README.md
<![CDATA[]]>Download the latest release<![CDATA[]]>

A comprehensive KiCad Library for the Raspberry Pi Pico 🥧

Providing footprints, symbols, and models for the module in its various forms and implementations

 

Features


KiCad 7.0 support
Schematics with alternate pin definitions to select more specific behaviours for each GPIO, as well as specify power directionality
Generic and specific footprints for the Pico and Pico W


Through-hole and surface-mount footprints with and without mounting holes
Hand-solderable test points (ie. USB signals) in footprints with underside castellations
Optional pin labels as an add-on footprint
Optional keepout zone for 2.4 GHz RF on shared footprints

Diverse 3D models for surface-mount, through-hole, and socketed forms of the Pico, Pico H, Pico W, and Pico WH using photorealistic materials
Majority adherence to the <![CDATA[]]>KiCad Library Conventions<![CDATA[]]> version 3.0.34


 

How do I use this library?


Ensure you are running KiCad 7.0 or later
Download the most recent <![CDATA[]]>release<![CDATA[]]> of the library
Unzip the file contents
If not already created, create a new KiCad project
Move the root library directory RaspberryPi_Pico/ to a folder anywhere within your KiCad project
> If using the library globally, move RaspberryPi_Pico/ to a globally accessible location
Open the relevant KiCad project
Select Preferences > Manage Footprint Libraries...
Select the Project Specific Libraries tab
> If using the library globally, select the Global Librarires tab instead
Click the folder icon in the lower left to Add Existing
Navigate to and select .../RaspberryPi_Pico/Module_RaspberryPi_Pico.pretty/
Click OK
Select Preferences > Manage Symbol Libraries...
Select the Project Specific Libraries tab
> If using the library globally, select the Global Libaries tab instead
Click the folder icon in the lower left to Add existing library to table
Navigate to and select .../RaspberryPi_Pico/MCU_Module_RaspberryPi_Pico.kicad_sym
Click OK


To use, simply add a symbol to your schematic as you would any other; symbols should be located under the section MCU_Module_RaspberryPi_Pico, and footprints under Module_RaspberryPi_Pico.

You're all set to design exciting new circuit boards using the Raspberry Pi Pico! 🎉

 

Further reading

Other KiCad implementations of the Raspberry Pi Pico:

Some adjacent solutions I encountered during my research for this project


Official Raspberry Pi KiCad library files for the Pico and Pico W provided in
<![CDATA[]]>Hardware design with the RP2040, Section 3<![CDATA[]]>


<![CDATA[]]>https://datasheets.raspberrypi.com/rp2040/VGA-KiCAD.zip<![CDATA[]]>
<![CDATA[]]>https://datasheets.raspberrypi.com/rp2040/VGA-PicoW-KiCAD.zip<![CDATA[]]>

A detailed SketchUp model of the surface-mount Pico incorporating the above
Pico library


<![CDATA[]]>https://github.com/ncarandini/KiCad-RP-Pico<![CDATA[]]>

A similarly versatile library found on the <![CDATA[]]>KiCad forums<![CDATA[]]>
for all the Pico variants, including a castellated add-on board footprint


<![CDATA[]]>https://gitlab.com/mgyger/kicad-symbols/-/blob/pico/MCU_Module.kicad_sym<![CDATA[]]>
<![CDATA[]]>https://gitlab.com/mgyger/kicad-footprints/-/tree/pico/Module.pretty<![CDATA[]]>



Pico W antenna radiation pattern resources:


Great teardown featured:


<![CDATA[]]>https://electronupdate.blogspot.com/2022/07/raspberry-pi-pico-w-silicon-...<![CDATA[]]>
<![CDATA[]]>https://youtu.be/dWJE1ALMlBw<![CDATA[]]>

Antenna info:


<![CDATA[]]>https://www.antenna-theory.com/design/raspberry-pi-antenna.php<![CDATA[]]>
<![CDATA[]]>https://youtu.be/MQ8gCsPoo6k<![CDATA[]]>
<![CDATA[]]>https://www.tablix.org/~avian/blog/archives/2022/03/effect_of_ground_cut...<![CDATA[]]>

Possible antenna radiation pattern:


<![CDATA[]]>https://abracon.com/parametric/antennas/PRO-EB-592<![CDATA[]]>
<![CDATA[]]>https://abracon.com/datasheets/PRO-EB-592.pdf<![CDATA[]]>
<![CDATA[]]>https://abracon.com/parametric/antennas/PRO-EB-594<![CDATA[]]>
<![CDATA[]]>https://abracon.com/datasheets/PRO-EB-594.pdf<![CDATA[]]>
<![CDATA[]]>https://embeddedcomputing.com/technology/analog-and-power/power-semicond...<![CDATA[]]>
<![CDATA[]]>https://antennatestlab.com/antenna-examples/raspberry-pi-model-3b-antenn...<![CDATA[]]>



 

License

This work is licensed under the <![CDATA[]]>MIT No Attribution<![CDATA[]]>
license, the text of which should be found in LICENSE.txt
in the root directory of this project alongside this README.

The license applies to all relevant files contained within the directory it
resides, including sub-directories, unless otherwise overridden by the
presence of another LICENSE file, or license header within a file.