Add Net Classes To Schematic and PCB

[ForrestErickson]

Summary:

The KiCad Net classes help us manage trace width, spacing and Via diameters in a PCB layout.

References

This reference may help: https://forum.kicad.info/t/kicad-7-0-1-netclasses-in-schematic-editor-totally-lost-noob/41275

See also for temperature rise the concepts here at JLCPCB: https://jlcpcb.store/blogs/blog-post/jlcpcb-x-easyeda-pcb-trace-width-and-clearance-calculation

TO DO

Decide on the maximum ambient temperature on which the GPAD will operate

[ForrestErickson]

Make the GND net class a minimum with of 40 mills and a maximum of 100 mills Make the signal trace default trace width 20 mills and minimum of 10 mills. Make power trace width 30 mills default and 30 mills minimum.

Each of these will be a "net class" which may or may not be a "directive".

[ForrestErickson]

@nk25719

Although I have not watched all of it, this video title looks promising: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fv9zQ3nkLqk

[nk25719]

The Net Classes are added in the board setup.

This screenshot shows the Netclasses and the connections assigned to each pattern.

This screenshot shows an example of how the width of the trace used to connect the +5V is calculated, taking into consideration a temperature rise of 40 degrees Celsius.

[nk25719]

@ForrestErickson The updated PCB copper routing with the added Net Classes is on the ^Net-Classes branch.

Before closing this issue and merging the ^Net-Classes branch with the ^main branch.

• [x] Add Net Classes to PCB
• [x] Add Net Classes to schematic
• [x] Use JLCPCB rules

[nk25719]

[!NOTE] The JLCPCB rules will effect the net classes and we might need to edit the added classes to comply with the rules of minmum width trace width and spacing required. The PCB should be rerouted after editing the sizes of the vias, holes and NTPH.

[!TIP] PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Capabilities: https://jlcpcb.com/capabilities/pcb-capabilities

[!IMPORTANT] The minimum NPTH dimension is 0.50mm.

[!CAUTION] Advise: before starting with a PCB, check and note down the rules of JLCPCB.

[!WARNING] Make sure to make a pull of the Net-Classes branch and not the main branch.

[nk25719]

I believe the Net Classes are updated automatically on the Schematic Editor when we update the Net Classes on the PCB Editor.

Screenshot of the Schematic Setup window.

[ForrestErickson]

@nk25719

Regarding, "I believe the Net Classes are updated automatically on the Schematic Editor when we update the Net Classes on the PCB Editor."

Did you mean the following: "I believe the Net Classes become available in the Schematic Editor and are update when we create Net Classes on the PCB Editor."

Or something else?

[nk25719]

YES. Exactly. Thank you for clarifying that.

[nk25719]

As soon as we close this issue we should be merging the Net-Classes branch with the main branch.

[nk25719]

We reviewed this issue with Lee, and we have successfully added net classes for the schematic and the printed circuit board. We are closing this issue.