Introduction: Converting a Schematic Design to a Pcb

Generally, schematic designs for an electric circuit are simply the representation of the components of the electric circuit in the way of symbols and diagrams rather than the real images and using hardware. A schematic design mainly aims to illustrate the function of a circuit in a simple, quick way. For example, the resistance component can be expressed as a zigzag line (1).

Step 1: Tools for Drawing Schematics

You don’t need to draw your circuit on paper; instead, you can use easy and fast online tools to drag and put the components and draw the circuit and even to run it virtually to see the result. All those tools nearly do the same function with slight differences. If you are still exploring, Falstad is a perfect circuit simulator and it can be helpful with measuring the current and the voltage to drawing your final project schematic design.

Step 2: What Is a PCB and How to Convert a Schematic Diagram in a PCB Design

PCB stands for printed circuit board, and by making a PCB design you are converting the sketch diagram of the electric circuit to a physical form of the circuit.
For example, if you have a diagram like shown above,

The printed circuit board will be like above,

Step 3: Using KICAD to Create a PCB

As well as being another handy tool for designing schematics besides Falstad, KICAD is a free online platform that provides an integrated environment to convert diagrams for electronic circuits into a complete PCB layout.

How to use KICAD for making the PCB(3)

  1. First, make sure all components are annotated (numbered).
  2. Generate a netlist that contains all the components and their connections.
  3. Use CVPCB to assign PCB footprints to all the components (not necessary if new components have not been added.)
  4. Load the netlist in PCBnew.

Taking those steps in a more detailed approach:

1- After you have created your schematic, Be sure your schematic is already numbered

2-Click the netlist button.

3-Assign the PCB footprints to the components using CVPCB

4-Run the CVPCB

5-Inspect the footprints

6-Load the components in PCBnew.

7-Run the PCBnew

Step 4: Author and Refrences

Made by Abd-ALRAHMAN Alaa , AUC Robotics

(1)www.analog.com
(2)www.allaboutcircuits.com

(3)www.curiousinventor.com