch; ultimately solidifying its status as a highly-rated and must-recommend course for both hobbyists and professionals alike.
What We Liked
- Covers the entire process of PCB design using KiCad, from schematic to manufacturing preparation.
- In-depth explanations of important concepts and tools within KiCad.
- Project-based learning approach helps in mastering the topics taught.
- Updated for KiCad 9 with a detailed overview of new features and improvements
Potential Drawbacks
- Occasional repetition can be redundant, making the course lengthier than necessary.
- Lack of deeper insight into certain design choices, as some parts could benefit from more justification or explanation.
- Instructions for certain tools and processes might require a more streamlined and condensed format.
- Advanced users may find that beginner-focused content is too fundamental in nature.