Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1536171
JUNE 2025 I DESIGN007 MAGAZINE 13 user to define every value or constraint from scratch, the system can suggest starting points based on what it sees in the current design. Over time, it gets smarter, helping designers reach a viable routing plan faster. Another area we're tackling is bypass capaci- tor placement for BGA power networks. It's one of those repetitive, error-prone tasks that chews up time and focus. We're embedding logic that considers power integrity and power distribution network (PDN) needs earlier in the flow, so those caps are in the right place before layout becomes congested. is is all part of a larger vision: reducing the time designers spend on tedious setup and repetitive work without removing them from the process. With our 2025 release, we can already demonstrate measurable reductions in place- and-route cycle time thanks to these AI-driven enhancements. e rollout is moving from the- ory to impact, and we're just getting started. What are your users asking for in a router? at really depends on who you're talking to, because the answer varies between PCB designers, hardware engineers, and their man- agers. Veteran PCB designers have seen it all. Many aren't asking for anything new because they've spent years refining their own process. It's not that they're opposed to new features; they just know what works for them. at said, they appreciate tools that don't get in their way and give them full control when they want it. Hardware engineers, on the other hand, are taking on more layout responsibility, especially in smaller or agile teams. We're seeing genera- tional differences here, too. Younger engineers tend to expect more from automation and are optimistic that AI can help complete complex boards without deep layout expertise. For them, a router that can make smart decisions and learn from past work is a big draw. Management is looking at the bigger pic- Figure 2: Smart autoroute completed in one second with automatic fan-outs for power and ground nets.