Analyze Power Nets

Step 1: Load and Extract Components

from analyze_power_paths import (
    analyze_pcb, get_components_needing_analysis, classify_component,
    trace_power_paths, get_power_net_recommendations, format_analysis_report,
    ComponentRole
)

components, pcb_data = analyze_pcb("path/to/file.kicad_pcb")
unknown = get_components_needing_analysis(components)

Step 2: Auto-Classify Obvious Components

Step 3: AI Analysis for Unknown Components

unknown

3a. Identify What It Is

WebSearch: "<part_value> <footprint_hint> datasheet"

• "DB9 connector pinout"

  - Is it signal or power?

• "1N4004 diode datasheet"

  - Rectifier vs signal diode

• "3906 transistor datasheet"

  - Power switch or signal amp?

• "LT1129 regulator datasheet"

  - Voltage regulator specs

• "MCF5213 power consumption"

  - IC current requirements

3b. Determine Its Role

3c. Estimate Current Rating

• For ICs: Total supply current (ICC, IDD)
• For regulators: Maximum output current
• For connectors: Expected load current

3d. Apply Classification

classify_component(components, 'J201', ComponentRole.POWER_SOURCE,
                   current_rating_ma=1000,
                   notes="DC barrel jack - main power input")

Step 4: Key Components to Analyze

Power Input Connectors (J*, P*, TB*, CN*)

• Question: Is this a power input or signal connector?
• Look for: Connection to power nets, barrel jack footprints, terminal blocks
• Classify as: POWER_SOURCE if it brings power onto the board

Diodes (D* followed by digit)

• Question: Protection diode, rectifier, or LED?
• Look for: Part number (1N4004 = rectifier, BAT54 = Schottky, LED = LED)
• Classify as:
  • SHUNT if reverse protection (cathode to power, anode to GND)
  • PASS_THROUGH if series rectifier in power path
  • CURRENT_SINK if LED

Transistors (Q*)

• Question: Power switch or signal amplifier?
• Look for: Connections to power nets, gate/base drive signals
• Classify as: PASS_THROUGH if switching power, SHUNT if signal

ICs (U*)

• Question: How much current does it consume?
• Look for: ICC/IDD in datasheet, number of I/O pins
• Classify as: CURRENT_SINK with appropriate current rating
• Note: Regulators are auto-detected by power_out pins

Voltage Regulators (VR*, or U* with regulator part number)

• Question: What is the maximum output current?
• Look for: Output current spec in datasheet
• Classify as: POWER_SOURCE with max output current

Step 5: Trace Power Paths

paths = trace_power_paths(pcb_data, components)
recommendations = get_power_net_recommendations(pcb_data, components, paths)

Step 6: Generate Report

print(format_analysis_report(pcb_data, components, paths, recommendations))

1. Summary of component classifications
2. Traced power paths showing current flow
3. Recommended power nets and track widths
4. Ready-to-use

   --power-nets

   command line arguments

Example Analysis Session

1. J201 (JACK_2P): WebSearch "DC barrel jack 2.1mm" → POWER_SOURCE, 1000mA
2. TB201 (CONN_2): Terminal block on same net as J201 → POWER_SOURCE, 1000mA
3. D201 (1N4004): WebSearch "1N4004 datasheet" → Rectifier, but connected cathode-to-power → SHUNT (reverse protection)
4. Q101 (3906): WebSearch "2N3906 PNP transistor" → Emitter on +3.3V → PASS_THROUGH (power switch)
5. U102 (MCF5213): WebSearch "MCF5213 power consumption" → CURRENT_SINK, 200mA
6. U301 (XCR3256): WebSearch "XCR3256 CPLD power" → CURRENT_SINK, 150mA

Output Format

## Power Net Analysis for board.kicad_pcb

### AI-Classified Components
| Ref | Value | Role | Current | Notes |
|-----|-------|------|---------|-------|
| J201 | JACK_2P | POWER_SOURCE | 1000mA | DC power input |
| U102 | MCF5213 | CURRENT_SINK | 200mA | ColdFire MCU |

### Power Paths Traced
  TB201 (power input) → SW_ONOFF201 → F201 → VR201 → +3.3V → U102 (MCU)

### Recommended Power Nets
| Net | Width | Reason |
|-----|-------|--------|
| Net-(TB201-P1) | 0.5mm | Power input path |
| Net-(F201-Pad1) | 0.5mm | After fuse |
| +3.3V | 0.5mm | Main rail, 500mA total |
| /VDDPLL | 0.3mm | PLL supply, 10mA |

### Routing Command
--power-nets "GND" "+3.3V" "/VDDPLL" "/VCCA" "Net-(TB201-P1)" --power-nets-widths 0.5 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.5

Important Notes

1. Do not rely on component reference prefixes for ICs, connectors, or transistors - always look up the actual part
2. Check net connections - a connector on a power net is likely a power connector
3. Trace upstream - if a component feeds into a known power net, its input is also a power net
4. Ground nets are always power nets - include GND, GNDA, AGND, VSS, etc.