EDA DRC Skill

Design validation, rule checking, and pre-manufacturing review.

Auto-Activation Triggers

This skill activates when:

• User asks to "check design", "validate", "run DRC"

• User asks about design errors or warnings

• User mentions manufacturing readiness

• Project is approaching completion

• User asks "is this ready for fabrication?"

Context Requirements

Requires:

• hardware/*.kicad_sch

• Schematic files

• hardware/*.kicad_pcb

• PCB layout

• docs/design-constraints.json

• Project constraints

• docs/component-selections.md

• Selected components

Produces:

• docs/validation-report.md
• Comprehensive validation report

Validation Scopes

/eda-check schematic

• Run ERC (Electrical Rules Check)

• Verify power connections

• Check decoupling capacitors

• Validate against datasheet requirements

• Check component values

/eda-check pcb

• Run DRC (Design Rules Check)

• Verify placement guidelines

• Check routing rules

• Validate copper pours

• Review silkscreen

/eda-check components

• Verify stock availability on LCSC

• Check current pricing

• Identify lifecycle issues

• Suggest alternatives if needed

/eda-check manufacturing

• Generate and review Gerbers

• Verify BOM completeness

• Check position file accuracy

• Validate against manufacturer specs

/eda-check full

• Run all above checks

• Comprehensive pre-manufacturing validation

Workflow

1. Load Context

@docs/design-constraints.json @docs/component-selections.md @docs/schematic-status.md @docs/pcb-status.md

2. Run Automated Checks

• Execute DRC/ERC via KiCad MCP

• Capture all violations and warnings

3. Manual Review Checklist

Use reference documents to verify:

• Common issues are addressed

• Manufacturer constraints are met

• Design guidelines followed

4. Component Verification

For each selected component:

• Check LCSC stock status

• Verify pricing

• Check for lifecycle warnings

5. Generate Report

Create comprehensive validation report documenting:

• Pass/fail status for each check

• List of issues found

• Recommended actions

• Sign-off status

Output Format

validation-report.md

Validation Report

Project: [name] Generated: [timestamp] Scope: [schematic|pcb|components|manufacturing|full]

Summary

Critical Issues

Items that MUST be fixed before manufacturing:

1. [Issue description] - [Location] - [Fix]
2. ...

Warnings

Items that SHOULD be reviewed:

1. [Warning description] - [Location] - [Recommendation]
2. ...

Notes

Items for information only:

1. [Note]
2. ...

Detailed Results

Schematic (ERC)

Status: PASS/FAIL

Errors:

• [Error type]: [Details]

Warnings:

• [Warning type]: [Details]

Checks Passed:

• All power pins connected
• All ICs have decoupling
• No unconnected pins (except intentional NC)
• Net names consistent

PCB (DRC)

Status: PASS/FAIL

Errors:

• [Error type]: [Details]

Warnings:

• [Warning type]: [Details]

Checks Passed:

• Trace width meets minimum
• Clearances meet minimum
• Via drill meets minimum
• Silkscreen not on pads

Components

Issues:

Manufacturing

Target: [JLCPCB/PCBWay/etc.]

Checks:

• Board size within limits
• Layer count supported
• Minimum features met
• BOM complete
• Position file accurate

Action Items

Before Manufacturing

1. [Action required]
2. [Action required]

Recommendations

1. [Optional improvement]

Sign-off

• Schematic review complete
• PCB review complete
• Components verified
• Ready for manufacturing

Reviewed by: [name/date]

Guidelines

• Run DRC frequently during layout, not just at the end

• Address all errors before manufacturing

• Document intentional rule violations

• Verify component availability before finalizing design

• Keep validation report updated as issues are fixed

Reference Documents

• reference/COMMON-ISSUES.md

• Frequent problems and solutions

• reference/MANUFACTURER-SPECS.md

• Manufacturer capabilities

• reference/VALIDATION-CHECKLIST.md

• Pre-manufacturing checklist

Next Steps

After validation passes:

• Run /eda-export [format] to generate manufacturing files

• Update design-constraints.json stage to "complete"