pads Directory Reference

Files
	pads_binary_parser.cpp
	pads_binary_parser.h
	pads_layer_mapper.cpp
	pads_layer_mapper.h
	pads_parser.cpp
	pads_parser.h
	pcb_io_pads.cpp
	pcb_io_pads.h
	pcb_io_pads_binary.cpp
	pcb_io_pads_binary.h

Detailed Description

This plugin imports PADS PowerPCB ASCII (.asc) files into KiCad.

Supported Features

Board Elements

• Copper layers (up to 32 layers)
• Silkscreen and solder mask layers
• Board outline
• Tracks and vias
• Pads with various shapes (round, square, rectangular, oblong, annular)
• Copper pours/zones
• Text elements
• Keepout areas

Via Types

• Standard through-hole vias
• Blind and buried vias (mapped to micro vias where applicable)

Footprints

• Imported footprints are cached in the board file
• Original PADS decal names preserved where possible

Command Line Usage

kicad-cli pcb import --format pads input.asc -o output.kicad_pcb

Options

• --format pads - Specify PADS format (auto-detected from .asc extension)
• -o, --output - Output KiCad PCB file path
• --report-format json|text - Generate import report
• --report-file - Path to save import report

Known Limitations

1. Copper Pours: Complex pour shapes may not import perfectly. Zone fills should be regenerated in KiCad after import.
2. Design Rules: PADS design rules are not imported. Default KiCad DRC rules will apply to imported boards.
3. Net Classes: PADS net classes are imported but may need adjustment for KiCad's net class system.
4. Schematic Link: Only PCB data is imported; schematic must be recreated or imported separately.

File Format Support

Supported Versions

• PADS PowerPCB V9.0 through V9.5
• PADS Layout files exported as ASCII

Unit Systems

• MILS (default for most PADS files)
• METRIC (millimeters)
• INCHES
• BASIC (PADS internal database units)

Developer Notes

Architecture

The importer consists of three main components:

1. PCB_IO_PADS (pcb_io_pads.cpp) - Plugin interface implementing PCB_IO
2. PADS_PARSER (pads_parser.cpp) - Parses ASCII format sections
3. Layer Mapping - Maps PADS layer numbers to KiCad layer IDs

Extending the Parser

To add support for new PADS features:

1. Identify the section keyword in the ASCII format (e.g., *PARTDECAL*)
2. Add a parsing method in PADS_PARSER class
3. Map parsed data to appropriate KiCad objects
4. Add unit tests in qa/tests/pcbnew/

Testing

# Run PADS importer tests
cd build
ctest -R pads -V
 
# Run QA visual regression tests
KICAD_CLI=./build/kicad/kicad-cli python -m pytest qa/tests/cli/test_pads_importer.py -v

Test Data

Test files are located in qa/data/pcbnew/plugins/pads/:

• CE086A5_3/ - 8-layer complex board
• KA014A2/ - 2-layer board
• TJ005A1t/ - 2-layer board
• synthetic_*.asc - Synthetic test cases for edge cases