bac-hardware/resources/kicad-templates/z-end-antenna

Z End Antenna Development — KiCad Template

KiCad 10 project template for Zm (nadir) or Zp (zenith) antenna development, part of the Build a CubeSat project.

Structural compatibility

Compatible with the End Frame for Deployable Antenna v1r2 structural part (see release) .

• The mechanical part is included in the project as a preview, tied in via the OSHW footprint, with a matching schematic symbol (N101 Housing) representing the frame.

Layer stack-up

• Ships with the default 6-layer stack-up.
• Antenna development may require a different layer count — edit this in KiCad's Stack-Up Editor as needed for your design.

Mounting

• 4× M3 mounting holes.
• The mechanical part features nut attachment counter features for these holes (i.e. nuts are required to secure the board to the structural part).
• Standoffs can be placed on the B.Cu side so the board can be mounted with some distance between the PCB and the structural part if required.

Connectors

• bacBus connector, located on the Ym side.
• The connector orientation depends on which side of the satellite the board is used on (Zp or Zm). As currently oriented in the template, it is set up for use on the Zm / nadir side. If used on Zp, the connector must be rotated 180°, but it remains on B.Cu.
• HDRM_EN is used to detect the release command (normally floating, pulled high for release) and VBAT can be used to actuate the release. If needed, 3.3 V and 5 V can be exposed from bacBus. The use of an MCU is not forseen on this board, but is possible. All bacBus lines are available.
• Antenna connectors are assumed to be placed on the B.Cu side. See User.4 layer for ideal RF cable routing paths.

Fiducials

• 3 fiducials, placed on the B.Cu side.

User layer annotations

The template includes annotations on several User.* layers to help with component height planning and RF routing within the stack-up:

Layer	Purpose
User.2	Marks max. F.Cu component height = 6 mm − PCB thickness − standoff height − 0.5 mm
User.3	Marks B.Cu center-area max. component height = 6 mm + standoff height, and, in the hatched edge region, edge max component height = standoff height − 0.5 mm
User.4	Shows ideal RF cable routing paths, for routing and attaching coax to the corresponding features on adjacent PCBs in the stack-up

Back solder mask (B.Mask)

Along the coax routing markings, the template includes a set of raised openings intended for applying adhesive for strain relief on the coax lines.

License

CERN OHL-S 2.0.

Revision History

Version	Date	Summary
v1r2	2026-08-11	Initial release.