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.

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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.

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

Image of design automation in Xpedition

Read more about design automation in our design automation blog or listen to our design automation podcast.


Design automation resources

PCB design automation 101
E-book

PCB design automation 101

PCB design automation refers to automating specific tasks throughout the PCB design process. In this eBook, we will explore how different types of automation can enhance your PCB design process.

Leveraging process automation to accelerate PCB designs
Technology Overview

Leveraging process automation to accelerate PCB designs

Optimize productivity and avoid work-arounds using tools designed to handle advanced PCB manufacturing & performance technologies. Automation and abstraction applied to layout, with high-speed-aware constraints accelerate design.

3D layout in PCB design
Technology Overview

3D layout in PCB design

3D visualization during PCB design reduces iterations with the mechanical engineering team. Place components with first pass success, leading to less delays in completion of a high quality product.

PCB routing: art + automation
Blog Post

PCB routing: art + automation

PCB routing is one of the most enjoyable parts of PCB design, but also the most time consuming. It may…

Leveraging 3D layout to optimize PCB designs
White Paper

Leveraging 3D layout to optimize PCB designs

This paper describes six ways to maximize the benefits of 3D PCB design for an easy understanding of the physical product, enabling identification of ECAD-MCAD problems early in the design cycle and avoiding costly re-designs.

Automated PCB routing: a paradigm shift
Product Demo

Automated PCB routing: a paradigm shift

Powerful automated routing technology enables extraordinary efficiency during PCB layout. Achieve high completion rates while maintaining quality.