Table of Contents
PCB Design Tips
EDA Parts Library
JLCPCB uses their own inventory’s part numbers. These numbers are based on LCSC’s inventory.
Eagle
When I use Eagle to create the schematic and PCB, I create the library with the value of the part as the JLCPCB part number or I add a field that has the JLCPCB part number. There is some conversion that needs to be done when creating the BOM(Bill of Materials).
Eagle -> EasyEDA -> export BOM list
KiCad
For KiCad, I also add a JLCPCB part number for each component I add to my library. While KiCad’s methodology is to create the schematic and assign the footprint afterwards, I find this workflow to add a good deal of time to my workflow, as I end up essentially “creating” the part each time I use a component.
So, instead, I import parts from the KiCad library and add them to my library. I then assign a footprint to the part in my library as well as assign a JLCPCB part number.
When it comes time to send the files off to the PCB service, I perform a normal CSV export of the BOM, but then make use of a python scripted tool called “jlc-kicad-tools”, which takes the exported BOM and NetList files to create a pair of BOM and CPL files for uploading. The script looks for words that match the naming pattern of JLCPCB/LCSC’s inventory part numbers.
KiCad -> KiCad Library -> Personal Library -> Export BOM -> Convert BOM -> Upload to JLCPCB
PCB Production Tips
JLCPCB Order Number Removal (aka JLCJLCJLCJLC)
In order to keep track of which boards belong to whom, JLCPCB will add a silkscreen for an order number onto your board. You can pay a $1.50 fee(at time of this writing) to remove it, or you can provide a location.
The location is determined by a silkscreen text with the following content: “JLCJLCJLCJLC”
In order for this to be hidden in your final design, you can place this text under an IC, header, connector, etc.