PCB Design DRC Classification Method for Layer and Type Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In PCB design, the conventional DRC (Design Rule Check) lists generated by software like Allegro are disordered and unclassified, making it difficult to check and modify DRCs efficiently, especially when dealing with numerous and conflicting design rules.

Innovation Solution

A design method that displays DRCs in a classification manner by acquiring and organizing layer and type information, creating an updating function for user input, and matching selected objects with coordinate and layer features to facilitate precise positioning and checking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If DRCs are checked in conventional disordered list manner, then all DRCs can be reviewed, but checking efficiency is low and key DRCs may be missed

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDRC checking efficiencyVSAvoidDRC checking completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the disordered DRC list into classified groups based on DRC types and layer information. By organizing DRCs into structured categories (different types and layers), engineers can systematically review each category, ensuring no key DRCs are missed while improving checking efficiency through targeted review of specific categories.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If DRC list is displayed in conventional disordered manner, then all DRC information is shown, but usability and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDRC list usabilityVSAvoidDRC classification information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments DRC information into organized categories by type and layer, maintaining complete DRC information while improving usability. The classification structure allows engineers to easily navigate and access specific DRC categories without losing any underlying DRC data, making the interface more user-friendly and operational.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional DRC checking method is used, then simple checking is possible, but handling complex conflicting DRCs becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDRC checking flexibilityVSAvoidDRC conflict management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments conflicting DRCs into different type categories and layer groups, allowing engineers to analyze and resolve conflicts within specific categories rather than dealing with the entire disordered list. This segmented approach provides flexibility in managing complex DRC conflicts by enabling focused analysis of specific DRC type-layer combinations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11227085B2Method and operation method for displaying DRC in classification manner in PCB design

Publication Date: 2022.01.18 ZHENGZHOU YUNHAI INFORMATION TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A design method for displaying a DRC in a classification manner in a PCB design is provided. The design method includes: acquiring layer information contained in a current design, adding the acquired layer information to a DRC Layer menu in a pop up window, acquiring a DRC Type contained in the current design and adding the processed DRC Type to a DRC Type menu in the pop up window after processing the acquired DRC Type; creating an updating function, to update a DRC Type menu list in response to an input action of a user; acquiring an attribute of each item in a DRC Layer menu list and the DRC Type menu list, and inserting the acquired attribute into the updated DRC Layer menu list and the updated DRC Type menu list, to form a feature parameter list.