auto-pcb-skill: Claude Code designs PCB in under an hour

The workflow depends on making every step of board design readable and writable as text and commands. atopile describes the circuit and selects parts from a catalog while checking conditions such as supply-voltage range; KiCad handles board data, design-rule checks and manufacturing output; Freerouting handles wiring. Because the results come back as text, the AI can read a DRC violation, shift a placement or change a trace width, and loop through inspection and correction on its own. The developer says the tool selection and combination came from trial and error, and packaging that knowledge as auto-pcb-skill is meant to save the coding agent from having to rediscover it each time.

In the shown example, a board was requested to measure 0 to 330 nA using a shunt resistor and a BLE-enabled microcontroller on a coin battery. The AI set the gain to G=7.2 so that 330 nA produces about 2.38 V, and because a single-supply op-amp cannot swing fully to 0 V, the measurement range became about 7 to 333 nA. The order was placed with JLCPCB with assembly included, and the delivered board reportedly matched the AI's design and worked on the first check. Firmware, a PC-side receiver with CSV logging and zero-point correction, and a flashing procedure were also produced.

Clear limits exist. DRC only checks whether the board can be manufactured, so a person must still check polarized parts, connector orientation, antenna direction and enclosure fit. The AI does not explain component choices unless asked. High-speed differential, BGA, high-voltage and RF sections may need to be fixed before autorouting, and the method depends on specific tool versions. Responsibility for the design stays with the person, who can use the time saved for specifications and review.