PCB Design & Software APIs — IoT.NocodeAI.Cloud

Launch a PCB Designer

Start designing immediately in your browser. No installation required. Click to open the tool in a new tab with ESP32 templates ready.

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EasyEDA Standard

Free browser-based PCB designer with direct JLCPCB ordering and 600K+ LCSC parts library. Best for beginners.

Open EasyEDA → Free · Cloud · JLCPCB Integration

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Flux.ai (AI-Powered)

Next-gen AI-assisted PCB design. AI auto-placement, intelligent routing, and collaborative real-time editing in browser.

Open Flux.ai → Free Tier · AI Layout · Collaborative

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KiCad 8 (Desktop)

Industry-standard open-source EDA. Full schematic + PCB + SPICE + 3D. Python API for automation. Download for your OS.

Download KiCad → Free · Open Source · Python API

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Wokwi ESP32 Simulator

Simulate ESP32 circuits and firmware in your browser. Test your PCB design logic before fabrication. Arduino + ESP-IDF support.

Simulate ESP32 → Free · Browser · ESP32 Native

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Falstad Circuit Simulator

Interactive analog circuit simulator. Visualize current flow, voltage, and waveforms in real-time. Great for learning and prototyping.

Open Simulator → Free · Browser · Real-time Visual

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TinkerCAD Circuits

Beginner-friendly circuit designer with Arduino simulation. Drag-and-drop components, write code, and simulate.

Open TinkerCAD → Free · Browser · Arduino Sim

Interactive Simulators

Try these tools right here — no signup required. Design circuits, simulate ESP32 firmware, and visualize electronics.

Falstad Circuit Simulator

LIVE · Interactive

Open Full Screen → Example Circuits →

Wokwi ESP32 Simulator

LIVE · ESP32

Open Full Screen → ESP32-S3 Template → Wokwi Docs →

PCB Design Workflow

The 6-step process from idea to manufactured circuit board.

1

Schematic Capture

Draw circuit diagram, connect pins, define nets. Outputs: Netlist, BOM, ERC.

2

PCB Layout

Place components, route traces, set design rules. Outputs: Placement, routing, DRC.

3

Simulation

SPICE simulation, signal integrity, thermal analysis. Outputs: Sim results, thermal map.

4

Design Review

DFM check, component availability, BOM optimization. Outputs: DFM report, cost estimate.

5

Generate Files

Export Gerber, drill files, pick-and-place, 3D STEP model. Outputs: Manufacturing package.

6

Fabrication

Submit to JLCPCB/PCBWay. Options: bare PCB, SMT assembly, or turnkey. 24hr-7 days.

EDA Software Comparison

Complete comparison of free and commercial PCB design tools.

Open Source / Free Tools

Software	Schematic	PCB Layout	Simulation	3D View	Price	Best For
KiCad 8	Excellent	Push & Shove	SPICE (ngspice)	Full 3D	Free / Open Source	Best overall free EDA
EasyEDA Standard	Good	Auto-route	SPICE	3D	Free (Cloud)	Beginners, JLCPCB integration
EasyEDA Pro	Hierarchical	Advanced routing	Enhanced	Full 3D	Free (Desktop)	Intermediate, local + cloud
Fritzing	Basic	Basic	—	—	$8 one-time	Breadboard visualization
LibrePCB	Good	Good	—	3D	Free / Open Source	Clean UI, modern
gEDA/PCB	gschem	PCB editor	gnucap	—	Free / Open Source	Linux-native, scriptable

Commercial / Professional Tools

Software	Schematic	PCB Layout	Simulation	Price	Best For
Altium Designer	Industry standard	Best-in-class	Full signal/power	$7,395/yr	Professional / Enterprise
Altium 365	Cloud collab	Full Altium	Cloud sim	$3,295/yr	Teams / Cloud workflow
Cadence OrCAD	Capture CIS	Allegro PCB	PSpice	$6,000+/yr	IC design, complex boards
Mentor PADS	DxDesigner	PADS Pro	HyperLynx	$5,000+/yr	Aerospace, automotive
Eagle (Autodesk)	Good	Good	Basic SPICE	Included in Fusion 360	Makers, Fusion 360 users
CircuitMaker	Altium-based	Altium-based	—	Free (community)	Open-source HW community
Flux.ai	AI-assisted	AI routing	Browser sim	Free / $25+/mo	AI-native PCB design

Recommended Stack for YouInvent / IoT.NocodeAI.cloud

Beginners: EasyEDA Standard (free, cloud, direct JLCPCB ordering)
Intermediate: KiCad 8 (free, full-featured, huge community, Python API)
Advanced: Altium Designer or KiCad + advanced plugins
AI-Assisted: Flux.ai for rapid prototyping with AI layout assistance

PCB Design Software APIs

8 APIs for automating PCB design, ordering, and component sourcing — with code examples.

1. KiCad Python API

Python scripting — embedded & standalone

KiCad exposes its full PCB and schematic engine via Python. Automate board creation, modify footprints, generate reports, create custom DRC rules, and build complete boards programmatically.

docs.kicad.org/master/en/python/pcbnew

## KiCad Python API — Create a PCB programmatically
import pcbnew

board = pcbnew.GetBoard()  # Get active board in KiCad

# Add a footprint
fp = pcbnew.FootprintLoad("/usr/share/kicad/footprints/Resistor_SMD.pretty",
                          "R_0805_2012Metric")
fp.SetPosition(pcbnew.wxPointMM(50, 50))
fp.SetReference("R1")
fp.SetValue("10k")
board.Add(fp)

# Add a track (trace)
track = pcbnew.PCB_TRACK(board)
track.SetStart(pcbnew.wxPointMM(50, 50))
track.SetEnd(pcbnew.wxPointMM(70, 50))
track.SetWidth(pcbnew.FromMM(0.25))
track.SetLayer(pcbnew.F_Cu)
board.Add(track)

# Add a via
via = pcbnew.PCB_VIA(board)
via.SetPosition(pcbnew.wxPointMM(70, 50))
via.SetDrill(pcbnew.FromMM(0.3))
via.SetWidth(pcbnew.FromMM(0.6))
board.Add(via)

# Generate Gerber files
plot_controller = pcbnew.PLOT_CONTROLLER(board)
plot_options = plot_controller.GetPlotOptions()
plot_options.SetOutputDirectory("./gerbers/")
plot_controller.OpenPlotfile("F_Cu", pcbnew.PLOT_FORMAT_GERBER, "Front Copper")
plot_controller.PlotLayer()
plot_controller.ClosePlot()

board.Save("output.kicad_pcb")

KiCad API Capabilities

pcbnew: Full PCB manipulation — footprints, tracks, zones, vias, text
eeschema: Schematic symbols, sheets, netlist generation
Footprint Wizard: Custom parametric footprint generators
DRC Scripting: Custom design rule checks in Python
BOM Export: Automated bill of materials
Gerber Generation: Programmatic fab file output
Action Plugins: GUI-integrated Python tools
CLI Tools: kicad-cli for automation pipelines

KiCad Plugin Ecosystem

Interactive HTML BOM: Visual BOM for assembly
KiBot: CI/CD automation (Gerber, BOM, docs)
Kikit: Panelization, automation, testing
SnapEDA integration: Part library import
JLC2KiCad: Import JLCPCB parts library
KiCost: Automated pricing from distributors
FreeRouting: Auto-router integration

2. EasyEDA / LCSC API

REST API — Cloud-based

JSON-based file format and REST API for managing projects, components, and designs. Direct integration with LCSC (600K+ parts) and JLCPCB.

// EasyEDA REST API — Component Search & Project Management

// Search LCSC/EasyEDA component library
GET https://easyeda.com/api/components/search?keyword=ESP32&type=1

// Get component details (includes symbol + footprint)
GET https://easyeda.com/api/components/{uuid}

// EasyEDA file format is JSON-based — programmatic board gen:
{
  "editorVersion": "6.5",
  "docType": "1",  // 1=Schematic, 2=SchematicLib, 3=PCB, 4=FootprintLib
  "title": "ESP32 Custom Board",
  "description": "IoT sensor node"
}

// One-click ordering to JLCPCB:
POST https://easyeda.com/api/orders/jlcpcb
{ "projectId": "abc123", "quantity": 5, "layers": 2, "color": "green" }

3. Altium 365 Cloud API

REST API — Cloud platform

Cloud collaboration with API access for design data management, component libraries, BOM management, and manufacturing file sharing.

// Altium 365 API — Design Management
POST https://api.altium365.com/auth/token
{ "client_id": "...", "client_secret": "..." }

GET https://api.altium365.com/v1/workspaces/{id}/projects
GET https://api.altium365.com/v1/projects/{id}/bom

POST https://api.altium365.com/v1/projects/{id}/releases
{ "name": "Rev 2.1", "outputs": ["gerber", "bom", "pick-and-place"] }

4. Flux.ai API (AI-Powered)

REST + WebSocket — AI-native design

AI auto-routing, component recommendation, design rule checking, and collaborative design. Programmatic design creation and AI-assisted layout optimization.

// Flux.ai — AI-Assisted PCB Design API
POST https://api.flux.ai/v1/projects
{ "name": "ESP32 Sensor Node", "boardSize": { "width": 50, "height": 40 } }

// Add components with AI placement
POST https://api.flux.ai/v1/projects/{id}/components
{
  "parts": [
    { "mpn": "ESP32-S3-WROOM-1", "quantity": 1 },
    { "mpn": "BME280", "quantity": 1 }
  ],
  "aiPlacement": true  // AI suggests optimal placement
}

// AI auto-route
POST https://api.flux.ai/v1/projects/{id}/route
{ "strategy": "optimize_area", "layers": 2 }

// Export manufacturing files
GET https://api.flux.ai/v1/projects/{id}/export?format=gerber

5. JLCPCB / PCBWay Ordering APIs

REST API — Manufacturing integration

Upload Gerber files, get instant quotes, place orders, and track production status programmatically.

// JLCPCB API — Automated Quote & Ordering
POST https://api.jlcpcb.com/v1/quote
{
  "gerber": [gerber_zip_file],
  "quantity": 10, "layers": 2, "thickness": 1.6,
  "color": "green", "assembly": true, "sides": "top"
}

// Response:
{
  "pcb_cost": 2.00, "assembly_cost": 8.50,
  "components_cost": 12.30, "shipping": 5.00,
  "total": 27.80, "turnaround": "3-5 days"
}

6. Nexar / Octopart API (Component Intelligence)

GraphQL API — Component data & pricing

Real-time access to component data, pricing, stock levels, and datasheets across 100+ distributors.

// Nexar/Octopart GraphQL API — Component Search
POST https://api.nexar.com/graphql
{
  "query": "{
    supSearch(q: \"ESP32-S3-WROOM-1\", limit: 5) {
      results {
        part {
          mpn
          manufacturer { name }
          shortDescription
          bestDatasheet { url }
          sellers {
            company { name }
            offers { inventoryLevel prices { quantity price currency } }
          }
        }
      }
    }
  }"
}

7. SnapEDA / Ultra Librarian API

REST API — Symbols, footprints & 3D models

Access millions of schematic symbols, PCB footprints, and 3D models in KiCad, Altium, Eagle, and EasyEDA formats.

// SnapEDA API — Download symbols & footprints
GET https://api.snapeda.com/v1/parts/search?q=ESP32-WROOM-32&format=kicad

GET https://api.snapeda.com/v1/parts/{part_id}/download
{ "format": "kicad", "includes": ["symbol", "footprint", "3d_model"] }

// Ultra Librarian — broader coverage
GET https://api.ultralibrarian.com/v1/search?keyword=BME280&cad=kicad

8. CircuitPython / MicroPython — Hardware Testing

On-device scripting — Hardware validation

After PCB fabrication, use CircuitPython or MicroPython for rapid hardware bring-up and testing.

# CircuitPython — PCB Hardware Test Script
import board, digitalio, analogio, busio

# Test GPIO
led = digitalio.DigitalInOut(board.GPIO2)
led.direction = digitalio.Direction.OUTPUT
led.value = True
print("GPIO2 LED: ON")

# Test I2C bus
i2c = busio.I2C(board.SCL, board.SDA)
while not i2c.try_lock(): pass
devices = i2c.scan()
print(f"I2C devices: {[hex(d) for d in devices]}")

# Test ADC (battery voltage)
adc = analogio.AnalogIn(board.GPIO34)
voltage = (adc.value / 65535) * 3.3 * 2
print(f"Battery: {voltage:.2f}V")

print("All hardware tests PASSED")

Circuit Simulation Software

Simulator	Type	API/CLI	Price	Best For
ngspice	SPICE (analog/mixed)	CLI + Python (PySpice)	Free	KiCad integrated, SPICE3
LTspice	SPICE (analog)	CLI batch mode	Free	Analog Devices, fast sim
QUCS-S	SPICE frontend	CLI + netlist export	Free	GUI for ngspice/Xyce
Falstad	Interactive (browser)	URL-based, JS API	Free	Education, visualization
Wokwi	ESP32/Arduino sim	VS Code, CI API	Free / Pro	ESP32 simulation in browser
PySpice	Python SPICE wrapper	Full Python API	Free	Scriptable circuit sim
Tinkercad	Arduino simulator	—	Free	Beginners, Arduino sim
SimulIDE	Real-time circuit	—	Free	MCU + circuit co-sim

Component Libraries & Part Sourcing

Library	Parts Count	Formats	API
SnapEDA	5M+ symbols/footprints	KiCad, Altium, Eagle, EasyEDA	REST
Ultra Librarian	12M+ parts	All major EDA formats	REST
LCSC / EasyEDA Lib	600K+ in-stock	EasyEDA, KiCad (converter)	REST
Samacsys (Mouser)	8M+ parts	All formats + 3D STEP	Plugin
KiCad Official	20K+ symbols/footprints	KiCad native	Git
Component Search Engine	Aggregator	All formats	Yes

ESP32 Custom Board Design Guide

The key transition from prototype to product. Custom ESP32 boards cost $2-5/unit vs $25+ for dev boards.

Minimal ESP32 Board

ESP32-WROOM-32E module
AMS1117-3.3 regulator
10uF + 22uF caps
10k pull-up on EN
USB-C + CP2102N UART
Boot/Reset buttons
LED on GPIO2

$0.40/board (PCB qty 10)
BOM: $3.50/board (qty 100)

IoT Sensor Node Board

BME280 environmental (I2C)
TP4056 LiPo charger
18650 battery holder
Solar panel input (6V)
Battery voltage divider
LoRa module header (SX1276)
SMA antenna connector

$0.60/board (PCB qty 10)
BOM: $8.50/board (qty 100)

Motor Controller (48V)

ESP32-S3-WROOM-1
Gate driver IC (IR2110)
SiC MOSFET power stage
Current sensing (ACS712)
CAN bus transceiver
Isolated gate driver PSU
4-layer PCB, 2oz copper

$4.80/board (4-layer qty 10)
BOM: $35-60/board (qty 100)

ESP32 PCB Design Rules

Parameter	Minimum	Recommended	Notes
Trace width (signal)	0.15mm (6 mil)	0.25mm (10 mil)	Standard signal traces
Trace width (power)	0.5mm (20 mil)	1.0mm+ (40 mil+)	1A per 0.5mm (1oz Cu)
Trace clearance	0.15mm (6 mil)	0.2mm (8 mil)	Between different nets
Via drill size	0.2mm	0.3mm	Smaller = higher cost
Via annular ring	0.15mm	0.2mm	Pad radius minus drill radius
Board thickness	0.6mm	1.6mm	Standard for most apps
Copper weight	1oz (35um)	1oz signal / 2oz power	2oz for high current
Antenna clearance	—	15mm keepout zone	No copper under antenna
Decoupling caps	—	<5mm from IC pin	100nF on every power pin

Desktop PCB Prototyping

Voltera V-One

Desktop PCB printer — conductive ink traces + solder paste directly onto FR-4.

Trace width: 0.2mm min
2-layer with via rivets
Built-in reflow oven
30-90 min per board

$4,199

Bantam Tools Mill

CNC mill carves copper traces from copper-clad FR-4 boards.

Trace width: 0.15mm min
2-layer with plated vias
Accuracy: ±0.076mm
15-45 min per board

$3,899

DIY Chemical Etching

Traditional photoresist + chemical etching for budget prototyping.

Trace width: 0.3mm practical
1-2 layers
Ferric chloride etch
2-4 hours per board

$50-200 equipment kit

PCB Fabrication Services

Service	PCB (5pcs)	SMT Assembly	Turnaround	Parts Library	Best For
JLCPCB	$2.00	$8+ setup	24hr - 5 days	LCSC (600K+)	Best price, EasyEDA integration
PCBWay	$5.00	$30+ setup	24hr - 7 days	Various	Flexible options, stencils
AllPCB	$5.00	$25+ setup	24hr - 5 days	Yes	Multi-layer, flex-rigid
OSH Park	$5/sq inch	—	12 days	—	US-made purple boards
Seeed Fusion	$4.90	$20+ setup	3-7 days	Yes	Open hardware community
MacroFab	Quote	Turnkey	5-15 days	Full sourcing	US-based turnkey
Euro Circuits	€29+	Full	3-7 days	Yes	European, high-quality

PCB Design &Software APIs

Launch a PCB Designer

EasyEDA Standard

Flux.ai (AI-Powered)

KiCad 8 (Desktop)

Wokwi ESP32 Simulator

Falstad Circuit Simulator

TinkerCAD Circuits

Interactive Simulators

Falstad Circuit Simulator

Wokwi ESP32 Simulator

PCB Design Workflow

Schematic Capture

PCB Layout

Simulation

Design Review

Generate Files

Fabrication

EDA Software Comparison

Open Source / Free Tools

Commercial / Professional Tools

Recommended Stack for YouInvent / IoT.NocodeAI.cloud

PCB Design Software APIs

1. KiCad Python API

Python scripting — embedded & standalone

KiCad API Capabilities

KiCad Plugin Ecosystem

2. EasyEDA / LCSC API

REST API — Cloud-based

3. Altium 365 Cloud API

REST API — Cloud platform

4. Flux.ai API (AI-Powered)

REST + WebSocket — AI-native design

5. JLCPCB / PCBWay Ordering APIs

REST API — Manufacturing integration

6. Nexar / Octopart API (Component Intelligence)

GraphQL API — Component data & pricing

7. SnapEDA / Ultra Librarian API

REST API — Symbols, footprints & 3D models

8. CircuitPython / MicroPython — Hardware Testing

On-device scripting — Hardware validation

Circuit Simulation Software

Component Libraries & Part Sourcing

ESP32 Custom Board Design Guide

Minimal ESP32 Board

IoT Sensor Node Board

Motor Controller (48V)

ESP32 PCB Design Rules

Desktop PCB Prototyping

Voltera V-One

Bantam Tools Mill

DIY Chemical Etching

PCB Fabrication Services

PCB Design &
Software APIs