Awesome PCB Workflow

Open-source tools for the complete PCB design workflow.
AI-assisted EDA · Schematic Capture · SPICE Simulation · Signal Integrity · Layout Automation · DFM · Fabrication CI/CD · Hardware Testing Agents

Contents

• 💡 Why This Exists
• 🚀 Quick Start
• 🔥 Featured This Month
• 🗺 Workflow Map
• 📂 Tools by Stage
  • 📋 Requirements & Specification
  • 📐 Schematic Capture
  • 📦 Component Libraries & BOM Management
  • ⚡ SPICE & Circuit Simulation
  • 📡 Signal Integrity & EMC Analysis
  • 🖥 PCB Layout & EDA
  • 🏭 Fabrication & Gerber Tooling
  • 🔩 DFM & Panelization
  • 🧪 Testing & Verification
  • 🤖 AI & Automation
  • 📚 Documentation & Collaboration
  • 🎓 Learning Resources
• 🔌 OrCAD Integration Cheatsheet
• ⭐ Star History

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💡 Why This Exists

Most "awesome" PCB lists stop at schematic capture. Real hardware engineering is a 12-stage pipeline, and broken toolchains in any stage kill productivity. This repo covers everything — from design intent to tested board — with open-source tools that plug into your existing OrCAD-based flow or replace proprietary stages entirely.

• 🏭 Full pipeline coverage — requirements, schematic, simulation, layout, DFM, fabrication, test, and documentation.
• 🔧 OrCAD-first integration notes — every tool documents how it connects to OrCAD Capture, PSpice, and Allegro.
• 🤖 AI-augmented — modern scripting and AI tools that eliminate repetitive manual design tasks.
• 📦 Curated, not dumped — each entry is verified, actively maintained, with a one-line "why use it" note.
• 🆓 100% open source — no EDA vendor lock-in, no paywalls, no telemetry.

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🚀 Quick Start

Get a complete open-source PCB environment running in under 5 minutes:

# 1. Install KiCad — the open EDA that reads/writes OrCAD netlists
brew install --cask kicad          # macOS
sudo apt install kicad             # Ubuntu/Debian
winget install KiCad.KiCad        # Windows

# 2. Install ngspice for SPICE simulation
brew install ngspice               # macOS
sudo apt install ngspice           # Ubuntu/Debian

# 3. Clone this repo for workflow scripts and templates
git clone https://github.com/piyushbag/awesome-pcb-workflow.git
cd awesome-pcb-workflow

# 4. Install Python toolchain helpers
pip install -r requirements.txt    # kibot, kibom, kicost, skidl, pymeasure

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🔥 Featured This Month

Tool	What it does	Stage
🐍 faebryk	Graph-based schematic design in Python — AI-assisted part selection and constraint solving.	Schematic
⚡ SpiceSharp	Spice# is a cross-platform electronic circuit simulator based on Berkeley Spice - the mother of commercial...	Simulation
🏭 InvenTree	Full inventory + BOM management system (self-hosted, API-driven).	BOM
🏭 KiKit	CLI panelization: mouse-bites, V-cuts, fiducials, automated tab placement from JSON config.	Fabrication
📖 KiBot PDF Export	Auto-generate schematic PDFs and assembly drawings in CI.	Testing

📬 Watch this repo to get notified when new tools are added each month.

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🗺 Workflow Map

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                    PCB DESIGN WORKFLOW                          │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                                                 │
│  📋 Requirements & Specification                                │
│       │                                                         │
│       ▼                                                         │
│  📐 Schematic Capture ──── 📦 Component Library                 │
│       │                         │                               │
│       ▼                         ▼                               │
│  ⚡ SPICE Simulation       💰 BOM Management                     │
│       │                                                         │
│       ▼                                                         │
│  📡 Signal Integrity & EMC Analysis                             │
│       │                                                         │
│       ▼                                                         │
│  🖥️  PCB Layout / EDA ──── 🧊 3D Visualization                  │
│       │                                                         │
│       ▼                                                         │
│  ✅  Design Rule Check (DRC) & DFM Analysis                     │
│       │                                                         │
│       ▼                                                         │
│  🏭  Fabrication Prep ──── 🔩 Panelization ──── 👁️ Gerber QA    │
│       │                                                         │
│       ▼                                                         │
│  🧪  Test & Verification ──── 🔍 Debug                          │
│       │                                                         │
│       ▼                                                         │
│  📚  Documentation ──── 🌐 Version Control ──── 🚀 Release      │
│                                                                 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

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📂 Tools by Stage

📋 Requirements & Specification

Capture and manage design requirements before a single wire is drawn.

Tool	Description	License
📝 Doorstop	Git-native requirements management — trace requirements to schematic notes and design properties.	MIT
🗂️ Obsidian	Free-form engineering notebook: decisions, constraints, block diagrams, links.	Free
📊 draw.io / diagrams.net	Open-source block diagram and architecture drawing tool.	Apache-2.0
📋 OSHW Checklist	Open hardware compliance and requirements checklist from OSHWA.	—
🏗️ Mermaid	Markdown-based diagram-as-code for system architecture in docs.	MIT

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📐 Schematic Capture

Draw, annotate, and export schematics. Every tool documents its OrCAD interoperability.

Tool	Description	OrCAD Integration	License
🟦 KiCad	Industry-leading open EDA — schematic + PCB in one suite. 50k+ community symbols.	Import OrCAD .dsn via netlist converter.	GPL-3.0
🟩 LibrePCB	Modern, clean EDA with strict library management and real-time ERC.	Netlist import via KiCad bridge.	GPL-3.0
⚡ SKiDL	Describe schematics in pure Python — generate netlists programmatically, version-controllable.	Export to OrCAD-compatible .net.	MIT
🔶 atopile	Code-driven schematic design with type safety, reuse, and auto part selection.	Exports to KiCad / Gerber.	MIT
🟫 gEDA/gschem	Veteran open-source EDA with deep Scheme scripting and netlist flexibility.	Netlist export compatible.	GPL-2.0
🌐 Horizon EDA	Constraint-based EDA with real-time DRC, pooled parts library.	—	GPL-3.0
🐍 faebryk	Graph-based schematic design in Python — AI-assisted part selection and constraint solving.	Netlist export.	MIT
🖥 PcbDraw	Convert your KiCAD board into a nicely looking 2D drawing suitable for pinout diagrams.	—	MIT
🟦 kicanvas	The KiCAD web viewer.	—	NOASSERTION
⚡ CircuitPro	Circuit Pro — a Mac-native PCB design tool. Free for personal and commercial use.	—	NOASSERTION

OrCAD Users: See our full guide → docs/orcad-to-kicad.md

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📦 Component Libraries & BOM Management

Keep component data clean, costs low, and inventory tracked.

Component Libraries

Tool	Description	License
📚 KiCad Official Libraries	50,000+ verified symbols and footprints, community-maintained.	CC-BY-SA-4.0
🔍 Component Search Engine	Free EDA models for 35M+ parts — OrCAD, KiCad, Altium formats.	Free
⚡ SnapEDA	Industry-standard free component library with verified footprints.	Free
📦 Ultra Librarian	13M+ free CAD models for all major EDA tools including OrCAD.	Free
🗄️ KiCad Library Convention	Standards guide for building clean, standardized libraries.	—
🔬 Octopart	Multi-distributor component search with parametric filtering.	Free

BOM Management & Costing

Tool	Description	OrCAD Integration	License
📊 KiBOM	Configurable BOM export from KiCad schematics to CSV, HTML, Excel.	—	MIT
💰 KiCost	Real-time pricing from Mouser, Digi-Key, Arrow, LCSC.	Works with OrCAD netlists.	MIT
📋 InteractiveHtmlBom	Interactive BOM with visual component highlighting on PCB image.	OrCAD BOM CSV → ibom.	MIT
🏭 InvenTree	Full inventory + BOM management system (self-hosted, API-driven).	REST API integration.	MIT
📦 Partkeepr	Open-source parts management with stock tracking and datasheets.	CSV import.	AGPL-3.0
🌐 Kitspace BOM Builder	Web-based BOM building with multi-distributor price lookup.	—	AGPL-3.0

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⚡ SPICE & Circuit Simulation

Simulate before you spin a board. Catch topology mistakes for free.

Tool	Description	Best For	License
🔬 ngspice	The open-source SPICE standard — transient, AC, DC, noise, Monte Carlo.	All-purpose circuit simulation.	BSD
📐 Qucs-S	Qt GUI for ngspice/Xyce with RF S-parameter and harmonic balance support.	RF circuits with GUI.	GPL-2.0
🐍 PySpice	Python API to ngspice — scriptable parametric and sweep simulation.	Design space exploration.	GPL-3.0
⚡ Xyce	High-performance parallel SPICE by Sandia National Labs.	Large mixed-signal circuits.	GPL-3.0
🌐 Qucs	Circuit simulator with S-parameters, Verilog-A, and harmonic balance.	RF/microwave, S-param.	GPL-2.0
📊 SchemDraw	Draw and annotate schematics in Python, pair with PySpice.	Quick topology docs.	MIT
⚡ ahkab	a SPICE-like electronic circuit simulator written in Python.	Circuit simulation.	GPL-2.0
⚡ SpiceSharp	Spice# is a cross-platform electronic circuit simulator based on Berkeley Spice - the mother of commercial...	Circuit simulation.	MIT
⚡ EEcircuit	A browser-based SPICE circuit simulator.	Circuit simulation.	MIT

OrCAD PSpice Users: .cir netlists from PSpice are directly compatible with ngspice. See our migration guide → docs/pspice-to-ngspice.md

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📡 Signal Integrity & EMC Analysis

Catch SI/EMC problems before fab — boards are expensive, simulation is free.

Tool	Description	License
🌊 openEMS	Open-source 3D EM field simulator using FDTD — free alternative to HFSS/CST.	GPL-3.0
📡 atlc	Arbitrary transmission line calculator — 2D cross-section impedance from geometry.	GPL-2.0
🐍 scikit-rf	Python RF/microwave analysis: S-params, network analysis, de-embedding, calibration.	BSD
🔧 Saturn PCB Toolkit	Free Windows app: impedance, via current, trace width, differential pair calculators.	Freeware
🌐 MMTL	Multiconductor transmission-line solver for complex trace geometries.	GPL-2.0
📊 KiCad Impedance Calculator	Built-in PCB trace and via impedance calculator inside KiCad.	GPL-3.0
🔬 Sonnet Lite	Free tier of Sonnet EM planar 3D EM simulator.	Freeware
⚡ AppCAD	Free RF design and impedance tool from Broadcom/Avago.	Freeware
📡 RuView	π RuView turns commodity WiFi signals into real-time spatial intelligence, vital sign monitoring, and presence...	MIT
🔧 rtl_433	Program to decode radio transmissions from devices on the ISM bands (and other frequencies).	GPL-2.0
📡 FISSURE	The RF and reverse engineering framework for everyone. Follow and ★ to show your support!	GPL-3.0
📡 Artemis	Radio Signals Recognition Manual.	GPL-3.0

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🖥 PCB Layout & EDA

Place, route, and verify your board geometry.

Tool	Description	OrCAD Integration	License
🟦 KiCad pcbnew	World-class open PCB layout with interactive router, DRC, and 3D view.	Import via IPC-2581 or KiCad netlist.	GPL-3.0
🌐 Horizon EDA layout	Real-time DRC, constraint-driven routing, pooled library.	—	GPL-3.0
🐍 pcbnew Python API	Full PCB manipulation and automation via Python scripting inside KiCad.	—	GPL-3.0
📐 LibrePCB layout	Beginner-friendly with strict design rule enforcement, clean UI.	—	GPL-3.0
🎨 FreeRouting	Java-based autorouter that plugs into KiCad and accepts DSN files.	DSN netlist import.	GPL-3.0
🟩 TopoR Lite	Topological autorouter with topology-preserving rerouting (free lite).	Netlist import.	Freeware

3D Visualization & Mechanical Co-Design

Tool	Description	License
🧊 KiCad 3D Viewer	Real-time 3D PCB viewer with STEP, VRML, and IDF export.	GPL-3.0
🔩 FreeCAD KiCad StepUp	Bi-directional mechanical/PCB co-design — changes sync both ways.	LGPL-2.0
📐 OpenSCAD	Parametric enclosure design from PCB dimensions via script.	GPL-2.0
🌐 Diode.io	Browser-based 3D PCB viewer for sharing designs with stakeholders.	Free

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🏭 Fabrication & Gerber Tooling

Generate, verify, and send fab-ready files.

Tool	Description	License
📋 KiBot	CI/CD automation: Gerbers, drill, BOM, PDF docs, 3D models — one YAML config.	GPL-3.0
👁️ Gerbv	The open-source Gerber/Excellon viewer — battle-tested and reliable.	GPL-2.0
🌐 Tracespace	Web-based Gerber viewer with layer compositing and drill visualization.	MIT
🐍 pcb-tools	Python library for reading, writing, and transforming Gerber files.	MIT
🐍 pygerber	Modern Python Gerber renderer with DFM checking.	MIT
📦 jlcpcb-tools	KiCad plugin: one-click JLCPCB order with LCSC BOM generation.	MIT
🔍 OpenBoardView	View .brd / .bvr board files for repair and reverse engineering.	MIT
📊 GerberTools	Gerber file manipulation, panelization, and merging utility.	MIT

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🔩 DFM & Panelization

Make your board manufacturable at scale.

Tool	Description	License
🏭 KiKit	CLI panelization: mouse-bites, V-cuts, fiducials, automated tab placement from JSON config.	MIT
📏 DFMNow	Free DFM analysis for Gerber files — checks clearances, annular rings, min trace.	Freeware
🌐 JLCPCB DFM Checker	Web-based DFM checker targeting JLCPCB design rules.	Free
🐍 gerber-panelizer	Script-driven Gerber panelization with configurable spacing.	MIT
🔧 PCB Shopper	Compare Gerber specs across 30+ PCB manufacturers — price and lead time.	Free

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🧪 Testing & Verification

Verify the board works before it goes to production.

Automated Test Frameworks

Tool	Description	License
🐍 PyMeasure	Python instrument control: Keysight, Tektronix, R&S, Stanford Research, Fluke.	MIT
🔬 OpenTAP	Industrial test automation platform — write test steps in C# or Python plugins.	MPL-2.0
📡 sigrok / PulseView	Open-source logic analyzer frontend: 100+ protocol decoders, scope integration.	GPL-3.0
🔌 OpenOCD	Open On-Chip Debugger — JTAG/SWD for firmware-level test on hardware.	GPL-2.0
🐍 cocotb	Python-based HDL co-simulation for FPGA/ASIC co-verification.	BSD
🧪 labgrid	Lab automation framework: coordinate power, serial, JTAG across a test farm.	LGPL-2.1

Boundary Scan & JTAG

Tool	Description	License
🔍 UrJTAG	Universal JTAG boundary scan — supports 1000+ device BSDL files.	GPL-2.0
🔬 pyBSL	Python boundary scan library for board-level testing.	MIT

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🤖 AI & Automation

Let code do the repetitive design work.

Tool	Description	License
⚡ atopile	Code-first hardware design — generate schematics from typed, reusable modules.	MIT
🐍 SKiDL	Describe PCB schematics in Python — parametric, versionable, testable in CI.	MIT
🤖 KiBot	CI/CD pipeline for PCB: fab outputs, docs, and checks on every Git push.	GPL-3.0
🧠 faebryk	Graph-based PCB design framework with AI-assisted part selection.	MIT
🐍 KiCad Python Scripting	Full pcbnew Python API — automate placement, routing, and export.	GPL-3.0
🔬 spade	Hardware description language for PCB-level digital design.	EUPL-1.2
🌐 JITX	Design-intent language for PCB automation (free tier available).	Proprietary (free tier)
🐍 gdsfactory	Python-driven photonic / mixed PCB chip layout with automated DRC.	MIT
🔧 pcbflow	Python scripting layer over KiCad pcbnew for programmatic board generation.	MIT

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📚 Documentation & Collaboration

Document designs so every engineer on the team can understand them.

Tool	Description	License
🌐 Kitspace	Git for hardware — public PCB project hosting with 3D preview and BOM pricing.	AGPL-3.0
📦 Aisler	Shareable PCB project pages with fabrication integration.	Free
📖 KiBot PDF Export	Auto-generate schematic PDFs and assembly drawings in CI.	GPL-3.0
🏷️ IPC-2581	Open fab data format replacing Gerber/ODB++ — KiCad exports natively.	Standard
📝 Git for Hardware	Git workflow for PCB: what to commit, binary handling, CI integration.	—

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🎓 Learning Resources

Standards & Reference

Resource	Description
📏 IPC Standards	IPC-2221 (design), IPC-7711 (rework), IPC-A-610 (acceptance criteria) — free previews.
📡 Henry Ott EMC Tech Tips	Free EMC design reference from the author of the industry bible.
🔬 Eric Bogatin SI Resources	Free signal integrity resources, webinars, and rule-of-thumb guides.

Courses & Community

Resource	Description
🎓 Phil's Lab (YouTube)	Best free KiCad + hardware engineering YouTube channel — end-to-end board builds.
🏫 Contextual Electronics	Project-based PCB design courses from beginner to advanced.
💬 r/PrintedCircuitBoard	Design reviews, community Q&A, and tool recommendations.
🌐 EEVblog Forum	Veteran electronics engineering community — SI, EMC, test, production.
📖 Hackaday.io	Open hardware project hosting with community feedback.

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🔌 OrCAD Integration Cheatsheet

Quick reference for plugging OrCAD into the open-source ecosystem:

OrCAD Capture  ──(netlist .net export)──▶  KiCad pcbnew / SKiDL / KiBOM
OrCAD PSpice   ──(.cir netlist)─────────▶  ngspice / PySpice / Xyce
OrCAD Allegro  ──(IPC-2581 export)──────▶  KiKit panelization / KiBot CI / FreeCAD
OrCAD BOM      ──(CSV export)───────────▶  KiCost / InvenTree / InteractiveHtmlBom
OrCAD 3D       ──(STEP export)──────────▶  FreeCAD / OpenSCAD

OrCAD Tool	Open-Source Equivalent	Migration Guide
OrCAD Capture	KiCad Eeschema / SKiDL	docs/orcad-to-kicad.md
OrCAD PSpice	ngspice / PySpice	docs/pspice-to-ngspice.md
OrCAD Allegro	KiCad pcbnew	docs/orcad-integration/
OrCAD BOM	KiCost + InteractiveHtmlBom	docs/orcad-integration/

Full integration guides → docs/orcad-integration/

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⭐ Star History

Star the repo to get notified when new tools are added, and to help other engineers find this resource.

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