/KiCad-Heater-Generator-Plugin

A plugin designed for the KiCad PCB design software to generate tracks produced from space filling curve algorithms

Primary LanguagePythonMIT LicenseMIT

Features

Supported (2D) Space-filling curves

  • Generalized Hilbert ("gilbert") Curve. Algorithm implementation by jakubcerveny

PCB Shape Options

  • Rectangle
  • (Edge cuts generated with the heater)

Trace Options

  • Trace Width
  • Trace to copper clearance
  • Trace to PCB edge clearance
  • Net name

Future Work

  • Space-filling curves: addition of different curves
  • Trace Options: ability to choose specific heater total resistance using different manufacturing capabilities
  • MISC: More error logging

drawing drawing

Installation

  • Install python requirements from requirements.txt by executing pip install -r requirements.txt
  • On the top left toolbar of the KiCad PCB Editor, go to Tools->External Plugins->Open Plugin Directory
  • Copy and paste the Heater_Generator_Plugin directory inside the plugin directory (unzipped)
  • Press Tools->External Plugins->Refresh Plugins
  • The Heater Generator Plugin should be visible on the top right with its red heater icon

Heat icon created by Smashicons - Flaticon