How to Route Differential Pairs in KiCad | Sierra Circuits
Differential pair routing ensures your high-speed signals stay synchronized, minimizing noise and signal loss. In this KiCad tutorial, we’ll walk through how to properly name nets, set up net classes, and apply custom rules to route differential pairs with consistent impedance and minimal skew.
You’ll learn how to:
• Name differential nets so KiCad automatically recognizes them (_p and _n or _d+ and _d-)
• Create and configure net classes for your differential pairs
• Define precise clearance, width, and gap rules in the custom rules editor
• Set up pad-to-track clearance and length matching (skew) constraints
• Apply the 3W spacing rule and restrict routing to specific layers
• Tune skew and align P and N pins for clean, symmetric routing
• Maintain a solid ground reference for controlled impedance
By the end, you’ll know how to route differential pairs that meet impedance targets and pass design checks.
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