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escape_gallery_obsidian_vault/Notes/Electronics/Reverse Engineering PCB's.md
2026-07-11 16:59:05 -07:00

2.1 KiB

One Sided Two Layer Board

  1. Remove all components and measure them
  2. Sand away the solder mask from PCB, both sides
  3. Add all components, values, designators and packages to KiCad schema editor
  4. Import all components to layout editor; hit F8 to keep syncing with the schema editor
  5. Take photo of front/back of PCB
  6. Flip back image to align with front when imported
  7. Add images of front PCB in KiCad on user layer
  8. Double click image and set scale factor to actual PCB height divided by original height of imported photo
  9. Double click to lock image
  10. Select the back layer of PCB
  11. Import back photo an scale also
  12. Align front and back images by hiding/showing front layer
  13. Place all components using the front image as a guide
  14. Switch to showing components in outline mode to help see traces
  15. Hold Control key to select pads, switch to schematic editor and the connections will be highlighted; join them.
  16. Keep traces same width; use Q key while routing a trace to change width, V to add a via
  17. Mark and join all ground traces using a Ground symbol; add VCC markers as needed
  18. Right click unused pads and select footprint editor; select unused pads and remove them
  19. In schematic editor, select any unused pins and delete them
  20. Continue adding all components until done
  21. Use image outline to set a cut line for the board
  22. Add a thermal zone assigned to ground and set thermal relief gap to match image; hit B to fill in zone
  23. Add thermal via's underneath chips as needed
  24. Trace connectors on underside of PCB
  25. Note you can change trace thickness as you draw
  26. Switch to other side/trace when routing using V in layout editor

Notes

  • Diodes have A for anode (positive side) and K for cathode (negative/ground side).

References