Schem
About the Schem PCB
Schem is an open source ESP32 PCB design by Raf3-Tech, published on GitHub. It is a board, with 5 components from 5 distinct parts.
Its main chip is the ESP32-C3-MINI-1, from the ESP32 family. Other key parts include the PN532, W25Q32 and MCP73831. By type, the board carries 4 ICs and 1 diode.
From the project
A human- and LLM-readable DSL for PCB schematics, with a Rust compiler that validates constraints and emits KiCad netlists
A DSL and Rust compiler for PCB schematics that validates circuit constraints and emits a KiCad netlist.
Writing schematics directly in KiCad or Altium means clicking through a GUI, and the underlying file formats — KiCad's S-expression .kicadsch in particular — are not something a human or an LLM can write from scratch. schem takes a plain-text .schem file describing nets, components, and pin connections, parses it with a proper grammar, checks it against a set of structural and electrical rules, and emits a KiCad legacy netlist (.net) that imports directly into pcbnew` for layout.
Main components on the Schem
Schem bill of materials (BOM)
5 components, 5 distinct parts.
| Qty | Part | Footprint | Refs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ESP32-C3-MINI-1 | U1 | |
| 1 | PN532 | U2 | |
| 1 | W25Q32 | U3 | |
| 1 | MCP73831 | U4 | |
| 1 | RGB-LED-0606 | D1 |
Schem design files
The KiCad project lives in the Raf3-Tech/schem repository on GitHub; these links point at the commit this page was built from.
- Netlistexamples/zap_bracelet.net
Schem: common questions
What microcontroller does the Schem use?
The Schem is built around the ESP32-C3-MINI-1, from the ESP32 family.
How many components are on the Schem?
5 components, from 5 distinct parts. The full bill of materials is listed on this page.
Where can I download the Schem design files?
From the Raf3-Tech/schem repository on GitHub, which has a netlist; the links under Design files point to each one.
Can I use the Schem design in my own project?
The repository has no license, so all rights stay with Raf3-Tech. Use it as a reference, and ask the author before reusing the design.
Can I test firmware for the Schem without the hardware?
Yes. HardLabs builds a simulation of the board from its netlist and BOM, so you can run and debug ESP32 firmware against it before you order a PCB.
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