Netlist and BOM Export Guide:

To review schematics with PinScope, two critical files are required for manufacturing and assembly: the Netlist (.net/.asc) and the Bill of Materials (BOM). This comprehensive guide will walk you through generating these files from popular EDA tools including KiCAD, Altium Designer, and PADS.

What Are These Files?

• Netlist: Contains the electrical connectivity information between components
• BOM File: Lists all components with their specifications, quantities, and reference designators

The BOM must contain Manufacturer Part Numbers in a column named "MPN" or "Manufacturer Part Number", and component references in a column named "Reference" or "Designator".

Prerequisites Before Exporting

Before generating your netlist and BOM files, ensure these important requirements are met:

1. Power Net Naming Convention

Power net names should include the voltage at the end of the name with an underscore wherever possible. This helps with automated analysis and validation.

Examples of proper power net naming:

• GND (Ground reference)
• VCC_5V (5V power supply)
• VDD_ISO_3V3 (Isolated 3.3V supply)
• VBAT_12V (12V battery supply)
• VREF_2V5 (2.5V reference voltage)

Avoid generic names like:

• VCC (without voltage specification)
• POWER
• SUPPLY
• V+

2. BOM Column Naming for AI Analysis

Any BOM field that you want the AI to use in analysis should have 'param_' as a prefix in the column name.

Examples:

• param_Comment - Component descriptions for AI analysis
• param_Value - Component values for AI analysis
• param_Tolerance - Tolerance specifications for AI analysis
• param_Package - Package information for AI analysis
• param_Voltage - Voltage ratings for AI analysis

Standard columns (always required):

• Reference or Designator (component references)
• MPN or Manufacturer Part Number (part numbers)

This naming convention allows PinScope's AI to identify which fields contain relevant technical parameters for circuit analysis and recommendations.

Interactive Tool Guide

KiCADAltium DesignerPADS

KiCAD - Generating Netlist and BOM Files

Generating Netlist in KiCAD

1. Open your schematic in Eeschema
2. Navigate to Tools → Generate Netlist File

3. In the Netlist dialog:
   • Select KiCAD or PADS format
   • Choose output location
   • Click Generate Netlist

4. File formats supported:
   • .net - KiCAD native format

File Requirements:

• Format: PADS-ASCII or KiCad netlist
• Size limit: Up to 10MB

Generating BOM in KiCAD 9

1. In Eeschema, go to Tools → Generate Bill of Materials
2. Configure fields to include:
   • Reference (required)
   • Value_param (for AI analysis)
   • Footprint_param (for AI analysis)
   • Manufacturer Part Number (required)
   • DNP (required)
   • Comment_param (optional, for AI analysis)

3. Export format:
   • CSV

File Format Requirements Summary