PCB Schematic Projects

KiCad PCB design projects for VacuumSens.

Project Structure

SchematicProjects/
├── libs/                    # Centralized component libraries
│   ├── easyeda2kicad.kicad_sym
│   ├── easyeda2kicad.pretty/
│   └── easyeda2kicad.3dshapes/
├── charging-circuit/V1/     # Charging circuit project
├── RS232-converter/V1/      # RS232 converter project
└── ...

Importing Components from EasyEDA/LCSC

There are two methods to import components:

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Method 1: Command Line (easyeda2kicad)

Best for batch imports or when you know the LCSC part number.

Prerequisites

Install the easyeda2kicad Python tool:

pip install easyeda2kicad

Import a Component

Use the alias (already configured in .zshrc):

easyeda2kicad-import <LCSC_ID>

Example:

easyeda2kicad-import C49018

This downloads the symbol, footprint, and 3D model to the centralized libs/ folder.

Manual Import (without alias)

easyeda2kicad --full --overwrite --output /Users/andrewyanez/Documents/KiCad/7.0/symbols/SchematicProjects/libs --lcsc_id C49018

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Method 2: KiCad Plugin (EasyEDA/LCSC Plugin)

Best for browsing and importing directly within KiCad.

Installation

1. In KiCad, go to Plugin and Content Manager
2. Search for "EasyEDA" or "LCSC"
3. Install the plugin

Usage

1. Open your KiCad project
2. Go to Tools → EasyEDA Library (or similar menu item)
3. Search for a component by name or LCSC part number
4. Click Import - the plugin will create:
   • LCSC/EasyEDA.kicad_sym (symbols)
   • LCSC/EasyEDA.pretty/ (footprints)
   • LCSC/EasyEDA.3dshapes/ (3D models)

Note: The plugin saves files locally in your project folder under LCSC/. This is project-specific, not centralized.

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After Importing (Both Methods)

1. Open your KiCad project
2. The library should be available in the schematic/PCB editor
3. Add the new symbol/footprint to your design
4. Commit changes to git:

   git add -A && git commit -m "Add component CXXXXX"
   git push

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Which Method to Use?

Method	Pros	Cons
easyeda2kicad (CLI)	Centralized in libs/, shared across projects	Requires terminal
KiCad Plugin	Visual browsing, integrated in KiCad	Project-local, can create duplicates

Recommendation: Use the CLI for components you'll reuse. Use the plugin for quick project-specific imports.

Library Configuration

Projects reference the centralized library using relative paths:

sym-lib-table:

(lib (name "easyeda2kicad")(type "KiCad")(uri "${KIPRJMOD}/../../libs/easyeda2kicad.kicad_sym"))

fp-lib-table:

(lib (name "easyeda2kicad")(type "KiCad")(uri "${KIPRJMOD}/../../libs/easyeda2kicad.pretty"))

Finding LCSC Part Numbers

1. Go to LCSC.com or JLCPCB Parts
2. Search for your component
3. The LCSC part number starts with "C" (e.g., C49018)