KiCad

Hierarchial layout

Asked by Matan Gal Katziri

Hi,
First off - I want to say big thank you to the team. You guys are doing incredible work, and Kicad is looking better every day passing!

My question is actually a wishlist item (didn't know where to post it to the developers and it's not a bug):
I noticed there is no way of adding a "layout hierarchial block" to an existing project.

Is it possible to allow attachment of layout to a schematic hierarchical sheet? Then, when layout "objects" are created each of those hierachical sheets will can be imported as a "sub-pcb module".

this way, the designer can design various sub modules, which are known to be LVS/DRC clean, and can be easily and safely incorporated in the pcb design. Examples to frequently used modules can be anlog filters, or switching supply peripheries.

Another equivalent implementation can be adding to the schematic another object type :"sub-pcb module". This object could presumably contain several components, connected with layout.
Then , when this sub module is imported to PbcNew, all graphics can be locked to each other, and all components referenced according to the "sub-pcb module".

For example, If I have 2 filters F01,F02, upon netlist creation/layout import all F01 components references are extended to 01<sub-pcb reference>, 02<sub-pcb reference>, etc.

Implementing such an option will not only add a great capability, but will also make panelization a trivial task.

Sorry for the long post,
Please let me know if there'se a more appropriate place to ask this
Best,
Matan

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Wayne Stambaugh (stambaughw) said : 		#1

Unfortunately, At this time there is no way to associate a PCB module (footprint) to a schematic sheet (sub-circuit). This would require some serious changes to the schematic and board editors in order to pull this off. During the next development cycle, the schematic editor is getting a major overhaul including updating the file format to support additional features discussed over the years. I think adding your suggestion is a good idea and I can add it to the new schematic file format document. Don't expect to see this any time soon. The schematic editor overhaul is going most likely take a least a year to complete.

For future reference, wishlist items should be filed as a bug report with the status set to "wishlist". I know this is not the most intuitive way to do it but it's how most bug trackers are designed.

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