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SnapEDA Introduces the KiCad Plugin
September 9, 2020 | SnapEDAEstimated reading time: Less than a minute

SnapEDA has a new offering, that will make it even easier for engineers to access CAD content. A new KiCad Plugin allows engineers to search, discover, and download content for electronic components directly from within the software where they’re designing PCBs.
KiCad is a free, open-source PCB design software that has been gaining popularity in the PCB design industry. Over the last few years, it has been growing at the same year-over-year rate as the industry’s leading PCB tools in terms of design activity in our professional PCB design community. Specifically for KiCad, the company has seen 345% growth of design activity over the last 3 years.
Being open source, KiCad’s ethos is to make electronics accessible and open, and we strongly resonate with that belief. For that reason, it’s also central to the open hardware movement.
Over the years, millions of CAD models have been loaded into the SnapEDA database, which are all accessible within the new plugin. Additionally, users will benefit from live updates to the SnapEDA library. The Component Engineering team adds thousands of new components each week, which are synced with the plugin in real-time.
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06/26/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, I-Connect007I recently spoke to DownStream Technologies founder Joe Clark about the company’s acquisition by Siemens. We were later joined by A.J. Incorvaia, Siemens’ senior VP of electronic board systems. Joe discussed how he, Rick Almeida, and Ken Tepper launched the company in the months after 9/11 and how the acquisition came about. A.J. provides some background on the acquisition and explains why the companies’ tools are complementary.
Elementary Mr. Watson: Retro Routers vs. Modern Boards—The Silent Struggle on Your Screen
06/26/2025 | John Watson -- Column: Elementary, Mr. WatsonThere's a story about a young woman preparing a holiday ham. Before putting it in the pan, she cuts off the ends. When asked why, she shrugs and says, "That's how my mom always did it." She asks her mother, who gives the same answer. Eventually, the question reaches Grandma, who laughs and says, "Oh, I only cut the ends off because my pan was too small." This story is a powerful analogy for how many PCB designers approach routing today.
Connect the Dots: The Future of PCB Design and Manufacturing
07/02/2025 | Matt Stevenson -- Column: Connect the DotsFor some time, I have been discussing the increasing complexity of PCBs and how designers can address the constantly evolving design requirements associated with them. My book, "The Printed Circuit Designer’s Guide to… Designing for Reality," details best practices for creating manufacturable boards in a modern production environment.
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Cadence AI Autorouter May Transform the Landscape
06/19/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazinePatrick Davis, product management director with Cadence Design Systems, discusses advancements in autorouting technology, including AI. He emphasizes a holistic approach that enhances placement and power distribution before routing. He points out that younger engineers seem more likely to embrace autorouting, while the veteran designers are still wary of giving up too much control. Will AI help autorouters finally gain industry-wide acceptance?