Why PCB Auto-Routing Is Harder Than You Think (And How AI Might Fix It)

Auto-routing sounds simple: connect the traces, hit “go,” and let the software handle the rest. But in reality, PCB auto-layout is one of the hardest problems in electronics.In this episode of electronics.dev, Seve (founder of tscircuit) and Matt (founder of atopile) break down why auto-routing is so difficult: from impedance matching and creepage rules to high-speed signal integrity and noise coupling.They also explore the new wave of AI-driven solutions and whether they can finally deliver on the promise of hands-free PCB layout. Along the way, the duo dives into:* Why traditional auto-routers often fail on complex boards* The trade-offs between speed and quality in modern routing algorithms* How engineers use SAT solvers and constraint systems to optimize pin assignments* What tools like Quilter and DeepPCB are getting right (and wrong)* Why AI-assisted optimization might work better than full AI-generated layouts* How the future of PCB design could be shaped by deterministic solvers + AI refinementIf you’ve ever wondered why PCB design still feels like an art form, and whether AI will finally make auto-routing reliable, this conversation offers an inside look at the problem and the potential solutions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit electronics.dev

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