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# Frequently Asked Questions
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# Frequently Asked Questions
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-----
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## CERN's contribution to KiCad project
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### Are you aware that KiCad's code base is not of the highest quality?
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### Are you aware that KiCad's code base is not of the highest quality?
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Yes, before embarking on this project we conducted an in-depth study of
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Yes, before embarking on this project we conducted an in-depth study of
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the code base of Kicad and other open source EDA packages. We are very
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the code base of KiCad and other open source EDA packages. We are very
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much aware of the places in the KiCad code base where a serious clean-up
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much aware of the places in the KiCad code base where a serious clean-up
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would be useful. Fortunately, thanks to the work of many competent
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would be useful. Fortunately, thanks to the work of many competent
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programmers, these areas are becoming less and less numerous. We also
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programmers, these areas are becoming less and less numerous. We also
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... | @@ -20,7 +25,7 @@ now. However, this already represents quite a step forward with respect |
... | @@ -20,7 +25,7 @@ now. However, this already represents quite a step forward with respect |
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to the past. To our knowledge, this is the first time a full-time
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to the past. To our knowledge, this is the first time a full-time
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developer is devoted to KiCad for a full year, and we will be able to do
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developer is devoted to KiCad for a full year, and we will be able to do
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even more if people
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even more if people
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[donate](http://cernandsociety.web.cern.ch/technology/kicad-development).
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[donate](https://giving.web.cern.ch/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=6).
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We hope that our example will be followed by other organizations, so
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We hope that our example will be followed by other organizations, so
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that manpower is not an issue for KiCad anymore. Then the issue will be
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that manpower is not an issue for KiCad anymore. Then the issue will be
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to properly organize this manpower and to ensure only high-quality code
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to properly organize this manpower and to ensure only high-quality code
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... | @@ -48,3 +53,41 @@ There is a list of packages prepared for students looking for a |
... | @@ -48,3 +53,41 @@ There is a list of packages prepared for students looking for a |
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challenge. Have a look [here](StudentProjects) and contact us once you
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challenge. Have a look [here](StudentProjects) and contact us once you
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decided to undertake a project.
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decided to undertake a project.
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## KiCad at CERN
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### How is KiCad supported at CERN?
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There is no specific support at CERN for KiCad, yet. The program is just
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not yet in a good enough state for our large and professional designs.
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That is why we are [contributing to the
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development](https://www.ohwr.org/project/cern-kicad/wiki), but
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currently there are no specific libraries or other support.
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### How should I install KiCad when at CERN?
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Please have a look at the [official KiCad
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website](http://www.kicad-pcb.org/display/KICAD/KiCad+EDA+Software+Suite)
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about download instructions and so. That should be self-instructing.
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### Which CAE programs are officially supported at CERN?
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The officially supported CAE programs are
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[Altium](http://information-technology.web.cern.ch/services/software/altium-designer)
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and [Cadence
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SPB](http://information-technology.web.cern.ch/services/software/spb).
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Here the CERN electronics design office can also help you for making the
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PCB layout and building your prototypes. Please contact
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[B.Magnin](https://phonebook.cern.ch/phonebook/#persondetails/?id=620139)
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in
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[TE-MPE](http://te-dep.web.cern.ch/content/machine-protection-and-electrical-integrity-group-mpe)
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about this, or you can have a look at the somewhat [outdated DEM
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pages](http://cern.ch/dem) that still describe all the services you can
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get when using Altium or Cadence. With KiCad you need to do everything
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on your own (order PCB, assembly files etc.).
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-----
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17 April 2015
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