PCB Open/Short Circuit Detection via Layered Connectivity Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in the PCB industry is the increasing complexity of PCB design layouts, leading to difficulties in detecting open/short circuits accurately, which can result from errors in design data or manufacturing modifications, affecting the quality of the final PCBs and causing defects.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for detecting open/short circuits in PCB design layouts by performing connectivity analyses on PCB data and netlist data to ensure consistency between pad patterns, classifying them into network groups, and determining the presence of open/short circuits, with the ability to generate check reports highlighting specific issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If PCB design layouts become more complex with high density, small components, fine pitch and more layers, then manufacturing capability and electronic product performance are improved, but detection difficulty of open/short circuits increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection method segments the complex PCB layout into multiple layers and processes each layer separately through automated connectivity analysis. The system divides the detection task into reading PCB data, analyzing each layer's connectivity, and comparing with netlist data, making the detection manageable despite increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with automated computer-based detection systems that read PCB data files and perform algorithmic connectivity analysis. This substitution of mechanical/manual detection with automated electronic detection enables handling of complex multi-layer PCBs efficiently
2Measurement precision
If manual inspection methods are used for PCB design layouts, then device complexity is low, but detection precision and efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system performs self-service by automatically reading PCB design data, conducting connectivity analysis on each layer, and comparing results with netlist data without requiring external manual intervention. The system serves itself to detect open/short circuits, improving precision while managing complexity through automation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameters from manual visual inspection to automated data analysis by reading PCB data files and performing algorithmic connectivity checks. This parameter change from physical inspection to digital analysis improves detection precision while the systematic approach manages system complexity
3Measurement precision
If connectivity analysis is performed on each PCB layer separately, then detection accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The method segments the PCB into multiple layers and performs connectivity analysis on each layer separately. This segmentation improves detection accuracy by focusing on layer-specific connectivity patterns while the automated process manages processing time efficiently
Solution Approach 2:
The detection process maintains continuous useful action by systematically reading PCB data, analyzing each layer's connectivity without interruption, and continuously comparing with netlist data. This continuous automated processing improves accuracy while minimizing idle time between analysis steps
4Productivity
If automated detection systems are implemented, then productivity and detection accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated detection by replacing manual inspection systems with computer-based analysis systems that read PCB data files and perform algorithmic connectivity checks. This substitution improves productivity and accuracy while the software-based approach manages system complexity more efficiently than hardware expansions
Solution Approach 2:
The automated detection system performs multiple functions: reading PCB data, analyzing connectivity on each layer, comparing with netlist data, and detecting open/short circuits. This multi-functionality improves productivity comprehensively while consolidating detection capabilities into a single system rather than requiring multiple separate devices
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting an open/short circuit on a PCB design layout includes: reading PCB data of a to-be-checked PCB design layout, to output an image of each PCB layer included in the PCB design layout; performing a first connectivity analysis on the image of each PCB layer to classify pad patterns connected with each other in the same layer into a corresponding child network group; performing a second connectivity analysis to classify child network groups in which pad patterns connected by the same electroplated hole, into a corresponding parent network group; reading IPC netlist data of the PCB design layout, to obtain a netlist network group in which each pad pattern is; and determining whether a netlist network relationship of the pad patterns is consistent with a network relationship obtained after the second connectivity analysis in order to determine whether there is an open/short circuit.