Electronic CAD System Integrating Manufacturing Rules for PCB Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic design automation (EDA) systems lack integrated manufacturing design rules, leading to multiple iterations between design and verification software, causing delays and increased costs due to the absence of real-time manufacturing checks during the design process.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that integrates manufacturing rules into the electronic CAD system, allowing for analysis and generation of manufacturing output files, which are then validated at a signoff CAM station, enabling online checking and reducing the design development cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manufacturing checks are performed on manufacturing output files using separate verification software, then manufacturing issues can be detected, but multiple iterations between design and verification software increase design development cycle time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges manufacturing verification rules directly into the electronic CAD system, combining design and verification functions into a single integrated platform. This eliminates the need for separate verification software and multiple iterative cycles, allowing designers to access and apply manufacturing rules online during the design process itself, thereby reducing development cycle time while maintaining verification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary application of manufacturing rules during the design phase rather than performing checks only after design completion. By making manufacturing verification rules available online in the CAD system, designers can proactively identify and correct manufacturing issues before finalizing the design, preventing rework cycles and reducing overall development time.
2Device complexity
If manufacturing rules are implemented as batch processing, then computational complexity is managed, but real-time validation during design process is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static batch processing of manufacturing rules into dynamic online validation within the CAD system. Manufacturing rules are loaded and stored in the CAD system's memory, enabling real-time validation as designers create and modify designs. This dynamic approach allows immediate feedback on manufacturing compliance without requiring complex batch processing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical batch processing system with an electronic online validation system integrated into the CAD software. Instead of exporting designs for external batch verification, the system uses electronic rule checking within the design environment, substituting a complex external processing mechanism with a streamlined integrated electronic validation approach.
3Manufacturing precision
If designers fix manufacturing issues on an almost completed design, then manufacturing compliance is achieved, but costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables designers to perform preliminary manufacturing compliance checks throughout the design process using integrated manufacturing rules. By validating manufacturing requirements online during design development rather than at the final stage, designers can identify and correct issues when they are easier and less costly to fix, preventing expensive late-stage corrections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback loops where manufacturing rules provide real-time validation feedback to designers during the design process. This feedback mechanism allows designers to immediately see the manufacturing implications of their design decisions and adjust accordingly, preventing the accumulation of compliance issues that would require costly corrections near project completion.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a system and method for use in an electronic circuit design. Embodiments may include an electronic computer aided design (“CAD”) system configured to receive one or more design rules and to receive one or more manufacturing rules. The CAD system may be further configured to analyze design database objects from the electronic design with respect to the manufacturing rules. The CAD system may generate a manufacturing output file, based upon, at least in part, the analyzing. Embodiments may also include a signoff computer aided manufacturing (“CAM”) station configured to receive the manufacturing output file. The CAM station may be configured to attempt to validate the manufacturing output file.