Speaker
Description
This lecture (20 Min) and hands-on workshop (60 Min) introduce the fundamentals of printed circuit board (PCB) design using KiCad, with a focus on slow-control applications in laboratory environments. KiCad, an open-source electronic design automation (EDA) tool is widely used by physicists and research institutions worldwide.
Participants are guided through the complete workflow from schematic capture and component selection (THT and SMD) to PCB layout, Electrical and Design Rule Checks, and preparation for manufacturing. The theoretical part covers key design constraints such as current, frequency limits, PCB materials, and basic impedance considerations.
In the practical session, participants design a simple flashlight PCB step by step and gain insight into reflow soldering processes. Optional topics include custom symbol and footprint creation and a WiFi-based slow-control example using a Raspberry Pi Pico.
By the end of the workshop, participants are able to independently design and prepare a functional PCB for laboratory applications.