kicad_mod_generator

Idea would be generating models using python as base language. The whole framework/library should be made in a way where scripting a component is as simple as possible without too much general/structural/reppetive code for each component script.

Current project members:

• @pointhi (irc: pointhi) (footprint generator)
• @iromero91 (irc: cyborg_ar) (3d model generator)

API-Idea (@pointhi)

using an argparse similar api, which is build in a way to support different types of input (csv, yml, call inside python script). So you simply add something like this as generic structure:

from kicad_mod_generator import parser

parser = KicadModParser(MyFootprint)  # it's only a concept

class MyFootprint(KicadFootprint):
    def __init__(self):
        pass

    def arguments(self):
        parser.addArgument('name', type=str)
        parser.addArgument('datasheet', type=str)
        parser.addArgument('dimension_A', type=int)
        parser.addArgument('dimension_B', type=int)
        parser.addArgument('Dimension_C', type=int)

    def generate_footprint(self, out_file):
        return None

    def generate_3d_model(self, out_file):
        return None

if __name__ == '__main__':
    parser.parse()

The script should be able to be called like:

./demo_footprint.py spec1.csv spec2.csv spec3.yml -v dir=Demo.pretty

But also inside python (where I have to think of an implementation ^^)

Grammar for dimensions

To make an IPC compliant footprint generator, the component dimensions must be specified with tolerances, either as an interval of maximum and minimum, or as a nominal value with a +/- tolerance. Examples:

1. 4.3 Exact nominal value
2. 4.3+-0.3 Nominal value and symmetrical tolerance (4.0 to 4.6)
3. 4.3+0.0-0.5 Nominal value with asymmetrical tolerances (3.8 to 4.3)
4. 4.0_4.6 Range tolerance (identical to example 2)
5. <4.6 or _4.6 Only maximum value
6. >4.3 or 4.3_ Only minimum value

By default the quantities would be only in mm, but it could be possible to accept other units like mils later on (fairly low priority).