KiCAD Routing - TODO

Auto Routing

For the Next step we’re going to route the board

Export .dsn file

• First Select the Free Route Button
• Next Press the button labled “Export a Specctra Design (*.dsn) File”
• Save the .dsn file ideally to a seperate directory (the auto router will likley create other files where the dsn file is located)

Next grab a copy of the Freerouting jar from

• https://github.com/freerouting/freerouting/tree/master/binaries

Freerouting

Open the dsn file saved within Freerouting

Select AutoRoute

Select File -> Export Specctra Session File

This should result in a .rules and .ses file being exported into the same directory

Import back to KiCad

Next import the .ses file back into KiCad.

This should then place the routes and via’s

Manual Routing

When manual routing, I find it easier to enable the two buttons highlighted

This way all the options for right click / Drag / Delete tracks are available

TODO

• https://www.wayneandlayne.com/blog/2013/02/26/kicad-tutorial-pcb-edges/
• https://www.wayneandlayne.com/blog/2013/02/26/kicad-tutorial-copper-pours-fills/

• https://www.wayneandlayne.com/blog/tag/kicad-tutorial/

• Unsolderable top pads, for battery and pin headers, tRestrict (Place -> Keep Out Area)

• avoid vias under smd components, vRestrict (Place -> Keep Out Area)
• TQFP will probably need thinner tracks