How do I make a via connect Ground 1 and Ground 2 planes without making them the same NET?

[tdengineer]

GND and GND2 are 2 different ground planes with their own net. I have it like that on purpose to control return paths in different areas. I just want to connect them in this area but Kicad wont let me connect to planes with different via names. How am I supposed to do this?

 

[vigilante398]

What you need is called a net tie. Make a new component with a via-sized footprint and connect both nets to it on your schematic.

Net ties are useful when you need to keep connections between two nets limited to one point, like controlling digital and analog ground on mixed-signal designs.

Unfortunately I can't give specific instructions for KiCad as I am not familiar with their interface, but do some reading on net ties and you should be able to find what you need.

 

[drew.spriggs]

Create your two separate ground planes as nets (ie. I use GND and GNDD just to make life easy).

Place a symbol called "Net Tie" on your schematic, and connect the ground to it on opposite sides.



Attach a footprint to it - use any of the generic ones (just redesign it to suit once in PCB Editor). I use SMD ones as I keep one to a net and one to a plane that are on the same side of the PCB.

Throw it on the board where it makes sense - for me, I use it as a pad for a pogo pin to attach to the case, or just behind the jack.