Design circuit boards with code

Write hardware like software. atopile is a language, compiler, and toolchain for electronics—declarative .ato files, deep validation, and layout that works natively with KiCad.

Why atopile

Reusable modules instead of starting from scratch every time
Capture intent with equations directly in your design
Automatic parametric picking of discrete components

Install

The easiest way is via the editor extension—it installs and manages ato for you:

VS Code/Cursor extension: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=atopile.atopile

Advanced setups and CLI installs: https://docs.atopile.io/atopile/guides/install

Quickstart (2 minutes)

Install the extension (link above)
In the editor, run “atopile: Open Example” and pick one
Press the ▶ in the ato menu bar to build, or run ato build from the terminal
Open layout when ready

Notes:

The ato menu bar is in the bottom-left of your VS Code/Cursor window
KiCad is optional to get started. Without it, you won’t open the PCB, but builds still run and update the .kicad_pcb. Install later when you’re ready for layout: https://docs.atopile.io/atopile/quickstart

How it works

ato is a declarative language for electronics: modules, interfaces, units, tolerances, and assertions
The compiler solves constraints, picks parts, runs checks, and updates your KiCad layout
The extension adds language services and one‑click controls

Learn more: https://docs.atopile.io/atopile/essentials/1-the-ato-language

Where atopile fits in

High-level steps:

Requirements — capture specs with units, tolerances, and assertions
Component selection — parametric picking, reuse proven modules
Design capture — .ato modules and interfaces compose your system
Layout — place and route in KiCad
Checks — run design checks locally or in CI
Build outputs — BOM, fabrication and assembly data, reports
PCB fab/assembly — send outputs to your manufacturer

Example Projects

Open examples via the editor (“atopile: Open Example”) https://github.com/atopile/atopile/tree/main/examples
NONOS — Open-source smart speaker https://github.com/atopile/nonos
DSP - Open-source multi-channel DSP https://github.com/atopile/dsp
AI-Pin — Vibe-coded Humane Pin https://github.com/atopile/ai-pin
Hyperion — 300K nit display for raves https://github.com/atopile/hyperion
Cellsim - 18 channel battery cell simulator https://github.com/atopile/cellsim
ESPaper - ESP32 epaper display driver https://github.com/atopile/hivehaus/tree/master/src/products/espaper

Packages and parts

Browse and install modules from the registry: https://packages.atopile.io
Guide: https://docs.atopile.io/atopile/essentials/4-packages
Publish your own: https://docs.atopile.io/atopile/guides/publish

Compatibility

OS: macOS, Linux, Windows (WSL recommended)
Recommended editors: VS Code / Cursor
EDA: KiCad recommended for layout; not required to start

Contributing and development

Development setup: https://docs.atopile.io/atopile/guides/development
Editable install (for working on atopile itself): https://docs.atopile.io/atopile/guides/install#editable-installation-best-for-development
Run tests:

pytest -q

Fast worktree setup (CoW-clone .venv + Zig cache/output, then path rewrite):

ato dev worktree <suffix>
cd ../atopile_<suffix>
source .venv/bin/activate
ato --help

By default this command starts an interactive shell in the new worktree. Pass --no-cd to skip shell handoff.

Issues and feature requests: https://github.com/atopile/atopile/issues

Support

Discord “help” channel: https://discord.gg/CRe5xaDBr3
Commercial support: hi@atopile.io

License

MIT. See LICENSE.

Atopile

Install / Use

README