What is RAYPCB?

RAYPCB is a powerful new plugin for KiCad, the popular Open-source PCB design software. This plugin integrates RAYPCB’s advanced PCB manufacturing capabilities directly into the KiCad interface, making it easier than ever to design and manufacture high-quality printed circuit boards.

Some of the key features of RAYPCB include:

• Support for a wide range of PCB materials, including FR-4, aluminum, and flexible substrates
• Advanced manufacturing techniques like HDI, blind/buried vias, and controlled impedance
• Rapid prototyping with 24-hour turnaround times available
• Competitive pricing with volume discounts
• Seamless integration with KiCad for a streamlined design-to-manufacturing workflow

How the RAYPCB Plugin Works

The RAYPCB plugin adds a new “RAYPCB” tab to the KiCad PCB editor. From this tab, you can:

• Configure your PCB Stackup by selecting materials, copper weights, and dielectrics
• Define your design rules, including track/spacing widths, via sizes, and hole diameters
• Get real-time price quotes based on your board specifications
• Upload your PCB design files directly to RAYPCB for fabrication
• Track your order status from within KiCad

Here’s a quick visual overview of the plugin interface:

RAYPCB Plugin Tab	Description
Stackup	Select layer count, materials, copper weights, dielectrics
Design Rules	Set minimums for Track Width, spacing, via size, hole size, etc.
Price Quote	Get instant quote based on current board specs
Upload	Upload Gerber/drill files and BOM to RAYPCB
Order Tracking	View real-time fabrication status of your order

The plugin uses KiCad’s existing Gerber and drill file export process. Once you have your PCB designed, simply generate the fabrication files as usual, then switch over to the RAYPCB tab and upload them directly to RAYPCB along with your bill of materials. No more dealing with zip files or e-mailing design files back and forth.

Benefits for PCB Designers

The tight integration between KiCad and RAYPCB offers several benefits for hardware designers and engineers:

Streamlined Workflow

By handling quoting, ordering, and status tracking directly from within KiCad, the RAYPCB plugin eliminates several manual steps in the traditional PCB ordering process. This saves time and reduces the chances for errors or miscommunication.

Real-Time Feedback

As you’re designing your PCB, the RAYPCB plugin gives you real-time warnings if you violate any design rule constraints. It also generates live price quotes based on your current board configuration. This immediate feedback allows you to make informed design decisions and avoid costly surprises down the line.

Rapid Prototyping

RAYPCB offers industry-leading turnaround times, with standard 5-day manufacturing and express 24-hour service available. Hardware development is an iterative process, and these rapid prototyping capabilities let you quickly test and refine your designs.

Cost Savings

RAYPCB’s automated quoting engine factors in not just your board specs, but also your order quantity. The plugin makes it easy to see volume price breaks so that you can optimize your orders for cost efficiency. And with RAYPCB’s already competitive pricing, these savings really add up.

RAYPCB Manufacturing Capabilities

In addition to its KiCad integration, RAYPCB also stands out for its advanced PCB fabrication capabilities. Some key highlights include:

HDI and Blind/Buried Vias

High density interconnect (HDI) PCBs with blind and buried vias enable denser routing and smaller form factors. RAYPCB supports a variety of HDI manufacturing techniques:

HDI Type	Description
Blind vias	Connects outer layer to one or more inner layers, but not all the way through
Buried vias	Connects inner layers together without being visible on outer layers
Skip vias	Drills through one or more layers but not the entire stackup
Stacked vias	Two or more vias stacked on top of each other to span multiple layers

Material Options

Different projects have different material requirements. RAYPCB stocks a wide variety of laminates and substrates, including:

• Standard FR-4 in multiple Tg ratings
• High-frequency laminates like Rogers and Isola
• Aluminum-backed metal Core PCBs for LED and high-power applications
• Flexible and rigid-flex PCBs
• Halogen-free laminates

Controlled Impedance

For designs with high-speed interfaces like DDR RAM, PCI Express, Ethernet, or USB, maintaining consistent trace impedance is critical. RAYPCB’s advanced controlled impedance manufacturing tightly controls dielectric layer thicknesses and trace geometries to hit your impedance targets.

Some commonly specified impedances include:

Impedance	Common Applications
50 ohms	Coax cables, RF circuits, test equipment
75 ohms	Video interfaces, cable TV, broadband internet
90 ohms	Differential USB
100 ohms	Differential Ethernet, HDMI, SATA

Certifications

RAYPCB manufactures PCBs in ISO 9001 certified facilities, ensuring consistent quality control standards. We can also produce boards compliant with various regulatory standards such as:

• RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
• REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals)
• UL 94 V-0 flammability rating
• IPC-A-600 Class 2 and Class 3

Getting Started with the RAYPCB Plugin

Ready to try out the RAYPCB plugin for yourself? Getting started is easy:

1. Download and install the latest version of KiCad from kicad.org
2. Download the RAYPCB plugin from raypcb.com/kicad-plugin
3. Install the plugin and restart KiCad
4. Open or create a PCB design project
5. Configure your stackup, design rules, and generate Price quotes from the RAYPCB tab
6. Export your Gerber/drill files and upload them using the RAYPCB tab
7. Place your order and track its progress from within KiCad

For more detailed installation and usage instructions, consult the plugin documentation available at raypcb.com/kicad-plugin-docs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What versions of KiCad is the RAYPCB plugin compatible with?

The current version of the RAYPCB plugin is compatible with KiCad 6.0 and newer. Older versions of KiCad are not supported.

Does the plugin handle payments?

Payments are handled via the RAYPCB website, not directly through the plugin. When you upload your design files, the plugin will redirect you to raypcb.com to complete payment and checkout.

What file formats does the plugin support?

The plugin uses the standard Gerber X2 and Excellon drill file formats that KiCad produces. It also supports uploading pick-and-place and bill of materials files in CSV format.

How much does the plugin cost?

The RAYPCB KiCad Plugin is completely free to use – there are no license fees, subscriptions, or hidden costs. You only pay for the PCBs you order through RAYPCB.

Who do I contact for plugin support?

If you encounter any issues or have questions about using the RAYPCB plugin, contact RAYPCB’s customer support team at [email protected] or open a support ticket at raypcb.com/support.

Conclusion

The new RAYPCB plugin brings the power of RAYPCB’s PCB manufacturing right into the KiCad environment. With instant quoting, one-click ordering, and live design rule checks, this plugin streamlines the PCB design and fabrication process while ensuring high quality results.

To experience the benefits of the RAYPCB plugin for yourself, head over to raypcb.com/kicad-plugin and install it today. Your next PCB project will be faster, smoother, and more successful with RAYPCB and KiCad.