Address component placement with automation by assigning components in groups/clusters at the schematic level, then in layout, place components by placing by groups/clusters instead of by individual components.
PCB DESIGN BEST PRACTICE
Design automation
Design automation best practices include assigning parts to groups/clusters and PCB routing using automation (a combination of interactive, sketch, and automated routing strategies). Also generating manufacturing outputs by utilizing built in automation functionality.
What is design automation?
In the realm of PCB design, design automation streamlines specific tasks throughout your PCB design workflow. It encompasses various functions and processes, such as placement, routing, and the generation of manufacturing outputs.
Why is design automation important?
Enhances efficiency and productivity
PCB design automation boosts efficiency and productivity by streamlining tasks and enabling faster iterations in the design process.
Explore what if scenarios
PCB design automation can enable designers to focus on testing various design alternatives or configurations faster.
Streamline the PCB design processes
PCB design automation streamlines the PCB design processes by automating repetitive tasks like, leading to faster execution, fewer errors, and increased overall efficiency in the design workflow.
Frequently asked questions about design automation
Design automation enables PCB designers to complete many design processes more efficiently, but sometimes you need to ask how. Check out these frequently asked questions about design automation to learn more about the capabilities available in the Xpedition PCB design tool.
You can assign components within a respective circuit or set of circuits to a group. Once a group of components are assigned to a group, often referred to as a cluster, that group can be treated as an individual component during placement.
There are three ways to use automation to route a PCB.
- Interactive PCB routing: With interactive routing, the mouse and each click dictates the path of the trace, adhering to default rules and constraints pre- established within the database.
- Auto routing: Use auto routing to route by introducing constraints and letting the system autonomously handle the routing process.
- Sketch routing: Sketch routing lets you sketch the desired path of traces using a mouse and then direct the tool to route them along that path.
Yes, Xpedition can handle the automated generation of manufacturing output files. Automation enables the outputs to be consistent from design to design and meet the requirements of your PCB fabricator.
Key features of design automation using Xpedition
Connectivity planning and PCB routing
Automatically unravel complicated net paths and pin escapes to minimize net lengths and quickly and easily identify the best routing strategies.
Auto-assisted interactive sketch routing technology
Sketch routing provides a set of highly integrated automated PCB routing functionalities featuring intuitive user control, high quality, and exceptional performance.
Single, integrated editing environment
Xpedition reduces total design time and increases productivity with a single environment that can be personalized to the way you design.
Hierarchical placement planning and management
Quickly visualize and implement the engineer's design intent to produce an optimal component placement.
True parametric 3D
True parametric 3D mechanical kernel, with 3D constraints, dynamic collision detection, and batch verification. Dynamic validation of electro-mechanical designs delivers error-free results.
Mechanical component import
Easily import mechanical components such as chassis or heatsinks. Or, for true multi-board capability, import sub-assemblies from other PCB designs.
Dive deeper into this topic
Read more about design automation in our design automation blog or listen to our design automation podcast.