0. Introduction

The following tutorial will introduce you to running SPICE simulations in KiCad. KiCad bundles and integrates with the open-source SPICE simulator nspice. ngspice is mostly compatible with LTSpice and PSpice making it viable for use within most ECSE classes. KiCad also ships a vast array of built-in SPICE models which means you can use KiCad for the end-to-end development of a project from simulation to PCB production.

The following instructions are an excerpt from:

Design/Create Your Own Blinky Board in KiCad

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We will be building and simulating a different set of circuits including, but not limited to a modified version of the blinky board presented below. Please disregard any schematics presented until Section 5.

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1. Install KiCad

Estimated Time: 20 minutes

KiCad is a Cross-Platform and Open-Source Electronics Design Automation Suite. This tutorial utilizes KiCad to create schematic diagrams, design PCBs, and export job files for PCB Printing.

1.1. Download

1. Navigate to KiCad’s download page via their website. Provided below is a link to the download page.

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   KiCad Download: https://www.kicad.org/download/

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2. Follow the KiCad-provided download instructions for your operating system.

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   This article suggests using the “Worldwide/Github” download option if available.

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1.2. Install

1. Follow the installer's instructions

   <aside> ℹ️ Ensure to check all Libraries options within the Components to install dialog.

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2. Open KiCad

Estimated Time: 1 minute

Upon the first launch, preference dialogs may appear. The recommended options are as follows:

• Start with default settings
• Opt-In to data collection
• Automatic Updates method of checking for updates

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These settings can be changed later.

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Once launched, KiCad should resemble the picture below.

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3. Create a Project

Estimated Time: 1 minute

KiCad creates the necessary schematic, PCB, and project files for PCB design within a folder specified by the user.

1. Select the New Project button, which has the icon of a journal and is the first button in the left panel.

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   • New Project Button` Pictured </aside>

2. Navigate to the parent directory within the file explorer dialog. Choose a folder like Documents/KiCad_Projects and name your subfolder.

3. Provide a recognizable project name, such as blinky_board.

   <aside> ℹ️ The project name will be the name of the project directory and the KiCad design files.

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4. Design the Schematic

Estimated Time: 1 hour

The schematic diagrams a circuit by showing the components used (referred to as Symbols) and the wiring between the components. Schematics are KiCad's equivalent to circuit diagrams, as commonly seen in lectures, industry, and other applications.

Upon completing this section, the schematic should resemble the following image:

4.1. Open the Schematic Editor

1. Select the Schematic Editor button on the KiCad Main Page.

   Schematic Editor Button Pictured

   

2. Select Copy default global symbol library table if the “Configure Global Symbol Library Table” Dialog appears, then select OK.

4.2. Add Symbols

Symbols are schematic representations of components. Most common electronic components, such as, but not limited to,

• Resistors
• Capacitors
• LEDs
• Common ICs
• OP-Amps

are included in KiCad's default libraries.

<aside> ℹ️ Components may have multiple associated symbols. For example, resistors have a US symbol, R_US and an international version R. Multiple symbols may denote:

• The existence of multiple drawings for a component.
• The existence of multiple integrated circuits for a component.
• The variation of layout between components of the same name (E.g., pin header with one pin or five pins). </aside>

4.3 - 4.5. Skipped

The following is another except detailing

4.6. Transform Symbols

This section will guide you through moving, rotating, and mirroring the symbols to an advantageous orientation for wiring the components together. The schematic will resemble the following when finished with this section:

4.6.1 Move Symbols

• Select the component and press the M key on your keyboard.

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Move the components in your diagram to match the placements of the schematic above.

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4.6.1. Rotate Symbols

• Select the component, and press the R key on your keyboard.

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Rotate the components, with special attention paid to the LED, to match the picture above.

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4.6.2. Mirror Symbols

• Mirror symbol vertically:
  • Select the component and press the Y key on your keyboard.
• Mirror symbol horizontally:
  • Select the component and press the X key on your keyboard.

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Mirror the components, paying special attention to the potentiometer and switch, to match the picture above.

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Ensure the numbers on the symbols, e.g., the potentiometer and switch, are also facing the correct direction.

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