Referenz Handbuch
Note
|
This manual is in the process of being revised to cover the latest stable release version of KiCad. It contains some sections that have not yet been completed. We ask for your patience while our volunteer technical writers work on this task, and we welcome new contributors who would like to help make KiCad’s documentation better than ever. |
Copyright
This document is Copyright © 2010-2022 by its contributors as listed below. You may distribute it and/or modify it under the terms of either the GNU General Public License (http://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html), version 3 or later, or the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/), version 3.0 or later.
Alle Markenrechtsnamen in diesem Guide gehören den rechtmäßigen Eigentümern.
Mitwirkende
Jean-Pierre Charras, Fabrizio Tappero, Wayne Stambaugh, Graham Keeth
Übersetzung
André S. <ansc.de@gmail.com> 2015, Carsten Schoenert <c.schoenert@t-online.de> 2016
Feedback
Bitte senden Sie alle Fehlermeldungen, Vorschläge oder neue Versionen an:
-
About KiCad documentation: https://gitlab.com/kicad/services/kicad-doc/issues
-
Zur KiCad-Software: https://gitlab.com/kicad/code/kicad/issues
1. Introduction to the KiCad Schematic Editor
1.1. Beschreibung
The KiCad Schematic Editor is a schematic capture software distributed as a part of KiCad and available under the following operating systems:
-
Linux
-
Apple macOS
-
Windows
Regardless of the OS, all KiCad files are 100% compatible from one OS to another.
The Schematic Editor is an integrated application where all functions of drawing, control, layout, library management and access to the PCB design software are carried out within the editor itself.
The KiCad Schematic Editor is intended to cooperate with the KiCad PCB Editor, which is KiCad’s printed circuit design software. It can also export netlist files, which lists all the electrical connections, for other packages.
The Schematic Editor includes a symbol library editor, which can create and edit symbols and manage libraries. It also integrates the following additional but essential functions needed for modern schematic capture software:
-
Prüfung der elektrischen Vorgaben durch einen Elektrischen Regel Check (ERC) für die automatische Prüfung auf falsche und fehlende Verbindungen.
-
Ausgabe von Plot-Dateien in vielen Formaten (Postscript, PDF, HPGL und SVG).
-
Bill of Materials generation (via Python or XSLT scripts, which allow many flexible formats).
1.2. Technischer Überblick
The Schematic Editor is limited only by the available memory. There is thus no real limitation to the number of components, component pins, connections or sheets. In the case of multi-sheet schematics, the representation is hierarchical.
The Schematic Editor can use multi-sheet schematics in a few ways:
-
Einfache Hierarchie (jede Schaltung wird nur einmal verwendet).
-
Komplexe Hierarchie (manche Schaltungen werden in mehreren Instanzen mehr als einmal verwendet).
-
Flache Hierarchie (Schaltpläne sind nicht explizit über den Hauptschaltplan verbunden).
1.3. Erstkonfiguration
When the Schematic Editor is run for the first time, if the the global symbol library table file sym-lib-table
is not found in the KiCad configuration folder then KiCad will ask how to create this file:

The first option is recommended (Copy default global symbol library table (recommended)). The default symbol library table includes all of the standard symbol libraries that are installed as part of KiCad.
If this option is disabled, KiCad was unable to find the default global symbol library table. This probably means you did not install the standard symbol libraries with KiCad, or they are not installed where KiCad expects to find them. On some systems the KiCad libraries are installed as a separate package.
-
If you have installed the standard KiCad symbol libraries and want to use them, but the first option is disabled, select the second option and browse to the
sym-lib-table
file in the directory where the KiCad libraries were installed. -
If you already have a custom symbol library table that you would like to use, select the second option and browse to your
sym-lib-table
file. -
If you want to construct a new symbol library table from scratch, select the third option.
Symbol library management is described in more detail later.
2. Generic Schematic Editor commands
Commands can be executed by:
-
Klicken auf die Menüleiste (oben am Bildschirm).
-
Klicken auf die Symbole oben im Fenster (allgemeine Befehle).
-
Klicken auf die Symbole auf der rechten Seite des Bildschirms (spezielle Befehle oder "Werkzeuge").
-
Klicken auf die Symbole auf der linken Seite am Bildschirm (Darstellungsoptionen).
-
Durch Betätigen von Maustasten (wichtige komplementäre Befehle). Ein Rechtsklick öffnet in der Regel ein Kontextmenü für das Element unter dem Cursor (Zoom, Raster und Bearbeitung des Elements).
-
Function keys (F1, F2, F3, F4, Insert and Space). Specifically: Escape cancels the command in progress. Insert allows the duplication of the last element created.
-
Pressing hotkeys. For a list of hotkeys, see the Help→List Hotkeys menu entry or press Ctrl+F1. Many hotkeys select a tool but do not perform the tool’s action until the canvas is clicked. This behavior can be changed by unchecking First hotkey selects tool in the Common Preferences pane. With this option unchecked, pressing a hotkey will select the tool and immediately perform the tool’s action at the current cursor location.

2.1. Mausbefehle
2.1.1. Basisbefehle
Linke Taste
-
Single click: Selects the item under the cursor and displays the item’s characteristics in the status bar.
-
Double click: edits the item if it is editable.
-
Long click (click and hold): opens a pop-up menu to clarify the selection.
Rechte Taste
-
Opens a pop-up menu. If an item is selected, the items in the menu are related to the selected item. If an item is under the cursor when the right mouse button is clicked, the item is selected.
2.1.2. Selection operations
Schematic editor items can be selected by clicking on them. Multiple items can be selected at once. Add items to the selection with Shift + click, and remove items from the selection with Ctrl+Shift + click.
Note
|
On Apple keyboards, use the Cmd key instead of Ctrl. |
left mouse button |
Select item. |
Shift + left mouse button |
Add item to selection. |
Ctrl+Shift + left mouse button |
Remove item from selection. |
long click |
Clarify selection from a pop-up menu. |
Ctrl + left mouse button |
Highlight net. |
Items can also be selected by drawing a box around them using the left mouse button.
Dragging from left to right includes all items fully enclosed by the box. Dragging from right to left includes all items touched by the box, even if they are not fully enclosed.
The Shift and Ctrl+Shift modifiers also work with drag selections to add and remove items from the selection, respectively.
2.2. Tastaturbefehle
-
The Ctrl+F1 displays the current hotkey list.
-
All hotkeys can be redefined using the hotkey editor (Preferences → Preferences… → Hotkeys).
The default hotkey list is below. Many additional actions do not have hotkeys by default, but hotkeys can be assigned to them with the hotkey editor.
The hotkeys described in this manual use the key labels that appear on a standard PC keyboard. On an Apple keyboard layout, use the Cmd key in place of Ctrl, and the Option key in place of Alt.
Action | Default Hotkey | Description |
---|---|---|
Click |
Return |
Performs left mouse button click |
Double-click |
End |
Performs left mouse button double-click |
Cursor Down |
Down |
|
Cursor Down Fast |
Ctrl+Down |
|
Cursor Left |
Left |
|
Cursor Left Fast |
Ctrl+Left |
|
Cursor Right |
Right |
|
Cursor Right Fast |
Ctrl+Right |
|
Cursor Up |
Up |
|
Cursor Up Fast |
Ctrl+Up |
|
Switch to Fast Grid 1 |
Alt+1 |
|
Switch to Fast Grid 2 |
Alt+2 |
|
Switch to Next Grid |
N |
|
Switch to Previous Grid |
Shift+N |
|
Reset Grid Origin |
Z |
|
Grid Origin |
S |
Set the grid origin point |
New… |
Ctrl+N |
Create a new document in the editor |
Open… |
Ctrl+O |
Open existing document |
Pan Down |
Shift+Down |
|
Pan Left |
Shift+Left |
|
Pan Right |
Shift+Right |
|
Pan Up |
Shift+Up |
|
Print… |
Ctrl+P |
|
Reset Local Coordinates |
Space |
|
Save |
Ctrl+S |
Save changes |
Save As… |
Ctrl+Shift+S |
Save current document to another location |
Always Show Cursor |
Ctrl+Shift+X |
Display crosshairs even in selection tool |
Switch units |
Ctrl+U |
Switch between imperial and metric units |
Update PCB from Schematic… |
F8 |
Update PCB with changes made to schematic |
Center |
F4 |
Center |
Zoom to Objects |
Ctrl+Home |
Zoom to Objects |
Zoom to Fit |
Home |
Zoom to Fit |
Zoom In at Cursor |
F1 |
Zoom In at Cursor |
Zoom Out at Cursor |
F2 |
Zoom Out at Cursor |
Refresh |
F5 |
Refresh |
Zoom to Selection |
Ctrl+F5 |
Zoom to Selection |
Change Edit Method |
Ctrl+Space |
Change edit method constraints |
Copy |
Ctrl+C |
Copy selected item(s) to clipboard |
Cut |
Ctrl+X |
Cut selected item(s) to clipboard |
Delete |
Del |
Deletes selected item(s) |
Duplicate |
Ctrl+D |
Duplicates the selected item(s) |
Find |
Ctrl+F |
Find text |
Find and Replace |
Ctrl+Alt+F |
Find and replace text |
Find Next |
F3 |
Find next match |
Find Next Marker |
Shift+F3 |
|
Paste |
Ctrl+V |
Paste item(s) from clipboard |
Redo |
Ctrl+Y |
Redo last edit |
Select All |
Ctrl+A |
Select all items on screen |
Undo |
Ctrl+Z |
Undo last edit |
List Hotkeys… |
Ctrl+F1 |
Displays current hotkeys table and corresponding commands |
Preferences… |
Ctrl+, |
Show preferences for all open tools |
Clear Net Highlighting |
~ |
Clear any existing net highlighting |
Edit Library Symbol… |
Ctrl+Shift+E |
Open the library symbol in the Symbol Editor |
Edit with Symbol Editor |
Ctrl+E |
Open the selected symbol in the Symbol Editor |
Highlight Net |
` |
Highlight net under cursor |
Show Datasheet |
D |
Opens the datasheet in a browser |
Add Sheet |
S |
Add a hierarchical sheet |
Add Wire to Bus Entry |
Z |
Add a wire entry to a bus |
Add Global Label |
Ctrl+L |
Add a global label |
Add Hierarchical Label |
H |
Add a hierarchical label |
Add Junction |
J |
Add a junction |
Add Label |
L |
Add a net label |
Add No Connect Flag |
Q |
Add a no-connection flag |
Add Power |
P |
Add a power port |
Add Text |
T |
Add text |
Add Symbol |
A |
Add a symbol |
Add Bus |
B |
Add a bus |
Add Lines |
I |
Add connected graphic lines |
Add Wire |
W |
Add a wire |
Finish Wire or Bus |
K |
Complete drawing at current segment |
Unfold from Bus |
C |
Break a wire out of a bus |
Autoplace Fields |
O |
Runs the automatic placement algorithm on the symbol or sheet’s fields |
Edit Footprint… |
F |
Displays footprint field dialog |
Edit Reference Designator… |
U |
Displays reference designator dialog |
Edit Value… |
V |
Displays value field dialog |
Mirror Horizontally |
X |
Flips selected item(s) from left to right |
Mirror Vertically |
Y |
Flips selected item(s) from top to bottom |
Properties… |
E |
Displays item properties dialog |
Repeat Last Item |
Ins |
Duplicates the last drawn item |
Rotate Counterclockwise |
R |
Rotates selected item(s) counter-clockwise |
Drag |
G |
Drags the selected item(s) |
Move |
M |
Moves the selected item(s) |
Select Connection |
Alt+4 |
Select a complete connection |
Select Node |
Alt+3 |
Select a connection item under the cursor |
Leave Sheet |
Alt+Back |
Display the parent sheet in the schematic editor |
Hotkeys are stored in the file user.hotkeys
in KiCad’s configuration directory. The location is platform-specific:
-
Windows:
%APPDATA%\kicad\6.0\user.hotkeys
-
Linux:
~/.config/kicad/6.0/user.hotkeys
-
macOS:
~/Library/Preferences/kicad/6.0/user.hotkeys
It is possible to import hotkey settings from a user.hotkeys
file using menu Preferences→Preferences…→Hotkeys→Import Hotkeys….
2.3. Grid
In the Schematic Editor the cursor always moves over a grid. The grid can be customized:
-
Size can be changed using the right click menu or using View → Grid Properties….
-
Color can be changed in the Colors page of the Preferences dialog (menu Preferences → General Options).
-
Visibility can be switched using the left-hand toolbar button.
The default grid size is 50 mil (0.050") or 1.27 millimeters.
This is the preferred grid to place symbols and wires in a schematic, and to place pins when designing a symbol in the Symbol Editor.
Note
|
Wires connect with other wires or pins only if their ends coincide exactly. Therefore it is important to keep symbol pins and wires aligned to the grid. It is recommended to always use a 50 mil grid when placing symbols and drawing wires because the KiCad standard symbol library and all libraries that follow its style also use a 50 mil grid. |
One can also work with a smaller grid from 25 mil to 10 mil. This is only intended for designing the symbol body or placing text and comments and not recommended for placing pins and wires.
Note
|
Symbols, wires, and other elements that are not aligned to the grid can be snapped back to the grid by selecting them, right clicking, and clicking Align Elements to Grid. |
2.4. Snapping
Schematic elements such as symbols, wires, text, and graphic lines are snapped to the grid when moving, dragging, and drawing them. Additionally, the wire tool snaps to pins even when grid snapping is disabled. Both grid and pin snapping can be disabled while moving the mouse by using the modifier keys in the table below.
Note
|
On Apple keyboards, use the Cmd key instead of Ctrl. |
Modifier Key | Effect |
---|---|
Ctrl |
Disable grid snapping. |
Shift |
Disable snapping wires to pins. |
2.5. Zoom Auswahl
Um die Zoom Größe zu verstellen:
-
Betätigen Sie die rechte Maustaste, um das Pop-Up Menü zu öffnen und den gewünschten Zoomlevel auszuwählen.
-
Or use hotkeys:
-
F1: Zoom in
-
F2: Zoom out
-
F4: Center the view around the cursor pointer position
-
Home: Zoom and center the view to fit the entire schematic sheet
-
Ctrl+Home: Zoom and center the view to fit all of the objects in the schematic
-
Ctrl+F5: Activate the Zoom to Selection tool
-
-
Fensterzoom:
-
Mouse wheel: Zoom in/out
-
Shift+Mouse wheel: Pan up/down
-
Ctrl+Mouse wheel: Pan left/right
-
Mouse scroll gestures are configurable in the Mouse and Touchpad page of the Preferences dialog.
2.6. Anzeigen von Cursorkoordinaten
The display units are in inches, mils, or millimeters.
Die folgende Information wird rechts unten im Fenster angezeigt:
-
Der Zoomfaktor
-
Die absolute Position des Cursors
-
Die relative Position des Cursors
-
The grid size
-
The active unit system
-
The active tool
The relative coordinates can be reset to zero by pressing Space. This is useful for measuring distance between two points or aligning objects.

2.7. Obere Menüleiste
The top menu bar allows the opening and saving of schematics, program configuration and viewing the documentation.

2.8. Symbole in der oberen Werkzeugleiste
This toolbar gives access to the main functions of the Schematic Editor.
If the Schematic Editor is run in standalone mode, this is the available tool set:
Note that when KiCad runs in project mode, the first two icons are not available as they work with individual files.
Create a new schematic (only in standalone mode). |
|
Open a schematic (only in standalone mode). |
|
Save complete schematic project. |
|
Set the schematic-specific options. |
|
Select the sheet size and edit the title block. |
|
Open print dialog. |
|
Open plot dialog. |
|
Paste a copied/cut item or block to the current sheet. |
|
Undo: Revert the last change. |
|
Redo: Revert the last undo operation. |
|
Show the dialog to search symbols and texts in the schematic. |
|
Show the dialog to search and replace texts in the schematic. |
|
Refresh screen. |
|
Zoom in. |
|
Zoom out. |
|
Zoom to fit the entire schematic sheet. |
|
Zoom to fit all objects in the schematic. |
|
Zoom to fit selected items. |
|
View and navigate the hierarchy tree. |
|
Leave the current sheet and go up in the hierarchy. |
|
Rotate selected items counter-clockwise. |
|
Rotate selected items clockwise. |
|
Mirror selected items vertically. |
|
Mirror selected items horizontally. |
|
Call the symbol library editor to view and modify libraries and symbols. |
|
Browse symbol libraries. |
|
Open the footprint library editor to view and modify libraries and footprints. |
|
Annotate symbols. |
|
Electrical Rules Checker (ERC), automatically validate electrical connections. |
|
Open the footprint assignment tool to assign footprints to symbols. |
|
Bulk edit symbol fields in a spreadsheet interface. |
|
Generate the Bill of Materials (BOM). |
|
Open the PCB editor. |
|
Open the Python scripting console. |
2.9. Symbole in der rechten Werkzeugleiste
Diese Werkzeugleiste enthält Werkzeuge für:
-
Place symbols, wires, buses, junctions, labels, text, etc.
-
Create hierarchical subsheets and connection symbols.
Cancel the active command or tool and go into selection mode. |
|
Highlight a net by marking its wires and net labels with a different color. If the PCB Editor is also open then copper corresponding to the selected net will be highlighted as well. |
|
Display the symbol selector dialog to select a new symbol to be placed. |
|
Display the power symbol selector dialog to select a power symbol to be placed. |
|
Draw a wire. |
|
Draw a bus. |
|
Draw wire-to-bus entry points. These elements are only graphical and do not create a connection, thus they should not be used to connect wires together. |
|
Place a "No Connect" flag. These flags should be placed on symbol pins which are meant to be left unconnected. It is done to notify the Electrical Rules Checker that lack of connection for a particular pin is intentional and should not be reported. |
|
Place a junction. This connects two crossing wires or a wire and a pin, when it can be ambiguous (i.e. if a wire end or a pin is not directly connected to another wire end). |
|
Place a local label. Local label connects items located in the same sheet. For connections between two different sheets, you have to use global or hierarchical labels. |
|
Place a global label. All global labels with the same name are connected, even when located on different sheets. |
|
Place a hierarchical label. Hierarchical labels are used to create a connection between a subsheet and the parent sheet that contains it. |
|
Place a hierarchical subsheet. You must specify the file name for this subsheet. |
|
Import a hierarchical pin from a subsheet. This command can be executed only on hierarchical subsheets. It will create hierarchical pins corresponding to hierarchical labels placed in the target subsheet. |
|
Draw a line. These are only graphical and do not connect anything. |
|
Place a text comment. |
|
Place a bitmap image. |
|
Delete clicked items. |
2.10. Symbole der linken Werkzeugleiste
Diese Werkzeugleiste verwaltet die Anzeigeoptionen:
Toggle grid visibility. |
|
Switch units to inches. |
|
Switch units to mils (0.001 inches). |
|
Switch units to millimeters. |
|
Choose the cursor shape (full screen/small). |
|
Toggle visibility of "invisible" pins. |
|
Toggle free angle/90 degrees wires and buses placement. |
2.11. Pop-Up Menüs und Schnellbearbeitung
Ein Rechtsklick öffnet ein Kontextmenü für das ausgewählte Element. Dieses enthält:
-
Zoomfaktor.
-
Rasteranpassung.
-
Copy/Paste/Delete commands.
-
Add Wire/Bus.
-
Häufig bearbeitete Parameter des ausgewählten Elements.
3. Hauptmenü
3.1. Menüpunkt Datei

New | Close current schematic and start a new one (only in standalone mode). |
---|---|
Open |
Load a schematic project (only in standalone mode). |
Open Recent |
Open a schematic project from the list of recently opened files (only in standalone mode). |
Save |
Save current sheet and all its subsheets. |
Save As… |
Save the current sheet under a new name (only in standalone mode). |
Save Current Sheet Copy As… |
Save a copy of the current sheet under a new name (only in project mode). |
Insert Schematic Sheet Content… |
Insert the contents of another schematic sheet into the current sheet (only in standalone mode). |
Import |
Import a non-KiCad schematic or a footprint assignment file. |
Export |
Export a netlist or a drawing of the schematic to the clipboard. |
Schematic Setup… |
Set up schematic formatting, electrical rules, net classes, and text variables. |
Page Settings… |
Configure page dimensions and title block. |
Print schematic project (See also chapter Plot and Print). |
|
Plot |
Export to PDF, PostScript, HPGL or SVG format (See chapter Plot and Print). |
Quit |
Terminate the application. |
3.1.1. Schematic Setup
The Schematic Setup window is used to set schematic options that are specific to the currently active schematic. For example, the Schematic Setup window contains formatting options, electrical rule configuration, netclass setup, and schematic text variable setup.
3.2. Menüpunkt Einstellungen

Configure Paths… |
Set the default search paths. |
Manage Symbol Library Tables… |
Add/remove symbol libraries. |
Preferences… |
Preferences (units, grid size, field names, etc.). |
Set Language |
Select interface language. |
3.2.1. Manage Symbol Library Tables

This dialog is used to manage the tables of symbol libraries. Symbol library management is described later.
3.2.2. Preferences
Common Preferences
Note
|
TODO: write this section |

Mouse and Touchpad
Center and warp cursor on zoom |
If checked, the pointed location is warped to the screen center when zooming in/out. |
Use touchpad to pan |
When enabled, view is panned using scroll wheels (or touchpad gestures) and to zoom one needs to hold Ctrl. Otherwise scroll wheels zoom in/out and Ctrl/Shift are the panning modifiers. |
Pan while moving object |
If checked, automatically pans the window if the cursor leaves the window during drawing or moving. |
Tastaturbefehle
Redefine hotkeys.

Select a new hotkey by double clicking an action or right click on an action to show a popup menu:
Edit |
Define a new hotkey for the action (same as double click). |
Undo Changes |
Reverts the recent hotkey changes for the action. |
Clear Assigned Hotkey |
|
Restore Default |
Sets the action hotkey to its default value. |
Display Options

Grid Size |
Grid size selection. It is recommended to work with normal grid (0.050 inches or 1,27 mm). Smaller grids are used for component building. |
Bus thickness |
Pen size used to draw buses. |
Line thickness |
Pen size used to draw objects that do not have a specified pen size. |
Part ID notation |
Style of suffix that is used to denote symbol units (U1A, U1.A, U1-1, etc.) |
Icon scale |
Adjust toolbar icons size. |
Show Grid |
Grid visibility setting. |
Restrict buses and wires to H and V orientation |
If checked, buses and wires are drawn only with vertical or horizontal lines. Otherwise buses and wires can be placed at any orientation. |
Show hidden pins: |
Display invisible (or hidden) pins, typically power pins. |
Show page limits |
If checked, shows the page boundaries on screen. |
Footprint previews in symbol chooser |
Displays a footprint preview frame and footprint selector when placing a new symbol. Note: it may cause problems or delays, use at your own risk. |
Editing Options

Measurement units |
Select the display and the cursor coordinate units (inches or millimeters). |
Horizontal pitch of repeated items |
Increment on X axis during element duplication (default: 0) (after placing an item like a symbol, label or wire, a duplication is made by the Insert key) |
Vertical pitch of repeated items |
Increment on Y axis during element duplication (default: 0.100 inches or 2,54 mm). |
Increment of repeated labels |
Increment of label value during duplication of texts ending in a number, such as bus members (usual value 1 or -1). |
Default text size |
Text size used when creating new text items or labels. |
Auto-save time interval |
Time in minutes between saving backups. |
Automatically place symbol fields |
If checked, symbol fields (e.g. value and reference) in newly placed symbols might be moved to avoid collisions with other items. |
Allow field autoplace to change justification |
Extension of 'Automatically place symbol fields' option. Enable text justification adjustment for symbol fields when placing a new part. |
Always align autoplaced fields to the 50 mil grid |
Extension of 'Automatically place symbol fields' option. If checked, fields are autoplaced using 50 mils grid, otherwise they are placed freely. |
Colors
Color scheme for various graphic elements. Click on any of the color swatches to select a new color for a particular element.

Default Fields
Define additional custom fields and corresponding values that will appear in newly placed symbols.

3.3. Menüpunkt Hilfe
Access to on-line help (this document) for an extensive tutorial about KiCad.
Use the Report a Bug item to report a bug online. Full KiCad version and user system information is available via the Copy Version Info button in the About KiCad window.
4. Obere Werkzeugleiste
4.1. Einrichten des Zeichenblattes
The Sheet Settings icon () allows you to define the sheet size and the contents of the title block.

Die Blattnummerierung wird automatisch aktualisiert. Sie können das heutige Datum setzen, indem Sie auf den Button mit den linksgerichteten Pfeilen bei "Datum festlegen" drücken, es wird aber später nicht automatisch geändert.
4.2. Suchwerkzeug
The Find icon () can be used to access the search tool.

You can search for a reference, a value or a text string in the current sheet or in the whole hierarchy. Once found, the cursor will be positioned on the found element in the relevant sub-sheet.
4.3. Netzlisten Werkzeug
The Netlist icon () opens the netlist generation tool.
The tool creates a file which describe all connections in the entire hierarchy.
In a multisheet hierarchy, any local label is visible only inside the sheet to which it belongs. For example: the label LABEL1 of sheet 3 is different from the label LABEL1 of sheet 5 (if no connection has been intentionally introduced to connect them). This is due to the fact that the sheet name path is internally associated with the local label.
Note
|
Even though there is no text length limit for labels in KiCad, please take into account that other programs reading the generated netlist may have such constraints. |
Note
|
Avoid spaces in labels, because they will appear as separated words in the generated file. It is not a limitation of KiCad, but of many netlist formats, which often assume that a label has no spaces. |

Optionen:
Default Format |
Check to select Pcbnew as the default format. |
Andere Formate können ebenfalls erzeugt werden:
-
Orcad PCB2
-
CadStar
-
Spice (simulators)
External plugins can be added to extend the netlist formats list (PadsPcb Plugin was added in the picture above).
There is more information about creating netlists in Create a Netlist chapter.
4.4. Das Annotation (Beschriftungs) Werkzeug
The icon launches the annotation tool. This tool assigns references to components.
Für mehrteilige Bauteile (z.B. ein 4-fach-NAND Gatter der 7400 TTL Familie), wird ein Mehrteil-Suffix erzeugt (daher wird ein 7400 TTL mit dem Bezeichner U3 aufgeteilt in U3A, U3B, U3C und U3D).
You can unconditionally annotate all the components or only the new components, i.e. those which were not previously annotated.

Anwendungsbereich
Use the entire schematic | All sheets are re-annotated (default). |
---|---|
Use the current page only |
Only the current sheet is re-annotated (this option is to be used only in special cases, for example to evaluate the amount of resistors in the current sheet.). |
Keep existing annotation |
Conditional annotation, only the new components will be re-annotated (default). |
Reset existing annotation |
Unconditional annotation, all the components will be re-annotated (this option is to be used when there are duplicated references). |
Reset, but do not swap any annotated multi-unit parts |
Keeps all groups of multiple units (e.g. U2A, U2B) together when reannotating. |
Reihenfolge der Annotation
Selects the order in which components will be numbered (either horizontally or vertically).
Annotationsauswahl
Selects the assigned reference format.
4.5. ERC Werkzeug
The icon launches the electrical rules check (ERC) tool.
This tool performs a design verification and is able to detect forgotten connections, and inconsistencies.
Once you have run the ERC, KiCad places markers to highlight problems. The error description is displayed after left clicking on the marker. An error report file can also be generated.
4.5.1. ERC Bericht

Errors are displayed in the Electrical Rules Checker dialog:
-
Total: Komplette Zahl der Fehler und Warnungen.
-
Fehler: Anzahl der aufgetretenen Fehler
-
Warnungen: Anzahl der Warnungen
Optionen:
Create ERC file report |
Check this option to generate an ERC report file. |
Befehle:
Delete Markers |
Remove all ERC error/warnings markers. |
Run |
Start an Electrical Rules Check. |
Close |
Close the dialog. |
-
Klicken auf eine Fehlermeldung springt zur zugehörigen Markierung im Schaltplan.
4.5.2. ERC Optionen Dialog

This tab allows you to define the connectivity rules between pins; you can choose between 3 options for each case:
-
Kein Fehler
-
Warnung
-
Fehler
Jedes Kästchen der Matrix kann durch anklicken verändert werden.
Optionen:
Test similar labels |
Report labels that differ only by letter case (e.g. label/Label/LaBeL). Net names are case-sensitive therefore such labels are treated as separate nets. |
Test unique global labels |
Report global lables that occur only once for a particular net. Normally it is required to have at least two make a connection. |
Befehle:
Initialize to Default |
Restores the original settings. |
4.6. Footprint Assignment Tool
The button launches the Footprint Assignment Tool, which can be used to associate PCB footprints with symbols in the schematic. The footprint assignment process is described later in the manual.
4.7. Stücklistenwerkzeug
The icon launches the bill of materials (BOM) generator. This tool generates a file listing the components and/or hierarchical connections (global labels).

The Schematic Editor’s BOM generator makes use of external plugins, either as XSLT or Python scripts. There are a few examples installed inside the KiCad program files directory.
Ein hilfreicher Satz von Bauteileigenschaften die in einer Stückliste (BOM) verwendet werden können:
-
Wert: eindeutiger Name für jedes verwendete Bauteil
-
Footprint - entweder manuell gesetzt oder "zurück-annotiert" (siehe unten).
-
Feld1 - Name des Herstellers
-
Feld2 - Teilenummer des Herstellers
-
Feld3 - Teilenummer des Distributors
Zum Beispiel:

On MS Windows, BOM generator dialog has a special option (pointed by red arrow) that controls visibility of external plugin window. + By default, BOM generator command is executed console window hidden and output is redirected to Plugin info field. Set this option to show the window of the running command. It may be necessary if plugin has provides a graphical user interface.

4.8. Edit Fields tool
The icon opens a spreadsheet to view and modify field values for all symbols.
Once you modify field values, you need to either accept changes by clicking on 'Apply' button or undo them by clicking on 'Revert' button.
4.8.1. Tricks to simplify fields filling
There are several special copy/paste methods in spreadsheet. They may be useful when entering field values that are repeated in a few components.
These methods are illustrated below.
Copy (Ctrl+C) | Selection | Paste (Ctrl+V) |
---|---|---|
Note
|
These techniques are also available in other dialogs with a grid control element. |
4.9. Import tool for footprint assignment
4.9.1. Zugriff:
The icon launches the back-annotate tool.
This tool allows footprint changes made in the PCB Editor to be imported back into the footprint fields in the Schematic Editor.
5. Managing Symbol Libraries
Symbol libraries hold collections of symbols used when creating schematics. Each symbol in a schematic is uniquely identified by a full name that is composed of a library nickname and a symbol name. An example is Audio:AD1853
.
5.1. Symbol Library Table
KiCad uses a table of symbol libraries to map symbol libraries to a library nickname. Kicad uses a global symbol library table as well as a table specific to each project. To edit either symbol library table, use Preferences → Manage Symbol Libraries….

The global symbol library table contains the list of libraries that are always available regardless of the currently loaded project. The table is saved in the file sym-lib-table
in the KiCad configuration folder. The location of this folder depends on the operating system being used.
The project specific symbol library table contains the list of libraries that are available specifically for the currently loaded project. If there are any project-specific symbol libraries, the table is saved in the file sym-lib-table
in the project folder.
5.1.1. Erstkonfiguration
The first time the KiCad Schematic Editor is run and the global symbol table file sym-lib-table
is not found in the KiCad configuration folder, KiCad will guide the user through setting up a new symbol library table. This process is described above.
5.1.2. Managing Table Entries
Symbol libraries can only be used if they have been added to either the global or project-specific symbol library table.
Add a library either by clicking the button and selecting a library or clicking the
button and typing the path to a library file. The selected library will be added to the currently opened library table (Global or Project Specific). Libraries can be removed by selecting desired library entries and clicking the
button.
Libraries can be made inactive by unchecking the Active checkbox in the first column. Inactive libraries are still in the library table but do not appear in any library browsers.
A range of libraries can be selected by clicking the first library in the range and then Shift-clicking the last library in the range.
Each library must have a unique nickname: duplicate library nicknames are not allowed in the same table. However, nicknames can be duplicated between the global and project library tables. Libraries in the project table take precedence over libraries with the same name in the global table.
Library nicknames do not have to be related to the library filename or path. The colon character (:
) cannot be used in library nicknames or symbol names because it is used as a separator between nicknames and symbols.
Each library entry must have a valid path. Paths can be defined as absolute, relative, or by environment variable substitution.
The appropriate library format must be selected in order for the library to be properly read. "KiCad" format is used for KiCad version 6 libraries (.kicad_sym
files), while "Legacy" format is used for libraries from older versions of KiCad (.lib
files). Legacy libraries are read-only, but can be migrated to KiCad format libraries using the Migrate Libraries button (see section Migrating Legacy Libraries).
There is an optional description field to add a description of the library entry. The option field is not used at this time so adding options will have no effect when loading libraries.
5.1.3. Umgebungsvariablen Ersetzung
The symbol library tables support environment variable substitution, which allows you to define environment variables containing custom paths to where your libraries are stored. Environment variable substitution is supported by using the syntax ${ENV_VAR_NAME}
in the symbol library path.
By default, KiCad defines several environment variables:
-
${KIPROJMOD}
points to the current project directory and cannot be modified. -
${KICAD6_FOOTPRINT_DIR}
points to the default location of KiCad’s standard footprint libraries. -
${KICAD6_SYMBOL_DIR}
points to the default location of KiCad’s standard symbol libraries. -
${KICAD6_3DMODEL_DIR}
points to the default location of KiCad’s standard 3D model libraries. -
${KICAD6_TEMPLATE_DIR}
points to the default location of KiCad’s standard template library.
${KIPROJMOD}
cannot be redefined, but the other environment variables can be redefined and new environment variables added in the Preferences → Configure Paths… dialog.
Using environment variables in the symbol library tables allows libraries to be relocated without breaking the symbol library tables, so long as the environment variables are updated when the library location changes.
${KIPROJMOD}
allows libraries to be stored in the project folder without having to use an absolute path in the project library table. This makes it possible to relocate projects without breaking their project library tables. One of the most powerful features of the symbol library table is environment variable substitution. This allows for definition of custom paths to where symbol libraries are stored in environment variables. Environment variable substitution is supported by using the syntax ${ENV_VAR_NAME}
in the library path.
5.1.4. Typische Benutzung
Symbol libraries can be defined either globally or specifically to the currently loaded project. Symbol libraries defined in the user’s global table are always available and are stored in the sym-lib-table
file in the user’s KiCad configuration folder. The project-specific symbol library table is active only for the currently open project file.
There are advantages and disadvantages to each method. Defining all libraries in the global table means they will always be available when needed. The disadvantage of this is that load time will increase.
Defining all symbol libraries on a project specific basis means that you only have the libraries required for the project which decreases symbol library load times. The disadvantage is that you always have to remember to add each symbol library that you need for every project.
One usage pattern would be to define commonly used libraries globally and the libraries only required for the project in the project specific library table. There is no restriction on how to define libraries.
5.1.5. Migrating Legacy Libraries
Legacy libraries (.lib
files) are read-only, but they can be migrated to KiCad version 6 libraries (.kicad_sym
). KiCad version 6 libraries cannot be viewed or edited by KiCad versions older than 6.0.0.
Legacy libraries can be converted to KiCad 6 libraries by selecting them in the symbol library table and clicking the Migrate Libraries button. Multiple libraries can be selected and migrated at once by Ctrl-clicking or shift-clicking.
Libraries can also be converted one at a time by opening them in the Symbol Editor and saving them as a new library.
5.1.6. Legacy Project Remapping
When loading a schematic created prior to the symbol library table implementation, KiCad will attempt to remap the symbol library links in the schematic to the appropriate library table symbols. The success of this process is dependent on several factors:
-
the original libraries used in the schematic are still available and unchanged from when the symbol was added to the schematic.
-
all rescue operations were performed when detected to create a rescue library or keep the existing rescue library up to date.
-
the integrity of the project symbol cache library has not been corrupted.
Warning
|
The remapping will make a back up of all the files that are changed during remapping in the rescue-backup folder in the project folder. Always make a back up of your project before remapping just in case something goes wrong. |
Warning
|
The rescue operation is performed even if it has been disabled to ensure the correct symbols are available for remapping. Do not cancel this operation or the remapping will fail to correctly remap schematics symbols. Any broken symbol links will have to be fixed manually. |
Note
|
If the original libraries have been removed and the rescue was not performed, the cache library can be used as a recovery library as a last resort. Copy the cache library to a new file name and add the new library file to the top of the library list using a version of KiCad prior to the symbol library table implementation. |
6. Erstellung und Bearbeitung eines Schaltplans
6.1. Einleitung
Ein Schaltplan kann auf einem einzelnen Blatt dargestellt werden, aber wenn er groß genug ist wird er mehrere Blätter benötigen.
A schematic represented by several sheets is hierarchical, and all its sheets (each one represented by its own file) constitute a complete KiCad schematic. The manipulation of hierarchical schematics will be described in the Hierarchical Schematics chapter.
6.2. Allgemeine Betrachtungen
A schematic designed with KiCad is more than a simple graphic representation of an electronic device. It is normally the entry point of a development chain that allows for:
-
Prüfungen unter zu Hilfenahme von Regelsätzen (Elektrischer-Regel-Prüfung (ERC)) können durchgeführt werden um Fehler und Auslassungen zu erkennen.
-
Automatisches Erstellen eine Stückliste (BOM).
-
Benutzung einer Software zur Simulation wie zum Beispiel SPICE, siehe Netzliste erzeugen.
-
Defining a circuit for transferring to PCB layout.
A schematic mainly consists of symbols, wires, labels, junctions, buses and power ports. For clarity in the schematic, you can place purely graphical elements like bus entries, comments, and polylines.
Symbols are added to the schematic from symbol libraries. After the schematic is made, the set of connections and footprints is imported into the PCB editor for designing a board.
6.3. Symbol placement and editing
6.3.1. Find and place a symbol
To load a symbol into your schematic you can use the icon . A dialog box allows you to type the name of the symbol to load.

The Choose Symbols dialog will filter symbols by name, keywords, and description according to what you type into the search field. Advanced filters can be used just by typing them:
-
Wildcards: use the characters
?
and*
respectively to mean "any character" and "any number of characters". -
Relational: if a library part’s description or keywords contain a tag of the format "Key:123", you can match relative to that by typing "Key>123" (greater than), "Key<123" (less than), etc. Numbers may include one of the following case-insensitive suffixes:
p
n
u
m
k
meg
g
t
10-12
10-9
10-6
10-3
103
106
109
1012
ki
mi
gi
ti
210
220
230
240
-
Regular expression: if you’re familiar with regular expressions, these can be used too. The regular expression flavor used is the wxWidgets Advanced Regular Expression style, which is similar to Perl regular expressions.
If the symbol specifies a default footprint, this footprint will be previewed in the lower right. If the symbol includes footprint filters, alternate footprints that satisfy the footprint filters can be selected in the footprint dropdown menu at right.
After selecting a symbol to place, the symbol will be attached to the cursor. Left clicking the desired location in the schematic places the symbol into the schematic. Before placing the symbol in the schematic, you can rotate it, mirror it, and edit its fields, by either using the hotkeys or the right-click context menu. These actions can also be performed after placement.
Here is a symbol during placement:

If the "Place repeated copies" option is checked, after placing a symbol KiCad will start placing another copy of the symbol. This process continues until the user presses Esc.
For symbols with multiple units, if the "Place all units" option is checked, after placing the symbol KiCad will start placing the next unit in the symbol. This continues until the last unit has been placed or the user presses Esc.
6.3.2. Placing power ports
A power port symbol is a symbol representing a connection to a power net. The symbols are grouped in the power
library, so they can be placed using the symbol chooser. However, as power placements are frequent, the tool is available. This tool is similar, except that the search is done directly in the
power
library.
6.3.3. Symbol Editing and Modification (already placed component)
There are two ways to edit a symbol:
-
Modification of the symbol itself: position, orientation, unit selection on a multi-unit symbol.
-
Modification of one of the fields of the symbol: reference, value, footprint, etc.
When a symbol has just been placed, you may have to modify its value (particularly for resistors, capacitors, etc.), but it is useless to assign to it a reference number right away, or to select the unit (except for components with locked units, which you have to assign manually). This can be done automatically by the annotation function.
Symbol modification
To modify some feature of a symbol, position the cursor on the symbol, and then either:
-
Double-click on the symbol to open the full editing dialog.
-
Mit einem Rechtsklick das Kontextmenü zu öffnen und einen der Befehle Bewegen, Ausrichtung, Bearbeiten, Löschen, usw. auswählen.
-
Use a hotkey to perform an action on the symbol (E to open the properties dialog, R to rotate, etc.). Note that hotkeys act on the selected symbol; if no symbol is selected hotkeys act on the symbol under the cursor.
Symbols can also be selected by clicking on them or drag-selecting them. Selected symbols can be modified by clicking relevant buttons in the top toolbar or using a hotkey.
Textfelder eines Bauteils ändern
Sie können die Referenz, den Wert, die Position, die Ausrichtung, die Textgröße und Sichtbarkeit der Felder durch folgende Möglichkeiten ändern:
-
Doppelklick auf das Textfeld, um es zu ändern.
-
Rechtsklick um das Kontextmenü zu öffnen und einen der Befehle benutzen: Bewegen, Drehen, Bearbeiten, Löschen, usw.
-
Position the cursor over the field (if nothing is selected) or select the field and press E to edit the field.
-
Position the cursor over the symbol (if nothing is selected) or select the symbol and press V, U, or F hotkeys to directly edit the symbol’s value, reference designator, or footprint fields, respectively.
For more options, or in order to create fields, double-click on the symbol to open the Symbol Properties dialog.

Each field can be visible or hidden, and displayed horizontally or vertically. The displayed position is always indicated for a normally displayed symbol (no rotation or mirroring) and is relative to the anchor point of the symbol.
The position and orientation properties of each field may be hidden in this dialog. They can be shown by right-clicking on the column header of the fields table and enabling the "Orientation", "X Position", and/or "Y Position" columns. Other columns can be shown or hidden as desired.
The "Update Symbol from Library…" button is used to update the schematic’s copy of the symbol to match the copy in the library. The "Change Symbol…" button is used to swap the current symbol to a different symbol in the library.
"Edit Symbol…" opens the Symbol Editor to edit the copy of the symbol in the schematic. Note that the original symbol in the library will not be modified. The "Edit Library Symbol…" button opens the Symbol Editor to edit the original symbol in the library. In this case, the symbol in the schematic will not be modified until the user clicks the "Update Symbol from Library…" button.
6.3.4. Symbol Fields Table
Note
|
TODO: Write this section. |
6.4. Electrical Connections
6.4.1. Einleitung
There are a number of elements that can be added to a schematic to electrically connect components. All of these elements can be placed with the buttons on the vertical right toolbar or using hotkeys.
Diese Elemente sind:
-
Wires: direct connection between pins.
-
Buses: connections for a group of signals.
-
Bus entries: connections between wires and buses.
-
No-connection flags: terminations for pins or wires that are intentionally unconnected. These flags prevent ERC violations for unconnected pins.
-
Junctions: connections between crossing wires or buses.
-
Net labels: local name for a signal. Signals within a sheet that have the same net label are connected.
-
Global labels: global name for a signal. Signals with the same global label are connected even if they are not in the same sheet.
-
Hierarchical labels: a label for a signal in a subsheet that enables the signal to be accessed in a parent sheet. See the Hierarchical Schematics section for more information about hierarchical labels, sheets, and pins.
-
Hierarchical sheets: an instantiation of a subsheet within a parent sheet. The parent sheet can connect to the subsheet through the subsheet’s hierarchical pins.
-
Hierarchical pins: connection points between a parent sheet and a subsheet. Hierarchical pins appear at the parent sheet’s level and correspond to hierarchical labels in the subsheet.
Several other types of items can be placed on the schematic but do not affect connectivity:
-
Graphical lines: graphical lines for presentation.
-
Text: textual comments and annotations.
-
Bitmap images: raster graphics from an external file.
This section will also discuss two special types of symbols that can be added with the "Power port" button on the right toolbar:
-
Power ports: symbols for connecting wires to a power or ground net.
-
PWR_FLAG: a specific symbol for indicating that a net is powered when it is not connected to a power output pin (for example, a power net that is supplied by an off-board connector).
6.4.2. Verbindungen (Leitungen und Label)
Es gibt zwei Möglichkeiten eine Verbindung zu erstellen:
-
Pin zu Pin Verbindungen
-
Label
Das folgende Bild zeigt die beiden Methoden:

Label Connections
The point of "contact" of a label is the small square in the corner of the label. The square disappears when the label is connected. The position of the connection point relative to the label text can be changed by choosing a different label orientation in the label properties, or by mirroring/rotating the label.
The label’s connection point must be in contact with a wire or the end of a pin for the label to be connected.
Wire Connections
Um eine Verbindung herzustellen, muss ein Teil der Leitung mit seinen Enden an ein anderes Segment oder einen Pin angeschlossen sein.
Wenn es eine Überlappung gibt (wenn eine Leitung über einen Anschluss läuft aber nicht zum Anschluss verbunden wird), gibt es keine Verbindung.
Note
|
Wires connect with other wires or pins only if their ends coincide exactly. Therefore it is important to keep symbol pins and wires aligned to the grid. It is recommended to always use a 50 mil grid when placing symbols and drawing wires because the KiCad standard symbol library and all libraries that follow its style also use a 50 mil grid. |
Note
|
Symbols, wires, and other elements that are not aligned to the grid can be snapped back to the grid by selecting them, right clicking, and selecting Align Elements to Grid. |
Wire Junctions
Wires that cross are not implicitly connected. It is necessary to join them with a junction dot if a connection is desired. Junction dots will be automatically added to wires that start or end on top of an existing wire.
Junction dots are used in the previous figure on the wires connected to P1
pins 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23.
Nets with Multiple Names
A signal can only have one name. If two different labels are placed on the same net, an ERC violation will be generated. Only one of the net names will be used in the netlist.
Hidden Power Pins
When the power pins of a symbol are visible, they must be connected, as with any other signal.
However, symbols such as gates and flip-flops are sometimes drawn with hidden power input pins which are connected implicitly.
KiCad automatically connects invisible pins with type "power input" to a global net with the same name as the pin. For example, if a symbol has a hidden power input pin named VCC
, this pin will automatically be connected to the global VCC
net.
Note
|
Care must be taken with hidden power input pins because they can create unintentional connections. By nature, hidden pins are invisible and do not display their pin name. This makes it easy to accidentally connect two power pins to the same net. For this reason, the use of invisible power pins in symbols is not recommended outside of power port symbols, and is only supported for compatibility with legacy designs and symbols. |
Note
|
Hidden pins can be shown in the schematic by checking the Show hidden pins option in the Schematic Editor → Display Options section of the preferences, or by selecting View → Show hidden pins. There is also a toggle icon ![]() |
It may be necessary to join power nets of different names (for example, GND
in TTL components and VSS
in MOS components). To accomplish this, add a power port symbol for each net and connect them with a wire.
It is not recommended to use labels for power connection. These only have a "local" connection scope, and will not connect to invisible power pins.
6.4.3. Wiring
To begin connecting elements, you may either use the 'Wire' or 'Bus' tools from the right-hand toolbar, or you can auto-start a new wire from any existing pin or unconnected wire.
The wire drag action will drag the entire wire if you start dragging from the middle of the wire. Alternatively, it will drag just one corner if you start the drag action over a corner where two wires connect
6.4.4. Verbindungen (Busse)
Im folgenden Schaltplan sind viele Anschlüsse zu Bussen verbunden.

Mitglieder eines Buses
Buses are a way to group related signals in the schematic in order to simplify complicated designs. Buses can be drawn like wires using the bus tool, and are named using labels the same way signal wires are. There are two types of bus in KiCad 6.0 and later: vector buses and group buses.
A vector bus is a collection of signals that start with a common prefix and end with a number. Vector buses are named <PREFIX>[M..N]
where PREFIX
is any valid signal name, M
is the first suffix number, and N
is the last suffix number. For example, the bus DATA[0..7]
contains the signals DATA0
, DATA1
, and so on up to DATA7
. It doesn’t matter which order M
and N
are specified in, but both must be non-negative.
A group bus is a collection of one or more signals and/or vector buses. Group buses can be used to bundle together related signals even when they have different names. Group buses use a special label syntax:
<OPTIONAL_NAME>{SIGNAL1 SIGNAL2 SIGNAL3}
The members of the group are listed inside curly braces ({}
) separated by space characters. An optional name for the group goes before the opening curly brace. If the group bus is unnamed, the resulting nets on the PCB will just be the signal names inside the group. If the group bus has a name, the resulting nets will have the name as a prefix, with a period (.
) separating the prefix from the signal name.
For example, the bus {SCL SDA}
has two signal members, and in the netlist these signals will be SCL
and SDA
. The bus USB1{DP DM}
will generate nets called USB1.DP
and USB1.DM
. For designs with larger buses that are repeated across several similar circuits, using this technique can save time.
Group buses can also contain vector buses. For example, the bus MEMORY{A[7..0] D[7..0] OE WE}
contains both vector buses and plain signals, and will result in nets such as MEMORY.A7
and MEMORY.OE
on the PCB.
Bus wires can be drawn and connected in the same manner as signal wires, including using junctions to create connections between crossing wires. Like signals, buses cannot have more than one name — if two conflicting labels are attached to the same bus, an ERC violation will be generated.
Verbindungen zwischen Bus-Mitgliedern
Pins connected between the same members of a bus must be connected by labels. It is not possible to connect a pin directly to a bus; this type of connection will be ignored by KiCad.
Im Beispiel oben sind Verbindungen über Labels hergestellt, die an Leitungen platziert wurden, die an Pins angeschlossen sind. Buseingänge (Leitungssegmente mit 45 Grad) zu Bussen sind rein grafisch und nicht notwendig um logische Verbindungen herzustellen.
In fact, using the repetition command (Insert), connections can be very quickly made in the following way, if component pins are aligned in increasing order (a common case in practice on components such as memories, microprocessors…):
-
Place the first label (for example
PCA0
) -
Use the repetition command as much as needed to place members. KiCad will automatically create the next labels (
PCA1
,PCA2
…) vertically aligned, theoretically on the position of the other pins. -
Zeichnen Sie die Leitung unter dem ersten Label. Dann nutzen Sie den Wiederholungsbefehl um die anderen Leitungen unter den Labels zu platzieren.
-
Wenn nötig platzieren sie die Buseingänge in der gleichen Weise (ersten Eingang platzieren, dann den Wiederholungsbefehl nutzen).
Note
|
In the Schematic Editor → Editing Options section of the Preferences menu, you can set the repetition parameters:
|
Bus unfolding
The unfold tool allows you to quickly break out signals from a bus. To unfold a signal, right-click on a bus object (a bus wire, etc) and choose Unfold from Bus. Alternatively, use the Unfold Bus hotkey (default: C) when the cursor is over a bus object. The menu allows you to select which bus member to unfold.
After selecting the bus member, the next click will place the bus member label at the desired location. The tool automatically generates a bus entry and wire leading up to the label location. After placing the label, you can continue placing additional wire segments (for example, to connect to a component pin) and complete the wire in any of the normal ways.
Bus aliases
Bus aliases are shortcuts that allow you to work with large group buses more efficiently. They allow you to define a group bus and give it a short name that can then be used instead of the full group name across the schematic.
To create bus aliases, open the Bus Definitions dialog in the Tools menu.

An alias may be named any valid signal name. Using the dialog, you can add signals or vector buses to the alias. As a shortcut, you can type or paste in a list of signals and/or buses separated by spaces, and they will all be added to the alias definition. In this example, we define an alias called USB
with members DP
, DM
, and VBUS
.
After defining an alias, it can be used in a group bus label by putting the alias name inside the curly braces of the group bus: {USB}
. This has the same effect as labeling the bus {DP DM VBUS}
. You can also add a prefix name to the group, such as USB1{USB}
, which results in nets such as USB1.DP
as described above. For complicated buses, using aliases can make the labels on your schematic much shorter. Keep in mind that the aliases are just a shortcut, and the name of the alias is not included in the netlist.
Bus aliases are saved in the schematic file. Any aliases created in a given schematic sheet are available to use in any other schematic sheet that is in the same hierarchical design.
Buses with more than one label
KiCad 5.0 and earlier allowed the connection of bus wires with different labels together, and would join the members of these buses during netlisting. This behavior has been removed in KiCad 6.0 because it is incompatible with group buses, and also leads to confusing netlists because the name that a given signal will receive is not easily predicted.
If you open a design that made use of this feature in a modern version of KiCad, you will see the Migrate Buses dialog which guides you through updating the schematic so that only one label exists on any given set of bus wires.

For each set of bus wires that has more than one label, you must choose the label to keep. The drop-down name box lets you choose between the labels that exist in the design, or you can choose a different name by manually entering it into the new name field.
6.4.5. Power Ports
Power port symbols are conventionally used to connect pins to power nets. Power port symbols have a single pin which is invisible and marked as a power input. As described in the hidden power pins section, any wire connected to the pin of a power port is therefore automatically connected to the power net with the same name as the port’s pin.
In the KiCad standard library, power ports are found in the power
library, but power port symbols can be created in any library. To create a custom power port, make a new symbol with a hidden pin marked as a power input. Name the pin according to the desired power net.
Das Bild unten zeigt ein Beispiel für Leistungsanschluss-Verbindungen.

In this example, power ports symbols are used to connect the positive and negative terminals of the capacitors to the VCC
and GND
nets, respectively.
Power port symbols are found in the power
symbol library. They can also be created by drawing a symbol with a hidden "power input" pin that has the name of the desired power net.
6.4.6. PWR_FLAG
Two PWR_FLAG
symbols are visible in the screenshot above. They indicate to ERC that the two power nets VCC
and GND
are actually connected to a power source, as there is no explicit power source such as a voltage regulator output attached to either net.
Without these two flags, the ERC tool would diagnose: Error: Input Power pin not driven by any Output Power pins.
The PWR_FLAG
symbol is found in the power
symbol library. The same effect can be achieved by connecting any "Power Output" pin to the net.
6.4.7. No-connection flag
No-connection flags () are used to indicate that a pin is intentionally unconnected. These flags do not have any effect on the schematic’s connectivity, but they prevent "unconnected pin" ERC warnings for pins that are intentionally unconnected.
6.5. Zeichnungsergänzungen
6.5.1. Text comments and graphic lines
It can be useful to place annotations such as text fields and frames to aid in understanding the schematic. Text fields () and graphic lines (
) are intended for this use, as opposed to labels and wires, which are connection elements.
The image below shows graphic lines and text in addition to wires, local labels, and hierarchical labels.

6.5.2. Seite einrichten -Titelblock
The title block is edited with the Page Settings tool ().

Each field in the title block can be edited, as well as the paper size and orientation. If the "Export to other sheets" option is checked for a field, that field will be updated in the title block of all sheets, rather than only the current sheet.
A drawing sheet template file can also be selected.

The sheet number (Sheet X/Y) is automatically updated, but sheet page numbers can also be manually set using Edit → Edit Sheet Page Number….
6.6. Rescuing cached symbols
By default, KiCad loads symbols from the project libraries according to the set paths and library order. This can cause a problem when loading a very old project: if the symbols in the library have changed or have been removed or the library no longer exists since they were used in the project, the ones in the project would be automatically replaced with the new versions. The new versions might not line up correctly or might be oriented differently leading to a broken schematic.
When a project is saved, a cache library with the contents of the current library symbols is saved along with the schematic. This allows the project to be distributed without the full libraries. If you load a project where symbols are present both in its cache and in the system libraries, KiCad will scan the libraries for conflicts. Any conflicts found will be listed in the following dialog:

You can see in this example that the project originally used a diode with the cathode facing up, but the library now contains one with the cathode facing down. This change would break the schematic! Pressing OK here will cause the symbol cache library to be saved into a special ``rescue'' library and all the symbols are renamed to avoid naming conflicts.
If you press Cancel, no rescues will be made, so KiCad will load all the new components by default. If you save the schematic at this point, your cache will be overwritten and the old symbols will not be recoverable. If you have saved the schematic, you can still go back and run the rescue function again by selecting "Rescue Cached Components" in the "Tools" menu to call up the rescue dialog again.
If you would prefer not to see this dialog, you can press "Never Show Again". The default will be to do nothing and allow the new components to be loaded. This option can be changed back in the Libraries preferences.
7. Hierarchische Schaltpläne
7.1. Einleitung
Eine hierarchische Darstellung ist im Allgemeinen eine gute Lösung für Projekte die größer als ein paar Arbeitsblätter sind. Wenn Sie solch eine Art von Projekt verwalten müssen dann ist es nötig:
-
Große Arbeitsblätter zu verwenden, was in Problemen beim Ausdrucken und Handhaben endet.
-
Mehrere Blätter zu verwenden, was Sie zu einer hierarchischen Struktur hinführt.
Der komplette Schaltplan besteht dann aus einem Hauptschaltplan, auch Hauptblatt genannt, und Unterblättern, die die Hierarchie darstellen. Zudem erhöht ein geschicktes Unterteilen des Entwurfs in separate Blätter oft die Lesbarkeit.
From the root sheet, you must be able to find all sub-sheets. Hierarchical schematics management is very easy with KiCad, thanks to an integrated "hierarchy navigator" accessible via the icon of the top toolbar.
There are two types of hierarchy that can exist simultaneously: the first one has just been evoked and is of general use. The second consists in creating symbols in the library that appear like traditional symbols in the schematic, but which actually correspond to a schematic which describes their internal structure.
Diese zweite Art wird verwendet um integrierte Schaltungen zu entwickeln, weil Sie in diesem Fall Funktionsbibliotheken in dem zu zeichnenden Schaltplan nutzen müssen.
KiCad currently doesn’t treat this second case.
Eine Hierarchie kann folgende Art haben:
-
Einfach: Ein gegebenes Blatt wird nur einmal verwendet.
-
Komplex: Ein gegebenes Blatt wird mehr als einmal verwendet (mehrfache Instanzen).
-
Flach: Das ist eine einfache Hierarchie, aber es werden keine Verbindungen zwischen Blättern gezeichnet.
KiCad can deal with all these hierarchies.
Das Erstellen eines hierarchischen Schaltplans ist einfach, die komplette Hierarchie wird vom Hauptschaltplan aus gehandhabt, als hätten Sie nur einen Schaltplan.
Die zwei wichtigen zu verstehenden Punkte sind:
-
Wie erstellt man ein Unterblatt?
-
How to build electrical connections between sub-sheets.
7.2. Bewegen in der Hierarchie
Navigation among sub-sheets is achieved by using the navigator tool accessible via the button on the top toolbar.

Each sheet is reachable by clicking on its name. For quick access, right click on a sheet name, and choose to Enter Sheet or double click within the bounds of the sheet.
In order to exit the current sheet to the parent sheet, right click anywhere in the schematic where there is no object and select "Leave Sheet" in the context menu or press Alt+Backspace.
7.3. Lokale, hierarchische und globale Label
7.3.1. Eigenschaften
Local labels, tool , are connecting signals only within a sheet. Hierarchical labels (tool
) are connecting signals only within a sheet and to a hierarchical pin placed in the parent sheet.
Global labels (tool ) are connecting signals across all the hierarchy. Power pins (type power in and power out) invisible are like global labels because they are seen as connected between them across all the hierarchy.
Note
|
Innerhalb einer Hierarchie (einfach oder komplex) können Sie sowohl hierarchische als auch globale Label verwenden. |
7.4. Summary of hierarchy creation
Folgendes müssen Sie tun:
-
Platzieren sie im Hauptblatt ein Hierarchiesymbol "Blattsymbol".
-
Öffnen Sie den neuen Schaltplan (Unterblatt) mit dem Navigator und zeichnen Sie diesen wie jeden anderen Schaltplan.
-
Draw the electric connections between the two schematics by placing Global Labels (HLabels) in the new schematic (sub-sheet), and labels having the same name in the root sheet, known as SheetLabels. These SheetLabels will be connected to the sheet symbol of the root sheet to the other elements of the schematic like standard symbol pins.
7.5. Blattsymbol
Zeichnen Sie ein Rechteck, definiert über zwei diagonale Punkte, welches das Unterblatt symbolisiert.
Die Größe dieses Rechtecks muss es Ihnen erlauben später verschiedene Label (Hierarchieanschlüsse) zu platzieren, die mit den globalen Label (HLabels) des Unterblatts korrespondieren.
These labels are similar to usual symbol pins. Select the tool .
Klicken Sie um die obere linke Ecke des Rechtecks zu platzieren. Klicken Sie noch einmal um die linke untere Ecke zu platzieren, achten Sie auf ein ausreichend großes Rechteck.
Sie werden dann aufgefordert einen Dateinamen einzugeben und einen Schaltplannamen für dieses Unterblatt. Dieser Name wird später im Hierarchienavigator verwendet um den Schaltplan aufrufen zu können.

Sie müssen einen Dateinamen eingeben. Wenn es keinen Schaltplannamen gibt dann wird der Dateiname als Blattname verwendet. Dies ist der übliche Weg.
7.6. Verbindungen - Hierarchische Verbinder
Hier erstellen Sie die Verbindungspunkte (hierarchische Bezeichner) für das Symbol, das gerade erstellt wurde.
These points of connection are similar to normal symbol pins, with however the possibility to connect a complete bus with only one point of connection.
7.6.1. Importing Hierarchical Sheet Pins
-
Select the tool
.
-
Click on the hierarchical sheet from where you want to import the pins corresponding to hierarchical labels placed in the corresponding schematic. A hierarchical pin appears, if a new hierarchical label exists, i.e. not corresponding to an already placed pin.
-
Klicken Sie dorthin wo Sie diesen Anschluss platzieren wollen.
All necessary pins can thus be placed quickly and without error. Their aspect is in accordance with corresponding hierarchical labels.
7.7. Verbindungen - Hierarchische Labels
Each pin of the sheet symbol just created, must correspond to a label called hierarchical Label in the sub-sheet. Hierarchical labels are similar to labels, but they provide connections between sub-sheet and root sheet. The graphical representation of the two complementary labels (pin and hierarchical labels) is similar. Hierarchical labels are made with the tool .
Siehe nachfolgendes Beispiel eines Hauptblattes:

Beachten Sie den Anschluss VCC_PIC, der mit dem Jumper JP1 verbunden ist.
Und dies sind die zugehörigen Verbindungen auf dem Unterblatt:

Sie sehen wieder die beiden korrespondierenden hierarchischen Label, die eine Verbindung zwischen den beiden hierarchischen Blättern herstellen.
Note
|
Sie können hierarchische Label und hierarchische Anschlüsse verwenden, um zwei Busse zu verbinden, entsprechend der Syntax (Bus[N..m]) wie schon beschrieben (siehe Abschnitt 5.5.3). |
7.7.1. Labels, hierarchische Labels, globale Labels und unsichtbare Spannungsversorgungsanschlüsse
Einige Anmerkungen zu verschiedenen Arten eine Verbindung herzustellen, anders als über durch Leitungen.
Einfache Label
Einfache Label können nur lokale Punkte verbinden, d.h. begrenzt auf das Schaltplanblatt wo diese platziert sind. Das kommt daher da:
-
Jedes Blatt hat eine Blattnummer.
-
Die Blattnummer ist mit dem Label verbunden.
Also, wenn Sie ein Label "TOTO" auf Blatt 3 platzieren, dann ist das tatsächliche Label "TOTO_3". Wenn Sie ein Label "TOTO" ebenfalls auf Blatt 1 (dem Hauptblatt) platzieren, erstellen Sie eigentlich ein Label "TOTO_1" welches sich durch den angehängten Suffix von "TOTO_3" unterscheidet. Dieses Verhalten ist auch gegeben wenn es nur ein Blatt im Projekt gibt.
Hierarchische Label
Was für einfache Label gesagt wurde, gilt auch für hierarchische Label.
Thus in the same sheet, a hierarchical label "TOTO" is considered to be connected to a local label "TOTO", but not connected to a hierarchical label or label called "TOTO" in another sheet.
A hierarchical label is considered to be connected to the corresponding sheet pin symbol in the hierarchical symbol placed in the parent sheet.
Unsichtbare Spannungsanschlüsse
It was seen that invisible power pins were connected together if they have the same name. Thus all the power pins declared "Invisible Power Pins" and named VCC are connected all symbol invisible power pins named VCC only within the sheet they are placed.
Das bedeutet, wenn Sie ein Label "VCC" in einem Unterblatt platzieren, wird es nicht mit VCC Anschlüssen verbunden, weil dieses Label eigentlich VCC_n heißt, wobei n die Blattnummer ist.
If you want this label VCC to be really connected to the VCC for the entire schematic, it will have to be explicitly connected to an invisible power pin via a VCC power symbol.
7.7.2. Globale Label
Globale Label, die einen identischen Namen haben, sind über alle Schaltplanseiten miteinander verbunden.
Label für Spannungen wie VCC, … sind globale Label.
7.8. Komplexe Hierarchie
Here is an example. The same schematic is used twice (two instances). The two sheets share the same schematic because the file name is the same for the two sheets (``other_sheet.sch''). The sheet names must be unique.

7.9. Flache Hierarchie
You can create a project using many sheets without creating connections between these sheets (flat hierarchy) if the following rules are observed:
-
Create a root sheet containing the other sheets which acts as a link between others sheets.
-
Es werden keine expliziten Verbindungen benötigt.
-
Use global labels instead of hierarchical labels in all sheets.
Hier ist ein Beispiel eines Hauptblattes.

Hier sind die zwei Blätter, verbunden über globale Label.
Dies ist ein Ausschnitt aus dem Schaltplan pic_programmer.sch.

Und der zugehörige Ausschnitt aus pic_sockets.sch.

Schauen Sie auf die globalen Labels.

8. Symbol Annotation Tool
8.1. Einleitung
The annotation tool allows you to automatically assign a designator to symbols in your schematic. Annotation of symbols with multiple units will assign a unique suffix to minimize the number of these symbols. The annotation tool is accessible via the icon . Here you find its main window.

Available annotation schemes:
-
Annotate all the symbols (reset existing annotation option)
-
Annotate all the symbols, but do not swap any previously annotated multi-unit parts.
-
Annotate only symbols that are currently not annotated. Symbols that are not annotated will have a designator which ends with a '?' character.
-
Ganze Hierarchie annotieren (alle Schaltpläne).
-
Nur aktuelles Blatt annotieren (Nur den gegenwärtigen Schaltplan bearbeiten).
The Reset, but do not swap any annotated multi-unit parts option keeps all existing associations between symbols with multiple units. For example, U2A and U2B may be reannotated to U1A and U1B respectively but they will never be reannotated to U1A and U2A, nor to U2B and U2A. This is useful if you want to ensure that pin groupings are maintained.
Die Auswahl der Annotationsreihenfolge legt die Methode fest, die verwendet wird um die Referenznummerierung innerhalb jeden Blattes der Hierarchie durchzuführen.
Außer in speziellen Fällen wird eine automatische Beschriftung für das gesamte Projekt (alle Arbeitsblätter) und für alle neuen Bauteile durchgeführt, wenn Sie keine bestehenden Beschriftungen ändern wollen.
The Annotation Choice gives the method used to calculate reference:
-
Use first free number in schematic: components are annotated from 1 (for each reference prefix). If a previous annotation exists, only unused numbers will be used.
-
Verwende erste freie Nummer bis Schaltplannummer x 100: Beschriftung startet von 101 für Blatt 1, und von 201 für Blatt 2, usw. Wenn es mehr als 99 Bauteile mit dem gleichen Referenzpräfix (U, R, …) auf Blatt 1 gibt, wird das Annotierungs-Werkzeug die Nummer 200 und folgende verwenden. Die Beschriftung auf Blatt 2 wird dann mit der nächsten freien Nummer fortgesetzt.
-
Verwende erste freie Nummer bis Schaltplannummer x 1000. Beschriftung startet mit 1001 auf Blatt 1, mit 2001 auf Blatt 2.
8.2. Einige Beispiele
8.2.1. Reihenfolge der Annotation
Dieses Beispiel zeigt 5 platzierte Bauteile, die aber noch nicht annotiert worden sind.

Nachdem das Annotationswerkzeug ausgeführt wurde, erhält man dieses Ergebnis.
Sortiert nach X-Position.

Sortiert nach Y-Position.

Sie können sehen, dass vier 74LS00 Gatter im U1 Bauteil verteilt wurden und das fünfte 74LS00 Gatter wurde dem nächsten Bauteil U2 zugewiesen.
8.2.2. Annotationsauswahl
Hier ist eine Beschriftung in Blatt 2 wo die Option "Verwende erste Nummer im Schaltplan" gesetzt wurde.

Option "Verwende erste freie Nummer bis Schaltplannummer x 100" ergibt folgendes Ergebnis.

Option "Verwende erste freie Nummer bis Schaltplannummer x 1000" ergibt folgendes Ergebnis.

9. Assigning Footprints
Before routing a PCB, footprints need to be selected for every component that will be assembled on the board. Footprints define the copper connections between physical components and the routed traces on a circuit board.
Some symbols come with footprints pre-assigned, but for many symbols there are multiple possible footprints, so the user needs to select the appropriate one.
KiCad offers several ways to assign footprints:
-
Symbol Properties
-
Symbol Properties Dialog
-
Symbol Fields Table
-
-
While placing symbols
-
Footprint Assignment Tool
Each method will be explained below. Which to use is a matter of preference; one method may be more convenient depending on the situation. All of these methods are equivalent in that they store the name of the selected footprint in the symbol’s Footprint
field.
Note
|
The Footprint Library Table needs to be configured before footprints can be assigned. For information on configuring the Footprint Library Table, please see the PCB Editor manual. |
9.1. Assigning Footprints in Symbol Properties
A symbol’s Footprint
field can be edited directly in the symbol’s Properties window.
Clicking the button in the
Footprint
field opens the Footprint Library Browser, which shows the available footprints and footprint libraries. Single clicking a footprint name selects the footprint and displays it in the preview pane on the right, while double clicking on a footprint closes the browser and sets the symbol’s Footprint
field to the selected footprint.
9.1.1. Assigning Footprints with the Symbol Fields Table
Rather than editing the properties of each symbol individually, the Symbol Fields Table can be used to view and edit the properties of all symbols in the design in one place. This includes assigning footprints by editing the Footprint
field of each symbol.
The Symbol Fields Table is accessed with Tools → Edit Symbol Fields…, or with the button on the top toolbar.
The Footprint
field behaves the same here as in the Symbol Properties window: it can be edited directly, or footprints can be selected visually with the Footprint Library Browser.
For more information on the Symbol Fields Table, see the section on editing symbol properties.
9.2. Assigning Footprints While Placing Symbols
Footprints can be assigned to symbols when the symbol is first added to the schematic.
Some symbols are defined with a default footprint. These symbols will have this footprint preassigned when they are added to the schematic. The default footprint is shown in the Add Symbol dialog. For symbols without a default symbol defined, the footprint dropdown will say "No default footprint", and the footprint preview canvas will say "No footprint specified".
Symbols can have footprint filters that specify which footprints are appropriate to use with that symbol. If footprint filters are defined for the selected symbol, all footprints that match the footprint filters will appear as options in the footprint dropdown. The selected footprint will be displayed in the preview canvas and will be assigned to the symbol when the symbol is added to the schematic.
Note
|
Footprint options will not appear in the footprint dropdown unless the footprint libraries are loaded. Footprint libraries are loaded the first time the Footprint Editor or Footprint Library Browser are opened in a session. |
For more information on footprint filters, see the Symbol Editor Documentation.
9.3. Assigning Footprints with the Footprint Assignment Tool
The Footprint Assignment Tool allows you to associate symbols in your schematic to footprints used when laying out the printed circuit board. It provides footprint list filtering, footprint viewing, and 3D component model viewing to help ensure the correct footprint is associated with each component.
Components can be assigned to their corresponding footprints manually or automatically by creating equivalence files (.equ files). Equivalence files are lookup tables associating each component with its footprint.
Run the tool with Tools → Assign Footprints…, or by clicking the icon in the top toolbar.
9.3.1. Footprint Assignment Tool Overview
The image below shows the main window of the Footprint Assignment Tool.

-
The left pane contains the list of available footprint libraries associated with the project.
-
The center pane contains the list of symbols in the schematic.
-
The right pane contains the list of available footprints loaded from the project footprint libraries.
-
The bottom pane describes the filters that have been applied to the footprint list and prints information about the footprint selected in the rightmost pane.
The top toolbar contains the following commands:
Transfer the current footprint associations to the schematic. |
|
Edit the global and project footprint library tables. |
|
View the selected footprint in the footprint viewer. |
|
Select the previous symbol without a footprint association. |
|
Select the next symbol without a footprint association. |
|
Undo last edit. |
|
Redo last edit. |
|
Perform automatic footprint association using an equivalence file. |
|
Delete all footprint assignments. |
|
Filter footprint list by footprint filters defined in the selected symbol. |
|
Filter footprint list by pin count of the selected symbol. |
|
Filter footprint list by selected library. |
The following table lists the keyboard commands for the Footprint Assignment Tool:
Right Arrow / Tab |
Activate the pane to the right of the currently activated pane. Wrap around to the first pane if the last pane is currently activated. |
Left Arrow |
Activate the pane to the left of the currently activated pane. Wrap around to the last pane if the first pane is currently activated. |
Up Arrow |
Select the previous item of the currently selected list. |
Down Arrow |
Select the next item of the currently selected list. |
Page Up |
Select the item one full page upwards of the currently selected item. |
Page Down |
Select the item one full page downwards of the currently selected item. |
Home |
Select the first item of the currently selected list. |
End |
Select the last item of the currently selected list. |
9.3.2. Manually Assigning Footprints with the Footprint Assignment Tool
To manually associate a footprint with a component, first select a component in the component (middle) pane. Then select a footprint in the footprint (right) pane by double-clicking on the name of the desired footprint. The footprint will be assigned to the selected component, and the next component without an assigned footprint is automatically selected.
Note
|
If no footprints appear in the footprint pane, check that the footprint filter options are correctly applied. |
When all components have footprints assigned to them, click the OK button to save the assignments and exit the tool. Alternatively, click Cancel to discard the updated assignments, or Apply, Save Schematic & Continue to save the new assignments without exiting the tool.
Footprintliste filtern
There are four filtering options which restrict which footprints are displayed in the footprint pane. The filtering options are enabled and disabled with three buttons and a textbox in the top toolbar.
-
: Activate filters that can be defined in each symbol. For example, an opamp symbol might define filters that show only SOIC and DIP footprints.
-
: Only show footprints that match the selected symbol’s pin count.
-
: Only show footprints from the library selected in the left pane.
-
Entering text in the textbox hides footprints that do not match the text. This filter is disabled when the box is empty.
When all filters are disabled, the full footprint list is shown.
The applied filters are described in the bottom pane of the window, along with the number of footprints that meet the selected filters. For example, when the symbol’s footprint filters and pin count filters are enabled, the bottom pane prints the footprint filters and pin count:

Multiple filters can be used at once to help narrow down the list of possibly appropriate footprints in the footprint pane. The symbols in KiCad’s standard library define footprint filters that are designed to be used in combination with the pin count filter.
9.3.3. Automatically Assigning Footprints with the Footprint Assignment Tool
The Footprint Assignment Tool allows you to store footprint assignments in an external file and load the assignments later, even in a different project. This allows you to automatically associate symbols with the appropriate footprints.
The external file is referred to as an equivalence file, and it stores a mapping of a symbol value to a corresponding footprint. Equivalence files typically use the .equ
file extension. Equivalence files are plain text files with a simple syntax, and must be created by the user using a text editor. The syntax is described below.
You can select which equivalence files to use by clicking Preferences → Manage Footprint Association Files in the Footprint Assignment Tool.

-
Add new equivalence files by clicking the Add button.
-
Remove the selected equivalence file by clicking the Remove button.
-
Change the priority of equivalence files by clicking the Move Up and Move Down buttons. If a symbol’s value is found in multiple equivalence files, the footprint from the last matching equivalence file will override earlier equivalence files.
-
Open the selected equivalence file by clicking the Edit File button.
Relevant environment variables are shown at the bottom of the window. When the Relative path option is checked, these environment variables will automatically be used to make paths to selected equivalence files relative to the project or footprint libraries.
Once the desired equivalence files have been loaded in the correct order, automatic footprint association can be performed by clicking the button in the top toolbar of the Footprint Assignment Tool.
All symbols with a value found in a loaded equivalence file will have their footprints automatically assigned. However, symbols that already have footprints assigned will not be updated.
Äquivalenzdatei Format
Equivalence files consist of one line for each symbol value. Each line has the following structure:
'<symbol value>' '<footprint library>:<footprint name>'
Each name/value must be surrounded by single quotes ('
) and separated by one or more spaces. Lines starting with #
are comments.
For example, if you want all symbols with the value LM4562
to be assigned the footprint Package_SO:SOIC-8_3.9x4.9_P1.27mm
, the line in the equivalence file should be:
'LM4562' 'Package_SO:SOIC-8_3.9x4.9_P1.27mm'
Hier ist ein Beispiel einer Äquivalenzdatei:
#regulators 'LP2985LV' 'Package_TO_SOT_SMD:SOT-23-5_HandSoldering' ```
==== Den aktuellen Footprint anzeigen
The Footprint Assignment Tool contains a footprint viewer. Clicking the image:images/icons/icon_footprint_browser_24.png[footprint viewer icon] button in the top toolbar launches the footprint viewer and shows the selected footprint.
image::images/de/footprint_view.png[scaledwidth="90%", alt="Den aktuellen Footprint anzeigen"]
The top toolbar contains the following commands:
[width="90%", cols="10%,90%"]
|=======================================================================
|image:images/icons/refresh_24.png[]
|Refresh view
|image:images/icons/zoom_in_24.png[]
|Zoom in
|image:images/icons/zoom_out_24.png[]
|Zoom out
|image:images/icons/zoom_fit_in_page_24.png[]
|Zoom to fit drawing in display area
|image:images/icons/shape_3d_24.png[]
|Show 3D viewer
|=======================================================================
The left toolbar contains the following commands:
[width="90%", cols="10%,90%"]
|=======================================================================
|image:images/icons/cursor_24.png[]
|Use the select tool
|image:images/icons/measurement_24.png[]
|Interactively measure between two points
|image:images/icons/grid_24.png[]
|Display grid dots or lines
|image:images/icons/polar_coord_24.png[]
|Switch between polar and cartesian coordinate systems
|image:images/icons/unit_inch_24.png[]
|Use inches
|image:images/icons/unit_mil_24.png[]
|Display coordinates in mils (1/1000 of an inch)
|image:images/icons/unit_mm_24.png[]
|Display coordinates in millimeters
|image:images/icons/cursor_shape_24.png[]
|Toggle display of full-window crosshairs
|image:images/icons/pad_number_24.png[]
|Toggle between drawing pads in sketch or normal mode
|image:images/icons/pad_sketch_24.png[]
|Toggle between drawing pads in normal mode or outline mode
|image:images/icons/text_sketch_24.png[]
|Toggle between drawing text in normal mode or outline mode
|image:images/icons/show_mod_edge_24.png[]
|Toggle between drawing graphic lines in normal mode or outline mode
|=======================================================================
===== Anzeige des aktuellen 3D-Modells
Clicking the image:images/icons/shape_3d_24.png[3D Viewer icon] button opens the footprint in the 3D model viewer.
NOTE: If a 3D model does not exist for the current footprint, only the footprint itself will be shown in the 3D Viewer.
image::images/de/3d_window.png[scaledwidth="90%", alt="3D-Modell Ansicht"]
The 3D Viewer is described in the xref:../pcbnew/pcbnew_inspecting.adoc#threed-viewer[PCB Editor manual].
:experimental:
[[erc]]
== Entwurfsprüfung mit ERC (Elektrische Regel Prüfung)
=== Einleitung
The Electrical Rules Check (ERC) tool performs an automatic check of your schematic. The ERC checks for any errors in your sheet, such as unconnected pins, unconnected hierarchical symbols, shorted outputs, etc. ERC output is reported as errors or warnings depending on the severity of the issue detected.
Naturally, an automatic check is not infallible, and it is not possible to detect all design errors. Such a check is still very useful, because it allows you to detect many oversights and small errors. All detected issues should be checked and addressed before proceeding.
The quality of the ERC is directly related to the care taken in declaring electrical pin properties during symbol library creation.
image::images/de/dialog_erc.png[alt="ERC Dialog", scaledwidth="70%"]
[[how-to-use-erc]]
=== ERC Benutzung
ERC can be started by clicking on the icon image:images/icons/erc_24.png[ERC icon].
Warnungen werden auf den Schaltplanelementen platziert, die einen ERC Fehler verursachen (z.B. Anschlüsse oder Label).
[NOTE]
====
* Im Dialogfenster können Sie durch anklicken der Fehlermeldung auf die zugehörige Markierung im Schaltplan springen.
* Und umgekehrt bewirkt ein Doppelklick mit der linken Maustaste auf einer Markierung im Schaltplan die Anzeige des zugehörigen Prüfergebnisses.
====
You can also delete error markers from the dialog and set specific ERC messages to be suppressed by using the right-click context menu.
image::images/erc_ignore_warning.png[alt="Ignore ERC warning", scaledwidth="70%"]
[[example-of-erc]]
=== Beispiel eines ERC mit Fehlern
image::images/de/erc_pointers.png[alt="ERC Markierungen", scaledwidth="70%"]
Hier sehen Sie vier Fehler:
* Zwei Ausgänge wurden fehlerhaft miteinander verbunden (roter Pfeil am Pin 6).
* Zwei Eingänge wurden offen gelassen (grüner Pfeil an den Pins 4 und 5).
* Es gibt einen Fehler an einem ausgeblendeten Spannungsanschluss, die Markierung der Spannungsversorgung fehlt (grüner Pfeil am Gatter U1B).
[[displaying-diagnostics]]
=== Prüfergebnisse anzeigen
Mit doppelten Linksklick oder bei mehrfachen Auswahlmöglichkeiten unter dem Cursor nach Auswahl der Fehlermarkierung bei einem Rechtsklick zeigt Ihnen das Pop-Up Menü das Prüfergebnis zur Markierung.
image::images/de/erc_pointers_info.png[alt="Anwahl ERC Markierung", scaledwidth="70%"]
Wenn Sie auf den Marker zur Fehlerinformation klicken, erhalten Sie eine Beschreibung des Fehlers.
image::images/de/erc_pointers_message.png[alt="ERC pointers message", scaledwidth="80%"]
[[power-pins-and-power-flags]]
=== Spannungsversorgungsanschlüsse und Markierungen von Spannungsversorgungen
It is common to have an error or a warning on power pins, as shown in the example above, even though all seems normal. This happens in designs where the power is provided through connectors or other components that are not marked as power sources (unlike a regulator output, which is represented by a Power Out pin). Therefore ERC won't detect any Power Out pin connected to the net and will determine it is not driven by a power source.
To avoid this warning, connect the net to `PWR_FLAG` symbol on such a power net as shown in the following example. The `PWR_FLAG` symbol is found in the `power` symbol library. Alternatively, connect any power output pin to the net; `PWR_FLAG` is simply a symbol with a single power output pin.
image::images/eeschema_power_pins_and_flags.png[alt="Power pins and flags", scaledwidth="70%"]
Die Fehlermarkierung wird dann verschwinden.
Ground nets often need a `PWR_FLAG` as well, because voltage regulators have outputs declared as power outputs, but their ground pins are typically marked as power inputs. Therefore grounds can appear unconnected to a source unless a `PWR_FLAG` symbol is used.
[[configuration]]
=== Konfiguration
The _Pin Conflicts Map_ panel in Schematic Setup allows you to configure connectivity rules to define electrical conditions for errors and warnings based on what types of pins are connected to each other
image::images/de/dialog_erc_opts.png[alt="Schematic ERC Pin Conflicts Map", scaledwidth="70%"]
Die Regeln können durch Klicken auf das gewünschte Kästchen in der Matrix geändert werden, es wird bei jedem Klick durch die Auswahl mit diesen Optionen fortlaufend iteriert: Normal, Warnung, Fehler.
image::images/eeschema_erc_severity.png[alt="Schematic ERC severity settings", scaledwidth="70%"]
The _Violation Severity_ panel in Schematic Setup lets you configure what types of ERC messages should be reported as Errors, Warnings or ignored.
[[erc-report-file]]
=== ERC Protokolldatei
Eine ERC Protokolldatei kann erstellt und abgespeichert werden indem die Option "ERC Protokolldatei erstellen" aktiviert wird. Die Dateiendung für eine ERC Protokolldatei ist .erc. Hier ist ein Beispiel einer ERC Protokolldatei:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
ERC control (4/1/1997-14:16:4)
***** Sheet 1 (INTERFACE UNIVERSAL)
ERC: Warning Pin input Unconnected @ 8.450, 2.350
ERC: Warning passive Pin Unconnected @ 8.450, 1.950
ERC: Warning: BiDir Pin connected to power Pin (Net 6) @ 10.100, 3.300
ERC: Warning: Power Pin connected to BiDir Pin (Net 6) @ 4.950, 1.400
>> Errors ERC: 4
----------------------------------------------------------------------
:experimental:
[[schematic-to-pcb]]
== Transfer Schematic to PCB
=== Überblick
Use the Update PCB from Schematic tool to sync design information from the Schematic Editor to the Board Editor. The tool can be accessed with **Tools** -> **Update PCB from Schematic** (kbd:[F8]) in both the schematic and board editors. You can also use the image:images/icons/update_pcb_from_sch_24.png[Update PCB from Schematic icon] icon in the top toolbar of the Board Editor.
NOTE: Update PCB from Schematic is the preferred way to transfer design information from the schematic to the PCB. In older versions of KiCad, the equivalent process was to export a netlist from the Schematic Editor and import it into the Board Editor. It is no longer necessary to use a netlist file.
image::images/update_pcb_from_schematic.png[alt="Update PCB from schematic", scaledwidth="70%"]
The tool adds the footprint for each symbol to the board and transfers updated schematic information to the board. In particular, the board's net connections are updated to match the schematic.
The changes that will be made to the PCB are listed in the _Changes To Be Applied_ pane. The PCB is not modified until you click the **Update PCB** button.
You can show or hide different types of messages using the checkboxes at the bottom of the window. A report of the changes can be saved to a file using the **Save...** button.
=== Options
The tool has several options to control its behavior.
[cols="1,2"]
|===
| Option | Description
| Re-link footprints to schematic symbols based on their reference designators
| Footprints are normally linked to schematic symbols via a unique identifier
created when the symbol is added to the schematic. A symbol's unique identifier
cannot be changed.
If checked, each footprint in the PCB will be re-linked to the symbol that has
the same reference designator as the footprint.
If unchecked, footprints and symbols will be linked by unique identifier as
usual, rather than by reference designator. Each footprint's reference
designator will be updated to match the reference designator of its linked
symbol.
This option should generally be left unchecked. It is useful for specific
workflows that rely on changing the links between schematic symbols and
footprints, such as refactoring a schematic for easier layout or replicating
layout between identical channels of a design.
| Delete footprints with no symbols
| If checked, any footprint in the PCB without a corresponding symbol in the
schematic will be deleted from the PCB. Footprints with the "Not in schematic"
attribute will be unaffected.
If unchecked, footprints without a corresponding symbol will not be deleted.
| Replace footprints with those specified in the schematic
| If checked, footprints in the PCB will be replaced with the footprint that is
specified in the corresponding schematic symbol.
If unchecked, footprints that are already in the PCB will not be changed, even
if the schematic symbol is updated to specify a different footprint.
|===
:experimental:
[[plot-and-print]]
== Plotten und Drucken
=== Einleitung
Sie können auf die Druck- und Plotbefehle über das Menü "Datei" zugreifen.
image::images/de/eeschema_file_menu_plot.png[alt="Auswahl der Befehle für Drucken und Plotten", scaledwidth="60%"]
The supported output formats are Postscript, PDF, SVG, DXF and HPGL. You can also directly print to your printer.
[[common-printing-commands]]
=== Übliche Druckbefehle:
Aktuelle Seite drucken:: Druckt eine Datei nur für das aktuelle Arbeitsblatt.
Alle Seiten drucken:: Erlaubt es Ihnen die ganze Hierarchie auszudrucken (für jedes Arbeitsblatt wird eine Druckdatei erzeugt).
[[plot-in-postscript]]
=== Ausgabe nach Postscript
Dieser Befehl erlaubt es Ihnen Postscriptdateien zu erzeugen.
image::images/de/eeschema_plot_postscript.png[alt="Druckdialog für Postscriptausgabe", scaledwidth="70%"]
Der Dateiname ist der des Schaltplans mit der Erweiterung .ps. Sie können die Option "Schaltplanumrahmung und -betitelung drucken" abwählen. Das ist hilfreich, wenn Sie eine gekapselte Postscriptdatei erzeugen wollen (Dateiformat .eps), wie es häufig verwendet wird um Diagramme in einer Textverarbeitungssoftware einzufügen. Das Benachrichtigungsfenster zeigt den Dateinamen der erzeugten Datei.
[[plot-in-pdf]]
=== Ausgabe nach PDF
image::images/de/eeschema_plot_pdf.png[alt="Druckdialog für PDF Ausgabe", scaledwidth="70%"]
Erlaubt es Ihnen Druckdateien im PDF Format zu erstellen. Der Dateiname ist der Schaltplanname mit der Erweiterung .pdf.
[[plot-in-svg]]
=== Ausgabe nach SVG
image::images/de/eeschema_plot_svg.png[alt="Druckdialog für SVG Ausgabe", scaledwidth="70%"]
Erlaubt es Ihnen Druckdateien im vektorisierten SVG Format zu erstellen. Der Dateiname ist der Blattname mit der Erweiterung .svg.
[[plot-in-dxf]]
=== Ausgabe nach DXF
image::images/de/eeschema_plot_dxf.png[alt="Druckdialog für DXF Ausgabe", scaledwidth="70%"]
Erlaubt es Ihnen Druckdateien im DXF Format zu erstellen. Der Dateiname ist der Blattname mit der Erweiterung .dxf.
[[plot-in-hpgl]]
=== Ausgabe nach HPGL
Dieser Befehl erlaubt es Ihnen eine HPGL Datei zu erstellen. In diesem Format können Sie festlegen:
* Blattgröße
* (Koordinaten-)Ursprung
* Stiftdicke in mm.
Das Dialogfenster der Plottereinstellungen sieht wie folgt aus:
image::images/de/eeschema_plot_hpgl.png[alt="Druckdialog für HPGL Ausgabe", scaledwidth="70%"]
Die Ausgabedatei wird den Schaltplannamen plus die Erweiterung .plt haben.
[[sheet-size-selection]]
==== Auswahl der Seitengröße
Die Seitengröße ist normalerweise auf die Schaltplangröße gesetzt. In diesem Fall wird die im Titelblock festgelegte Blattgröße verwendet und der gewählte Maßstab wird 1:1 sein. Wenn eine andere Blattgröße ausgewählt wird (A4 bis A0 oder A bis E) wird der Maßstab automatisch angepasst, um die Seite zu füllen.
[[offset-adjustments]]
==== Offset Anpassungen
Für alle Standardabmessungen können Sie den Offset anpassen, um die Zeichnung so präzise wie möglich zu zentrieren. Weil Plotter ihren (Koordinaten-)Ursprung in der Mitte oder in der unteren linken Ecke des Blattes haben, ist es notwendig einen Ursprung festzulegen, um korrekt drucken zu können.
Allgemein ausgedrückt:
* Für Plotter, die ihren Koordinatenursprung in der Mitte des Blattes haben, muss der Offset negativ sein und auf die Hälfte der Blattabmessungen gesetzt werden.
* Für Plotter die ihren Koordinatenursprung an der unteren linken Ecke haben muss der Offset auf 0 gesetzt werden.
Um einen Offset einzustellen:
* Wählen Sie die Blattgröße.
* Setzen Sie den Offset X und Offset Y.
* Klicken Sie auf Offset übernehmen.
[[print-on-paper]]
=== Drucken auf Papier
This command, available via the icon image:images/icons/print_button_24.png[Print icon], allows you to visualize and generate design files for the standard printer.
image::images/de/print_dialog.png[alt="Druckdialog für Druckerausgabe", scaledwidth="50%"]
Die Option "Drucke Schaltplanreferenz und Schaltplanbetitelung" schaltet Blattreferenzen und Titelblock ein oder aus.
Die Option "Drucke Schwarz-Weiß" setzt den einfarbigen Druckmodus. Diese Option wird allgemein benötigt wenn sie einen Schwarzweiß Laserdrucker verwenden, weil sonst Farben in Halbtönen ausgegeben werden und häufig nicht gut lesbar sind.
:experimental:
[[symbol-editor]]
== Symbol Editor
[[general-information-about-symbol-libraries]]
=== General Information About Symbol Libraries
A symbol is a schematic element which contains a graphical representation, electrical connections, and text fields describing the symbol. Symbols used in a schematic are stored in symbol libraries. KiCad provides a symbol editing tool that allows you to create libraries, add, delete or transfer symbols between libraries, export symbols to files, and import symbols from files. The symbol editing tool provides a simple way to manage symbols and symbol libraries.
[[symbol-library-overview]]
=== Symbol Library Overview
A symbol library is composed of one or more symbols. Generally the symbols are logically grouped by function, type, and/or manufacturer.
A symbol is composed of:
* Graphical items (lines, circles, arcs, text, etc.) that determine how symbol looks in a schematic.
* Pins which have both graphic properties (line, clock, inverted, low level active, etc.) and electrical properties (input, output, bidirectional, etc.) used by the Electrical Rules Check (ERC) tool.
* Feldern für die Referenz, den Wert, zugehörige Footprintnamen für Leiterplattenentwurf, usw.
Symbols can be derived from another symbol in the same library. Derived symbols share the base symbol's graphical shape and pin definitions, but can override the base symbol's property fields (value, footprint, footprint filters, datasheet, description, etc.). Derived symbols can be used to define symbols that are similar to a base part. For example, 74LS00, 74HC00, and 7437 symbols could all be derived from a 7400 symbol. In previous versions of KiCad, derived symbols were referred to as aliases.
Proper symbol designing requires:
* Defining if the symbol is made up of one or more units.
* Defining if the symbol has an alternate body style (also known as a De Morgan representation).
* Dem Entwerfen seiner grafischen Darstellung mit Linien, Rechtecken, Kreisen, Polygonen und Text.
* Das Hinzufügen von Anschlüssen (Pins) unter sorgfältiger Festlegung der grafischen Elemente jedes Anschlusses, des Namens, der Nummer und der elektrischen Eigenschaften (Eingang, Ausgang, Tri-State, Spannungsausgang, usw.).
* Determining if the symbol should be derived from another symbol with the same graphical design and pin definition.
* Das Ergänzen von optionalen Feldern, wie der Name des Footprints, der für den Leiterplattenentwurf verwendet werden soll, und/oder die Festlegung ihrer Sichtbarkeit (im Schaltplan).
* Documenting the symbol by adding a description string and links to data sheets, etc.
* Das Abspeichern des Bauteils in der gewünschten Bibliothek.
[[symbol-library-editor-overview]]
=== Symbol Library Editor Overview
The symbol library editor main window is shown below. It consists of three tool bars for quick access to common features and a symbol viewing/editing area. Not all commands are available on the tool bars but can be accessed using the menus.
image::images/de/libedit_main_window.png[alt="Symbol Editor main window", scaledwidth="95%"]
[[main-toolbar]]
==== Hauptwerkzeugleiste
The main tool bar is located at the top of the main window. It consists of the undo/redo commands, zoom commands, symbol properties dialogs, and unit/representation management controls.
image::images/de/toolbar_libedit.png[alt="Symbol Editor toolbar", scaledwidth="95%"]
[width="100%", cols="20%,80%"]
|=======================================================================
|image:images/icons/new_component_24.png[New symbol icon]
|Create a new symbol in the selected library.
|image:images/icons/save_24.png[Save icon]
|Save the currently selected library. All modified symbols in the library will
be saved.
|image:images/icons/undo_24.png[Undo icon]
|Undo last edit.
|image:images/icons/redo_24.png[Redo icon]
|Redo last undo.
|image:images/icons/refresh_24.png[Refresh icon]|Refresh display.
|image:images/icons/zoom_in_24.png[Zoom in icon]|Zoom in.
|image:images/icons/zoom_out_24.png[Zoom out icon]|Zoom out.
|image:images/icons/zoom_fit_in_page_24.png[Zoom to fit page icon]|Zoom to fit symbol in display.
|image:images/icons/zoom_selection_24.png[Zoom to selection icon]|Zoom to fit selection.
|image:images/icons/rotate_ccw_24.png[Rotate counterclockwise icon]|Rotate counter-clockwise.
|image:images/icons/rotate_cw_24.png[Rotate clockwise icon]|Rotate clockwise.
|image:images/icons/mirror_h_24.png[Mirror horizontally icon]|Mirror horizontally.
|image:images/icons/mirror_v_24.png[Mirror vertically icon]|Mirror vertically.
|image:images/icons/part_properties_24.png[Symbol properties icon]
|Edit the current symbol properties.
|image:images/icons/pin_table_24.png[Pin table icon]
|Edit the symbol's pins in a tablular interface.
|image:images/icons/datasheet_24.png[Datasheet icon]
|Open the symbol's datasheet. The button will be disabled if no datasheet is
defined for the current symbol.
|image:images/icons/erc_24.png[ERC icon]
|Test the current symbol for design errors.
|image:images/icons/morgan1_24.png[Normal body style icon]
|Select the normal body style. The button is disabled if the current
symbol does not have an alternate body style.
|image:images/icons/morgan2_24.png[Alternate body style icon]
|Select the alternate body style. The button is disabled if the current
symbol does not have an alternate body style.
|image:images/toolbar_libedit_part.png[alt="Unit dropdown",width="80%"]
|Select the unit to display. The drop down control will be disabled if
the current symbol is not derived from a symbol with multiple units.
|image:images/icons/pin2pin_24.png[Synchronized pin edit mode icon]
|Enable synchronized pins edit mode. When this mode is enabled, any pin
modifications are propagated to all other symbol units. Pin number changes are
not propagated. This mode is automatically enabled for symbols with multiple
interchangeable units and cannot be enabled for symbols with only one unit.
|image:images/icons/add_symbol_to_schematic_24.png[Add symbol to schematic icon]
Insert current symbol into schematic.
|=======================================================================
[[element-toolbar]]
==== Werkzeugleiste Elemente
The vertical toolbar located on the right hand side of the main window allows you to place all of the elements required to design a symbol.
[width="100%", cols="10%,90%"]
|=======================================================================
|image:images/icons/cursor_24.png[Cursor icon]
|Select tool. Right-clicking with the select tool opens the context menu
for the object under the cursor. Left-clicking with the select tool
displays the attributes of the object under the cursor in the message
panel at the bottom of the main window. Double-left-clicking with the
select tool will open the properties dialog for the object under the
cursor.
|image:images/icons/pin_24.png[Pin icon]
|Pin tool. Left-click to add a new pin.
|image:images/icons/text_24.png[Text icon]
|Graphical text tool. Left-click to add a new graphical text item.
|image:images/icons/add_rectangle_24.png[Add rectangle icon]
|Rectangle tool. Left-click to begin drawing the first corner of a
graphical rectangle. Left-click again to place the opposite corner of
the rectangle.
|image:images/icons/add_circle_24.png[Add circle icon]
|Circle tool. Left-click to begin drawing a new graphical circle from
the center. Left-click again to define the radius of the circle.
|image:images/icons/add_arc_24.png[Add arc icon]
|Arc tool. Left-click to begin drawing a new graphical arc item from the
first arc end point. Left-click again to define the second arc end point.
Adjust the radius by dragging the arc center point.
|image:images/icons/add_line_24.png[Add line icon]
|Connected line tool. Left-click to begin drawing a new graphical line item
in the current symbol. Left-click for each additional connected line.
Double-left-click to complete the line.
|image:images/icons/anchor_24.png[Anchor icon]
|Anchor tool. Left-click to set the anchor position of the symbol.
|image:images/icons/delete_cursor_24.png[Delete icon]
|Delete tool. Left-click to delete an object from the current symbol.
|=======================================================================
[[options-toolbar]]
==== Werkzeugleiste für Einstellungen
The vertical tool bar located on the left hand side of the main window allows you to set some of the editor drawing options.
[width="100%", cols="10%,90%"]
|=======================================================================
|image:images/icons/grid_24.png[Grid icon]
|Toggle grid visibility on and off.
|image:images/icons/unit_inch_24.png[Inch unit icon]
|Set units to inches.
|image:images/icons/unit_mil_24.png[Millimeter unit icon]
|Set units to mils (0.001 inch).
|image:images/icons/unit_mm_24.png[Millimeter unit icon]
|Set units to millimeters.
|image:images/icons/cursor_shape_24.png[Cursor shape icon]
|Toggle full screen cursor on and off.
|image:images/icons/pin_show_etype_24.png[Show pintype icon]
|Toggle display of pin electrical types.
|image:images/icons/search_tree_24.png[Symbol tree icon]
|Toggle display of libraries and symbols.
|=======================================================================
[[library-selection-and-maintenance]]
=== Bibliotheksauswahl und Bibliothekswartung
The selection of the current library is possible via the image:images/icons/search_tree_24.png[Symbol tree icon] icon which shows you all available libraries and allows you to select one. When a symbol is loaded or saved, it will be put in this library. The library name of a symbol is the contents of its `Value` field.
[[select-and-save-a-symbol]]
==== Select and Save a Symbol
[[symbol-selection]]
===== Symbol Selection
Clicking the image:images/icons/search_tree_24.png[Symbol tree icon] icon on the left tool bar toggles the treeview of libraries and symbols. Clicking on a symbol opens that symbol.
[NOTE]
Some symbols are derived from other symbols. Derived symbol names are displayed in __italics__ in the treeview. If a derived symbol is opened, its symbol graphics will not be editable. Its symbol fields will be editable as normal. To edit the graphics of a base symbol and all of its derived symbols, open the base symbol.
[[save-a-symbol]]
===== Save a Symbol
After modification, a symbol can be saved in the current library or a different library.
To save the modified symbol in the current library, click the image:images/icons/save_24.png[Save icon] icon. The modifications will be written to the existing symbol.
NOTE: Saving a modified symbol also saves all other modified symbols in the same library.
To save the symbol changes to a new symbol, click **File** -> **Save As...**. The symbol can be saved in the current library or a different library. A new name can be set for the symbol.
To create a new file containing only the current symbol, click **File** -> **Export** -> **Symbol...**. This file will be a standard library file which will contain only one symbol.
[[creating-library-symbols]]
=== Creating Library Symbols
[[create-a-new-symbol]]
==== Create a New Symbol
A new symbol can be created by clicking the image:images/icons/new_component_24.png[New symbol icon] icon. You will be asked for a number of symbol properties.
* A symbol name (this name is used as the default value for the `Value` field in the schematic editor)
* An optional base symbol to derive the new symbol from. The new symbol will use the base symbol's graphical shape and pin configuration, but other symbol information can be modified in the derived symbol. The base symbol must be in the same library as the new derived symbol.
* The reference designator prefix (`U`, `C`, `R`...).
* The number of units per package, and whether those units are interchangeable (for example a 7400 is made of 4 units per package).
* If an alternate body style (sometimes referred to as a "De Morgan equivalent") is desired.
* Whether the symbol is a power symbol. Power symbols appear in the "Add Power Port" dialog in the Schematic editor, their `Value` fields are not editable in the schematic, they cannot be assigned a footprint and they are not added to the PCB, and they are not included in the bill of materials.
* Whether the symbol should be excluded from the bill of materials.
* Whether the symbol should be excluded from the PCB.
There are also several graphical options.
* The offset between the end of each pin and its pin name.
* Whether the pin number and pin name should be displayed.
* Whether the pin names should be displayed alongside the pins or at the ends of the pins inside the symbol body.
These properties can also be changed later in the <<symbol-properties, Symbol Properties window>>.
image::images/eeschema_new_symbol_properties.png[alt="New symbol properties", scaledwidth="50%"]
A new symbol will be created using the properties above and will appear in the editor as shown below.
image::images/de/eeschema_libedit_new.png[alt="Newly created symbol", scaledwidth="95%"]
The blue cross in the center is the symbol anchor, which specifies the symbol origin i.e. the coordinates (0, 0). The anchor can be repositioned by selecting the image:images/icons/anchor_24.png[Anchor icon] icon and clicking on the new desired anchor position.
[[create-a-symbol-from-another-symbol]]
==== Create a Symbol from Another Symbol
Often, the symbol that you want to make is similar to one already in a symbol library. In this case it is easy to load and modify an existing symbol.
* Load the symbol which will be used as a starting point.
* Save a new copy of the symbol using **File** -> **Save As...**. The Save As dialog will prompt for a name for the new symbol and the library to save it in.
* Edit the new symbol as required.
* Save the modified symbol.
[[symbol-properties]]
==== Symbol Properties
Symbol properties are set when the symbol is created but they can be modified at any point. To change the symbol properties, click on the image:images/icons/part_properties_24.png[Symbol properties icon] icon to show the dialog below.
image::images/eeschema_properties_for_symbol.png[alt="Symbol Properties", scaledwidth="60%"]
It is important to correctly set the number of units per package and the alternate symbolic representation, if enabled, because when pins are edited or created the corresponding pins for each unit will be affected. If you change the number of units per package after pin creation and editing, there will be additional work to specify the pins and graphics for the new unit. Nevertheless, it is possible to modify these properties at any time.
The graphic options "Show pin number" and "Show pin name" define the visibility of the pin number and pin name text. The option "Place pin names inside" defines the pin name position relative to the pin body. The pin names will be displayed inside the symbol outline if the option is checked. In this case the "Pin Name Position Offset" property defines the shift of the text away from the body end of the pin. A value from 0.02 to 0.05 inches is usually reasonable.
The example below shows a symbol with the "Place pin name inside" option unchecked. Notice the position of the names and pin numbers.
image::images/de/eeschema_uncheck_pin_name_inside.png[alt="Place pin name inside unchecked", scaledwidth="95%"]
[[symbol-name-description-and-keywords]]
===== Symbol Name, Description, and Keywords
The symbol's name is the same as the `Value` field. When the symbol name is changed the value also changes, and vice versa. The symbol's name in the library also changes accordingly.
The symbol description should contain a brief description of the component, such as the component function, distinguishing features, and package options. The keywords should contain additional terms related to the component. Keywords are used primarily to assist in searching for the symbol.
image::images/eeschema_add_symbol_search_description.png[alt="Searching for a symbol in the add a symbol dialog", scaledwidth="65%"]
A symbol's name, description, and keywords are all used when searching for symbols in the Symbol Editor and Add a Symbol dialog. The description and keywords are displayed in the Symbol Library Browser and Add a Symbol dialog.
[[footprint-filters]]
===== Footprint Filters
The footprint filters tab is used to define which footprints are appropriate to use with the symbol. The filters can be applied in the Footprint Assignment tool so that only appropriate footprints are displayed for each symbol.
Multiple footprint filters can be defined. Footprints that match any of the filters will be displayed; if no filters are defined, then all footprints will be displayed.
Filters can use wildcards: `\*` matches any number of characters, including zero, and `?` matches zero or one characters. For example, `SOIC-*` would match the `SOIC-8_3.9x4.9mm_P1.27mm` footprint as well as any other footprint beginning with `SOIC-`. The filter `SOT?23` matches `SOT23` as well as `SOT-23`.
image::images/de/eeschema_libedit_footprint.png[alt="Footprint filters", scaledwidth="70%"]
[[symbols-with-alternate-symbolic-representation]]
==== Symbols with Alternate Symbolic Representation
If the symbol has an alternate body style defined, one body style must be selected for editing at a time. To edit the normal representation, click the image:images/icons/morgan1_24.png[Normal representation icon] icon.
To edit the alternate representation, click on the image:images/icons/morgan2_24.png[Alternate representation icon] icon. Use the image:images/toolbar_libedit_alias.png[images/toolbar_libedit_part.png] dropdown shown below to select the unit you wish to edit.
image::images/de/eeschema_libedit_select_unit.png[alt="Selecting a symbol unit", scaledwidth="80%"]
[[graphical-elements]]
=== Grafische Elemente
Graphical elements create the visual representation of a symbol and contain no electrical connection information. Graphical elements are created with the following tools:
* Linien und Polygone, die durch Anfangs- und Endpunkte definiert sind.
* Rechtecke, die durch zwei diagonale Ecken definiert sind.
* Kreise, die durch Zentrum und Radius definiert sind.
* Kreisbögen, die durch den Anfangs- und Endpunkt des Bogens und sein Zentrum definiert sind. Ein Kreisbogen geht von 0° bis 180°.
The vertical toolbar on the right hand side of the main window allows you to place all of the graphical elements required to design the representation of a symbol.
[[graphical-element-membership]]
==== Zugehörigkeit grafischer Elemente
Jedes grafische Element (Linie, Kreis Kreisbogen, usw.) kann als zugehörig zu allen Einheiten und/oder Bauform oder speziell für eine Einheit und/oder Bauform definiert werden. Elementeigenschaften können einfach und schnell über das Kontextmenü durch einen Rechtsklick auf das ausgewählte Element ausgewählt werden. Unten sehen Sie das Kontextmenü für ein Linienelement.
image::images/de/eeschema_libedit_context_menu.png[alt="Graphic line context menu", scaledwidth="80%"]
Sie können ebenfalls auf ein Element doppelklicken, um seine Eigenschaften zu bearbeiten. Unten ist der Eigenschaftendialog für die Eigenschaften eines Linienzuges zu sehen
image::images/de/eeschema_libedit_polyline_properties.png[alt="Graphic line properties", scaledwidth="50%"]
Die Eigenschaften eines grafischen Elementes sind:
* "Line width" defines the width of the element's line in the current drawing units.
* "Fill Style" determines if the shape defined by the graphical element is to be drawn unfilled, background filled, or foreground filled.
* "Common to all units in symbol" determines if the graphical element is drawn for each unit in symbol with more than one unit per package or if the graphical element is only drawn for the current unit.
* "Common to all body styles (De Morgan)" determines if the graphical element is drawn for each symbolic representation in symbols with an alternate body style or if the graphical element is only drawn for the current body style.
[[graphical-text-elements]]
==== Grafische Textelemente
The image:images/icons/text_24.png[Text icon] icon allows for the creation of graphical text. Graphical text is automatically oriented to be readable, even when the symbol is mirrored. Please note that graphical text items are not the same as symbol fields.
[[multiple-units-per-symbol-and-alternate-body-styles]]
=== Multiple Units per Symbol and Alternate Body Styles
Symbols can have up to two body styles (a standard symbol and an alternate symbol often referred to as a "De Morgan equivalent") and/or have more than one unit per package (logic gates for example). Some symbols can have more than one unit per package each with different symbols and pin configurations.
Consider for instance a relay with two switches, which can be designed as a symbol with three different units: a coil, switch 1, and switch 2. Designing a symbol with multiple units per package and/or alternate body styles is very flexible. A pin or a body symbol item can be common to all units or specific to a given unit or they can be common to both symbolic representation so are specific to a given symbol representation.
By default, pins are specific to a unit and body style. When a pin is common to all units or all body styles, it only needs to be created once. This is also the case for the body style graphic shapes and text, which may be common to each unit, but typically are specific to each body style).
[[example-of-a-symbol-with-multiple-noninterchangeable-units]]
==== Example of a Symbol With Multiple Noninterchangeable Units
For an example of a symbol with multiple units that are not interchangeable, consider a relay with 3 units per package: a coil, switch 1, and switch 2.
The three units are not all the same, so "All units are interchangeable" should be deselected in the Symbol Properties dialog. Alternatively, this option could have been specified when the symbol was initially created.
image::images/de/eeschema_libedit_not_interchangeable.png[alt="Uncheck all units are interchangeable", scaledwidth="60%"]
===== Unit A
image::images/eeschema_libedit_unit1.png[alt="Relay unit A", scaledwidth="45%"]
===== Unit B
image::images/eeschema_libedit_unit2.png[alt="Relay unit B", scaledwidth="45%"]
===== Unit C
image::images/eeschema_libedit_unit3.png[alt="Relay unit C", scaledwidth="45%"]
Unit A does not have the same symbol and pin layout as Units B and C, so the units are not interchangeable.
NOTE: "Synchronized Pins Edit Mode" can be enabled by clicking the image:images/icons/pin2pin_24.png[Synchronized pins edit mode icon] icon. In this mode, pin modifications are propagated between symbol units; changes made in one unit will be reflected in the other units as well. When this mode is disabled, pin changes made in one unit do not affect other units. This mode is enabled automatically when "All units are interchangeable" is checked, but it can be disabled. The mode cannot be enabled when "All units are interchangeable" is unchecked or when the symbol only has one unit.
[[graphical-symbolic-elements]]
===== Grafische Symbolelemente
Shown below are properties for a graphic body element. In the relay example above, the three units have different symbolic representations. Therefore, each unit was created separately and the graphical body elements have the "Common to all units in symbol" setting disabled.
image::images/de/eeschema_libedit_disable_common.png[alt="Disable common to all units in symbol", scaledwidth="70%"]
[[pin-creation-and-editing]]
=== Anschlusserstellung und Anschlussbearbeitung
You can click on the image:images/icons/pin_24.png[Pin icon] icon to create and insert a pin. The editing of all pin properties is done by double-clicking on the pin or right-clicking on the pin to open the pin context menu. Pins must be created carefully, because any error will have consequences on the PCB design. Any pin already placed can be edited, deleted, and/or moved.
[[pin-overview]]
==== Anschlussübersicht
A pin is defined by its graphical representation, its name and its number. The pin's name and number can contain letters, numbers, and symbols, but not spaces. For the Electrical Rules Check (ERC) tool to be useful, the pin's electrical type (input, output, tri-state...) must also be defined correctly. If this type is not defined properly, the schematic ERC check results may be invalid.
Wichtige Hinweise:
* Symbol pins are matched to footprint pads by number. The pin number in the symbol must match the corresponding pad number in the footprint.
* Do not use spaces in pin names and numbers. Spaces will be automatically replaced with underscores (`_`).
* To define a pin name with an inverted signal (overline) use the `~` (tilde) character followed by the text to invert in braces. For example `~{FO}O` would display [overline]#FO# O.
* If the pin name is empty, the pin is considered unnamed.
* Pin names can be repeated in a symbol.
* Pin numbers must be unique in a symbol.
[[pin-properties]]
==== Anschlusseigenschaften
image::images/de/eeschema_libedit_pin_properties.png[alt="Pin properties", scaledwidth="95%"]
Der Dialog der Anschlusseigenschaften erlaubt es Ihnen alle Eigenschaften eines Anschlusses, auch Pin genannt, zu bearbeiten. Dieser Dialog wird automatisch geöffnet, wenn Sie einen Anschluss erstellen oder auf einen vorhandenen Anschluss doppelklicken. Dieser Dialog erlaubt Ihnen diese Änderungen:
* The pin name and text size.
* The pin number and text size.
* The pin length.
* The pin electrical type and graphical style.
* Zugehörigkeit zu Einheit und alternativer Darstellung.
* Pin visibility.
* <<alternate-pin-definitions,Alternate pin definitions>>.
[[pin-graphic-styles]]
==== Pin Graphic Styles
Shown in the figure below are the different pin graphic styles. The choice of graphic style does not have any influence on the pin's electrical type.
image::images/de/eeschema_libedit_pin_properties_style.png[alt="Pin graphic styles", scaledwidth="95%"]
[[pin-electrical-types]]
==== Typen von Elektrischen Anschlüssen
Choosing the correct electrical type is important for the schematic ERC tool. ERC will check that pins are connected appropriately, for example ensuring that input pins are driven and power inputs receive power from an appropriate source.
[width="100%", cols="25%,75%"]
|=======================================================================
| Pin Type | Description
| Input | A pin which is exclusively an input.
| Output | A pin which is exclusively an output.
| Bidirectional | A pin that can be either an input or an output, such as a
microcontroller data bus pin.
| Tri-state | A three state output pin (high, low, or high impedance)
| Passive | A passive symbol pin: resistors, connectors, etc.
| Free | A pin that can be freely connected to any other pin without electrical
concerns.
| Unspecified | A pin for which the ERC check does not matter.
| Power input | A symbol's power pin. As a special case, power input pins that
are marked invisible are automatically connected to the net with the same name.
See the <<creating-power-ports, Power Ports section>> for more information.
| Power output | A pin that provides power to other pins, such as a regulator
output.
| Open collector | An open collector logic output.
| Open emitter | An open emitter logic output.
| Unconnected | A pin that should not be connected to anything.
|=======================================================================
[[pushing-pin-properties-to-other-pins]]
==== Pushing Pin Properties to Other Pins
You can apply the length, name size, or number size of a pin to the other pins in the symbol by right clicking the pin and selecting **Push Pin Length**, **Push Pin Name Size**, or **Push Pin Number Size**, respectively.
image::images/de/eeschema_libedit_pin_context_menu.png[alt="Pin context menu", scaledwidth="60%"]
[[defining-pins-for-multiple-units-and-alternate-symbolic-representations]]
==== Anschlüsse für mehrere Einheiten und alternative Darstellung definieren
Symbols with multiple units and/or graphical representations are particularly problematic when creating and editing pins. The majority of pins are specific to each symbol unit (because each unit has a different set of pins) and to each body style (because the form and position is different between the normal body style and the alternate form).
The symbol library editor allows the simultaneous creation of pins. By default, changes made to a pin are made for all units of a multiple unit symbol and to both representations for symbols with an alternate symbolic representation. The only exception to this is the pin's graphical type and name, which remain unlinked between symbol units and body styles. This dependency was established to allow for easier pin creation and editing in most cases. This dependency can be disabled by toggling the image:images/icons/pin2pin_24.png[Synchronized pin edit mode icon] icon on the main tool bar. This will allow you to create pins for each unit and representation completely independently.
Pins can be common or specific to different units. Pins can also be common to both symbolic representations or specific to each symbolic representation. When a pin is common to all units, it only has to drawn once. Pins are set as common or specific in the pin properties dialog.
An example is the output pin in the 7400 quad dual input NAND gate. Since there are four units and two symbolic representations, there are eight separate output pins defined in the symbol definition. When creating a new 7400 symbol, unit A of the normal symbolic representation will be shown in the library editor. To edit the pin style in the alternate symbolic representation, it must first be enabled by clicking the image:images/icons/morgan2_24.png[Alternate representation icon] button on the tool bar. To edit the pin number for each unit, select the appropriate unit using the image:images/toolbar_libedit_alias.png[images/toolbar_libedit_alias.png] drop down control.
[[pin-table]]
==== Pin Table
Another way to edit pins is to use the Pin Table, which is accessible via the image:images/icons/pin_table_24.png[Pin table icon] icon. The Pin Table displays all of the pins in the symbol and their properties in a table view, so it is useful for making bulk pin changes.
Any pin property can be edited by clicking on the appropriate cell. Pins can be added and removed with the image:images/icons/small_plus_16.png[Plus icon] and image:images/icons/small_trash_16.png[Trash icon] icons, respectively.
NOTE: Columns of the pin table can be shown or hidden by right-clicking on the header row and checking or unchecking additional columns. Some columns are hidden by default.
The screenshot below shows the pin table for a quad opamp.
image::images/eeschema_libedit_pin_table.png[alt="Pin table", scaledwidth="95%"]
[[alternate-pin-definitions]]
==== Alternate Pin Definitions
Pins can have alternate pin definitions added to them. Alternate pin definitions allow a user to select a different name, electrical type, and graphical style for a pin when the symbol has been placed in the schematic. This can be used for pins that have multiple functions, such as microcontroller pins.
Alternate pin definitions are added in the Pin Properties dialog as shown below. Each alternate definition contains a pin name, electrical type, and graphic style. This microcontroller pin has all of its peripheral functions defined in the symbol as alternate pin names.
image::images/eeschema_libedit_alternate_pin_definitions.png[alt="Alternate pin definitions", scaledwidth="60%"]
Alternate pin definitions are selected in the Schematic Editor once the symbol has been placed in the schematic. The alternate pin is assigned in the Alternate Pin Assignments tab of the Symbol Properties dialog. Alternate definitions are selectable in the dropdown in the Alternate Assignment column.
image::images/eeschema_alternate_pin_assignment_selection.png[alt="Selecting an alternate pin definition", scaledwidth="60%"]
[[symbol-fields]]
=== Symbol Fields
All library symbols are defined with four default fields. The reference designator, value, footprint assignment, and datasheet link fields are created whenever a symbol is created or copied. Only the reference designator and value fields are required.
Symbols defined in libraries are typically defined with only these four default fields. Additional fields such as vendor, part number, unit cost, etc. can be added to library symbols but generally this is done in the schematic editor so the additional fields can be applied to all of the symbols in the schematic.
NOTE: A convenient way to create additional empty symbol fields is to use define field name templates. Field name templates define empty fields that are added to each symbol when it is inserted into the schematic. Field name templates can be defined globally (for all schematics) in the Schematic Editor Preferences, or they can be defined locally (specific to each project) in the Schematic Setup dialog.
[[editing-symbol-fields]]
==== Editing Symbol Fields
To edit an existing symbol field, right-click on the field text to show the field context menu shown below.
image::images/de/eeschema_libedit_field_context_menu.png[alt="Symbol field context menu", scaledwidth="35%"]
To add new fields, delete optional fields, or edit existing fields, use the image:images/icons/part_properties_24.png[Component properties icon] icon on the main tool bar to open the <<symbol-properties,Symbol Properties dialog>>.
Fields are text information associated a the symbol. Do not confuse them with text in the graphic representation of a symbol.
Wichtige Hinweise:
* Modifying the `Value` field changes the name of the symbol. The symbol's name in the library will change when the symbol is saved.
* The Symbol Properties dialog must be used to edit a field that is empty or has the invisible attribute enabled because such fields cannot be clicked on.
* The footprint is defined as an absolute footprint using the `LIBNAME:FOOTPRINTNAME` format where `LIBNAME` is the name of the footprint library defined in the footprint library table (see the "Footprint Library Table" section in the PCB Editor manual) and `FOOTPRINTNAME` is the name of the footprint in the library `LIBNAME`.
[[creating-power-ports]]
=== Power Ports
Power ports, or power symbols, are conventionally used to label a wire as part of a power net, like `VCC`, `+5V`, or `GND`. In the schematic below, the `+3.3V` and `GND` symbols are power ports. In addition to acting as a visual indicator that a net is a power rail, a power port will determine the name of the net it is attached to. This is true even if there is another net label attached to the net; the net name determined by the power symbol overrides any other net names.
image::images/eeschema_power_port_example.png[alt="Power port example", scaledwidth="60%"]
It may be useful to place power symbols in a dedicated library. KiCad's symbol library places power symbols in the `power` library, and users may create libraries to store their own power symbols. If the "Define as power symbol" box is checked in a symbol's properties, that symbol will appear in the Schematic Editor's "Add Power Port" dialog for convenient access.
Power symbols are handled and created the same way as normal symbols, but there are several additional considerations described below. They consist of a graphical symbol and a pin of the type "Power input" that is marked hidden.
Below is an example of a `GND` power symbol.
image::images/de/eeschema_libedit_power_symbol.png[alt="Editing a power symbol", scaledwidth="95%"]
==== Creating a Power Port Symbol
Power Port symbols consist of a pin of type "Power input" that is marked invisible. Invisible power input pins have a special property of automatically connecting to a net with the same name as the pin name. A net that is wired to an invisible power input pin will therefore be named after the pin, even if there are other net labels on the net. This connection is global.
NOTE: If the power symbol has the "Define as power symbol" property checked, the power input pin does not need to be marked invisible. However, the convention is to make these pins invisible anyway.
image::images/eeschema_libedit_power_symbol_pin.png[alt="Power symbol pin", scaledwidth="60%"]
Um ein Spannungsversorgungssymbol zu erstellen führen Sie folgende Schritte aus:
* Add a pin of type "Power input", with "Visible" unchecked, and the pin named according to the desired net. Make the pin number `1`, the length `0`, and set the graphic style to "Line". The pin name establishes the connection to the net; in this case the pin will automatically connect to the net `GND`. The pin number, length, and line style do not matter electrically.
* Place the pin on the symbol anchor.
* Use the shape tools to draw the symbol graphics.
* Set the symbol value. The symbol value does not matter electrically, but it is displayed in the schematic. To eliminate confusion, it should match the pin name (which determines the connected net name).
* Check the "Define as power symbol" box in Symbol Properties window. This makes the symbol appear in the "Add Power Port" dialog, makes the `Value` field read-only in the schematic, prevents the symbol from being assigned a footprint, and excludes the symbol from the board, BOM, and netlists.
* Set the symbol reference and uncheck the "Show" box. The reference text is not important except for the first character, which should be `\#`. For the power port shown above, the reference could be `#GND`. Symbols with references that begin with `#` are not added to the PCB, are not included in Bill of Materials exports or netlists, and they cannot be assigned a footprint in the footprint assignment tool. If a power port's reference does not begin with `#`, the character will be inserted automatically when the annotation or footprint assignment tools are run.
An easier method to create a new power port symbol is to use another symbol as a starting point, <<creating-a-symbol-from-another-symbol,as described earlier>>.
NOTE: When modifying an existing power port symbol, make sure to rename the pin name so that the new symbol connects to the appropriate power net.
:experimental:
[[viewlib]]
== Symbol Library Browser
=== Einleitung
The Symbol Library Browser allows you to quickly examine the content of symbol libraries. The Symbol Library Viewer can be accessed by clicking image:images/icons/library_browser_24.png[Library viewer icon] icon on the main toolbar, **View** -> **Symbol Library Browser...**, or clicking **Select With Browser** in the "Choose Symbol" window.
image::images/de/eeschema_viewlib_choose.png[alt="Bauteilfilter im Bauteilbrowser", scaledwidth="60%"]
[[viewlib---main-screen]]
=== Bibliotheksbrowser - Hauptfenster
image::images/de/eeschema_viewlib_select_library.png[alt="Bauteilbibliotheksbrowser ohne spezielle Auswahl", scaledwidth="95%"]
To examine the contents of a library, select a library from the list on the left hand pane. All symbols in the selected library will appear in the second pane. Select a symbol name to view the symbol.
image::images/de/eeschema_viewlib_select_component.png[alt="Bauteileditor mit ausgewähltem Bauteil", scaledwidth="95%"]
[[viewlib-top-toolbar]]
=== Symbol Library Browser Top Toolbar
The top tool bar in Symbol Library Brower is shown below.
image::images/de/toolbar_viewlib.png[alt="images/de/toolbar_viewlib.png", scaledwidth="95%"]
Die möglichen Befehle sind:
[width="100%", cols="20%,80%"]
|=======================================================================
|image:images/icons/library_browser_24.png[Symbol selection icon]
|Selection of the symbol which can be also selected in the displayed
list.
|image:images/icons/lib_previous_24.png[Previous symbol icon]
|Display previous symbol.
|image:images/icons/lib_next_24.png[Next symbol icon]
|Display next symbol.
|image:images/icons/refresh_24.png[] image:images/icons/zoom_in_24.png[]
image:images/icons/zoom_out_24.png[] image:images/icons/zoom_fit_in_page_24.png[]
|Zoom tools.
|image:images/icons/morgan1_24.png[] image:images/icons/morgan2_24.png[]
|Selection of the representation (normal or alternate) if an alternate
representation exists.
|image:images/toolbar_viewlib_part.png[alt="images/toolbar_viewlib_part.png",width="70%"]
|Selection of the unit for symbols that contain multiple units.
|image:images/icons/datasheet_24.png[icons/datasheet_png]
|If they exist, display the associated documents.
|image:images/icons/add_symbol_to_schematic_24.png[Add symbol to schematic icon]
|Close the browser and place the selected symbol in the schematic.
|=======================================================================
:experimental:
[[create-a-netlist]]
== Eine Netzliste erzeugen
=== Überblick
A netlist is a file which describes electrical connections between symbol pins. These connections are referred to as nets. Netlist files contain:
* A list of symbols and their pins.
* A list of connections (nets) between symbol pins.
Many different netlist formats exist. Sometimes the symbols list and the list of nets are two separate files. This netlist is fundamental in the use of schematic capture software, because the netlist is the link with other electronic CAD software, such as:
* PCB layout software.
* Schematic and electrical signal simulators.
* Programmable logic (FPGA, CPLD, etc.) compilers.
KiCad supports several netlist formats:
* KiCad format, which can be imported by the KiCad PCB Editor. However, the <<eeschema_schematic_to_pcb.adoc#schematic-to-pcb,"Update PCB from Schematic">> tool should be used instead of importing a KiCad netlist into the PCB editor.
* OrCAD PCB2 format, for designing PCBs with OrCAD.
* CADSTAR format, for designing PCBs with CADSTAR.
* Spice format, for use with various external circuit simulators.
NOTE: In KiCad version 5.0 and later, it is not necessary to create a netlist for transferring a design from the schematic editor to the PCB editor. Instead, use the <<eeschema_schematic_to_pcb.adoc#schematic-to-pcb,"Update PCB from Schematic">> tool.
[[netlist-formats]]
=== Netzlistenformate
Netlists are exported with the Export Netlist dialog (**File**->**Export**->**Netlist...**).
Several netlist formats are available, and are selectable with the tabs at the top of the window. Some netlist formats have options.
Clicking the **Export Netlist** button prompts for a netlist filename and saves the netlist.
[NOTE]
Netlist generation can take up to several minutes for large schematics.
Custom generators can be added by clicking the **Add Generator...** button. Custom generators are external tools that are called by KiCad, for example Python scripts or XSLT stylesheets. For more information on custom netlist generators, see <<adding-new-netlist-generators,the section on adding custom netlist generators>>.
==== KiCad Netlist Format
image::images/eeschema_netlist_dialog_kicad.png[alt="KiCad netlist export", scaledwidth="70%"]
The KiCad netlist exporter does not have any options.
NOTE: In KiCad version 5.0 and later, it is not necessary to create a netlist for transferring a design from the schematic editor to the PCB editor. Instead, use the <<eeschema_schematic_to_pcb.adoc#schematic-to-pcb,"Update PCB from Schematic">> tool.
==== OrCAD PCB2 Netlist Format
image::images/eeschema_netlist_dialog_orcad.png[alt="OrCAD netlist export", scaledwidth="70%"]
The OrCAD netlist exporter does not have any options.
==== CADSTAR Netlist Format
image::images/eeschema_netlist_dialog_cadstar.png[alt="CADSTAR netlist export", scaledwidth="70%"]
The CADSTAR netlist exporter does not have any options.
==== Spice Netlist Format
image::images/de/eeschema_netlist_dialog_spice.png[alt="Spice netlist export", scaledwidth="70%"]
The Spice netlist format offers several options.
When the *Reformat passive symbol values* box is checked, passive symbol values will be adjusted to be compatible with Spice. Specifically:
* `μ` and `M` as unit prefixes are replaced with `u` and `Meg`, respectively
* Units are removed (e.g. `4.7kΩ` is changed to `4.7k`)
* Values in RKM format are rewritten to be Spice-compatible (e.g. `4u7` is changed to `4.7u`)
The Spice netlist exporter also provides an easy way to simulate the generated netlist with an external simulator. This can be useful for running a simulation without using <<eeschema_simulator.adoc#simulator,KiCad's internal ngspice simulator>>, or for running an ngspice simulation with options that are not supported by KiCad's simulator tool.
Enter the path to the external simulator in the text box, with `%I` representing the generated netlist. Click the **Create Netlist and Run Simulator Command** button to generate the netlist and automatically run the simulator.
NOTE: The default simulator command (`spice "%I"`) must be adjusted to point to a simulator installed on your system.
For more information on the contents of Spice netlists, see the <<spice-netlists,Spice netlist section>>.
[[netlist-examples]]
=== Beispiele für Netzlisten
Below is the schematic from the `sallen_key` project included in KiCad's simulation demos.
image::images/eeschema_netlist_schematic.png[alt="sallen_key demo schematic", scaledwidth="95%"]
The KiCad format netlist for this schematic is as follows:
----
(export (version "E")
(design
(source "/usr/share/kicad/demos/simulation/sallen_key/sallen_key.kicad_sch")
(date "Sun 01 May 2022 03:14:05 PM EDT")
(tool "Eeschema (6.0.4)")
(sheet (number "1") (name "/") (tstamps "/")
(title_block
(title)
(company)
(rev)
(date)
(source "sallen_key.kicad_sch")
(comment (number "1") (value ""))
(comment (number "2") (value ""))
(comment (number "3") (value ""))
(comment (number "4") (value ""))
(comment (number "5") (value ""))
(comment (number "6") (value ""))
(comment (number "7") (value ""))
(comment (number "8") (value ""))
(comment (number "9") (value "")))))
(components
(comp (ref "C1")
(value "100n")
(libsource (lib "sallen_key_schlib") (part "C") (description ""))
(property (name "Sheetname") (value ""))
(property (name "Sheetfile") (value "sallen_key.kicad_sch"))
(sheetpath (names "/") (tstamps "/"))
(tstamps "00000000-0000-0000-0000-00005789077d"))
(comp (ref "C2")
(value "100n")
(fields
(field (name "Fieldname") "Value")
(field (name "SpiceMapping") "1 2")
(field (name "Spice_Primitive") "C"))
(libsource (lib "sallen_key_schlib") (part "C") (description ""))
(property (name "Fieldname") (value "Value"))
(property (name "Spice_Primitive") (value "C"))
(property (name "SpiceMapping") (value "1 2"))
(property (name "Sheetname") (value ""))
(property (name "Sheetfile") (value "sallen_key.kicad_sch"))
(sheetpath (names "/") (tstamps "/"))
(tstamps "00000000-0000-0000-0000-00005789085b"))
(comp (ref "R1")
(value "1k")
(fields
(field (name "Fieldname") "Value")
(field (name "SpiceMapping") "1 2")
(field (name "Spice_Primitive") "R"))
(libsource (lib "sallen_key_schlib") (part "R") (description ""))
(property (name "Fieldname") (value "Value"))
(property (name "SpiceMapping") (value "1 2"))
(property (name "Spice_Primitive") (value "R"))
(property (name "Sheetname") (value ""))
(property (name "Sheetfile") (value "sallen_key.kicad_sch"))
(sheetpath (names "/") (tstamps "/"))
(tstamps "00000000-0000-0000-0000-0000578906ff"))
(comp (ref "R2")
(value "1k")
(fields
(field (name "Fieldname") "Value")
(field (name "SpiceMapping") "1 2")
(field (name "Spice_Primitive") "R"))
(libsource (lib "sallen_key_schlib") (part "R") (description ""))
(property (name "Fieldname") (value "Value"))
(property (name "SpiceMapping") (value "1 2"))
(property (name "Spice_Primitive") (value "R"))
(property (name "Sheetname") (value ""))
(property (name "Sheetfile") (value "sallen_key.kicad_sch"))
(sheetpath (names "/") (tstamps "/"))
(tstamps "00000000-0000-0000-0000-000057890691"))
(comp (ref "U1")
(value "AD8051")
(fields
(field (name "Spice_Lib_File") "ad8051.lib")
(field (name "Spice_Model") "AD8051")
(field (name "Spice_Netlist_Enabled") "Y")
(field (name "Spice_Primitive") "X"))
(libsource (lib "sallen_key_schlib") (part "Generic_Opamp") (description ""))
(property (name "Spice_Primitive") (value "X"))
(property (name "Spice_Model") (value "AD8051"))
(property (name "Spice_Lib_File") (value "ad8051.lib"))
(property (name "Spice_Netlist_Enabled") (value "Y"))
(property (name "Sheetname") (value ""))
(property (name "Sheetfile") (value "sallen_key.kicad_sch"))
(sheetpath (names "/") (tstamps "/"))
(tstamps "00000000-0000-0000-0000-00005788ff9f"))
(comp (ref "V1")
(value "AC 1")
(libsource (lib "sallen_key_schlib") (part "VSOURCE") (description ""))
(property (name "Sheetname") (value ""))
(property (name "Sheetfile") (value "sallen_key.kicad_sch"))
(sheetpath (names "/") (tstamps "/"))
(tstamps "00000000-0000-0000-0000-000057336052"))
(comp (ref "V2")
(value "DC 10")
(fields
(field (name "Fieldname") "Value")
(field (name "Spice_Node_Sequence") "1 2")
(field (name "Spice_Primitive") "V"))
(libsource (lib "sallen_key_schlib") (part "VSOURCE") (description ""))
(property (name "Fieldname") (value "Value"))
(property (name "Spice_Primitive") (value "V"))
(property (name "Spice_Node_Sequence") (value "1 2"))
(property (name "Sheetname") (value ""))
(property (name "Sheetfile") (value "sallen_key.kicad_sch"))
(sheetpath (names "/") (tstamps "/"))
(tstamps "00000000-0000-0000-0000-0000578900ba"))
(comp (ref "V3")
(value "DC 10")
(fields
(field (name "Fieldname") "Value")
(field (name "Spice_Node_Sequence") "1 2")
(field (name "Spice_Primitive") "V"))
(libsource (lib "sallen_key_schlib") (part "VSOURCE") (description ""))
(property (name "Fieldname") (value "Value"))
(property (name "Spice_Primitive") (value "V"))
(property (name "Spice_Node_Sequence") (value "1 2"))
(property (name "Sheetname") (value ""))
(property (name "Sheetfile") (value "sallen_key.kicad_sch"))
(sheetpath (names "/") (tstamps "/"))
(tstamps "00000000-0000-0000-0000-000057890232")))
(libparts
(libpart (lib "sallen_key_schlib") (part "C")
(footprints
(fp "C?")
(fp "C_????_*")
(fp "C_????")
(fp "SMD*_c")
(fp "Capacitor*"))
(fields
(field (name "Reference") "C")
(field (name "Value") "C"))
(pins
(pin (num "1") (name "") (type "passive"))
(pin (num "2") (name "") (type "passive"))))
(libpart (lib "sallen_key_schlib") (part "Generic_Opamp")
(fields
(field (name "Reference") "U")
(field (name "Value") "Generic_Opamp"))
(pins
(pin (num "1") (name "+") (type "input"))
(pin (num "2") (name "-") (type "input"))
(pin (num "3") (name "V+") (type "power_in"))
(pin (num "4") (name "V-") (type "power_in"))
(pin (num "5") (name "") (type "output"))))
(libpart (lib "sallen_key_schlib") (part "R")
(footprints
(fp "R_*")
(fp "Resistor_*"))
(fields
(field (name "Reference") "R")
(field (name "Value") "R"))
(pins
(pin (num "1") (name "") (type "passive"))
(pin (num "2") (name "") (type "passive"))))
(libpart (lib "sallen_key_schlib") (part "VSOURCE")
(fields
(field (name "Reference") "V")
(field (name "Value") "VSOURCE")
(field (name "Fieldname") "Value")
(field (name "Spice_Primitive") "V")
(field (name "Spice_Node_Sequence") "1 2"))
(pins
(pin (num "1") (name "") (type "input"))
(pin (num "2") (name "") (type "input")))))
(libraries
(library (logical "sallen_key_schlib")
(uri "/usr/share/kicad/demos/simulation/sallen_key/sallen_key_schlib.kicad_sym")))
(nets
(net (code "1") (name "/lowpass")
(node (ref "C1") (pin "1") (pintype "passive"))
(node (ref "U1") (pin "2") (pinfunction "-") (pintype "input"))
(node (ref "U1") (pin "5") (pintype "output")))
(net (code "2") (name "GND")
(node (ref "C2") (pin "2") (pintype "passive"))
(node (ref "V1") (pin "2") (pintype "input"))
(node (ref "V2") (pin "2") (pintype "input"))
(node (ref "V3") (pin "1") (pintype "input")))
(net (code "3") (name "Net-(C1-Pad2)")
(node (ref "C1") (pin "2") (pintype "passive"))
(node (ref "R1") (pin "1") (pintype "passive"))
(node (ref "R2") (pin "2") (pintype "passive")))
(net (code "4") (name "Net-(C2-Pad1)")
(node (ref "C2") (pin "1") (pintype "passive"))
(node (ref "R2") (pin "1") (pintype "passive"))
(node (ref "U1") (pin "1") (pinfunction "+") (pintype "input")))
(net (code "5") (name "Net-(R1-Pad2)")
(node (ref "R1") (pin "2") (pintype "passive"))
(node (ref "V1") (pin "1") (pintype "input")))
(net (code "6") (name "VDD")
(node (ref "U1") (pin "3") (pinfunction "V+") (pintype "power_in"))
(node (ref "V2") (pin "1") (pintype "input")))
(net (code "7") (name "VSS")
(node (ref "U1") (pin "4") (pinfunction "V-") (pintype "power_in"))
(node (ref "V3") (pin "2") (pintype "input")))))
----
In Spice format, the netlist is as follows:
----
.title KiCad schematic
.include "ad8051.lib"
XU1 Net-_C2-Pad1_ /lowpass VDD VSS /lowpass AD8051
C2 Net-_C2-Pad1_ GND 100n
C1 /lowpass Net-_C1-Pad2_ 100n
R2 Net-_C2-Pad1_ Net-_C1-Pad2_ 1k
R1 Net-_C1-Pad2_ Net-_R1-Pad2_ 1k
V1 Net-_R1-Pad2_ GND AC 1
V2 VDD GND DC 10
V3 GND VSS DC 10
.ac dec 10 1 1Meg
.end
----
[[notes-on-netlists]]
=== Anmerkungen zu Netzlisten
[[netlist-name-precautions]]
==== Zu beachtende Punkte für die Benennung von Netzlisten
Many software tools that use netlists do not accept spaces in component names, pins, nets, or other fields. Avoid using spaces in pins, labels, names, and value fields of components to ensure maximum compatibility.
In the same way, special characters other than letters and numbers can cause problems. Note that this limitation is not related to KiCad, but to the netlist formats that can then become untranslatable by other software that reads those netlist files.
[[spice-netlists]]
==== Spice netlists
Spice simulators expect simulation commands (`.PROBE`, `.AC`, `.TRAN`, etc.) to be included in the netlist.
Any text line included in the schematic diagram starting with a period (`.`) will be included in the netlist. If a text object contains multiple lines, only the lines beginning with a period will be included.
`.include` directives for including model library files are automatically added to the netlist based on the Spice model settings for the symbols in the schematic.
[[other-formats]]
=== Andere Formate
KiCad supports custom netlist generators for exporting netlists in other formats. Some examples of netlist generators are given in the <<eeschema_creating_customized_netlists_and_bom_files.adoc#creating-customized-netlists-and-bom-files,custom netlist generators section>>.
A netlist generator is a script or program that converts the intermediate netlist file created by KiCad into the desired netlist format. The intermediate netlist file contains all of the netlist information required to create an arbitrary netlist for the schematic. Python and XSLT are commonly used tools to create custom netlist generators.
[[adding-new-netlist-generators]]
==== Adding new netlist generators
New netlist generators are added by clicking the **Add Generator...** button.
image::images/de/eeschema_netlist_dialog_add_plugin.png[alt="Custom Netlist Generator", scaledwidth="40%"]
New generators require a name and a command. The name is shown in the tab label, and the command is run whenever the **Export Netlist** button is clicked.
When the netlist is generated, KiCad creates an intermediate XML file which contains all of the netlist information from the schematic. The generator command is then run in order to transform the intermediate netlist into the desired netlist format.
The netlist command must be set up properly so that the netlist generator script takes the intermediate netlist file as input and outputs the desired netlist file. The `%I` argument represents the input intermediate netlist filename and the `%O` argument represents the output netlist filename. The exact netlist command will depend on the generator script used.
[[command-line-format]]
==== Befehlszeilenformat
Consider the following example which uses `xsltproc` to generate a netlist in PADS ASC format. `xsltproc` converts the intermediate netlist using the `netlist_form_pads-pcb.asc.xsl` stylesheet to define the output format:
`xsltproc -o %O.net /usr/share/kicad/plugins/netlist_form_pads-pcb.asc.xsl %I`
The purpose of each part of the command is as follows:
[width="100%", cols="58%,42%"]
|=======================================================================
|`xsltproc` |A tool to convert an XML file (the intermediate netlist) according
to an XSLT stylesheet.
|`-o %O.net` |Output filename. `%O` is replaced with the name of the
intermediate netlist file, which is `<schematic name>.xml`. Therefore in this
example the complete output filename is `<schematic name>.xml.net`. An arbitrary
output filename can be specified if desired with `-o <filename>`.
|`/usr/share/kicad/plugins/netlist_form_pads-pcb.asc.xsl` |XSLT stylesheet which
determines how the output is formatted. This particular stylesheet is included
with KiCad, but custom stylesheets can also be created.
|`%I` |Input (intermediate netlist) filename. `%I` is replaced with the name of
the intermediate netlist file, which is `<schematic name>.xml`.
|=======================================================================
For netlist generators that do not use `xsltproc`, the generator command will differ.
[[intermediate-netlist-file-format]]
==== Dateiformat der Zwischen-Netzliste
See the <<eeschema_creating_customized_netlists_and_bom_files.adoc#creating-customized-netlists-and-bom-files,custom netlist generators section>> for more information about netlist generators, a description of the intermediate netlist format, and some examples of netlist generators.
:experimental:
[[creating-customized-netlists-and-bom-files]]
== Erstellen angepasster Dateien für Netzlisten und Stücklisten
[[intermediate-netlist-file]]
=== Zwischenzeitliche Netzlistendatei
BOM files and netlist files can be converted from an Intermediate netlist file created by KiCad.
Diese Datei benutzt XML Syntax und wird "zwischenzeitliche Netzliste" genannt. Die Zwischennetzliste enthält eine große Menge von Daten über Ihre Leiterplatte und aufgrund dessen kann sie dafür genutzt werden, eine Stückliste und andere Berichte zu erstellen.
Abhängig von der Ausgabe (Stückliste oder Netzliste) werden unterschiedliche Untermengen der kompletten Zwischennetzlistendatei für die Nachbearbeitung verwendet.
[[schematic-sample]]
==== Schaltplanbeispiel
image::images/schematic-sample.png[width="70%"][alt="Schaltplanbeispiel", scaledwidth="95%"]
[[the-intermediate-netlist-file-sample]]
==== Dateibeispiel der Zwischennetzliste
Die korrespondierende Zwischennetzliste (als XML-Datei) des Schaltkreises ist unten zu sehen.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<export version="D">
<design>
<source>F:\kicad_aux\netlist_test\netlist_test.sch</source>
<date>29/08/2010 20:35:21</date>
<tool>eeschema (2010-08-28 BZR 2458)-unstable</tool>
</design>
<components>
<comp ref="P1">
<value>CONN_4</value>
<libsource lib="conn" part="CONN_4"/>
<sheetpath names="/" tstamps="/"/>
<tstamp>4C6E2141</tstamp>
</comp>
<comp ref="U2">
<value>74LS74</value>
<libsource lib="74xx" part="74LS74"/>
<sheetpath names="/" tstamps="/"/>
<tstamp>4C6E20BA</tstamp>
</comp>
<comp ref="U1">
<value>74LS04</value>
<libsource lib="74xx" part="74LS04"/>
<sheetpath names="/" tstamps="/"/>
<tstamp>4C6E20A6</tstamp>
</comp>
<comp ref="C1">
<value>CP</value>
<libsource lib="device" part="CP"/>
<sheetpath names="/" tstamps="/"/>
<tstamp>4C6E2094</tstamp>
</comp>
<comp ref="R1">
<value>R</value>
<libsource lib="device" part="R"/>
<sheetpath names="/" tstamps="/"/>
<tstamp>4C6E208A</tstamp>
</comp>
</components>
<libparts>
<libpart lib="device" part="C">
<description>Condensateur non polarise</description>
<footprints>
<fp>SM*</fp>
<fp>C?</fp>
<fp>C1-1</fp>
</footprints>
<fields>
<field name="Reference">C</field>
<field name="Value">C</field>
</fields>
<pins>
<pin num="1" name="~" type="passive"/>
<pin num="2" name="~" type="passive"/>
</pins>
</libpart>
<libpart lib="device" part="R">
<description>Resistance</description>
<footprints>
<fp>R?</fp>
<fp>SM0603</fp>
<fp>SM0805</fp>
<fp>R?-*</fp>
<fp>SM1206</fp>
</footprints>
<fields>
<field name="Reference">R</field>
<field name="Value">R</field>
</fields>
<pins>
<pin num="1" name="~" type="passive"/>
<pin num="2" name="~" type="passive"/>
</pins>
</libpart>
<libpart lib="conn" part="CONN_4">
<description>Symbole general de connecteur</description>
<fields>
<field name="Reference">P</field>
<field name="Value">CONN_4</field>
</fields>
<pins>
<pin num="1" name="P1" type="passive"/>
<pin num="2" name="P2" type="passive"/>
<pin num="3" name="P3" type="passive"/>
<pin num="4" name="P4" type="passive"/>
</pins>
</libpart>
<libpart lib="74xx" part="74LS04">
<description>Hex Inverseur</description>
<fields>
<field name="Reference">U</field>
<field name="Value">74LS04</field>
</fields>
<pins>
<pin num="1" name="~" type="input"/>
<pin num="2" name="~" type="output"/>
<pin num="3" name="~" type="input"/>
<pin num="4" name="~" type="output"/>
<pin num="5" name="~" type="input"/>
<pin num="6" name="~" type="output"/>
<pin num="7" name="GND" type="power_in"/>
<pin num="8" name="~" type="output"/>
<pin num="9" name="~" type="input"/>
<pin num="10" name="~" type="output"/>
<pin num="11" name="~" type="input"/>
<pin num="12" name="~" type="output"/>
<pin num="13" name="~" type="input"/>
<pin num="14" name="VCC" type="power_in"/>
</pins>
</libpart>
<libpart lib="74xx" part="74LS74">
<description>Dual D FlipFlop, Set & Reset</description>
<docs>74xx/74hc_hct74.pdf</docs>
<fields>
<field name="Reference">U</field>
<field name="Value">74LS74</field>
</fields>
<pins>
<pin num="1" name="Cd" type="input"/>
<pin num="2" name="D" type="input"/>
<pin num="3" name="Cp" type="input"/>
<pin num="4" name="Sd" type="input"/>
<pin num="5" name="Q" type="output"/>
<pin num="6" name="~Q" type="output"/>
<pin num="7" name="GND" type="power_in"/>
<pin num="8" name="~Q" type="output"/>
<pin num="9" name="Q" type="output"/>
<pin num="10" name="Sd" type="input"/>
<pin num="11" name="Cp" type="input"/>
<pin num="12" name="D" type="input"/>
<pin num="13" name="Cd" type="input"/>
<pin num="14" name="VCC" type="power_in"/>
</pins>
</libpart>
</libparts>
<libraries>
<library logical="device">
<uri>F:\kicad\share\library\device.lib</uri>
</library>
<library logical="conn">
<uri>F:\kicad\share\library\conn.lib</uri>
</library>
<library logical="74xx">
<uri>F:\kicad\share\library\74xx.lib</uri>
</library>
</libraries>
<nets>
<net code="1" name="GND">
<node ref="U1" pin="7"/>
<node ref="C1" pin="2"/>
<node ref="U2" pin="7"/>
<node ref="P1" pin="4"/>
</net>
<net code="2" name="VCC">
<node ref="R1" pin="1"/>
<node ref="U1" pin="14"/>
<node ref="U2" pin="4"/>
<node ref="U2" pin="1"/>
<node ref="U2" pin="14"/>
<node ref="P1" pin="1"/>
</net>
<net code="3" name="">
<node ref="U2" pin="6"/>
</net>
<net code="4" name="">
<node ref="U1" pin="2"/>
<node ref="U2" pin="3"/>
</net>
<net code="5" name="/SIG_OUT">
<node ref="P1" pin="2"/>
<node ref="U2" pin="5"/>
<node ref="U2" pin="2"/>
</net>
<net code="6" name="/CLOCK_IN">
<node ref="R1" pin="2"/>
<node ref="C1" pin="1"/>
<node ref="U1" pin="1"/>
<node ref="P1" pin="3"/>
</net>
</nets>
</export>
-----------------------------------------------------------------
[[conversion-to-a-new-netlist-format]]
=== Umwandlung in ein neues Netzlistenformat
Unter Anwendung eines Nachtbearbeitungsfilters auf die Zwischennetzlistendatei können Sie fremde Netzlistenformate und auch Stücklisten erzeugen. Weil diese Umwandlung eine Text zu Text Umwandlung ist, kann dieser Nachtbearbeitungsfilter in Python, XSLT oder jedem anderen Werkzeug geschrieben werden, das XML als Eingabe verarbeiten kann.
XSLT itself is an XML language very suitable for XML transformations. There is a free program called _xsltproc_ that you can download and install. The xsltproc program can be used to read the Intermediate XML netlist input file, apply a style-sheet to transform the input, and save the results in an output file. Use of xsltproc requires a style-sheet file using XSLT conventions. The full conversion process is handled by KiCad, after it is configured once to run xsltproc in a specific way.
[[xslt-approach]]
=== XSLT-Vorgehensweise
Das Dokument, das die XSL-Umwandlung (XSLT) beschreibt, gibt es unter:
*http://www.w3.org/TR/xslt*
[[create-a-pads-pcb-netlist-file]]
==== Erstellen einer PadsPcb Netzlistendatei
Das PadsPcb Format besteht aus zwei Teilen.
* Die Footprintliste.
* Die Netzeliste: Gruppiert Referenzen der Pads nach Netzen.
Direkt unten ist ein Stylesheet welches die Zwischennetzlistendatei in ein PadsPcb Netzlistenformat umwandelt:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?>
<!--XSL style sheet to Eeschema Generic Netlist Format to PADS netlist format
Copyright (C) 2010, SoftPLC Corporation.
GPL v2.
How to use:
https://lists.launchpad.net/kicad-developers/msg05157.html
-->
<!DOCTYPE xsl:stylesheet [
<!ENTITY nl "
"> <!--new line CR, LF -->
]>
<xsl:stylesheet version="1.0" xmlns:xsl="http://www.w3.org/1999/XSL/Transform">
<xsl:output method="text" omit-xml-declaration="yes" indent="no"/>
<xsl:template match="/export">
<xsl:text>*PADS-PCB*&nl;*PART*&nl;</xsl:text>
<xsl:apply-templates select="components/comp"/>
<xsl:text>&nl;*NET*&nl;</xsl:text>
<xsl:apply-templates select="nets/net"/>
<xsl:text>*END*&nl;</xsl:text>
</xsl:template>
<!-- for each component -->
<xsl:template match="comp">
<xsl:text> </xsl:text>
<xsl:value-of select="@ref"/>
<xsl:text> </xsl:text>
<xsl:choose>
<xsl:when test = "footprint != '' ">
<xsl:apply-templates select="footprint"/>
</xsl:when>
<xsl:otherwise>
<xsl:text>unknown</xsl:text>
</xsl:otherwise>
</xsl:choose>
<xsl:text>&nl;</xsl:text>
</xsl:template>
<!-- for each net -->
<xsl:template match="net">
<!-- nets are output only if there is more than one pin in net -->
<xsl:if test="count(node)>1">
<xsl:text>*SIGNAL* </xsl:text>
<xsl:choose>
<xsl:when test = "@name != '' ">
<xsl:value-of select="@name"/>
</xsl:when>
<xsl:otherwise>
<xsl:text>N-</xsl:text>
<xsl:value-of select="@code"/>
</xsl:otherwise>
</xsl:choose>
<xsl:text>&nl;</xsl:text>
<xsl:apply-templates select="node"/>
</xsl:if>
</xsl:template>
<!-- for each node -->
<xsl:template match="node">
<xsl:text> </xsl:text>
<xsl:value-of select="@ref"/>
<xsl:text>.</xsl:text>
<xsl:value-of select="@pin"/>
<xsl:text>&nl;</xsl:text>
</xsl:template>
</xsl:stylesheet>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Und dies ist die PadsPcb Ausgabe nach dem Durchlauf von xsltproc:
------------------
*PADS-PCB*
*PART*
P1 unknown
U2 unknown
U1 unknown
C1 unknown
R1 unknown
*NET*
*SIGNAL* GND
U1.7
C1.2
U2.7
P1.4
*SIGNAL* VCC
R1.1
U1.14
U2.4
U2.1
U2.14
P1.1
*SIGNAL* N-4
U1.2
U2.3
*SIGNAL* /SIG_OUT
P1.2
U2.5
U2.2
*SIGNAL* /CLOCK_IN
R1.2
C1.1
U1.1
P1.3
*END*
------------------
Die Befehlszeile um diese Umwandlung durchzuführen lautet:
-------------------------------------------
kicad\\bin\\xsltproc.exe -o test.net kicad\\bin\\plugins\\netlist_form_pads-pcb.xsl test.tmp
-------------------------------------------
[[create-a-cadstar-netlist-file]]
==== Eine Cadstar Netzlistendatei erstellen
Das Cadstarformat besteht aus zwei Teilen.
* Die Footprintliste.
* Die Netzeliste: Gruppiert Referenzen der Pads nach Netzen.
Hier ist die Stylesheet-Datei um diese spezielle Umwandlung durchzuführen.
-----
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?>
<!--XSL style sheet to Eeschema Generic Netlist Format to CADSTAR netlist format
Copyright (C) 2010, Jean-Pierre Charras.
Copyright (C) 2010, SoftPLC Corporation.
GPL v2.
<!DOCTYPE xsl:stylesheet [
<!ENTITY nl "
"> <!--new line CR, LF -->
]>
<xsl:stylesheet version="1.0" xmlns:xsl="http://www.w3.org/1999/XSL/Transform">
<xsl:output method="text" omit-xml-declaration="yes" indent="no"/>
<!-- Netlist header -->
<xsl:template match="/export">
<xsl:text>.HEA&nl;</xsl:text>
<xsl:apply-templates select="design/date"/> <!-- Generate line .TIM <time> -->
<xsl:apply-templates select="design/tool"/> <!-- Generate line .APP <eeschema version> -->
<xsl:apply-templates select="components/comp"/> <!-- Generate list of components -->
<xsl:text>&nl;&nl;</xsl:text>
<xsl:apply-templates select="nets/net"/> <!-- Generate list of nets and connections -->
<xsl:text>&nl;.END&nl;</xsl:text>
</xsl:template>
<!-- Generate line .TIM 20/08/2010 10:45:33 -->
<xsl:template match="tool">
<xsl:text>.APP "</xsl:text>
<xsl:apply-templates/>
<xsl:text>"&nl;</xsl:text>
</xsl:template>
<!-- Generate line .APP "eeschema (2010-08-17 BZR 2450)-unstable" -->
<xsl:template match="date">
<xsl:text>.TIM </xsl:text>
<xsl:apply-templates/>
<xsl:text>&nl;</xsl:text>
</xsl:template>
<!-- for each component -->
<xsl:template match="comp">
<xsl:text>.ADD_COM </xsl:text>
<xsl:value-of select="@ref"/>
<xsl:text> </xsl:text>
<xsl:choose>
<xsl:when test = "value != '' ">
<xsl:text>"</xsl:text> <xsl:apply-templates select="value"/> <xsl:text>"</xsl:text>
</xsl:when>
<xsl:otherwise>
<xsl:text>""</xsl:text>
</xsl:otherwise>
</xsl:choose>
<xsl:text>&nl;</xsl:text>
</xsl:template>
<!-- for each net -->
<xsl:template match="net">
<!-- nets are output only if there is more than one pin in net -->
<xsl:if test="count(node)>1">
<xsl:variable name="netname">
<xsl:text>"</xsl:text>
<xsl:choose>
<xsl:when test = "@name != '' ">
<xsl:value-of select="@name"/>
</xsl:when>
<xsl:otherwise>
<xsl:text>N-</xsl:text>
<xsl:value-of select="@code"/>
</xsl:otherwise>
</xsl:choose>
<xsl:text>"&nl;</xsl:text>
</xsl:variable>
<xsl:apply-templates select="node" mode="first"/>
<xsl:value-of select="$netname"/>
<xsl:apply-templates select="node" mode="others"/>
</xsl:if>
</xsl:template>
<!-- for each node -->
<xsl:template match="node" mode="first">
<xsl:if test="position()=1">
<xsl:text>.ADD_TER </xsl:text>
<xsl:value-of select="@ref"/>
<xsl:text>.</xsl:text>
<xsl:value-of select="@pin"/>
<xsl:text> </xsl:text>
</xsl:if>
</xsl:template>
<xsl:template match="node" mode="others">
<xsl:choose>
<xsl:when test='position()=1'>
</xsl:when>
<xsl:when test='position()=2'>
<xsl:text>.TER </xsl:text>
</xsl:when>
<xsl:otherwise>
<xsl:text> </xsl:text>
</xsl:otherwise>
</xsl:choose>
<xsl:if test="position()>1">
<xsl:value-of select="@ref"/>
<xsl:text>.</xsl:text>
<xsl:value-of select="@pin"/>
<xsl:text>&nl;</xsl:text>
</xsl:if>
</xsl:template>
</xsl:stylesheet>
-----
Hier ist die Cadstar Ausgabedatei.
-----
.HEA
.TIM 21/08/2010 08:12:08
.APP "eeschema (2010-08-09 BZR 2439)-unstable"
.ADD_COM P1 "CONN_4"
.ADD_COM U2 "74LS74"
.ADD_COM U1 "74LS04"
.ADD_COM C1 "CP"
.ADD_COM R1 "R"
.ADD_TER U1.7 "GND"
.TER C1.2
U2.7
P1.4
.ADD_TER R1.1 "VCC"
.TER U1.14
U2.4
U2.1
U2.14
P1.1
.ADD_TER U1.2 "N-4"
.TER U2.3
.ADD_TER P1.2 "/SIG_OUT"
.TER U2.5
U2.2
.ADD_TER R1.2 "/CLOCK_IN"
.TER C1.1
U1.1
P1.3
.END
-----
[[create-a-orcadpcb2-netlist-file]]
==== Eine OrcadPCB2 Netzlistendatei erstellen
Dieses Format hat nur einen Teil, die Footprintliste. Jeder Footprint enthält selbst seine Liste von Pads mit einer Referenz zu einem Netz.
Hier ist das Stylesheet für diese spezielle Umwandlung:
-----
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?>
<!--XSL style sheet to Eeschema Generic Netlist Format to CADSTAR netlist format
Copyright (C) 2010, SoftPLC Corporation.
GPL v2.
How to use:
https://lists.launchpad.net/kicad-developers/msg05157.html
-->
<!DOCTYPE xsl:stylesheet [
<!ENTITY nl "
"> <!--new line CR, LF -->
]>
<xsl:stylesheet version="1.0" xmlns:xsl="http://www.w3.org/1999/XSL/Transform">
<xsl:output method="text" omit-xml-declaration="yes" indent="no"/>
<!--
Netlist header
Creates the entire netlist
(can be seen as equivalent to main function in C
-->
<xsl:template match="/export">
<xsl:text>( { Eeschema Netlist Version 1.1 </xsl:text>
<!-- Generate line .TIM <time> -->
<xsl:apply-templates select="design/date"/>
<!-- Generate line eeschema version ... -->
<xsl:apply-templates select="design/tool"/>
<xsl:text>}&nl;</xsl:text>
<!-- Generate the list of components -->
<xsl:apply-templates select="components/comp"/> <!-- Generate list of components -->
<!-- end of file -->
<xsl:text>)&nl;*&nl;</xsl:text>
</xsl:template>
<!--
Generate id in header like "eeschema (2010-08-17 BZR 2450)-unstable"
-->
<xsl:template match="tool">
<xsl:apply-templates/>
</xsl:template>
<!--
Generate date in header like "20/08/2010 10:45:33"
-->
<xsl:template match="date">
<xsl:apply-templates/>
<xsl:text>&nl;</xsl:text>
</xsl:template>
<!--
This template read each component
(path = /export/components/comp)
creates lines:
( 3EBF7DBD $noname U1 74LS125
... pin list ...
)
and calls "create_pin_list" template to build the pin list
-->
<xsl:template match="comp">
<xsl:text> ( </xsl:text>
<xsl:choose>
<xsl:when test = "tstamp != '' ">
<xsl:apply-templates select="tstamp"/>
</xsl:when>
<xsl:otherwise>
<xsl:text>00000000</xsl:text>
</xsl:otherwise>
</xsl:choose>
<xsl:text> </xsl:text>
<xsl:choose>
<xsl:when test = "footprint != '' ">
<xsl:apply-templates select="footprint"/>
</xsl:when>
<xsl:otherwise>
<xsl:text>$noname</xsl:text>
</xsl:otherwise>
</xsl:choose>
<xsl:text> </xsl:text>
<xsl:value-of select="@ref"/>
<xsl:text> </xsl:text>
<xsl:choose>
<xsl:when test = "value != '' ">
<xsl:apply-templates select="value"/>
</xsl:when>
<xsl:otherwise>
<xsl:text>"~"</xsl:text>
</xsl:otherwise>
</xsl:choose>
<xsl:text>&nl;</xsl:text>
<xsl:call-template name="Search_pin_list" >
<xsl:with-param name="cmplib_id" select="libsource/@part"/>
<xsl:with-param name="cmp_ref" select="@ref"/>
</xsl:call-template>
<xsl:text> )&nl;</xsl:text>
</xsl:template>
<!--
This template search for a given lib component description in list
lib component descriptions are in /export/libparts,
and each description start at ./libpart
We search here for the list of pins of the given component
This template has 2 parameters:
"cmplib_id" (reference in libparts)
"cmp_ref" (schematic reference of the given component)
-->
<xsl:template name="Search_pin_list" >
<xsl:param name="cmplib_id" select="0" />
<xsl:param name="cmp_ref" select="0" />
<xsl:for-each select="/export/libparts/libpart">
<xsl:if test = "@part = $cmplib_id ">
<xsl:apply-templates name="build_pin_list" select="pins/pin">
<xsl:with-param name="cmp_ref" select="$cmp_ref"/>
</xsl:apply-templates>
</xsl:if>
</xsl:for-each>
</xsl:template>
<!--
This template writes the pin list of a component
from the pin list of the library description
The pin list from library description is something like
<pins>
<pin num="1" type="passive"/>
<pin num="2" type="passive"/>
</pins>
Output pin list is ( <pin num> <net name> )
something like
( 1 VCC )
( 2 GND )
-->
<xsl:template name="build_pin_list" match="pin">
<xsl:param name="cmp_ref" select="0" />
<!-- write pin numner and separator -->
<xsl:text> ( </xsl:text>
<xsl:value-of select="@num"/>
<xsl:text> </xsl:text>
<!-- search net name in nets section and write it: -->
<xsl:variable name="pinNum" select="@num" />
<xsl:for-each select="/export/nets/net">
<!-- net name is output only if there is more than one pin in net
else use "?" as net name, so count items in this net
-->
<xsl:variable name="pinCnt" select="count(node)" />
<xsl:apply-templates name="Search_pin_netname" select="node">
<xsl:with-param name="cmp_ref" select="$cmp_ref"/>
<xsl:with-param name="pin_cnt_in_net" select="$pinCnt"/>
<xsl:with-param name="pin_num"> <xsl:value-of select="$pinNum"/>
</xsl:with-param>
</xsl:apply-templates>
</xsl:for-each>
<!-- close line -->
<xsl:text> )&nl;</xsl:text>
</xsl:template>
<!--
This template writes the pin netname of a given pin of a given component
from the nets list
The nets list description is something like
<nets>
<net code="1" name="GND">
<node ref="J1" pin="20"/>
<node ref="C2" pin="2"/>
</net>
<net code="2" name="">
<node ref="U2" pin="11"/>
</net>
</nets>
This template has 2 parameters:
"cmp_ref" (schematic reference of the given component)
"pin_num" (pin number)
-->
<xsl:template name="Search_pin_netname" match="node">
<xsl:param name="cmp_ref" select="0" />
<xsl:param name="pin_num" select="0" />
<xsl:param name="pin_cnt_in_net" select="0" />
<xsl:if test = "@ref = $cmp_ref ">
<xsl:if test = "@pin = $pin_num">
<!-- net name is output only if there is more than one pin in net
else use "?" as net name
-->
<xsl:if test = "$pin_cnt_in_net>1">
<xsl:choose>
<!-- if a net has a name, use it,
else build a name from its net code
-->
<xsl:when test = "../@name != '' ">
<xsl:value-of select="../@name"/>
</xsl:when>
<xsl:otherwise>
<xsl:text>$N-0</xsl:text><xsl:value-of select="../@code"/>
</xsl:otherwise>
</xsl:choose>
</xsl:if>
<xsl:if test = "$pin_cnt_in_net <2">
<xsl:text>?</xsl:text>
</xsl:if>
</xsl:if>
</xsl:if>
</xsl:template>
</xsl:stylesheet>
-----
Hier ist die OrcadPCB2 Ausgabedatei.
-----------------------------------------------------
( { Eeschema Netlist Version 1.1 29/08/2010 21:07:51
eeschema (2010-08-28 BZR 2458)-unstable}
( 4C6E2141 $noname P1 CONN_4
( 1 VCC )
( 2 /SIG_OUT )
( 3 /CLOCK_IN )
( 4 GND )
)
( 4C6E20BA $noname U2 74LS74
( 1 VCC )
( 2 /SIG_OUT )
( 3 N-04 )
( 4 VCC )
( 5 /SIG_OUT )
( 6 ? )
( 7 GND )
( 14 VCC )
)
( 4C6E20A6 $noname U1 74LS04
( 1 /CLOCK_IN )
( 2 N-04 )
( 7 GND )
( 14 VCC )
)
( 4C6E2094 $noname C1 CP
( 1 /CLOCK_IN )
( 2 GND )
)
( 4C6E208A $noname R1 R
( 1 VCC )
( 2 /CLOCK_IN )
)
)
*
-----------------------------------------------------
[[eeschema-plugins-interface]]
==== Netlist plugins interface
Intermediate Netlist converters can be automatically launched within the Schematic Editor.
[[init-the-dialog-window-1]]
===== Das Dialogfenster aufrufen
Sie können ein neues Netzlisten-Plugin hinzufügen mit einem Klick auf "Plugin hinzufügen".
image::images/de/eeschema_netlist_dialog_add_plugin.png[alt="Auswahlbutton zum Einfügen von Plugins", scaledwidth="50%"]
So sehen die Konfigurationsdaten für das PadsPcb Plugin aus:
image::images/de/eeschema_netlist_dialog_padspcb.png[alt="Einstellungen des Plugins PadsPCB", scaledwidth="80%"]
[[plugin-configuration-parameters]]
===== Konfiguration der Plugin-Parameter
The netlist plug-in configuration dialog requires the following information:
* *Titel*: Zum Beispiel der Name des Netzlistenformats.
* *Netzliste Befehl*: Der Audruf um den Konverter zu starten.
Sobald Sie auf den Button _Erstellen_ drücken, wird folgendes passieren:
1. KiCad creates an intermediate netlist file *.xml, for instance test.xml.
2. KiCad runs the plug-in by reading test.xml and creates test.net.
[[generate-netlist-files-with-the-command-line]]
===== Netzlistendateien über die Befehlszeile erzeugen
Angenommen wir benutzen das Programm _xsltproc.exe_ um ein Stylesheet auf die zwischenzeitliche Netzlistendatei anzuwenden, dann wird _xsltproc.exe_ mit folgendem Befehl ausgeführt:
_xsltproc.exe -o <output filename> < style-sheet filename> <input XML file to convert>_
In KiCad unter Windows ist die Befehlszeile wie folgt:
_f:/kicad/bin/xsltproc.exe -o "%O" f:/kicad/bin/plugins/netlist_form_pads-pcb.xsl "%I"_
Unter Linux sieht der Befehl (abhängig vom Installationsort) wie folgt aus:
_xsltproc -o "%O" /usr/local/kicad/bin/plugins/netlist_form_pads-pcb.xsl "%I"_
Where _netlist_form_pads-pcb.xsl_ is the style-sheet that you are applying. Do not forget the double quotes around the file names, this allows them to have spaces after the substitution by KiCad.
Das Befehlszeilenformat akzeptiert Parameter für Dateinamen:
Die unterstützten Formatierungsparameter sind:
* %B => Basisdateiname und Pfad der ausgewählten Ausgabedatei ohne Pfad und Erweiterung.
* %I => Kompletter Dateiname und Pfad der temporären Eingangsdatei (die Zwischennetzliste).
* %O => Kompletter Dateiname und Pfad der vom Benutzer gewählten Ausgabedatei.
_%I_ wird vom tatsächlichen Zwischendateiname ersetzt.
_%O_ wird vom tatsächlichen Ausgabedateiname ersetzt.
[[command-line-format-example-for-xsltproc]]
===== Befehlszeilenformat: Beispiel für xsltproc
Das Befehlszeilenformat für xsltproc sieht wie folgt aus:
<Pfad zu xsltproc>xsltproc <xsltproc Parameter>
Unter Windows:
*f:/kicad/bin/xsltproc.exe -o "%O" f:/kicad/bin/plugins/netlist_form_pads-pcb.xsl "%I"*
Unter Linux (wieder abhängig vom Installationsort):
*xsltproc -o "%O" /usr/local/kicad/bin/plugins/netlist_form_pads-pcb.xsl "%I"*
Die obigen Beispiele gehen davon aus, dass xsltproc auf Ihren PC unter Windows installiert ist und sich alle Dateien in kicad/bin befinden.
[[bill-of-materials-generation]]
==== Stücklistenerzeugung
Weil die zwischenzeitliche Netzlistendatei alle Informationen über verwendete Bauteile enthält, kann eine Stückliste aus ihr abgeleitet werden. Hier ist das Einstellungsfenster des Plugin (in Linux) um eine angepasste Stücklistendatei zu erzeugen:
image::images/de/bom-netlist-tab.png[alt="Einstellungen BOM in der Netzliste", scaledwidth="80%"]
Der Pfad zum Stylesheet bom2csv.xsl ist abhängig vom verwendeten Betriebssystem. Das derzeit beste XSLT Stylesheet zur Stücklistenerzeugung heißt __bom2csv.xsl__. Sie können es nach Ihren Anforderungen anpassen und wenn Sie etwas allgemein Nutzbares erzeugen, fragen Sie ob es Teil des KiCad Projekts werden kann.
[[command-line-format-example-for-python-scripts]]
=== Kommandozeilenformat: Beispiel für Pythonskripte
Das Befehlszeilenformat für Python sieht so aus:
python <script file name> <input filename> <output filename>
Unter Windows:
*python *.exe f:/kicad/python/my_python_script.py "%I" "%O"*
Unter Linux (wieder abhängig vom Installationsort):
*python /usr/local/kicad/python/my_python_script.py "%I" "%O"*
Dabei wird angenommen, dass Python auf Ihrem PC installiert ist.
[[intermediate-netlist-structure]]
=== Struktur der Zwischennetzliste
Dieses Beispiel gibt Ihnen eine Idee für das Netzlistendateiformat:
---------------------------------------------------------------
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<export version="D">
<design>
<source>F:\kicad_aux\netlist_test\netlist_test.sch</source>
<date>29/08/2010 21:07:51</date>
<tool>eeschema (2010-08-28 BZR 2458)-unstable</tool>
</design>
<components>
<comp ref="P1">
<value>CONN_4</value>
<libsource lib="conn" part="CONN_4"/>
<sheetpath names="/" tstamps="/"/>
<tstamp>4C6E2141</tstamp>
</comp>
<comp ref="U2">
<value>74LS74</value>
<libsource lib="74xx" part="74LS74"/>
<sheetpath names="/" tstamps="/"/>
<tstamp>4C6E20BA</tstamp>
</comp>
<comp ref="U1">
<value>74LS04</value>
<libsource lib="74xx" part="74LS04"/>
<sheetpath names="/" tstamps="/"/>
<tstamp>4C6E20A6</tstamp>
</comp>
<comp ref="C1">
<value>CP</value>
<libsource lib="device" part="CP"/>
<sheetpath names="/" tstamps="/"/>
<tstamp>4C6E2094</tstamp>
<comp ref="R1">
<value>R</value>
<libsource lib="device" part="R"/>
<sheetpath names="/" tstamps="/"/>
<tstamp>4C6E208A</tstamp>
</comp>
</components>
<libparts/>
<libraries/>
<nets>
<net code="1" name="GND">
<node ref="U1" pin="7"/>
<node ref="C1" pin="2"/>
<node ref="U2" pin="7"/>
<node ref="P1" pin="4"/>
</net>
<net code="2" name="VCC">
<node ref="R1" pin="1"/>
<node ref="U1" pin="14"/>
<node ref="U2" pin="4"/>
<node ref="U2" pin="1"/>
<node ref="U2" pin="14"/>
<node ref="P1" pin="1"/>
</net>
<net code="3" name="">
<node ref="U2" pin="6"/>
</net>
<net code="4" name="">
<node ref="U1" pin="2"/>
<node ref="U2" pin="3"/>
</net>
<net code="5" name="/SIG_OUT">
<node ref="P1" pin="2"/>
<node ref="U2" pin="5"/>
<node ref="U2" pin="2"/>
</net>
<net code="6" name="/CLOCK_IN">
<node ref="R1" pin="2"/>
<node ref="C1" pin="1"/>
<node ref="U1" pin="1"/>
<node ref="P1" pin="3"/>
</net>
</nets>
</export>
---------------------------------------------------------------
[[general-netlist-file-structure]]
==== Allgemeine Struktur der Netzlistendatei
Die Zwischennetzliste hat fünf Abschnitte.
* Einen Header Abschnitt.
* Einen Abschnitt der Bauteile.
* Einen Abschnitt der Bibliotheksteile.
* Einen Abschnitt der Bibliotheken.
* Einen Abschnitt der Netze.
Der Dateiinhalt hat das Trennzeichen <export>.
--------------------
<export version="D">
...
</export>
--------------------
[[the-header-section]]
==== Der Header
Der Header hat das Trennzeichen <design>.
-----------------------------------------------------------
<design>
<source>F:\kicad_aux\netlist_test\netlist_test.sch</source>
<date>21/08/2010 08:12:08</date>
<tool>eeschema (2010-08-09 BZR 2439)-unstable</tool>
</design>
-----------------------------------------------------------
Dieser Abschnitt kann als ein Kommentarabschnitt betrachtet werden.
[[the-components-section]]
==== Der Abschnitt der Bauteile
Der Abschnitt der Bauteile hat das Trennzeichen <components>.
-------------------------------------
<components>
<comp ref="P1">
<value>CONN_4</value>
<libsource lib="conn" part="CONN_4"/>
<sheetpath names="/" tstamps="/"/>
<tstamp>4C6E2141</tstamp>
</comp>
</components>
-------------------------------------
Dieser Abschnitt enthält die Liste der Bauteile ihres Schaltplans. Jedes Bauteil ist wie folgt beschrieben:
-------------------------------------
<comp ref="P1">
<value>CONN_4</value>
<libsource lib="conn" part="CONN_4"/>
<sheetpath names="/" tstamps="/"/>
<tstamp>4C6E2141</tstamp>
</comp>
-------------------------------------
[width="100%", cols="37%,63%"]
|=======================================================================
|*libsource* |name of the lib where this component was found.
|*part* |component name inside this library.
|*sheetpath* |path of the sheet inside the hierarchy: identify the sheet
within the full schematic hierarchy.
|*tstamps (time stamps)* |time stamp of the schematic file.
|*tstamp (time stamp)* |time stamp of the component.
|=======================================================================
[[note-about-time-stamps-for-components]]
===== Anmerkung zu Zeitstempeln für Bauteile
Um ein Bauteil in einer Netzliste und damit auf der Leiterplatte zu identifizieren, wird die Zeitstempel-Referenz als einzigartig für jedes Bauteil verwendet. Jedoch stellt KiCad einen zusätzlichen Hilfsweg zur Verfügung um ein Bauteil zu identifizieren, und zwar über den zugehörigen Footprint auf der Leiterplatte. Das erlaubt die Neunummerierung von Bauteilen in einem Schaltplanprojekt ohne den Verlust der Verbindung zwischen Bauteil und seinem Footprint.
Ein Zeitstempel ist eine einzigartige Identifizierung für jedes Bauteil oder Blatt in einem Schaltplanprojekt. Jedoch wird in einer komplexen Hierarchie das selbe Blatt mehr als einmal verwendet, daher enthält dieses Blatt Bauteile mit dem gleichen Zeitstempel.
Ein gegebenes Blatt hat eine einzigartige Identifizierung innerhalb einer komplexen Hierarchie: seinen Blattpfad. Ein gegebenes Bauteil (in einer komplexen Hierarchie) hat ebenfalls eine einzigartige Identifizierung: den Blattpfad + seinen Zeitstempel.
[[the-libparts-section]]
==== Der Abschnitt der Bibliotheksteile
Der Abschnitt der Bibliotheksteile hat das Trennzeichen <libparts> und der Inhalt dieses Abschnitts ist in den Schaltplanbibliotheken festgelegt. Der Abschnitt der Bibliotheksteile enthält:
* The allowed footprints names (names use wildcards) delimiter <fp>.
* Die in der Bibliothek definierten Felder, Trennzeichen <fields>.
* Die Liste der Anschlüsse, Trennzeichen <pins>.
--------------------------------------------------
<libparts>
<libpart lib="device" part="CP">
<description>Condensateur polarise</description>
<footprints>
<fp>CP*</fp>
<fp>SM*</fp>
</footprints>
<fields>
<field name="Reference">C</field>
<field name="Valeur">CP</field>
</fields>
<pins>
<pin num="1" name="1" type="passive"/>
<pin num="2" name="2" type="passive"/>
</pins>
</libpart>
</libparts>
--------------------------------------------------
Zeilen wie <pin num="1" type="passive"/> geben ebenfalls den elektrischen Typ des Anschlusses an. Die möglichen elektrischen Typen sind:
[width="94%", cols="25%,75%"]
|================================================================
|Input |Normaler Eingang
|Output |Normaler Ausgang
|Bidirectional |Eingang oder Ausgang
|Tri-state |Bus Ein-/Ausgang
|Passive |Üblicherweise die Enden von passiven Bauteilen
|Unspecified |Unbekannter elektrischer Typ
|Power input |Spannungseingang des Bauteils
|Power output |Spannungsausgang wie z.B. Ausgang eines Spannungsreglers
|Open collector |Offener Kollektorausgang wie häufig in Analog Komparatoren zu finden
|Open emitter |Ausgang der manchmal bei Logikbausteinen zu finden ist
|Not connected |Darf im Schaltplan nicht verbunden werden
|================================================================
[[the-libraries-section]]
==== Der Abschnitt der Bibliotheken
Der Abschnitt der Bibliotheken hat das Trennzeichen <libraries>. Dieser Abschnitt enthält die Liste der im Projekt verwendeten Schaltplanbibliotheken.
------------------------------------------------
<libraries>
<library logical="device">
<uri>F:\kicad\share\library\device.lib</uri>
</library>
<library logical="conn">
<uri>F:\kicad\share\library\conn.lib</uri>
</library>
</libraries>
------------------------------------------------
[[the-nets-section]]
==== Der Abschnitt der Netze
Der Abschnitt der Netze hat das Trennzeichen <nets>. Dieser Abschnitt enthält die "Verbindungen" des Schaltplans.
-----------------------------
<nets>
<net code="1" name="GND">
<node ref="U1" pin="7"/>
<node ref="C1" pin="2"/>
<node ref="U2" pin="7"/>
<node ref="P1" pin="4"/>
</net>
<net code="2" name="VCC">
<node ref="R1" pin="1"/>
<node ref="U1" pin="14"/>
<node ref="U2" pin="4"/>
<node ref="U2" pin="1"/>
<node ref="U2" pin="14"/>
<node ref="P1" pin="1"/>
</net>
</nets>
-----------------------------
Dieser Abschnitt listet alle Netze des Schaltplans auf.
Ein mögliches Netz enthält das folgende:
--------------------------
<net code="1" name="GND">
<node ref="U1" pin="7"/>
<node ref="C1" pin="2"/>
<node ref="U2" pin="7"/>
<node ref="P1" pin="4"/>
</net>
--------------------------
[width="77%", cols="20%,80%"]
|================================================
|net code |ist ein interner Identifikator für dieses Netz
|name |ist der Name für dieses Netz
|node |gibt eine Anschlussreferenz an der mit diesem Netz verbunden ist
|================================================
[[more-about-xsltproc]]
=== Mehr über xsltproc
Finden Sie auf der Seite: _http://xmlsoft.org/XSLT/xsltproc.html_
[[introduction-7]]
==== Einleitung
xsltproc ist ein Befehlszeilenwerkzeug, um XSLT Stylesheets auf XML Dokumente anzuwenden. Obwohl es als Teil des GNOME-Projekts entwickelt wurde, kann es unabhängig vom GNOME-Desktop verwendet werden.
xsltproc wird von auf Befehlszeile mit dem Namen des zu verwendenden Stylesheets, gefolgt vom Namen der Datei oder Dateien auf welche das Stylesheet angewendet werden soll aufgerufen. Es wird die Standard Eingabe verwenden, wenn ein Dateiname mit - angegeben wird.
Wenn ein Stylesheet in einem XML-Dokument mit Stylesheet Verarbeitungshinweisen enthalten ist, muss kein Stylesheet auf der Befehlszeile angegeben werden. xsltproc wird das enthaltene Stylesheet automatisch erkennen und benutzen. Standardmäßig erfolgt die Ausgabe nach __stdout__. Sie können eine Ausgabedatei mit der -o Option angeben.
[[synopsis]]
==== Übersicht
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
xsltproc [[-V] | [-v] | [-o *file* ] | [--timing] | [--repeat] |
[--debug] | [--novalid] | [--noout] | [--maxdepth *val* ] | [--html] |
[--param *name* *value* ] | [--stringparam *name* *value* ] | [--nonet] |
[--path *paths* ] | [--load-trace] | [--catalogs] | [--xinclude] |
[--profile] | [--dumpextensions] | [--nowrite] | [--nomkdir] |
[--writesubtree] | [--nodtdattr]] [ *stylesheet* ] [ *file1* ] [ *file2* ]
[ *....* ]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[command-line-options]]
==== Befehlszeilen-Optionen
_-V_ or _--version_
Zeigt die verwendete Version von libxml und libxslt an.
_-v_ or _--verbose_
Gebe jeden Schritt aus, den xsltproc bei der Verarbeitung des Stylesheets und des Dokuments durchführt
_-o_ or _--output file_
Leite die Ausgabe auf den Dateinamen __file__ um. Für mehrere Ausgaben, auch als ``chunking'' benannt, leitet -o Verzeichnis/ die Ausgabendateien in ein spezielles Verzeichnis um. Das Verzeichnis muss schon angelegt sein.
_--timing_
Zeigt die Zeit an, die für das Lesen des Stylesheets, des Dokuments, Anwenden des Stylesheets und speichern des Ergebnisses benötigt wurde. Die Zeiten werden in Millisekunden angegeben.
_--repeat_
Führe die Umwandlung 20 mal durch. Wird für Zeit bestimmende Tests verwendet.
_--debug_
Gibt den XML-Baum des umgewandelten Dokuments aus; für Debug Zwecke.
_--novalid_
Überspringe das Laden der DTD des Dokuments.
_--noout_
Das Ergebnis nicht ausgeben.
_--maxdepth value_
Stellt die maximale Tiefe des Vorlagenstapels ein, bevor libxslt feststellt, dass es in einer unendlichen Schleife festhängt. Der Standard ist 500.
_--html_
Das Eingabedokument ist eine HTML-Datei.
_--param name value_
Übergibt einen Parameter mit dem Namen _name_ und des Wertes _value_ an das Stylesheet. Sie können mehrere Namen/Wert Paare bis zu einem Maximum von 32 angeben. Wenn der übergebene Wert eine Zeichenkette und kein Knoten Identifikator ist, benutzen Sie stattdessen --stringparam.
_--stringparam name value_
Übergibt einen Parameter mit dem Namen _name_ und Wert _value_ wobei _value_ eine Zeichenkette und kein Knoten Identifikator ist. (Anmerkung: die Zeichenkette muss UTF-8 sein.)
_--nonet_
Nicht das Internet benutzen um DTD's, Entities oder Dokumente zu laden.
_--path paths_
Benutze die Liste (getrennt mit Leerzeichen oder Doppelpunkt) von Dateisystempfaden, angegeben über _paths_, um DTD's, Entities oder Dokumente zu laden.
_--load-trace_
Gibt alle während der Verarbeitung geladene Dokumente auf stderr aus.
_--catalogs_
Benutze den in SGML_CATALOG_FILES spezifizierten SGML-Katalog um den Ort von externen Entities aufzulösen. Standardmäßig sucht xsltproc nach dem Katalog, der in XML_CATALOG_FILES spezifiziert ist. Wenn das nicht spezifiziert ist, benutzt es /etc/xml/catalog.
_--xinclude_
Verarbeitet das Eingabe-Dokument unter Benutzung der Xinclude-Spezifikation. Mehr Details dazu können in der Xinclude-Spezifikation gefunden werden: http://www.w3.org/TR/xinclude/[http://www.w3.org/TR/xinclude/]
_--profile --norman_
Gibt detaillierte Information über die in jedem Teil des Stylesheets benötigte Zeit aus. Das ist hilfreich um die Performance des Stylesheets zu optimieren.
_--dumpextensions_
Gibt die Liste aller registrierten Erweiterungen auf stdout aus.
_--nowrite_
Untersagt jegliches Schreiben in eine Datei oder Ressource.
_--nomkdir_
Untersagt das Erstellen von Verzeichnissen.
_--writesubtree path_
Erlaubt das Schreiben von Dateien nur unterhalb des Pfades _path_.
_--nodtdattr_
Keine Standardattribute aus dem DTD des Dokuments anwenden.
[[xsltproc-return-values]]
==== Xsltproc Rückgabewerte
xsltproc gibt eine Status Nummer zurück, die sehr hilfreich sein kann, wenn es aus einem Skript aufgerufen wird.
0: Normal
1: Kein Argument
2: zu viele Parameter
3: unbekannte Option
4: konnte Stylesheet nicht abarbeiten
5: Fehler im Stylesheet
6: Fehler in einem der Dokumente
7: nicht unterstützte xsl:Ausgabe Methode
8: Zeichenketten-Parameter enthält sowohl einfache als auch doppelte Anführungszeichen
9: interner Verarbeitungsfehler
10: Verarbeitung wurde durch eine Abbruch Nachricht gestoppt
11: konnte das Ergebnis in die Ausgabedatei schreiben
[[more-information-about-xsltproc]]
==== Mehr Information über xsltproc
libxml Webseite: http://www.xmlsoft.org/[http://www.xmlsoft.org/]
W3C XSLT Webseite: http://www.w3.org/TR/xslt[http://www.w3.org/TR/xslt]
:experimental:
[[simulator]]
== Simulator ==
KiCad provides an embedded electrical circuit simulator using http://ngspice.sourceforge.net[ngspice] as the simulation engine.
When working with the simulator, you may find the official _pspice_ library useful. It contains common symbols used for simulation like voltage/current sources or transistors with pins numbered to match the ngspice node order specification.
There are also a few demo projects to illustrate the simulator capabilities. You will find them in _demos/simulation_ directory.
=== Assigning models
Before a simulation is launched, components need to have Spice model assigned.
Each component can have only one model assigned, even if component consists of multiple units. In such case, the first unit should have the model specified.
[[sim-passive-models]] Passive components with reference matching a device type in Spice notation (_R*_ for resistors, _C*_ for capacitors, _L*_ for inductors) will have models assigned implicitly and use the value field to determine their properties.
[NOTE]
Keep in mind that in Spice notation 'M' stands for milli and 'Meg' corresponds to mega. If you prefer to use 'M' to indicate mega prefix, you may request doing so in the <<sim-settings, simulation settings dialog>>.
Spice model information is stored as text in symbol fields, therefore you may either define it in symbol editor or schematics editor. Open symbol properties dialog and click on _Edit Spice Model_ button to open Spice Model Editor dialog.
Spice Model Editor dialog has three tabs corresponding to different model types. There are two options common to all model types:
[width="90%", cols="30%a,70%a"]
|====
|Disable symbol for simulation
|When checked the component is excluded from simulation.
|Alternate node sequence
|Allows one to override symbol pin to model node mapping.
To define a different mapping, specify pin numbers in order expected by the model.
'Example:' +
____
`* connections:` +
`* 1: non-inverting input` +
`* 2: inverting input` +
`* 3: positive power supply` +
`* 4: negative power supply` +
`* 5: output` +
`.subckt tl071 1 2 3 4 5`
____
image::images/opamp_symbol.png[alt="Generic operational amplifier symbol"]
To match the symbol pins to the Spice model nodes shown above, one needs to use an alternate node sequence option with value: "1{nbsp}3{nbsp}5{nbsp}2{nbsp}4". It is a list of pin numbers corresponding to the Spice model nodes order.
|====
==== Passive
_Passive_ tab allows the user to assign a passive device model (resistor, capacitor or inductor) to a component. It is a rarely used option, as normally passive components have models assigned <<sim-passive-models,implicitly>>, unless component reference does not match the actual device type.
[NOTE]
Explicitly defined passive device models have priority over the ones assigned implicitly. It means that once a passive device model is assigned, the reference and value fields are not taken into account during simulation. It may lead to a confusing situation when assigned model value does not match the one displayed on a schematic sheet.
image::images/sim_model_passive.png[alt="Passive device model editor tab"]
[width="90%", cols="30%a,70%a"]
|====
|Type
|Selects the device type (resistor, capacitor or inductor).
|Value
|Defines the device property (resistance, capacitance or inductance). The value
may use common Spice unit prefixes (as listed below the text input field) and
should use point as the decimal separator. Note that Spice does not correctly
interpret prefixes intertwined in the value (e.g. 1k5).
|====
==== Model
_Model_ tab is used to assign a semiconductor or a complex model defined in an external library file. Spice model libraries are often offered by device manufacturers.
The main text widget displays the selected library file contents. It is a common practice to put models description inside library files, including the node order.
image::images/sim_model_subckt.png[alt="Semiconductor device model editor tab"]
[width="90%", cols="30%a,70%a"]
|====================
|File
|Path to a Spice library file. This file is going to be used by the simulator,
as it is added using _.include_ directive.
|Model
|Selected device model. When a file is selected, the list is filled with available
models to choose from.
|Type
|Selects model type (subcircuit, BJT, MOSFET or diode). Normally it is set
automatically when a model is selected.
|====================
==== Source
_Source_ tab is used to assign a power or signal source model. There are two sections: _DC/AC analysis_ and _Transient analysis_. Each defines source parameters for the corresponding simulation type.
_Source type_ option applies to all simulation types.
image::images/sim_model_source.png[alt="Source model editor tab"]
Refer to the http://ngspice.sourceforge.net/docs/ngspice-27-manual.pdf[ngspice documentation], chapter 4 (Voltage and Current Sources) for more details about sources.
[[sim-directives]]
=== Spice directives
It is possible to add Spice directives by placing them in text fields on a schematic sheet. This approach is convenient for defining the default simulation type. This functionality is limited to Spice directives starting with a dot (e.g. `.tran 10n 1m`), it is not possible to place additional components using text fields.
=== Simulation
To launch a simulation, open _Spice Simulator_ dialog by selecting menu _Tools->Simulator_ in the schematics editor window.
image::images/sim_main_dialog.png[alt="Main simulation dialog"]
The dialog is divided into several sections:
* <<sim-toolbar,Toolbar>>
* <<sim-plot-panel,Plot panel>>
* <<sim-output-console,Output console>>
* <<sim-signals-list,Signals list>>
* <<sim-cursors-list,Cursors list>>
* <<sim-tune-panel,Tune panel>>
==== Menu
[[sim-menu-file]]
===== File
[width="90%", cols="30%,70%"]
|====
|New Plot | Create a new tab in the plot panel.
|Open Workbook | Open a list of plotted signals.
|Save Workbook | Save a list of plotted signals.
|Save as image | Export the active plot to a .png file.
|Save as .csv file | Export the active plot raw data points to a .csv file.
|Exit Simulation | Close the dialog.
|====
[[sim-menu-simulation]]
===== Simulation
[width="90%", cols="30%,70%"]
|====
|Run Simulation | Perform a simulation using the current settings.
|Add signals... | Open a dialog to select signals to be plotted.
|Probe from schematics | Start the schematics <<sim-probe-tool,Probe>> tool.
|Tune component value | Start the <<sim-tuner-tool,Tuner>> tool.
|Show SPICE Netlist... | Open a dialog showing the generated netlist for the
simulated circuit.
|Settings... | Open the <<sim-settings,simulation settings dialog>>.
|====
[[sim-menu-view]]
===== View
[width="90%", cols="30%,70%"]
|====
|Zoom In | Zoom in the active plot.
|Zoom Out | Zoom out the active plot.
|Fit on Screen | Adjust the zoom setting to display all plots.
|Show grid | Toggle grid visibility.
|Show legend | Toggle plot legend visibility.
|====
[[sim-toolbar]]
==== Toolbar
image::images/sim_main_toolbar.png[alt="Simulation dialog top toolbar"]
The top toolbar provides access to the most frequently performed actions.
[width="90%", cols="30%,70%"]
|====
|Run/Stop Simulation | Start or stop the simulation.
|Add Signals | Open a dialog to select signals to be plotted.
|Probe | Start the schematics <<sim-probe-tool,Probe>> tool.
|Tune | Start the <<sim-tuner-tool,Tuner>> tool.
|Settings | Open the <<sim-settings,simulation settings dialog>>.
|====
[[sim-plot-panel]]
==== Plot panel
Visualizes the simulation results as plots. One can have multiple plots opened in separate tabs, but only the active one is updated when a simulation is executed. This way it is possible to compare simulation results for different runs.
Plots might be customized by toggling grid and legend visibility using <<sim-menu-view,View>> menu. When a legend is visible, it can be dragged to change its position.
Plot panel interaction:
* scroll mouse wheel to zoom in/out
* right click to open a context menu to adjust the view
* draw a selection rectangle to zoom in the selected area
* drag a cursor to change its coordinates
[[sim-output-console]]
==== Output console
Output console displays messages from the simulator. It is advised to check the console output to verify there are no errors or warnings.
[[sim-signals-list]]
==== Signals list
Shows the list of signals displayed in the active plot.
Signals list interaction:
* right click to open a context menu to hide signal or toggle cursor
* double click to hide signal
[[sim-cursors-list]]
==== Cursors list
Shows the list of cursors and their coordinates. Each signal may have one cursor displayed. Cursors visibility is set using the <<sim-signals-list,Signals>> list.
[[sim-tune-panel]]
==== Tune panel
Displays components picked with the <<sim-tuner-tool,Tuner>> tool. Tune panel allows the user to quickly modify component values and observe their influence on the simulation results - every time a component value is changed, the simulation is rerun and plots are updated.
For each component there a few controls associated:
* The top text field sets the maximum component value.
* The middle text field sets the actual component value.
* The bottom text field sets the minimum component value.
* Slider allows the user to modify the component value in a smooth way.
* _Save_ button modifies component value on the schematics to the one selected with the slider.
* _X_ button removes component from the Tune panel and restores its original value.
The three text fields recognize Spice unit prefixes.
[[sim-tuner-tool]]
==== Tuner tool
Tuner tool lets the user pick components for tuning.
To select a component for tuning, click on one in the schematics editor when the tool is active. Selected components will appear in the <<sim-tune-panel,Tune>> panel. Only passive components might be tuned.
[[sim-probe-tool]]
==== Probe tool
Probe tool provides an user-friendly way of selecting signals for plotting.
To add a signal to plot, click on a corresponding wire in the schematics editor when the tool is active.
[[sim-settings]]
==== Simulation settings
image::images/sim_settings.png[alt="Simulation settings dialog"]
Simulation settings dialog lets the user set the simulation type and parameters. There are four tabs:
* AC
* DC Transfer
* Transient
* Custom
The first three tabs provide forms where simulation parameters might be specified. The last tab allows the user to type in custom Spice directives to set up a simulation. You can find more information about simulation types and parameters in the http://ngspice.sourceforge.net/docs/ngspice-27-manual.pdf[ngspice documentation], chapter 1.2.
An alternative way to configure a simulation is to type <<sim-directives,Spice directives>> into text fields on schematics. Any text field directives related to simulation type are overridden by the settings selected in the dialog. It means that once you start using the simulation dialog, the dialog overriddes the schematics directives until the simulator is reopened.
There are two options common to all simulation types:
[width="90%", cols="30%,70%"]
|====
|Adjust passive symbol values | Replace passive symbol values to convert common
component values notation to Spice notation.
|Add full path for .include library directives | Prepend Spice model library
file names with full path. Normally full path is required by ngspice to access
a library file.
|====