Seamless Routing Mode Transition in PCB Design Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current custom routing tools in chip design require cumbersome two-step processes to switch between follow-the-cursor and point-to-point modes, leading to inefficient iterations and unproductive design workflows due to limited flexibility in route control.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an auto-router with an interactive manual router allows seamless transitions between routing modes using hardware-defined input codes, enabling users to switch between modes without relocating the cursor, and allowing for flexible control over trace routes in various scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-step process is used to switch between follow-the-cursor and point-to-point routing modes, then route control flexibility is achieved, but design workflow efficiency deteriorates due to cumbersome switching and unproductive iterations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the follow-the-cursor router and point-to-point router into a single integrated routing system. The routing device includes both routing modes as unified components that can switch seamlessly without requiring separate tools or manual intervention, thereby maintaining route control flexibility while eliminating the cumbersome two-step process and improving design workflow efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between routing modes based on real-time route completion status. The system automatically transitions from follow-the-cursor mode to point-to-point mode when a route is substantially complete, and can switch back when needed. This dynamic adaptation eliminates manual mode switching and unproductive iterations, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and efficiency
2Extent of automation
If the auto-complete feature is used in interactive FTC router, then partial route automation is achieved, but flexibility deteriorates because the user cannot carefully control the route topology in congested regions
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the level of automation based on route completion status and user needs. When a route is substantially complete, the system automatically switches to point-to-point mode for automated routing. When manual control is needed in congested regions, the system can switch back to follow-the-cursor mode, allowing users to carefully control route topology while maintaining automation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The routing device acts as an intermediary between manual routing and automated routing. It provides a seamless transition mechanism that allows users to switch between follow-the-cursor and point-to-point modes without interrupting the routing workflow, enabling flexible control over route topology while maintaining automation benefits
Data Source
AI summary
Seamless transitions between routing modes are provided via providing a cursor in association with a design layout; in response to receiving a follow-the-cursor (FTC) command at a first position in the design layout, create a first trace in the design layout where the cursor is displayed; in response to receiving a start command for point-to-point routing at a second position in the design layout: complete the first trace at the second position; and provide an indicator at the second position; in response to receiving an end command for point-to-point routing at a third position in the design layout: create a second trace in the design layout where the cursor is displayed; and create a third trace in the design layout, wherein the third trace is routed from the first trace to the second trace.