PCB Routing Sequence Control for Complex Circuit Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic design automation (EDA) tools for PCB routing are inefficient, requiring manual and tedious processes due to limited user control and autorouting capabilities, which hinder the ability to handle complex designs and increase time-to-market for products.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for routing in electronic circuit designs that allows users to assign and sequence rats (connections) within a bundle, providing options for manual, automatic, or hybrid routing, and includes features for creating, deleting, and manipulating sequences, as well as determining design rule satisfaction and associating shapes with sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual routing process is used, then user control over routing decisions is improved, but routing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating an initial routing sequence before the user reviews it. The autorouter creates a draft sequence that satisfies design rules, which the user can then modify rather than creating from scratch, combining automation efficiency with user control.
Solution Approach 2:
The routing sequence is made dynamic and adjustable. Users can interactively modify the sequence generated by the autorouter, adding, removing, or reordering connections. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to user preferences while maintaining the efficiency of automated generation.
2Productivity
If autorouting is used, then routing speed is improved, but user control and ability to influence routing decisions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by presenting the automatically generated routing sequence to the user for review and modification. The user can see the autorouter's work, provide feedback through modifications, and the system accepts these changes, creating an iterative process that combines automation with user guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves multiple functions: it performs automated routing generation like traditional autorouters, but also provides user control and sequence manipulation capabilities. This multi-functionality allows it to address both the need for speed and the need for user control.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex routing sequences are handled manually, then routing precision is improved, but time consumption and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The autorouter performs preliminary routing analysis and generates an initial sequence that satisfies design rules and optimizes routing paths. This preliminary work ensures precision is maintained while reducing the time required for manual adjustment of complex sequences.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for routing in an electronic circuit design. The method may include assigning a plurality of rats interconnecting one or more terminals associated with a layout of the electronic circuit design to a bundle. The method may further include sequencing the plurality of rats within the assigned bundle to generate a defined sequence of rats within the assigned bundle. The method may also include routing the plurality of rats between the one or more terminals, based upon, at least in part, the defined sequence.