Blog

Learn how to effectively communicate with CopperPilot by referencing specific components
in your schematic or PCB, and how to add additional document context like images and PDFs
to enhance your design workflow.

Overview

When working with CopperPilot, you often need to reference specific components or provide
additional context for your design questions. CopperPilot offers several intuitive methods
to cite segments of your schematic and PCB, making it easy to have focused conversations
about specific parts of your design.

Methods for Referencing Components

1. Using the @ Operator

The simplest way to reference a specific component is to use the ‘@’ operator in the chatbox.
Simply type ‘@’ followed by the component designator:

• @C1 – References capacitor C1
• @R1 – References resistor R1
• @U1 – References integrated circuit U1

This immediately brings that component into context for CopperPilot, allowing you to ask
specific questions about it.

2. Copy and Paste from Schematic/PCB

For more detailed component information, you can directly copy components from your design:

1. Navigate to your PCB or schematic in KiCad
2. Select the component or segment you want to reference
3. Use Ctrl+C (or Command+C on Mac) to copy
4. Paste into the CopperPilot chatbox

This action automatically pulls in the component details, giving CopperPilot comprehensive
information about the selected element.

3. Drag and Drop Documents

When you need to provide additional context beyond what’s in your schematic, you can add
external documents:

• Images: Drag and drop reference images, block diagrams, or photos
• PDFs: Add datasheets, application notes, or specification documents
• Other Documents: Include any relevant documentation to help CopperPilot
  understand your design intent

Simply drag these files from your file explorer and drop them directly into the CopperPilot
interface. CopperPilot will analyze the documents and use them as context for answering your
questions and making design suggestions.

Use Cases

• Component-Specific Questions: “What voltage rating does @C1 need?” or
  “Is @R1 sized correctly for this application?”
• Design Review: Copy a circuit section and ask CopperPilot to review it
  for potential issues
• Implementation Guidance: Drop a reference design PDF and ask CopperPilot
  to help implement a similar circuit
• Datasheet Consultation: Add component datasheets to get accurate wiring
  and configuration recommendations

Best Practices

• Use the ‘@’ operator for quick component references during conversation
• Copy and paste components when you need CopperPilot to analyze specific connections
  or properties
• Add datasheets when working with unfamiliar components or when precise specifications
  are critical
• Include reference images or block diagrams when explaining your design intent or
  desired functionality

These simple yet powerful methods make it easy to have detailed, context-aware conversations
with CopperPilot about your hardware designs, ensuring you get accurate and relevant guidance
throughout your development process.