KiCad - free PCB design tool

[Demon]

I've been using KiCad for a few months now and I can't say enough good about this software. The structure of KiCad is very well organized (I used default components to make my first test circuit):

- define a footprint in the footprint library
- define a corresponding symbol in the symbol library (add link to footprint)
- draw the schematic of your circuit (add link to symbol)
- draw the PCB of your circuit using schematic

Once you get the hang of things, it just seems to flow nicely (at least for me). I didn't take an online course at the beginning; I just jumped in after watching an intro video on youtube (I didn't save a link, sorry).

I just found a neat little feature. Many devices like an EC11 rotary encoder have support brackets that are not part of the electrical circuit.

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Use the Rule Out Area tool in the footprint library, you can lock out the area under these supports as desired:

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And that's it. You don't have to do what I was doing; adding little hatch marks on the front silkscreen to remind me not to put anything in that area.

[Ioannis]

And if you want this metal bracket be earthed, if it is not on the electric circuit, how can you do it.

Ioannis

[Demon]

I should have added a pic. I was talking about the metal supports that don't go through the PCB. The RK097 pot has 2 (bottom left unit), the 2 other through-hole supports are grounded:

https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/Sd244b8c15fbb42558f822a44ef397562P.jpg


I know the switch will be secured, but I can't leave a support "rub" against traces. A metal burr could potentially cut through the epoxy protective layer.

It's just easier to avoid tracing through that area, than have to deal with some "freak untraceable ground" on a trace.

I try to plan so that any student/intern could assemble these without requiring keen observational skills. :D

[Ioannis]

Oh, I see. Got it now.

Ioannis