Simulation and PCB Desing

Introduction 

KiCad refers to an open source electronic environment which is made to suit schematic design and PCB layout. KiCad is an assembly of packages of different software tools that deal with diverse parts of the PCB development. KiCad is a necessary tool when one wants to take his or her electronics design from schematic to PCB but, in this case, circuit simulation becomes a secondary feature. We will see in here that KiCad lacks the ability to create netlists that perform circuit verification and analysis through the use of simulators. 

KiCad Workflow 

KiCad has several similarities with other PCB software tools, but an attention-grabbing workflow always characterizes KiCad. In this workflow, the schematic components and footprints can be seen as two separate units. This feature is ever brought up as a subject of discussion on internet forums. 

KiCad Workflow overview 

The KiCad workflow has a composition of two main tasks: one is to make the schematic, and the role is to lay out the board. For these tasks to be completed, then you must have both a component library and a footprint library. KiCad has a massive accumulation of both of them. To ensure that KiCad works correctly, it has the ability and tools necessary for the creation of a new component and footprint library. In the picture below, you will see the diagram that represents the KiCad work-flow. The picture gives a vivid description of the steps needed to be taken and the order that is followed. In some circumstances where necessary, an icon can be added to ensure convenience. 

Forward and backward annotation 

After the full drawing of the electronic schematic, the next approach will be to transfer it to a PCB about the KiCad workflow. After the full or partial completion of the board layout process, additional components or nets can be added, parts can also be moved and much more adjustments done. There are two ways that this task can be done. It is done in either Backward Annotation or Forward Annotation. 

Backward annotation refers to the process of sending a PCB layout change back to its conforming schematic. Most people tend to ignore this particular feature terming it as less important. Forward annotation on the other side is when schematic changes are sent to their corresponding PCB layout. Forward annotation is necessary since it is hectic to re-do the layout of the whole PCB whenever you make any modification in your schematic. 

Data 

Circuit Diagrams 

Analysis 

The experiment was successful since I was able to draw the circuit diagram using KICAD. I was able to download the latest version of KICAD and draw all the circuit diagrams which are stipulated in the lab manual. Yes, the experiment agrees with the theoretical prediction. The theory stated that KICAD provides more accurate and detailed information about the circuit diagram. While experimenting, some errors emanated assessed they include theory systematic and statistical errors. Statistical errors occurred when biases in estimation and measurement imprecision. Systematic errors that were experienced in the experiment emanated from experimental observations, and it usually originates from the instruments used to conduct the measurement. In our experiment, the systematic error occurs because either the measuring instruments are faulty or its data handling is poor because the instrument is not for its I tended purpose. The two errors that we experience in our experiment included offset or zero setting error and multiplier or scale factor error. 

Short conclusion / summary 

The experiment was a success since all the graphs presented in the lab manual was reflected in the KICAD. KICAD is a reliable and accurate software and should be adopted by many institutions since it is easy to use and user-friendly. Its interface is amazing and gives finer details which are crucial for research.