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Custom Hardware Modules

Create your own components when the shared library doesn't have what you need, with AI assistance, and a PCB footprint library.

Creating a PCB Footprint (PCB Footprint Builder)

A PCB footprint describes the real pin shape (component body size, pitch, drill hole positions...) used when placing a module onto a real PCB. You can create a personal footprint (only you can use it) or — if your account has permission — contribute it to the Shared Library for every member to use.

Opening the Footprint Builder page

  1. Go to the member area, choose the "PCB" item in the sidebar (path /member/pcb-footprints), or navigate there directly.
  2. The page has 2 tabs: "Mine" (default) and "Shared Library", along with a "Search by name..." field to filter by footprint name.

Creating a new footprint

  1. Click the "+ Create Footprint" button.
  2. Step 1 — choose scope: choose "Personal" (default, "Only you can see and use it") or "Shared Library" ("All users can see and use it"). If your account doesn't yet have permission to contribute to the shared library, this option is disabled rather than hidden, with the note "You don't have permission to contribute to the shared library." Click "Continue".
  3. Step 2 — fill in the form:
    • Enter the "Name" of the footprint.
    • (Optional) Enter a "Description (optional)".
    • (Optional, only when creating a new one) Use the "Auto-Generate" block: type a description (e.g. "single-row header, 6 pins, 2.54mm") into the field, then click the "Auto-Generate" button (purple button) — the system calls AI to pre-fill the name, footprint type, and pin list; you can still edit it afterward.
    • Choose a "Footprint Type" from the available presets: Single In-line Row (SIP), Dual Row Header (DIP header), Standard DIP IC, TO-92, TO-220, 4-Pin Tactile Push Button, Axial-Lead Component (resistor/diode), Radial-Lead Component (capacitor/LED/crystal), Screw Terminal, JST-PH 2-Pin, Dual-Rail Power Strip, or Fully Custom (declare each pin via JSON).
    • Fill in the parameters specific to the chosen type (e.g. for SIP: Pin Count, Pitch (mm), Body W/H (mm)).
    • The "Pins (n)" list auto-generates based on the pin count — each row lets you edit the ID and signal type (kind).
    • The SVG preview panel on the right updates the footprint shape in real time.
  4. Click "Save" (you can click "Back" to change the Personal/Shared Library scope before saving).

Result: The new footprint appears as a card in the list (the "Mine" tab if personal scope, or "Shared Library" tab if public — that card has a cyan "Shared Library" label).

Example

Creating a footprint for the "DS3231 RTC" module (single-row header, 6 pins): choose scope "Personal", type into the "Auto-Generate" block the description "single-row header, 6 pins, 2.54mm", click "Auto-Generate" — the form auto-fills the SIP footprint type, 6 pins, 2.54mm pitch; the SVG preview updates immediately, adjust the name, then click "Save".