AutoPCB - AI-Powered PCB Layout Generator

AutoPCB is an AI chatbot that converts KiCad schematic files (.kicad_sch or .net) into optimized PCB layouts (.kicad_pcb) using Google's Gemini AI for intelligent footprint suggestions.

🚀 Features

• Schematic Parsing: Supports both KiCad schematic (.kicad_sch) and netlist (.net) files
• AI-Powered Footprint Suggestions: Uses Google Gemini AI to suggest appropriate footprints
• Automated PCB Generation: Creates PCB layouts with components placed in optimized positions
• RESTful API: Clean FastAPI backend with modular architecture
• File Management: Upload schematics and download generated PCB files

🏗️ Architecture

AutoPCB/
├── main.py                 # FastAPI application entry point
├── requirements.txt        # Python dependencies
├── env.example            # Environment configuration template
├── parsers/               # Schematic parsing modules
│   ├── __init__.py
│   └── schematic_parser.py
├── ai/                    # AI integration modules
│   ├── __init__.py
│   └── gemini_client.py
├── eda/                   # EDA tools integration
│   ├── __init__.py
│   └── pcb_generator.py
├── routes/                # API route handlers
│   └── __init__.py
├── uploads/               # Uploaded schematic files
└── outputs/               # Generated PCB files

🛠️ Installation

Prerequisites

1. KiCad Installation: Install KiCad (version 6.0+) with Python API support
2. Python 3.8+: Ensure Python 3.8 or higher is installed
3. Gemini API Key: Get an API key from Google AI Studio

Setup Steps

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone <repository-url>
   cd AutoPCB

2. Install Python dependencies:

   pip install -r requirements.txt

3. Configure environment:

   cp env.example .env
   # Edit .env and add your Gemini API key

4. Verify KiCad installation:

   python -c "import pcbnew; print('KiCad Python API is available')"

🚀 Usage

Starting the Server

python main.py

The API will be available at http://localhost:8000

API Endpoints

1. Upload Schematic

POST /upload
Content-Type: multipart/form-data

# Upload a .kicad_sch or .net file

2. Analyze Schematic

POST /analyze
Content-Type: application/json

{
  "file_path": "uploads/schematic.sch"
}

3. Get Footprint Suggestions

POST /suggest_footprints
Content-Type: application/json

{
  "components": [
    {
      "ref": "R1",
      "value": "10k",
      "description": "Resistor"
    }
  ]
}

4. Generate PCB

POST /generate_pcb
Content-Type: application/json

{
  "components": [...],
  "nets": [...],
  "footprint_suggestions": {
    "R1": "Resistor_SMD:R_0603"
  },
  "board_name": "my_board"
}

5. Download PCB

GET /download/{filename}

Example Workflow

1. Upload a KiCad schematic file
2. Analyze the schematic to extract components and nets
3. Get AI suggestions for appropriate footprints
4. Generate the PCB layout
5. Download the resulting .kicad_pcb file

🔧 Configuration

Environment Variables

• GEMINI_API_KEY: Your Google Gemini API key (required)
• HOST: Server host (default: 0.0.0.0)
• PORT: Server port (default: 8000)
• UPLOAD_DIR: Directory for uploaded files (default: uploads)
• OUTPUT_DIR: Directory for generated files (default: outputs)

KiCad Configuration

Ensure KiCad is properly installed with Python API support. The system will automatically detect and use the installed KiCad libraries.

🧪 Testing

Run the test suite:

pytest

📝 API Documentation

Once the server is running, visit:

• Swagger UI: http://localhost:8000/docs
• ReDoc: http://localhost:8000/redoc

🔮 Future Enhancements

• Advanced Placement Optimization: Implement sophisticated component placement algorithms
• Interactive Chat Interface: Allow users to refine layouts through natural language
• Multi-layer Support: Generate complex multi-layer PCB designs
• Design Rule Checking: Integrate DRC validation
• 3D Visualization: Add 3D board preview capabilities

🤝 Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Make your changes
4. Add tests for new functionality
5. Submit a pull request

📄 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

🆘 Troubleshooting

Common Issues

1. KiCad Import Error: Ensure KiCad is installed and Python API is enabled
2. Gemini API Error: Verify your API key is correct and has sufficient quota
3. File Upload Issues: Check file permissions and disk space
4. PCB Generation Fails: Verify component footprints are valid KiCad footprints

Getting Help

• Check the API documentation at /docs
• Review the logs for detailed error messages
• Ensure all dependencies are properly installed

🎯 Hackathon Goals

This project was developed for HackTX 2025 with the following objectives:

• ✅ Working prototype with core functionality
• ✅ AI integration for intelligent footprint suggestions
• ✅ Modular, maintainable codebase
• ✅ RESTful API design
• 🔄 Simple web UI (stretch goal)
• 🔄 Advanced placement optimization (stretch goal)