Copperhead - Cursor for printed circuit boards

Copperhead is an open-source AI engineering platform designed to assist hardware teams in the design, verification, and shipping of circuit boards. It streamlines the process by allowing users to describe changes or provide product briefs, which the platform then uses to edit real KiCad files, ensuring that all related documents are updated and verified. This tool is particularly beneficial for teams looking to maintain consistency and accuracy in their hardware designs.

1. Open-Source AI Platform

   Copperhead is built as an open-source solution, allowing users to leverage AI for designing printed circuit boards while maintaining control over their projects.

2. Integration with KiCad

   The platform operates directly with KiCad files, enabling users to edit and verify their designs seamlessly within a familiar environment.

3. Automated Documentation Updates

   When changes are made, Copperhead automatically updates all related documentation, reducing the risk of inconsistencies that can lead to costly errors.

4. Stage-Based Workflow

   The design process is divided into eight distinct stages, ensuring that each step is completed and verified before moving on to the next, enhancing the reliability of the final product.

5. Community Support

   Users can access community support for troubleshooting and sharing best practices, fostering a collaborative environment for hardware design.

6. Flexible Pricing Models

   Copperhead offers various pricing tiers, including free options for open hardware repositories, making it accessible for different types of users and organizations.

1. Ensure you have Node 20 or newer and KiCad with kicad-cli installed on your system.
2. Use the command npm i -g copperhead to install the Copperhead CLI.
3. Start by creating a brief in markdown format to describe your project.
4. Run copperhead create --brief brief.md to initiate the design process based on your brief.
5. Regularly validate your changes using Copperhead's built-in checks to maintain design integrity.

What is Copperhead?

Copperhead is an open-source AI agent that assists in designing, documenting, and verifying printed circuit boards by automating updates and checks within KiCad files.

What problem does Copperhead solve?

It addresses the issue of design drift, where inconsistencies arise between different documents and design files, potentially leading to costly errors during production.

Can I use Copperhead with existing designs?

Yes, Copperhead is designed to work with existing KiCad repositories, allowing users to iterate on real designs effectively.

What are the system requirements for Copperhead?

Users need Node 20 or newer, KiCad with kicad-cli, and a model API key to utilize Copperhead.

How does Copperhead ensure design integrity?

Copperhead refuses to run on a dirty git tree and requires validated change proposals before making any edits, ensuring that all changes are justified and documented.

Copperhead offers a free CLI version for individual use and various pricing tiers for team and enterprise solutions. The Cloud version is priced at $49 per user per month, with additional features for team collaboration and governance.

1. Copperhead effectively streamlines the circuit board design process, making it easier for teams to maintain documentation and design integrity.
2. The integration with KiCad is a significant advantage, as it allows users to work within a familiar environment while benefiting from AI automation.
3. However, the reliance on users having a solid understanding of KiCad and hardware design principles may pose a barrier for complete beginners.
4. The pricing model is competitive, but the necessity for a paid plan for team collaboration could limit access for smaller teams or individual users.
5. Overall, Copperhead presents a robust solution for hardware design teams, but further enhancements in user onboarding and support could improve accessibility for less experienced users.