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38 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I JUNE 2025 ing them. Fortunately, this configuration can be saved and applied to future designs, saving some time. PCB routers have gone through many different stages of development over the years, from third-party applications that were difficult to learn, use, and interface with, to a cohesive, cloud-based, layout/router environ- ment. IC and PCB routing applications have used many of the same algorithms, with shape- based, push and shove, and rip-up and retry being the most effective. However, with the advent of reinforcement machine learning, AI can be trained on an extensive library of professional PCB layouts, allowing it to bypass traditional setup pro- cesses. is enables the AI to leverage its train- ing to produce high-quality products, effec- tively reusing constraints and topologies from previous designs. PCB designers typically invest consider- able time in manual tasks, such as component placement and signal routing. However, with the advent of generative AI, these processes can be automated, allowing for faster iterations and greater design exploration during the early phases. For instance, Allegro X AI claims to adhere to constraints related to wire lengths, signal integrity, and power distribution. How- ever, one might question the necessity of ana- lyzing wire lengths at all, considering that propagation delay is a more critical issue rather than length itself. e system automates component place- ment and the routing of critical nets, ensuring that signal integrity is maintained while reduc- ing the time required for routing. e process of copper pouring is also automated, facilitat- ing the creation of ground and power pours and planes, which has traditionally been a time- consuming task. Cadence has been developing place-and-route (P&R) tools for IC synthesis for decades and has now adapted the technol- ogy for PCB P&R. Shorter interconnects and reduced crossovers are essential for both chip and PCB layout, but critical routing incorpo- rating signal integrity and flight time require- ments is of greater importance for the PCB. Zuken has also introduced AI technology known as AIPR (Intelligent Place and Route), which enhances the CR-8000 platform through a three-stage rollout. e initial phase, termed the Basic Brain, significantly improves user experience by employing the Smart Auto- router to optimize design routing based on learned methodologies and strategies. In the subsequent stage, Zuken's Dynamic Brain Figure 1: Switching paths between processes. (Source: Siemens EDA)