kicad-testpoints

KiCAD Plugin

This is the command line tool based on reference designator and pad number. For the action plugin see snhobbs/kicad-testpoints-pcm.

Project Scope

• Simplify the process of building a test & programming jig for a KiCAD design.
• Export centroid like data for individual pads

Basic Goals

• Call out a list of pads and vias for use as test points

• Output in a format that is consistent with kicad-parts-placer.

• Describe the via or pad to add a test point to

• Offsets can be added to put the pin off center of the pad

• Format:

  • ref des
  • pad
  • class
  • net
  • net class (signal, ground, power, ...)
  • ... additional data for other tools

• Config script

  • Defines the classes of contacts.
  • Probe type
  • Offset
  • Vertical position relative to ground pins

• Vias need to be a separate flow

  • net
  • class
  • x, y roughly (auto chooses the closest point)

Test Points in other EDA Programs

• Altium Designer
• Cadence
• PCB-Investigator
• PADS

For more on generating test point reports see this post.