Uploaded May 2019 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
Working in the microwave spectrum places a number of unique requirements on PCB layout and design. This talk shows how to use KiCad to create effective high-frequency circuits. I will focus on a 300MHz - 3GHz spectrum analysis circuit that I created to search for a type of Dark Matter called Dark Photons. I will demonstrate effective techniques for designing DRC-compliant curved traces, spline-based zone fills and SolidWorks MCAD integration.
Slides for this talk are available here: kicad-kicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Seth-Hillbrand-Hillbrand-RFDesign.pdf
About the speaker:
Seth Hillbrand is the Design Engineer for the physics department of the University of California, Davis. He designs circuits to support research that looks for Dark Matter, tries to measure "hidden" photons and measures physical processes in extreme environments. Previously, he worked on high altitude ballooning and in electromagnetic warfare. He is currently one of the developers of the KiCad project.
KiCon 2019 was a conference for people who use and love KiCad. For more information: kicad-kicon.com
Produced by NDV: youtube.com/channel/UCQ7dFBzZGlBvtU2hCecsBBg
Working in the microwave spectrum places a number of unique requirements on PCB layout and design. This talk shows how to use KiCad to create effective high-frequency circuits. I will focus on a 300MHz - 3GHz spectrum analysis circuit that I created to search for a type of Dark Matter called Dark Photons. I will demonstrate effective techniques for designing DRC-compliant curved traces, spline-based zone fills and SolidWorks MCAD integration.
Slides for this talk are available here: kicad-kicon.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Seth-Hillbrand-Hillbrand-RFDesign.pdf
About the speaker:
Seth Hillbrand is the Design Engineer for the physics department of the University of California, Davis. He designs circuits to support research that looks for Dark Matter, tries to measure "hidden" photons and measures physical processes in extreme environments. Previously, he worked on high altitude ballooning and in electromagnetic warfare. He is currently one of the developers of the KiCad project.
KiCon 2019 was a conference for people who use and love KiCad. For more information: kicad-kicon.com
Produced by NDV: youtube.com/channel/UCQ7dFBzZGlBvtU2hCecsBBg
