KiCad

Everything tagged “KiCad” across notes, resources, and Mochi logs.

NotesPCB DesignSeptember 6, 2026

GPT-6 Astra and the Future of PCB Design: Speed Up or Replace Engineers?

How far can GPT-6 Astra go in KiCad? An independent look at the demo, EEBench, open-source tools, and why routing a board is not the same as making it production-ready.

GPT-6 Astra AI KiCad PCB Design EDA Hardware Engineering

Annotated PCB view comparing narrow signal traces with a wider power trace

NotesPCB DesignAugust 12, 2026

Net Classes and Trace Width: When Should a PCB Trace Be Wider?

A practical guide to PCB net classes and trace width for small boards: signal traces, 3V3, 5V, battery paths, ground, power vias, and a pre-Gerber checklist.

PCB Design Hardware ESP32 Power Design KiCad

Original diagram showing a signal trace and its compact return path over a continuous ground plane

NotesPCB DesignAugust 12, 2026

PCB Ground Planes: GND Is More Than a Net Name

A practical guide to PCB ground planes, return current, GND layout mistakes, stitching vias, decoupling paths, and copper pour checks.

PCB Design Hardware ESP32 Power Design KiCad

A PCB board next to a checklist clipboard being reviewed before fabrication

NotesPCB DesignAugust 5, 2026

A Practical PCB Review Checklist Before You Send It to Fab

A practical PCB review checklist before fabrication: schematic, ERC, footprints, clearance, power, antenna, USB pairs, silkscreen, Gerbers, and BOM.

PCB Design Hardware Checklist KiCad