Create a new KiCad importer

2 min read Original article ↗

Outline

Create a new importer for files from any EDA software for which there is no built-in importer yet.

Details

A non-exhaustive list of possible EDA software:

  • Easy (open source): Fritzing, gEDA, Horizon EDA, LibrePCB, JSchem, pcb-rnd
  • Easy, but slightly harder (port existing importer): EasyEDA (link, link), Zuken CR-5000 (link), LTSpice (link)
  • Medium (text formats): Allegro ASCII, PADS ASCII, Mentor HyperLynx, SIMetrix, Micro-Cap, ...
  • Hard (binary formats): Target 3001!, DipTrace, EAGLE < 5.91, Allegro, Mentor, ...

There are two FOSDEM talks around this topic to get a rough idea of the task:

In case you want to write an importer for a proprietary EDA program, you need to have legal access to this software. You can use a demo or student version if it is available, or you may have some other means of access, like your university institute (please ask them beforehand). If you are unsure about this topic, choose one of the open-source tools instead.

Expected Outcome

An importer for files from EDA software for which there was no built-in importer. Depending on the complexity, this might include board, schematic and/or library import.

Project Properties

Skills

  • C++
  • Basic knowledge of the EDA software the importer will be for

Difficulty

Depends on the selected EDA package.

Size

175 hours (schematic-only software like LTSpice, SIMetrix, Micro-Cap)
350 hours (software with both schematic and PCB layout)

Additional Information