/kicad-library

name: kicad-library
description: |
  Library management workflow for KiCAD — creating symbols, footprints, and managing libraries
  via MCP tools. Triggers on: "create a symbol", "make a footprint", "custom component",
  "register library", "find a part", "pin numbering", "new symbol", "new footprint",
  "add to library", "library path", "pad layout".
argument-hint: "[component or library task]"

KiCAD Library Management Workflow

This skill guides Claude through creating and managing KiCAD symbols, footprints, and libraries using Konnect MCP tools. ALL modifications go through MCP tools — never edit .kicad_sym or .kicad_mod files directly.

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Toolset Loading

load_toolset('library')    # search_symbols, search_footprints, create_symbol, create_footprint,
                           # register_symbol_library, register_footprint_library, get_symbol_info

Always call `get_active_toolsets()` first to see what is already loaded.

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Search First Principle

**Always search existing libraries before creating custom components.**

search_symbols(query)       # Search all symbol libraries
search_footprints(query)    # Search all footprint libraries

KiCAD ships with extensive libraries. Common parts almost always exist:

• Standard passives (R, C, L) → `Device` library
• Connectors → `Connector_Generic`, `Connector_USB`, `Connector_HDMI`, etc.
• Common ICs (STM32, ATmega, LM7805, NE555) → manufacturer-specific libraries
• Transistors/MOSFETs → `Transistor_FET`, `Transistor_BJT`

Only create a custom symbol/footprint when:

• The part does not exist in any library
• The existing symbol has wrong pin count/arrangement
• You need a proprietary/unusual package

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Symbol Creation

Pin Numbering Conventions

| Component Type | Convention | |--------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | IC (DIP/SOIC/QFP) | Counter-clockwise from pin 1 (standard IC convention)| | Passives (R, C, L) | Pin 1 and Pin 2 | | Diodes | Pin 1 = Anode (A), Pin 2 = Cathode (K) | | Transistors (BJT) | 1=Base, 2=Collector, 3=Emitter (BCE) | | MOSFETs | 1=Gate, 2=Drain, 3=Source (GDS) | | Connectors | Sequential from 1 | | Crystal | Pin 1, Pin 2 (+ case ground if 4-pin) |

Pin Types

| Type | Use For | |-----------------|------------------------------------------------------| | `input` | Logic/analog inputs, gate inputs | | `output` | Logic/analog outputs, push-pull drivers | | `bidirectional` | Data bus lines, I2C SDA, GPIO | | `tri_state` | Outputs with high-impedance state | | `passive` | Resistor/capacitor/inductor pins, crystal pins | | `power_in` | VCC, VDD, GND pins (power consumer) | | `power_out` | Regulator output, power source pins | | `open_collector`| Open-drain/open-collector outputs | | `open_emitter` | Open-emitter outputs | | `unspecified` | Pins with no clear electrical type | | `no_connect` | Pins that must not be connected |

Required Symbol Properties

Every symbol must have these fields:

| Property | Description | Example | |-------------|--------------------------------------|------------------------------| | Reference | Designator prefix | U, R, C, J, D, Q, L | | Value | Part name or value | STM32F103C8, 10k, 100nF | | Footprint | Default footprint assignment | Package_SO:SOIC-8_3.9x4.9mm | | Datasheet | URL to datasheet | https://... |

Optional but recommended:

• `LCSC` — LCSC/JLCPCB part number for assembly
• `MPN` — Manufacturer part number
• `Description` — Short text description

Symbol Layout Guidelines

• Pin 1 indicator (dot or bar) on the symbol body
• Inputs on the left side, outputs on the right side
• Power pins on top (VCC) and bottom (GND)
• Pin spacing: 2.54mm (100mil) standard grid
• Symbol body: rectangle for ICs, standard shapes for passives/discretes

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Footprint Creation

Pad Types

| Type | Use For | |-----------------|------------------------------------------------------| | `smd` | Surface-mount pads (no drill hole) | | `thru_hole` | Through-hole pads (plated drill) | | `np_thru_hole` | Non-plated through hole (mounting holes, slots) |

Standard Pad Sizes Reference

| Package | Pad Size (mm) | Pitch (mm) | Notes | |-----------|-----------------|------------|------------------------------| | 0402 | 0.5 x 0.5 | — | 2 pads, 0.5mm gap | | 0603 | 0.8 x 0.8 | — | 2 pads, 0.8mm gap | | 0805 | 1.0 x 1.0 | — | 2 pads, 1.0mm gap | | 1206 | 1.5 x 1.2 | — | 2 pads, 1.6mm gap | | SOT-23 | 0.9 x 0.7 | 0.95 | 3 pads | | SOT-23-5 | 0.9 x 0.7 | 0.95 | 5 pads | | SOIC-8 | 1.5 x 0.6 | 1.27 | 8 pads, 5.4mm row spacing | | SOIC-16 | 1.5 x 0.6 | 1.27 | 16 pads, 5.4mm row spacing | | TSSOP-16 | 1.4 x 0.4 | 0.65 | 16 pads, 4.4mm row spacing | | QFP-32 | 1.5 x 0.3 | 0.8 | 32 pads, quad-flat | | QFP-48 | 1.5 x 0.3 | 0.5 | 48 pads, quad-flat | | QFN-32 | 0.7 x 0.25 | 0.5 | 32 pads + exposed pad | | QFN-48 | 0.7 x