modbender 🔧 KiCad PCB Automation
Design → Prototype → Manufacture
Automate PCB design workflows using KiCad. From natural language circuit descriptions to manufacturing-ready Gerber files.
What This Skill Does
- Design — Create schematics from circuit descriptions
- Layout — Design PCB layouts with component placement
- Verify — Run DRC checks, generate previews for review
- Export — Generate manufacturing files (Gerbers, drill files, BOM)
- Order — Prepare and place orders on PCBWay
Requirements
KiCad Installation
# Ubuntu/Debian
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:kicad/kicad-8.0-releases
sudo apt update
sudo apt install kicad
# Verify CLI
kicad-cli --version
Python Dependencies
pip install pillow cairosvg
Quick Start
# 1. Create a new project
python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py new "LED Blinker" --description "555 timer LED blinker circuit"
# 2. Add components to schematic
python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py add-component NE555 U1
python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py add-component LED D1
python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py add-component "R 1K" R1 R2
# 3. Generate schematic preview (for review)
python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py preview-schematic
# 4. Run design rule check
python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py drc
# 5. Export manufacturing files
python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py export-gerbers
# 6. Prepare PCBWay order
python3 scripts/kicad_pcb.py pcbway-quote --quantity 5
Commands
Project Management
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
new <name> |
Create new KiCad project |
open <path> |
Open existing project |
info |
Show current project info |
list-projects |
List recent projects |
Schematic Design
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
add-component <type> <ref> |
Add component to schematic |
connect <ref1.pin> <ref2.pin> |
Wire components together |
add-net <name> <refs...> |
Create named net |
preview-schematic |
Generate schematic image |
erc |
Run electrical rules check |
PCB Layout
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
import-netlist |
Import schematic to PCB |
auto-place |
Auto-place components |
auto-route |
Auto-route traces |
set-board-size <W>x<H> |
Set board dimensions (mm) |
preview-pcb |
Generate PCB preview images |
drc |
Run design rules check |
Manufacturing Export
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
export-gerbers |
Export Gerber files |
export-drill |
Export drill files |
export-bom |
Export bill of materials |
export-pos |
Export pick-and-place file |
export-3d |
Export 3D model (STEP/GLB) |
package-for-fab |
Create ZIP with all files |
PCBWay Integration
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
pcbway-quote |
Get instant quote |
pcbway-upload |
Upload Gerbers to PCBWay |
pcbway-cart |
Add to cart (requires auth) |
Workflow: Natural Language to PCB
Step 1: Describe Your Circuit
Tell me what you want to build:
"I need a simple 555 timer circuit that blinks an LED at about 1Hz. Should run on 9V battery, through-hole components for easy soldering."
Step 2: I'll Generate the Design
# Create project
kicad_pcb.py new "LED_Blinker_555"
# Add components based on description
kicad_pcb.py from-description "555 timer LED blinker, 1Hz, 9V battery"
Step 3: Review & Confirm
I'll show you:
- Schematic preview image
- Component list (BOM)
- Calculated values (resistors for timing, etc.)
You confirm or request changes.
Step 4: PCB Layout
# Import to PCB
kicad_pcb.py import-netlist
# Auto-layout (or manual guidance)
kicad_pcb.py auto-place --strategy compact
kicad_pcb.py set-board-size 50x30
# Preview
kicad_pcb.py preview-pcb --layers F.Cu,B.Cu,F.Silkscreen
Step 5: Manufacturing
# Run final checks
kicad_pcb.py drc --strict
# Export everything
kicad_pcb.py package-for-fab --output LED_Blinker_fab.zip
# Get quote
kicad_pcb.py pcbway-quote --quantity 10 --layers 2 --thickness 1.6
Common Circuit Templates
templates/555_astable.kicad_sch
Classic 555 timer in astable mode. Parameters:
- R1, R2: Timing resistors
- C1: Timing capacitor
- Freq ≈ 1.44 / ((R1 + 2*R2) * C1)
templates/arduino_shield.kicad_pcb
Arduino Uno shield template with:
- Header footprints
- Mounting holes
- Power rails
templates/usb_c_power.kicad_sch
USB-C power delivery (5V):
- USB-C connector
- CC resistors
- ESD protection
Configuration
Create ~/.kicad-pcb/config.json:
{
"default_fab": "pcbway",
"pcbway": {
"email": "your@email.com",
"default_options": {
"layers": 2,
"thickness": 1.6,
"color": "green",
"surface_finish": "hasl"
}
},
"kicad_path": "/usr/bin/kicad-cli",
"projects_dir": "~/kicad-projects",
"auto_backup": true
}
Design Review Protocol
Before ordering, I'll always:
- Show schematic — Visual confirmation of circuit
- Show PCB renders — Top, bottom, 3D view
- List BOM — All components with values
- Report DRC — Any warnings or errors
- Show quote — Cost breakdown before ordering
I will NOT auto-order without explicit confirmation.
PCBWay Order Flow (Current)
- Export Gerbers + drill files
- Create ZIP package
- Manual step: You upload to pcbway.com
- Future: Automated upload + cart placement
Cost Reference
PCBWay typical pricing (2-layer, 100x100mm, qty 5):
- Standard (5-7 days): ~$5
- Express (3-4 days): ~$15
- Shipping: ~$15-30 DHL
Safety Notes
⚠️ High Voltage Warning: This skill does not validate electrical safety. For mains-connected circuits, consult a qualified engineer.
⚠️ No Auto-Order (Yet): Cart placement requires your explicit confirmation.
Changelog
v1.0.0
- Initial release
- KiCad CLI integration
- Schematic/PCB preview generation
- Gerber export
- PCBWay quote integration
- Template system
Built by PaxSwarm