Programmable ESP32-S3 LED chessboard test project with KiCad schematic and PCB files.
No Zen schematic
pcb/boards/led_chessboard/led_chessboard.zen
Zen
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LED Chessboard
Programmable 8x8 LED chessboard hardware with an onboard ESP32-S3-WROOM-1,
64 WS2812B LEDs, 64 digital Hall sensors, and USB-C power/programming.
Hardware summary
- Controller: ESP32-S3-WROOM-1 module on the PCB.
- LEDs: 64x WS2812B, data daisy-chained through a 74AHCT125 level shifter and a
330 ohm series resistor. - Sensors: 64x AH1806-W-style omnipolar Hall switches with 10 k pull-ups.
- Readout: 8x SN74HC165DR shift registers.
- Power: dedicated USB-C 5 V LED/system input plus separate USB-C data/programming
connector with current-limited logic-power path. - PCB: 4 layers, routed KiCad layout under
pcb/boards/led_chessboard/layout/.
Current PCB status
- Zener board source builds successfully.
- Native KiCad DRC latest review: 0 unconnected items, 0 errors.
- Remaining DRC items are warnings only: silkscreen/text and footprint-library
mismatch warnings. - Inner-layer GND copper zones have been added with an ESP32 antenna/module
keepout notch. - Backup before copper-zone changes:
pcb/boards/led_chessboard/layout/layout.pre-copper-zone-backup.kicad_pcb.
Validate PCB
embedr pcb build
embedr pcb layout --check
For final fab review with KiCad installed, run native KiCad DRC and confirmFound 0 unconnected items.
Fabrication checklist
- Visually inspect Gerbers, especially USB-C connectors, board outline, mounting
holes, ESP32 antenna keepout, and LED/Hall grid alignment. - Confirm 5 V supply and firmware brightness/current limit for WS2812B load.
- Confirm Hall sensor package orientation and magnet distance/strength.
- Decide whether to clean silkscreen/text warnings before ordering.
- Export Gerbers, drill files, BOM, and pick-and-place files.
