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atopile-pcb-design

Automate PCB design workflows from .ato sources to KiCad layouts and manufacturing files.

1|Updated Mar 22, 2026
Search Tags:#automation#manufacturing#code-first#pcb-design#kicad#atopile#electronic-design
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/therebelrobot/microcontroller-base --skill atopile-pcb-design
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: atopile-pcb-design
Source: https://github.com/therebelrobot/microcontroller-base/tree/main/.roo/skills/atopile-pcb-design
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/therebelrobot/microcontroller-base --skill atopile-pcb-design

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Atopile provides a code-first approach to PCB design, enabling hardware teams to encode constraints, component selection rules, and manufacturing outputs directly in code, reducing manual layout and error-prone processes.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Code-first design: write .ato sources to describe circuits, constraints, and footprints, then compile into KiCad projects and manufacturing files.
  • Automated component selection: auto-picks components from the KiCad/JLCPCB libraries to satisfy constraints and BOM generation.
  • Integrated workflow: coordinates project manifest, KiCad layout, Gerber export, BOM, and manufacturing data generation.
  • Modular design blocks: supports inheritance and reuse of circuit modules across projects.

Quick Start

Install atopile, create a new project, and begin encoding your PCB in .ato files to generate KiCad layouts and manufacturing outputs.

Frequently Asked Questions about atopile-pcb-design

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
What is code-first PCB design and how does it work?▼

Code-first PCB design encodes circuits, constraints, and footprints directly in .ato source files, which compile into KiCad layouts and manufacturing outputs to reduce manual layout and error-prone processes.

How do I generate KiCad layouts and Gerber files from .ato source files?▼

To generate KiCad layouts and manufacturing data, write your circuit constraints in .ato source files, configure the project manifest, and run the atopile CLI to compile Gerber files, BOMs, and KiCad layouts.

Does atopile support automated component selection from JLCPCB libraries?▼

Yes, atopile supports automated component selection by auto-picking components from KiCad and JLCPCB libraries to satisfy encoded constraints and generate BOMs for manufacturing file exports.

Can I reuse modular circuit blocks across different PCB projects?▼

Yes, you can reuse modular circuit blocks across projects because atopile supports inheritance and reuse of circuit modules, allowing hardware teams to maintain consistent design blocks throughout different PCB layouts.

Do I need KiCad installed to use a code-first PCB design workflow?▼

Yes, KiCad integration is required as atopile compiles .ato source files and manifests into KiCad projects, coordinating layout generation alongside Gerber export, BOM, and manufacturing data outputs.

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