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kicad-verification-drf

Validate KiCad PCB designs against DRC and DFM rules.

15|1|Updated Oct 23, 2025
Search Tags:#quality assurance#DFM#PCB validation#design review#DRC#KiCad#manufacturability
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/synqing/K1.hardware --skill kicad-verification-drf
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agentโ–ผ
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: kicad-verification-drf
Source: https://github.com/synqing/K1.hardware/tree/main/.claude/skills/kicad-verification-drf
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/synqing/K1.hardware --skill kicad-verification-drf

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

๐Ÿ’ก This Skill requires kicad-cli, python3.

What problem does it solve?

Releasing a PCB design for manufacturing without thorough validation can lead to costly errors, rework, and delays. This Skill automates the critical validation process, performing comprehensive Design Rule Checks (DRC) and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) analysis, ensuring your completed PCB design is electrically sound, manufacturable, and ready for production with zero errors.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Automated DRC: Runs KiCad's electrical design rule checks to catch clearance, via, and connectivity issues.
  • DFM Compliance: Validates the design against manufacturer-specific rules (e.g., JLCPCB stackup, component placement, routing guidelines).
  • Thermal & Signal Integrity Spot-Checks: Performs quick analyses to ensure thermal performance and high-speed signal quality.
  • Use Case: Get a final "go/no-go" decision for your PCB design, generate a detailed verification report for audit trails, or ensure your board meets all manufacturing requirements before ordering.

Quick Start

Run Electrical DRC on a routed PCB

kicad-cli pcb drc k1_lightwave_routed.kicad_pcb --output json > drc-report.json

Frequently Asked Questions about kicad-verification-drf

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I validate a KiCad PCB design for manufacturing before ordering?โ–ผ

PCB validation checks electrical connectivity and manufacturability against design rules. This Skill runs KiCad's DRC to catch clearance and via issues, then validates against manufacturer rules for stackup, component placement, and routing. It produces a verification report with a final go/no-go decision for fabrication readiness.

What is DFM and why does it matter for PCB design?โ–ผ

Design for Manufacturability (DFM) ensures your PCB can be reliably fabricated without costly rework. This Skill checks manufacturer-specific constraints like trace spacing, via sizing, and edge clearances. Combined with electrical DRC, DFM validation catches issues before production, reducing delays and errors.

Can I automate DRC and thermal checks on a routed KiCad board?โ–ผ

Yes. This Skill automates electrical DRC, DFM compliance, and thermal spot-checks on completed KiCad designs. It runs KiCad's CLI to validate routing integrity, power integrity, and high-speed signal quality, then generates structured reports including assembly checklists and release notes.

What do I need to run PCB validation on my design?โ–ผ

You need KiCad CLI and Python 3 installed, plus a routed KiCad PCB file (.kicad_pcb). This Skill processes the completed design and outputs JSON reports with DRC, DFM, thermal, and signal integrity results for design review and manufacturing handoff.

How do I know if my PCB design meets manufacturing requirements?โ–ผ

This Skill validates your design against electrical rules, manufacturer stackup and placement constraints, thermal performance, and signal integrity for high-speed nets. It generates a comprehensive verification report with an assembly checklist and release notes that confirm manufacturing readiness.

What's the difference between DRC and DFM checks?โ–ผ

DRC (Design Rule Check) catches electrical issues like clearance violations and connectivity errors. DFM (Design for Manufacturability) validates that your design can actually be fabricated given manufacturer constraints on trace widths, via sizes, and component spacing. Both are required for production readiness.

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