https://community.element14.com/products/pcbprototyping/Join members as we design, prototype and fabricate printed circuit boards, for fun and for practicality!en-USTelligent Community 12https://community.element14.com/products/pcbprototyping/f/forum/57150/join-the-horror-show-or-is-it---ai-gen-pcb-designTue, 04 Aug 2026 00:02:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:378ac120-e271-4d49-954c-576ef5fe0353stantoI stumbled upon this: https://github.com/assalas/pcb-designer-ai-agent because there was a thread on Reddit that's discussing "Any AI tools to do PCB design reviews?" and I've always thought things like routing should be a computer solvable problem. This looks like it can work on a local LLM rather than burning lakes of water, instead I can cook in my office. There's also tools like https://www.protoflow.ai/download and https://www.quilter.ai/free-ai-pcb-design and https://www.flux.ai/p - and I frankly have struggled to get to grips directly with kicad (yes there's tutorials, etc, but like mathematics at school, I struggled until I found the right teacher). Anyway, I'm going to see what I can get out of this on a local workflow, call it my new year's resolution (what it's august already?) I want to see what other people have created using tooling like this, and how it measures up to reality - y'know, from people who actually know how to do PCB design? Or not, I'm not your parent.artificial intelligencepcbaipcb designhttps://community.element14.com/products/pcbprototyping/f/forum/57141/pcbatlas-update-app-store-release-and-android-free-trial-now-available/237686Mon, 03 Aug 2026 17:31:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:05d405f5-79f1-4312-a6d5-521952eb0046EthanKangKiCanvas looks useful for lighter review cases. PCBAtlas is aimed more at large board projects and broader format support. On mobile devices, memory is often the main constraint, so we spent a lot of effort making boards with 10,000+ pins open and remain smooth even on a phone. I agree this is still a niche use case today, but it fills a gap. As mobile hardware improves and AI-driven workflows grow, more PCB review work may move to tablets and phones.https://community.element14.com/products/pcbprototyping/f/forum/57141/pcbatlas-update-app-store-release-and-android-free-trial-now-available/237684Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:48:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:19d6c2e4-3cd5-4591-b5d2-7054a7209fcbshabazI've found KiCanvas usable with a tablet (for the rare times I'm without laptop!), since component selection, pinch-to-zoom etc all works with the touchscreen with no mouse/keyboard. Agree it would be good to highlight the same selected component in different views, I'm surprised KiCanvas doesn't already support that, since it remembers component selection when switching back to the previous view. Probably an easy thing to implement as a result (might be worth putting in a feature request for that).https://community.element14.com/products/pcbprototyping/f/forum/57141/pcbatlas-update-app-store-release-and-android-free-trial-now-available/237683Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:22:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:0618ea80-24bd-404b-8dc7-4ae7a4e399dcBigGInteresting, although it doesn't appear to be interactive like Altium365. I like to be able to click onto a component and it dynamically highlights the same component in different views (e.g. PCB, schematic, 3D view etc) and then provides you with the technical details (I found this option, at least in kicanvas).https://community.element14.com/products/pcbprototyping/f/forum/57141/pcbatlas-update-app-store-release-and-android-free-trial-now-available/237681Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:13:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:52a312b0-a45a-42c3-a3f5-9ba41793b365shabazThe video didn't demonstrate much, but the ability to view and explore KiCad projects on desktop or mobile devices is already possible with KiCanvas ( example PCB view ). Example schematic : At least for hobbyists, that will go a long way toward reviewing, since third party tools can be used for capturing review meeting minutes and action items. That more informal method won't suit businesses of course.https://community.element14.com/products/pcbprototyping/f/forum/57141/pcbatlas-update-app-store-release-and-android-free-trial-now-available/237680Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:20:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:4ed18675-65ee-4bcb-a945-5868ea5709e9cstanton[quote userid="250758" url="~/products/pcbprototyping/f/forum/57141/pcbatlas-update-app-store-release-and-android-free-trial-now-available/237678"]Agree, but how often do such households perform PCB layout reviews?[/quote] Given most electrical makers I've seen at hackspaces are carrying phones and ipads, I suspect it's higher than you may think.https://community.element14.com/products/pcbprototyping/f/forum/57141/pcbatlas-update-app-store-release-and-android-free-trial-now-available/237679Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:08:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:930c0ca5-79b9-416e-8c30-707bafc9c6f2misazAgree, but I can imagine use cases like some manager making some kind of reviews or just want to look at something on field, etc.https://community.element14.com/products/pcbprototyping/f/forum/57141/pcbatlas-update-app-store-release-and-android-free-trial-now-available/237678Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:06:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:600b48ad-303a-4ca3-bb42-a7755f1083c8misazAgree, but how often do such households perform PCB layout reviews?https://community.element14.com/products/pcbprototyping/f/forum/57141/pcbatlas-update-app-store-release-and-android-free-trial-now-available/237673Mon, 03 Aug 2026 10:30:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:f65684db-0d83-4c1d-8213-c7167d62c3c9cstanton[quote userid="121623" url="~/products/pcbprototyping/f/forum/57141/pcbatlas-update-app-store-release-and-android-free-trial-now-available/237670"]Why would any one want to review a PCB on a tablet[/quote] There are an increasing amount of households that don't have a 'full fat' computer these days.https://community.element14.com/products/pcbprototyping/f/forum/57141/pcbatlas-update-app-store-release-and-android-free-trial-now-available/237672Mon, 03 Aug 2026 10:30:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:ae3f14e5-c036-4958-a843-d065e0ce12daBigGI'd say this is for beyond the design room. One application I can think of is when field testing PCBs, where you're off to evaluate a problem out on site. It's a new board and you're not sure what you're looking at. You typically want to look at the PCB design to figure out what is doing what. A 42" won't help here.https://community.element14.com/products/pcbprototyping/f/forum/57141/pcbatlas-update-app-store-release-and-android-free-trial-now-available/237670Mon, 03 Aug 2026 08:56:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:bc03d5d4-40ea-4a0a-b961-3bdaee8829e9michaelkellettI don't want to rain on your parade but, Why would any one want to review a PCB on a tablet - I use a 42" 4K screen to do PCB design work I can't imagine attempting it on a tablet. Lots of people use mouse (or supermouse) and keyboard to navigate PCB designs (you need to switch layers and position a lot) . By the time you have a tablet, mouse and keyboard why not just use a laptop if you have to do some work in the field. MKhttps://community.element14.com/products/pcbprototyping/f/forum/57141/pcbatlas-update-app-store-release-and-android-free-trial-now-available/237637Sat, 01 Aug 2026 09:05:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:d45f604c-66ec-4209-99fd-04fce191aeabEthanKangThat is essentially correct for now. PCBAtlas is intended to provide a practical way to review PCB designs on mobile devices, especially tablets, rather than replace KiCad as a full design tool. Once the core viewing and review functions are more complete, we plan to continue developing new features designed specifically around mobile-friendly interaction.https://community.element14.com/products/pcbprototyping/f/forum/57141/pcbatlas-update-app-store-release-and-android-free-trial-now-available/237629Fri, 31 Jul 2026 22:02:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:10c351fe-604f-4c51-a54d-2a3993c50be7stantoSo the difference to simply using KiCAD is that it's for ios and android?https://community.element14.com/products/pcbprototyping/f/forum/57141/pcbatlas-update-app-store-release-and-android-free-trial-now-availableThu, 30 Jul 2026 07:40:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:db750cf5-9cd5-4ff3-9c17-fc89e74a8142EthanKangHi everyone, About a month ago, I introduced PCBAtlas here while the Apple version was still in public TestFlight. I wanted to post a development update now that it has moved into a regular App Store release, and an Android version is also available as a direct free trial. PCBAtlas is still focused on the same problem: providing a local-first workspace for opening, organizing, and reviewing PCB design and manufacturing data without requiring a full EDA installation or uploading board files to a web service. It is not intended to replace KiCad, a PCB editor, or a formal CAM/DFM sign-off process. The goal is to make routine inspection, revision review, issue communication, lab work, and manufacturing handoff more convenient. The current versions support workflows around: KiCad projects, schematics, and .kicad_pcb boards DSN files IPC-2581 XML ODB++ archives and directories Recognized manufacturing-package folders 2D board inspection, object selection, search, and layer controls Project and schematic browsing where available Board-level 3D viewing Managed revisions inside the same PCB workspace Since the earlier beta, much of the work has been less visible but important: improving large-board rendering, selection on dense layouts, import progress, saved viewer state, repeated open/reopen workflows, ODB++ archive handling, 3D navigation, thumbnails, and general stability. The Android build now follows the same general review workflow as the Apple versions. It is temporarily available as a direct APK free trial. The download page also publishes the build version, SHA-256 checksum, and signer certificate fingerprint for verification. I am particularly interested in feedback on: Files that fail to import or take unexpectedly long Incorrect or missing layers, shapes, line widths, pads, or vias ODB++ and IPC-2581 compatibility problems Selection problems on dense or overlapping board geometry Whether the revision/workspace model is genuinely useful Information that is still missing during a real review or manufacturing handoff Website and downloads: https://www.astroformsoftware.com/ When reporting an issue, the platform, device model, file format, approximate board size, and the import stage where the problem occurred are especially useful. Non-sensitive test files are welcome, but screenshots and descriptions are also helpful. Disclosure: I am the developer of PCBAtlas. I will keep technical discussion and support public where practical, and I will not send unsolicited DMs or add anyone to a mailing list.https://community.element14.com/products/pcbprototyping/f/forum/57135/emfcamp-tildagon-badge-2026-talkSun, 26 Jul 2026 16:43:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:85908ac3-85a1-4d3e-9b61-2fbc2dde6193stantoReally nice to see the intention behind a "conference badge" that's designed to be re-used and interesting to hear the considerations around espressif's antenna requirements. ffmuc.media.ccc.de/.../emf2026-7001-eng-Design_decisions_behind_the_Tildagon_-_a_technical_walkthrough_hd.mp4 Source: https://media.ccc.de/v/emf2026-70-1-design-decisions-behind-the-tildagon-a-technical-walkthrough I'm surprised they considered using the USB-C ports as the 'lanyard connector' which is both a good and bad idea, in my experience USB-C does not latch properly, and this badge is not light! You can read more about the badge here: https://tildagon.badge.emfcamp.org/tildagonespressifemfcamp 2026technical walkthroughbehind the sceneshttps://community.element14.com/products/pcbprototyping/b/pcb-blogs/posts/creating-a-new-symbol-in-kicad-10-0-for-firebeetle-2-esp32c6Mon, 06 Jul 2026 20:32:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:034ae08c-a7d0-4f56-92d3-f07a935e5d0eelectronic-wizardCreating a Custom KiCad Symbol for the DFRobot FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C6 When designing a custom carrier PCB around the DFRobot FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C6 v1.2 , I discovered that KiCad does not include a built-in symbol for this development board. Instead of using the ESP32-C6-MINI-1 module symbol (which represents the module itself rather than the complete development board), I created a custom symbol that exposes only the header pins available on the FireBeetle. Step 1: Gather the Pinout The first step was to obtain the official FireBeetle 2 ESP32-C6 V1.2 pinout from DFRobot's documentation. Since the development board already contains the ESP32-C6 module, power circuitry, USB interface, and other support components, only the header pins needed to be represented in the schematic. https://wiki.dfrobot.com/dfr1075/#tech_specs Step 2: Create a Pin Import CSV community.element14.com/.../FireBeetle_5F00_2_5F00_ESP32_2D00_C6_5F00_V1.2_5F00_KiCad_5F00_PinImport_5F00_v2.csv Rather than manually adding each pin in KiCad, I prepared a CSV file containing: Pin number Pin name Electrical type Pin orientation Pin position Text size Visibility Unit information The CSV was formatted according to KiCad's Import Pins from CSV specification. Step 3: Import the Pins In the KiCad Symbol Editor: File → New Symbol After creating an empty symbol: Tools → Import Pins from CSV The generated CSV was imported, automatically creating all header pins. Step 4: Arrange the Symbol After import, the pins were aligned and spaced evenly around the symbol body. A rectangle was added to represent the FireBeetle board, and the following symbol properties were configured: Reference: U Value: ESP32-C6 v1.2 Description Datasheet URL Step 5: Verify Electrical Types Each pin was assigned an appropriate electrical type, such as: Power Input Power Output Input Bidirectional No Connect These electrical types are important because KiCad's Electrical Rules Check (ERC) uses them to detect wiring mistakes. Step 6: Save to a Personal Library Finally, the completed symbol was saved into a custom KiCad library so it can be reused across future projects without recreating it. Benefits Creating a custom symbol provides several advantages: Represents the actual FireBeetle development board rather than the underlying ESP32 module. Simplifies schematic design by exposing only usable header pins. Enables clean carrier-board designs. Creates a reusable component for future ESP32-C6 projects.kicad10pcbesp32-c6firebeetle