Synchronizing 2D and 3D Circuit Layouts via Kernel Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The lack of congruency between mechanical and printed circuit board designs due to incomplete mechanical constraints in the design flow process leads to iterative re-designs, prolonging the time to market for electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A computing system with tools and mechanisms that synchronize multiple layouts through communicating kernels, performing 3D design rule checking based on mechanical constraints and solid component models, ensuring congruency between 2D and 3D representations of circuit designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If mechanical constraints are provided ad hoc through collaboration between teams, then some mechanical information can be obtained, but incomplete constraints lead to lack of congruency between mechanical and PCB designs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent imports mechanical constraints information into the PCB layout tool before the layout design begins, allowing designers to work with complete mechanical constraints from the start rather than receiving them ad hoc during the design process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediate data format (IDF) exchange interface as a mediator to automatically transfer mechanical constraints information from mechanical design tools to the PCB layout tool, eliminating the need for manual collaboration and information extraction
2Ease of operation
If layout tools only identify basic mechanical constraints, then simple placement information can be obtained, but detailed information like mounting hole dimensions and fastener sizes are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the layout tool with multi-functionality to import, store, and utilize multiple types of mechanical constraints information including mounting hole locations, sizes, shapes, and fastener specifications, rather than just basic placement information
3Manufacturing precision
If electrical design teams iteratively re-design the electronic device, then congruency with mechanical design can be achieved, but time to market is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary import of complete mechanical constraints information before PCB layout design begins, ensuring congruency is established upfront rather than requiring iterative re-designs later in the process
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple layouts are managed separately, then each layout can be optimized independently, but synchronization between 2D and 3D representations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple layout representations (2D and 3D) into a synchronized system where changes in one view automatically update the other, maintaining consistency while allowing independent optimization of each representation
Data Source
AI summary
This application discloses a computing system implementing tools and mechanisms to synchronize multiple layouts for a circuit design during the layout process. The tools and mechanisms can implement multiple communicating kernels, each to manage at least one of the layouts. In response to an alteration of one of the layouts, the kernels can communicate with each other, so that the kernel corresponding to the unaltered layout can automatically augment corresponding layouts for the circuit design to synchronize with the altered layout. At least one of the layouts can include a 3-dimensional layout representation of the circuit design, the tools and mechanisms can perform 3-dimensional design rule checking based on mechanical constraints and 3-dimensional solid component models in response to alterations to a 2-dimensional layout representation of the circuit design.