Configuring KiCad for Manufacturer Field Export

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 42 views

Introduction

When working with KiCad, exporting positions for pick and place can be a crucial step in the manufacturing process. However, by default, KiCad exports the value of the component instead of the manufacturer field. This can lead to confusion and errors during the assembly process. In this article, we will explore how to select the manufacturer field instead of the value in position export.

Understanding KiCad's Position Export

KiCad's position export feature allows users to export the positions of components in a CSV or ASCII format. This feature is useful for creating pick and place files that can be used by manufacturing equipment. However, by default, KiCad exports the value of the component instead of the manufacturer field.

Configuring KiCad for Manufacturer Field Export

To export the manufacturer field instead of the value, you need to configure KiCad's position export options. Here's how you can do it:

Step 1: Open the KiBot Configuration File

To configure KiCad's position export options, you need to open the KiBot configuration file. KiBot is a Python script that allows users to automate tasks in KiCad. The configuration file is usually located in the KiCad installation directory.

Step 2: Add the Manufacturer Field to the Columns

To export the manufacturer field, you need to add it to the columns in the KiBot configuration file. Here's an example of how you can do it:

- name: 'position'
    comment: "Pick and place file"
    type: position
    dir: .    
    options:
      include_virtual: true
      format: ASCII   # CSV or ASCII format
      units: millimeters  # millimeters or inches
      separate_files_for_front_and_back: true
      bottom_negative_x: true
      columns:
        - Ref
        - Manf
        - Package
        - PosX
        - PosY
        - Rot
        - Side

In this example, we have added the Manf field to the columns. This will export the manufacturer field instead of the value.

Step 3: Run the KiBot Script

Once you have configured the KiBot configuration file, you can run the KiBot script to export the positions. Here's how you can do it:

Open a terminal or command prompt.
Navigate to the KiCad installation directory.
Run the KiBot script using the following command: kibot -c <configuration_file>

Replace <configuration_file> with the name of your KiBot configuration file.

Troubleshooting

If you are experiencing issues with exporting the manufacturer field, here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

Check the KiBot configuration file for any errors.
Make sure that the manufacturer field is correctly configured in the KiCad project.
Try running the KiBot script in debug mode to see if any errors are reported.

Conclusion

Exporting the manufacturer field instead of the value in position export is a crucial step in the manufacturing process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can configure KiCad to export the manufacturer field. Remember to check the KiBot configuration file for any errors and make sure that the manufacturer field is correctly configured in the KiCad project.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Here are some additional tips and tricks that you can use to customize the position export feature:

Use the include_virtual option to include virtual components in the export.
Use the format option to specify the format of the export file (CSV or ASCII).
Use the units option to specify the units of measurement (millimeters or inches).
Use the separate_files_for_front_and_back option to create separate files for the front and back sides of the PCB.
Use the bottom_negative_x option to specify whether the x-coordinate is negative for components on the bottom side of the PCB.

By following these tips and tricks, you can customize the position export feature to meet your specific needs.

KiBot Configuration File Example

Here is an example of a KiBot configuration file that exports the manufacturer field:

- name: 'position'
    comment: "Pick and place file"
    type: position
    dir: .    
    options:
      include_virtual: true
      format: ASCII   # CSV or ASCII format
      units: millimeters  # millimeters or inches
      separate_files_for_front_and_back: true
      bottom_negative_x: true
      columns:
        - Ref
        - Manf
        - Package
        - PosX
        - PosY
        - Rot
        - Side

This configuration file exports the manufacturer field, includes virtual components, and specifies the format and units of measurement.

KiCad Project Example

Here is an example of a KiCad project that includes the manufacturer field:

# KiCad Project

## Components

* U1: 74HC00 (Manufacturer: Texas Instruments)
* U2: 74HC02 (Manufacturer: STMicroelectronics)
* C1: 10nF (Manufacturer: Murata)

## PCB

* Layer 1: Top
* Layer 2: Bottom
* Component U1: 10mm x 10mm
* Component U2: 10mm x 10mm
* Component C1: 5mm x 5mm

Q: What is the default behavior of KiCad's position export feature?

A: The default behavior of KiCad's position export feature is to export the value of the component instead of the manufacturer field.

Q: Why is it important to select the manufacturer field instead of the value?

A: It is important to select the manufacturer field instead of the value because it provides more accurate and relevant information for the manufacturing process. The manufacturer field contains the name of the manufacturer, which is essential for identifying the component and ensuring that the correct part is used.

Q: How do I configure KiCad to export the manufacturer field instead of the value?

A: To configure KiCad to export the manufacturer field instead of the value, you need to add the Manf field to the columns in the KiBot configuration file. Here's an example of how you can do it:

- name: 'position'
    comment: "Pick and place file"
    type: position
    dir: .    
    options:
      include_virtual: true
      format: ASCII   # CSV or ASCII format
      units: millimeters  # millimeters or inches
      separate_files_for_front_and_back: true
      bottom_negative_x: true
      columns:
        - Ref
        - Manf
        - Package
        - PosX
        - PosY
        - Rot
        - Side

Q: What are some common issues that I may encounter when trying to export the manufacturer field?

A: Some common issues that you may encounter when trying to export the manufacturer field include:

The manufacturer field is not correctly configured in the KiCad project.
The KiBot configuration file contains errors.
The manufacturer field is not included in the columns.

Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with exporting the manufacturer field?

A: To troubleshoot issues with exporting the manufacturer field, you can try the following steps:

Check the KiBot configuration file for any errors.
Make sure that the manufacturer field is correctly configured in the KiCad project.
Try running the KiBot script in debug mode to see if any errors are reported.

Q: Can I customize the position export feature to meet my specific needs?

A: Yes, you can customize the position export feature to meet your specific needs. Here are some additional tips and tricks that you can use:

Use the include_virtual option to include virtual components in the export.
Use the format option to specify the format of the export file (CSV or ASCII).
Use the units option to specify the units of measurement (millimeters or inches).
Use the separate_files_for_front_and_back option to create separate files for the front and back sides of the PCB.
Use the bottom_negative_x option to specify whether the x-coordinate is negative for components on the bottom side of the PCB.

Q: What is the KiBot configuration file, and how do I use it?

A: The KiBot configuration file is a YAML file that contains the settings for the KiBot script. You can use it to customize the position export feature and export the manufacturer field. Here's an example of a KiBot configuration file:

- name: 'position'
    comment: "Pick and place file"
    type: position
    dir: .    
    options:
      include_virtual: true
      format: ASCII   # CSV or ASCII format
      units: millimeters  # millimeters or inches
      separate_files_for_front_and_back: true
      bottom_negative_x: true
      columns:
        - Ref
        - Manf
        - Package
        - PosX
        - PosY
        - Rot
        - Side

Q: How do I run the KiBot script to export the positions?

A: To run the KiBot script to export the positions, you can use the following command:

kibot -c <configuration_file>

Replace <configuration_file> with the name of your KiBot configuration file.

Q: What are some additional tips and tricks for customizing the position export feature?

A: Here are some additional tips and tricks for customizing the position export feature:

Use the include_virtual option to include virtual components in the export.
Use the format option to specify the format of the export file (CSV or ASCII).
Use the units option to specify the units of measurement (millimeters or inches).
Use the separate_files_for_front_and_back option to create separate files for the front and back sides of the PCB.
Use the bottom_negative_x option to specify whether the x-coordinate is negative for components on the bottom side of the PCB.

By following these tips and tricks, you can customize the position export feature to meet your specific needs and export the manufacturer field.