Advanced PCB Design with KiCad 9 (Udemy.com)

Updated July 2025

I’ve just published the complete, uncut layout design session for the ESP32 KiCad 9 project as a single video.

This video shows the entire layout process from start to finish — including every step, every fix, and all decisions made in real time.

I decided to publish this video after several students asked me a real-time version of the parts of the original lectures where I used fast-forward to speed up parts of the process that I originally considered boring and repetitive.

I hope that it will help you gain a deeper understanding of how the design was built, how I troubleshoot problems, and how I handle real-world layout challenges.

Updated March 2025

I recorded a series of lectures where I redesigned my ESP32 board to fix issues from the first prototype. You will find the new lectures at the end of the course.

I modified the audio and light sensor wiring to both use ADC1, integrated a variable resistor into the audio amplifier for adjustable gain, and corrected the photosensor wiring with proper capacitor placement. I also updated the PCB layout by enlarging the buttons, refining the track routing, adding a ferrite bead to reduce noise, and updating component footprints and 3D models.

About this course

Unlock the full potential of KiCad 9 and learn how to design a fully functional IoT PCB from start to finish. In this comprehensive, project-based course, you will work through the complete design, testing, and manufacturing process of a four-layer PCB using KiCad 9's latest tools and techniques. By the end of the course, you will have a fully designed and tested ESP32-based IoT board, along with the skills to tackle your own advanced PCB design projects.

What You Will Learn:

• Design a complete four-layer PCB with KiCad 9.

• Create schematics, assign footprints, and route tracks for high-speed signals like SPI, I2C, and USB.

• Implement power and ground planes, copper zones, and via stitching for signal integrity.

• Troubleshoot and resolve design issues using KiCad's Electrical Rules Check (ERC) and Design Rules Check (DRC).

• Run Design for Manufacturing (DFM) checks with NextPCB to ensure production-ready designs.

• Test and validate key PCB components such as an SD card interface, flash memory, sensors, microphone, and OLED display.

• Analyze analog and digital signals using test scripts, an oscilloscope, and KiCad's simulation tools.

Course Deliverable:

By the end of the course, you will have a fully functional ESP32-based IoT PCB, including:

• A professionally designed four-layer PCB, ready for fabrication and assembly.

• Complete KiCad project files for your reference and future use.

• Practical skills to design advanced PCBs for IoT applications.

• Insights into troubleshooting common design issues and preparing files for manufacturing.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is ideal for electronics hobbyists, engineers, and professionals who already have some experience with KiCad and want to take their PCB design skills to the next level. If you are new to KiCad, we recommend starting with our KiCad Like a Pro, 4th Edition course, which provides a solid foundation in PCB design using KiCad.

Why Take This Course?

• Real-World Project: Design a complete IoT PCB from concept to fabrication.

• Hands-On Learning: Apply best practices for power distribution, signal integrity, and component layout.

• Cutting-Edge Tools: Explore the new features of KiCad 9 and learn how to use advanced tools for high-speed and mixed-signal designs.

• Manufacturing Insights: Gain practical knowledge about preparing your designs for production with NextPCB.

Watch the free lectures

We invite you to watch the free preview videos available on this page to get a clearer understanding of the course content and teaching style.

Join us today and master the art of advanced PCB design with KiCad 9!

Please know that a version of this course is also available on Youtube as a single video. You can find it by searching for "KiCad 9: Design & assemble an ESP32 IoT 4-layer PCB loaded with goodies". Compared to the YouTube version, this Udemy edition contains additional content, including quizzes and written lecture summaries to help you learn better. And, of course, no ads :-)