Summary

aklofas/kicad-happy provides AI-powered design review capabilities for KiCad projects. It transforms AI coding agents into sophisticated electronics design assistants, enabling deep analysis of schematics, PCB layouts, and Gerbers to catch critical bugs before board fabrication. The project targets engineers and power users seeking to automate and enhance their electronics design workflow.

How It Works

The system parses KiCad's human-readable S-expression file formats directly, eliminating the need for intermediate exports. It leverages AI coding agents (Claude Code, OpenAI Codex, Gemini CLI) and a suite of specialized Python "skills" (e.g., kicad, spice, emc, datasheets, bom) to analyze project data. Core functionalities include tracing power trees, identifying subcircuits, validating passive networks, auditing protection circuits, and cross-referencing component specifications against datasheets. This approach allows for comprehensive, automated design validation and review.

Quick Start & Requirements

Installation varies by AI agent: Claude Code uses /plugin install, OpenAI Codex supports $skill-installer or manual ~/.codex/skills/ linking, and Gemini CLI requires cloning or --path installation. Standalone Python scripts require Python 3.10+ and have zero dependencies. A GitHub Action is available for automated PR reviews. Optional prerequisites include a SPICE simulator (ngspice, LTspice, Xyce) for simulation tasks and API keys for distributor component sourcing. Detailed guidance is available in install-guidance.md.

Highlighted Details

• Deep KiCad Analysis: Comprehensive parsing of schematics, PCBs, and Gerbers, including subcircuit detection, power tree mapping, ESD auditing, and passive network validation.
• AI Agent Integration: Seamlessly works with Claude Code, OpenAI Codex, Gemini CLI, and GitHub Copilot CLI for automated design reviews and PR checks.
• Specialized Skills: Offers dedicated modules for SPICE simulation, EMC pre-compliance analysis, datasheet synchronization and extraction, BOM management, and automated engineering documentation (KiDoc - beta).
• Cross-Domain Validation: Analyzes power, analog, digital, protection, and PCB layout aspects, cross-referencing findings with component datasheets.

Maintenance & Community

The README does not detail specific contributors, sponsorships, or community channels like Discord or Slack. Development appears focused on feature expansion and robustness.

Licensing & Compatibility

The project is released under the MIT license, permitting broad use and modification. It supports KiCad versions 5 through 10, including single-sheet and multi-sheet hierarchical designs.

Limitations & Caveats

The KiDoc engineering documentation skill is currently in beta, with potential refinements needed for figure rendering and narrative context generation. SPICE simulation and advanced distributor sourcing require optional external tools or API keys.