eda-pcb — Claude Code skill: what it does, how to install
Automates component placement and PCB trace routing in KiCad from schematics and design rules. Helps guide board layout against manufacturing constraints.
npx skills add l3wi/claude-eda --skill eda-pcb -a claude-codeWhat eda-pcb does
The skill directs PCB layout tasks through KiCad MCP integrations. It establishes the board outline and positions critical parts such as boundary connectors and decoupling capacitors near power pins.
A pre-layout phase inspects docs/design-constraints.json together with schematic files before routing starts. High-speed traces like USB differential signals receive 90-ohm impedance routing, followed by copper plane pours. Without configured mcp__kicad-pcb tools in your environment, the agent cannot manipulate board elements.
Workflow ends with design rule checks (DRC) configured for target fabricators like JLCPCB, down to 0.127 mm trace widths. Board progress is recorded in docs/pcb-status.md.
What it helps with
- arrange board components following functional hierarchy and thermal needs
- route differential USB pairs alongside critical power delivery tracks
- generate ground copper fills with stitching vias on multiple layers
- execute design rule verification to catch clearances before manufacturing
Example prompts for the agent
- Place board connectors along edges and group bypass caps next to IC power pins
- Configure layout limits for JLCPCB manufacturing rules and run a DRC scan
- Fill bottom layer ground plane with thermal reliefs and stitching vias
How to install eda-pcb
1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add l3wi/claude-eda --skill eda-pcb -a claude-code2Manually: put the files in place
~/.claude/skills/eda-pcb/SKILL.mdCopy the whole skill folder; for one project use .claude/skills/eda-pcb/
1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add l3wi/claude-eda --skill eda-pcb -a codex2Manually: put the files in place
.agents/skills/eda-pcb/SKILL.mdFor all projects use ~/.agents/skills/
1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add l3wi/claude-eda --skill eda-pcb -a cursor2Manually: put the files in place
.cursor/skills/eda-pcb/SKILL.mdCursor also reads .agents/skills/ and .claude/skills/
1GitHub CLI
gh skill install l3wi/claude-eda eda-pcb2Manually: put the files in place
.github/skills/eda-pcb/SKILL.md1Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add l3wi/claude-eda --skill eda-pcb -a gemini-cli2Platform CLI
gemini skills install https://github.com/l3wi/claude-eda --path templates/claude/skills/eda-pcbManually: put the files in place
.devin/skills/eda-pcb/SKILL.mdThe legacy .windsurf/skills/ path still works
Skills CLI (Vercel)
npx skills add l3wi/claude-eda --skill eda-pcb -a opencodeClaude.ai
Zip the folder and upload it in Settings → Capabilities → Skills
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to install skills in Claude Code: five ways
Questions about eda-pcb
How do I install eda-pcb in Claude Code?
Run npx skills add l3wi/claude-eda --skill eda-pcb -a claude-code.
What project files must exist before running layout?
You need a completed hardware/*.kicad_sch schematic, a docs/component-selections.md file, and target specs in docs/design-constraints.json.
Why does this skill require KiCad MCP tools?
The skill relies on mcp__kicad-pcb handlers to position parts, alter net routing, add zones, and trigger DRC checks directly inside KiCad.
