Git for Hardware Design

Why Hardware Needs Version Control

Traditional hardware design tools create binary files that are impossible to meaningfully version control. typeCAD generates text-based TypeScript files that work perfectly with git, bringing modern version control to hardware design.

Git Workflows for Hardware

🔍 Meaningful Diffs

// See exactly what changed in your circuit
let r1 = new Resistor({ value: "1kohm" });
let r1 = new Resistor({ value: "10kohm" });

// Added pull-up resistor for I2C
let r_pullup = new Resistor({ value: "4.7kohm" });
typecad.net(mcu.SDA, r_pullup.pin(1));

Unlike binary schematic files, git diffs show you exactly which components changed, what connections were added, and the reasoning behind each modification.

🌿 Feature Branches for Circuit Development

git checkout -b feature/add-usb-connector
# Develop USB connector circuit
git add src/usb-connector.ts
git commit -m "Add USB-C connector with ESD protection"

git checkout -b feature/power-supply-redesign
# Redesign power supply in parallel
git add src/power-supply.ts
git commit -m "Switch to buck converter for better efficiency"

Develop different circuit features in parallel without conflicts. Test each design independently before merging.

📋 Commit Messages That Matter

git commit -m "Fix: Increase decoupling cap to 10uF for stability"
git commit -m "Add: Current limiting resistor for LED protection"
git commit -m "Refactor: Extract common power supply to shared module"

Document the electrical reasoning behind each change. Future you (and your team) will thank you when debugging.

🔄 Hardware Design Reviews

// Pull request review comments on actual circuit code
let r_current = new Resistor({ value: "100ohm" }); // 👈 "This seems high for LED current limiting"

typecad.net(mcu.GPIO1, led.anode); // 👈 "Missing current limiting resistor"

Review hardware designs like software code. Comment on specific lines, suggest improvements, and ensure design quality before merging.

Git vs. Traditional Hardware Workflows

Real-World Git Workflow

Scenario: Adding a new sensor to an existing design

# Start from stable main branch
git checkout main
git pull origin main

# Create feature branch
git checkout -b feature/add-temperature-sensor

# Implement the sensor circuit
# Edit src/sensors.ts to add DS18B20 temperature sensor
git add src/sensors.ts
git commit -m "Add DS18B20 temperature sensor with pull-up"

# Test the design
npm run build
# Verify in KiCAD, run ERC checks

# Push and create pull request
git push origin feature/add-temperature-sensor
# Create PR for team review

# After review and approval
git checkout main
git merge feature/add-temperature-sensor
git tag v1.2.0 -m "Release with temperature sensing"

Team Collaboration Benefits

🤝 Distributed Development

Multiple engineers can work on different parts of the same PCB simultaneously without file conflicts.

📚 Design History

Complete audit trail of every design decision with timestamps and author information.

🔒 Release Management

Tag stable releases, maintain multiple product versions, and apply hotfixes to specific versions.

🌍 Remote Collaboration

Share designs instantly with global teams. No more emailing large binary files.

The Hardware Git Advantage

Git transforms hardware design from a single-user, file-based workflow into a collaborative, version-controlled process:

• Traceability: Every change is documented with author and reasoning
• Reliability: Never lose work, always have backups
• Collaboration: Multiple engineers working together seamlessly
• Quality: Code review processes catch design errors early
• Speed: Parallel development of different circuit sections

Ready to bring modern version control to your hardware designs?

Get Started →