/Alternate-KiCad-Library

Alternate KiCAD Library is a massive symbol and footprint library containing refreshed, new symbols and footprints for KiCAD focused on improving Schematic and PCB readability and aesthetics, mainly intended for hobbyist use.

Alternate-KiCad-Library

Alternate KiCad Library

Instalation instructions for Plugin and Content Manager: KiCAD uses library tables to keep track of installed libraries. As of 6.0.0-rc1 Content Manager DOES NOT automatically update these library tables. To do it manually, go to ‘Manage Footprint Libraries’ in the preferences tab.

Press the Folder icon below the table and locate: <KiCAD 6 user directory>\3rdparty\footprints\alternate-kicad-library

Multiple folders ending in .Pretty should be visible. Each of these is a separate footprint library. Select all the libraries that you want to install and press ‘Select Folder’

Next, go to ‘Manage Symbol Libraries’ in the preferences tab.

Press the Folder icon below the table and locate: <KiCAD 6 user directory>\3rdparty\symbols\alternate-kicad-library

Multiple files ending in .kicad_sym should be visible. Each of these is a separate symbol library. Select all the libraries that you want to install and press ‘Open’.

All the installed libraries should be now accessible.

Manual installation:

Extract the downloaded AKL files into any folder you want.

KiCAD uses library tables to keep track of installed libraries. To install libraries manually, go to ‘Manage Footprint Libraries’ in the preferences tab.

Press the Folder icon below the table and locate the folder with the extracted footprint library files

Multiple folders ending in .Pretty should be visible. Each of these is a separate footprint library. Select all the libraries that you want to install and press ‘Select Folder’

Next, go to ‘Manage Symbol Libraries’ in the preferences tab.

Press the Folder icon below the table and locate the folder with the extracted symbol library files

Multiple files ending in .kicad_sym should be visible. Each of these is a separate symbol library. Select all the libraries that you want to install and press ‘Open’.

All the installed libraries should be now accessible.

File description

"Footprints" folder contains AKL footprint libraries.

"Symbols" folder contains AKL symbol libraries.

"Alternate KiCAD Library User Manual.pdf" is a comprehensive guide with detailed description of each added library.

"KiCAD Files" folder contains original licence and readme files from the first-pary KiCAD library.

"Sources" Contains catalogs and datasheets that are no longer widely accesible that were used for reference.

"PCM_Releases" folder contains legacy 2.0 package used by KiCAD's content manager.

License:

Alternate KiCad Library by Dawid Cisło is a derivative of KiCad Library made by KiCad community (see: KiCad library GitLab: https://gitlab.com/kicad/libraries), used under Creative Commons CC-BY-SA 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/legalcode), with the following exception:

To the extent that the creation of electronic designs that use 'Licensed Material' can be considered to be 'Adapted Material', then the copyright holder waives article 3 of the license with respect to these designs and any generated files which use data provided as part of the 'Licensed Material'.

What does this mean? You can freely use Alternate KiCad Library data for commercial, closed and non-commercial projects without any restrictions. There is no need to attribute this library or original KiCad libraries within your design and no obligation to share any project files under this or any other license agreement. If you wish to redistribute the Alternate KiCad Library, or its parts (including in modified form) as a collection you need to share it under the same license agreement. Libraries must also retain attribution information and license documents which are distributed with the library files.

About:

Alternate KiCAD Library is a massive symbol and footprint library containing refreshed, new symbols and footprints for KiCAD focused on improving Schematic and PCB readability and aesthetics, mainly intended for hobbyist use.

AKL started as a modification of the KiCAD library, where select footprints received new silkscreen markings helpful during hand-assembly. The list of footprints that have been modified and added has been greatly expanded, along with brand new footprints and footprint libraries. Double-layer silkscreen variants have been added where symbols have additional information on the bottom silkscreen layer for easier troubleshooting.

Alternate KiCAD Library now contains massive symbol library (over 20 000 symbols as of version 2.0) with Diodes, Transistors, SCRs and Optocouplers. Each symbol is a separate orderable part number (example 1N4001, 1N4002, 1N4003 etc.), each has pre-assigned footprint and a datasheet link.

This third-party library was not created up to the same quality standard as the first-party KiCAD library, wide range of errors might be present. (improper footprint assigned to a symbol, wrong pinout, incorrect footprint dimensions just to name a few) While using AKL please pay attention and double-check that a symbol: Has the correct pin arrangement. (Most symbols have pin numbers visible, so it’s easy to check) Has the correct footprint assigned in the symbol properties. (Symbol description always states the footprint, but might not always agree with the pre-assigned footprint) Also check that the footprint has correct pad/hole spacing referencing the part’s datasheet.

Refer to the user manual for installation instructions and more.

Compatibility: Alternate KiCad Library 2.0 is known to work with KiCad 6.0.0-rc-1 but should be cross-compatible with all KiCad 6 versions. Footprint library should be backwards compatible with KiCAD 5

Changelog:

Version 2.1 Footprint libraries:

  • Footprints now load default KiCad's 3D models when available.
  • No-Connect Pads will now have empty net name instead of '~'.
  • Most SMD trimmers have new directional marks with rotor being connected to pad 2 (Usually connected to a low impedance net).
  • All THT trimmers now have proper directional marks with rotor being connected to pin 2.
  • SIP Resistor networks now have more pronounced pin 1 marks.

Version 2.0 (Symbol Library Update) NEW SYMBOL LIBRARIES:

  • Diode_AKL – SMD and THT diodes with assigned footprints and datasheet links.
  • Diode_Schottky_AKL – SMD and THT Si and SiC Schottky diodes with assigned footprints and datasheet links.
  • Diode_Capacitance_AKL – SMD and THT variable capacitance diodes with assigned footprints and datasheet links.
  • Diode_Zener_AKL – SMD and THT Zener diodes with assigned footprints and datasheet links.
  • Diode_TVS_AKL –TVS and ESD protection diodes and arrays with assigned footprints and datasheet links.
  • Diode_Bridge_AKL – single and three-phase bridge rectifiers with assigned footprints and datasheet links.
  • Diode_Current_Limiting – Current limiting diodes (CLD/CRD) with assigned footprints and datasheet links.
  • Diac_AKL – Diacs (AC Trigger diodes) with assigned footprints and datasheet links.
  • Transistor_BJT_AKL – bipolar transistors and arrays with assigned footprints and datasheet links.
  • Transistor_BJT_Darlington – Darlington transistors with assigned footprints and datasheet links.
  • Transistor_BJT_Pre-Biased – Pre-biased (BRT) bipolar transistors and arrays with assigned footprints and datasheet links.
  • Transistor_MOSFET_AKL – MOSFETs and arrays with assigned footprints and datasheet links.
  • Transistor_JFET_AKL – JFETs and matched pairs with assigned footprints and datasheet links.
  • Transistor_IGBT_AKL – IGBTs (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors) with assigned footprints and datasheet links.
  • Thyristor_AKL – SMD and THT thyristors with assigned footprints and datasheet links.
  • Triac_AKL – SMD and THT Triacs with assigned footprints and datasheet links.
  • Optocoupler_AKL – transistor-output optocouplers with assigned footprints and datasheet links.
  • Optocoupler_Gate_Driver_AKL – optically isolated MOSFET/IGBT gate drivers with assigned footprints and datasheet links.
  • Optocoupler_Logic_AKL – logic-output optocouplers with assigned footprints and datasheet links.
  • Optocoupler_Triac_AKL – phototriacs with assigned footprints and datasheet links.
  • Optocoupler_Misc_AKL – miscellaneous devices (isolated error amplifiers, linear optocouplers, photovoltaic-output optocouplers) with assigned footprints and datasheet links.
  • Device_AKL – New generic ferrite bead and fuse symbols.

NEW FOOTPRINTS:

  • Diode_SMD_AKL (Diode_SMD_AKL_Handsoldering): Added SOD-882 Package and a TVS variant with no polarity marks Added SMP (DO220AA) Package Added MicroSMP (DO219AD) Package Added SMAFL (SMA – Flat Lead) Package Added SMBFL (SMB – Flat Lead) Package Added MBF Diode Bridge Package

  • Diode_THT_AKL: 5W Series – Added Zener variants, compatibility with CASE-017AA is now highligted in the name. DO-35 Series – Added Diac variants. Diode_Bridge_32.0x5.6x17.0mm_P10.0mm_P7.5mm – Corrected silkscreen labels and reversed pin order to be compatible with the new symbols. Diode_Bridge_19.0x3.5x10.0mm_P5.0mm – Corrected silkscreen labels and reversed pin order to be compatible with the new symbols. Added a new pinout variant. Added Diode_Bridge_28.6x28.6x7.3mm_P5.08mm_Vertical – Rectifier bridge package, vertical mount variant. Added Diode_Bridge_3F_35x25x5.5mm_P7.5mm – Three phase rectifier bridge. Added Diode_Bridge_3F_40x21.5x5.4mm_P7.5mm – Three phase rectifier bridge.

  • Package_DFN_QFN_AKL: Added DFN-4_2x2mm_P0.45mm_EP1x1.35mm Added DFN-6_1.6x1.6mm_P0.5mm Added DFN-6-1EP_1.6x1.6mm_P0.5mm_EP0.6x1mm Added DFN-6-2EP_2x2mm_P0.65mm_EP1.15x0.95mm_EP0.8x0.48mm Added DFN-8-1EP_3x3mm_P0.5mm_EP1.55x1.85mm Added DFN-8-1EP_3x3mm_P0.5mm_EP1.7x1.7mm Added DFN-8-1EP_3x3mm_P0.5mmEP1.45x2.4mm Added DFN-10-1EP-2.6x2.6mm_P0.5_EP1.26x2.35mm Added DFN-10-1EP-2x2mm_P0.4mm_EP0.9x1.5mm Added Linear_DJC_DFN22_6x3mm Added OnSemi_WQFN-10_2.6x2.6mm_P0.5mm

  • Package_DIP_AKL: Added DIP-4-8_W7.62mm – Used by some optocouplers Added DIP-4-8_W7.62mm_LongPads Modified DIP-8-16_W7.62mm – Overall package length increased to 21.34mm Modified DIP-8-16_W7.62mm_LongPads – Overall package length increased to 21.34mm Modified DIP-8-16_W7.62mm_Socket – Overall package length increased to 21.34mm Modified DIP-8-16_W7.62mm_Socket_LongPads – Overall package length increased to 21.34mm Modified DIP-14_W7.62mm – Overall package length increased to 20.32mm Modified DIP-14_W7.62mm_LongPads – Overall package length increased to 20.32mm Modified DIP-14_W7.62mm_ Socket – Overall package length increased to 20.32mm Modified DIP-14_W7.62mm_Socket_Longpads – Overall package length increased to 20.32mm Modified DIP-14_W10.16mm – Overall package length increased to 20.32mm Modified DIP-14_W10.16mm_LongPads – Overall package length increased to 20.32mm Modified DIP-18_W7.62mm - Overall package length increased to 24.13mm Modified DIP-18_W7.62mm_LongPads - Overall package length increased to 24.13mm Modified DIP-18_W7.62mm_Socket - Overall package length increased to 24.13mm Modified DIP-18_W7.62mm_Socket_LongPads - Overall package length increased to 24.13mm Modified DIP-20_W7.62mm - Overall package length increased to 27.18mm Modified DIP-20_W7.62mm_LongPads - Overall package length increased to 27.18mm Modified DIP-20_W7.62mm_Socket - Overall package length increased to 27.18mm Modified DIP-20_W7.62mm_Socket_LongPads - Overall package length increased to 27.18mm Modified DIP-24_W7.62mm - Overall package length increased to 32.51mm Modified DIP-24_W7.62mm_LongPads - Overall package length increased to 32.51mm Modified DIP-24_W7.62mm_Socket - Overall package length increased to 32.51mm Modified DIP-24_W7.62mm_Socket_LongPads - Overall package length increased to 32.51mm Modified DIP-24_W10.16mm - Overall package length increased to 32.51mm Modified DIP-24_W10.16mm_LongPads - Overall package length increased to 32.51mm Modified DIP-24_W10.16mm_Socket - Overall package length increased to 32.51mm Modified DIP-24_W10.16mm_Socket_LongPads - Overall package length increased to 32.51mm Modified DIP-24_W15.24mm - Overall package length increased to 32.51mm Modified DIP-24_W15.24mm_LongPads - Overall package length increased to 32.51mm Modified DIP-24_W15.24mm_Socket - Overall package length increased to 32.51mm Modified DIP-24_W15.24mm_Socket_LongPads - Overall package length increased to 32.51mm Modified DIP-28_W7.62mm - Overall package length increased to 36.83mm Modified DIP-28_W7.62mm_LongPads - Overall package length increased to 36.83mm Modified DIP-28_W7.62mm_Socket - Overall package length increased to 36.83mm Modified DIP-28_W7.62mm_Socket_LongPads - Overall package length increased to 36.83mm Modified DIP-28_W15.24mm - Overall package length increased to 36.83mm Modified DIP-28_W15.24mm_LongPads - Overall package length increased to 36.83mm Modified DIP-28_W15.24mm_Socket - Overall package length increased to 36.83mm Modified DIP-28_W15.24mm_Socket_LongPads - Overall package length increased to 36.83mm Modified DIP-32_W15.24mm - Overall package length increased to 41.91mm Modified DIP-32_W15.24mm_LongPads - Overall package length increased to 41.91mm Modified DIP-32_W15.24mm_Socket - Overall package length increased to 41.91mm Modified DIP-32_W15.24mm_Socket_LongPads - Overall package length increased to 41.91mm Modified DIP-40_W15.24mm - Overall package length increased to 53.09mm Modified DIP-40_W15.24mm_LongPads - Overall package length increased to 53.09mm Modified DIP-40_W15.24mm_Socket - Overall package length increased to 53.09mm Modified DIP-40_W15.24mm_Socket_LongPads - Overall package length increased to 53.09mm Modified DIP-40_W25.4mm - Overall package length increased to 53.09mm Modified DIP-40_W25.4mm_LongPads - Overall package length increased to 53.09mm Modified DIP-40_W25.4mm_Socket - Overall package length increased to 53.09mm Modified DIP-40_W25.4mm_Socket_LongPads - Overall package length increased to 53.09mm Modified DIP-48_W15.24mm - Overall package length increased to 62.23mm Modified DIP-48_W15.24mm_LongPads - Overall package length increased to 62.23mm Modified DIP-48_W15.24mm_Socket - Overall package length increased to 62.23mm Modified DIP-48_W15.24mm_Socket_LongPads - Overall package length increased to 62.23mm

  • Package_SON_AKL: Added Infineon_PG-TDSON-8 Added Infineon_PG-TDSON-8_FL Added Infineon_PG-TDSON-8_Dual Added Infineon_PG-TSDSON-8 Added Infineon_PG-TSDSON-8_FL Added Texas_S-PWSON-N8_EP2.2x3mm Added Texas_S-PWSON-N8_EP2.2x3mm_ThermalVias Added WSON-8-1EP_3x3mm_P0.5mm_EP1.45x2.4mm

  • Package_SO_AKL: Added SO-5_4.4x4.1mm_P1.27mm Added SO-6_6.8x4.6mm_P1.27mm Added SO-6_6.8x4.6mm_P1.27mm_Wide Added SO-6_7.5x3.84mm_P1.27mm Added SO-6_7.5x3.84mm_P1.27mm_Wide Added SO-8_4.4x5mm_P1.27mm Added SOIC-28W-8_7.5x17.9mm_P1.27mm – High isolation SMD package for ISO122U/JU

  • Package_TO_SOT_THT_AKL: Added TO-3-8_Isolated Package Added TO-262-2 Package Added TO-66 Package Added more pin indicator variants

  • Optocoupler_AKL – new footprint library containing non-standard optocoupler footprints to match the new Optocoupler_xxx_AKL symbol libraries: Added Vishay_CNY64 Added Vishay_CNY64ST (SMD variant of CNY64) Added Vishay_CNY65 Added Vishay_CNY65ST (SMD variant of CNY65) Added Vishay_CNY66

  • Package_CSP_AKL – new modified version of the Package_CSP Library from standard KiCAD with modified silkscreen layer and new original footprints: Added LFCSP-VD-8_1EP_3x3mm_P0.5mm_EP1.89x1.6mm Added LFCSP-VQ-16_4x4mm_P0.65mm Added WLCSP-5_1.33x0.9mm_P0.5mm Added WLCSP-8_1.825x1.48mm_P0.5mm

  • Ferrite_THT_AKL – new footprint library containing most common THT ferrite beads and filters with the new ferrite symbol printed on the silkscreen.

  • Ferrite_SMD_AKL – new footprint library containing most common SMD ferrite beads and filters.

  • Ferrite_SMD_Handsoldering_AKL – variant of the Ferrite_SMD_AKL library with the new ferrite symbol printed on the silkscreen under the parts.

  • Fuse_AKL – new modified KiCAD Fuse footprint library with fuse symbol indicated on all THT parts.

  • Fuse_AKL_Double – variant of the Fuse_AKL library with silkscreen on both sides of the parts.

  • Fuse_Handsoldering_AKL – variant of the Fuse_AKL library containing SMD parts with fuse symbols indicated on the silkscreen under the part intended for hand soldering projects.

  • Capacitor_THT_AKL_Double – new variant of the Capacitor_THT_AKL library with silkscreen on both sides of the PCB.

  • Diode_THT_AKL_Double – new variant of the Diode_THT_AKL library with silkscreen on both sides of the PCB.

  • Inductor_AKL_Double – variant of the Inductor_AKL library with silkscreen on both sides of the parts.

  • Jumper_AKL – new footprint library with wire jumpers in multiples of 0.1 inch pin pitches. Useful for single-sided routing.

  • Jumper_AKL_Double – variant of the Jumper_AKL library with silkscreen on both sides of the parts.

  • Package_TO_SOT_THT_AKL_Double – variant of the TO_SOT_THT_AKL library with silkscreen on both sides of the parts.

  • Resistor_AKL_Double – variant of the Resistor_AKL library with silkscreen on both sides of the parts.

Version 1.1

  • SMD Diode, Capacitor and Inductor footprint libraries have been split into standard and hand soldering variants. Capacitor_SMD_Handsoldering_AKL Capacitor_Tantalum_SMD_Handsoldering_AKL Diode_SMD_Handsoldering_AKL Inductor_SMD_Handsoldering_AKL
  • Standard libraries are suitable for machine soldering and have no silkscreen under the parts.
  • Hand soldering libraries have silkscreen under the part to improve readability of the PCB and reduce component placement errors.
  • Footprints (included in those libraries) with bigger pads that used to be called the ‘HandSoldering’ variants have been renamed to ‘BigPads’ to reduce confusion.
  • Footprint names between standard and hand soldering libraries are consistent. You can easily swap the footprint by using ‘change footprint’ option and renaming the library in PCBNew.
  • Minor improvements to SMD inductor library.
  • Some SMD TVS diode footprints had unnecessary polarity marks.
  • Crystal and SMD resistor libraries have no silkscreen under the SMD parts.

Version 1.0

  • Modified KiCad Libraries: Capacitor_SMD_AKL Capacitor_Tantalum_AKL Capacitor_THT_AKL Crystal_AKL Diode_SMD_AKL Diode_THT_AKL Inductor_SMD_AKL Inductor_THT_AKL Package_DFN_QFN_AKL Package_DIP_AKL Package_LCC_AKL Package_QFP_AKL Package_SO_AKL Package_SON_AKL Package_TO_SOT_SMD_AKL Package_TO_SOT_THT_AKL Resistor_SMD_AKL Resistor_THT_AKL These libraries inherit KiCad’s pad layout and footprint names so you can easily swap footprints using ‘change footprint’ option and renaming the library in PCBNew. Some new footprints have been added, see the showcase folder for details.
  • New footprint library: Jumper_AKL Adds THT jumpers with multiple pin pitch and two wire diameters variants. Helpful during single-sided PCB layout.