June 27, 2024
The 8 Principles of Choosing Cloud-Based Software for PCB Design
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Starting a new hardware project can be overwhelming, but the completely overhauled Copilot simplifies the process by guiding you through component selection, spec verification. Just describe your goals and Copilot engages in a focused conversation to refine your requirements like a seasoned hardware engineer.
Ask me a structured set of questions (about 5 one at a time) to help brainstorm and outline the most important parts of a project including the critical technical requirements, including power, components, performance, constraints, Use case etc
Always provide multiple options where applicable, considering trade-offs in cost, efficiency, size, and performance. By the end of this process, I want:
1. A block diagram illustrating the system architecture.
2. A complete list of all components, including passives and active components.
Instead of wading through datasheets and Google searches, use Copilot to select appropriate parts for implementation, recommending main and alternative components that meet design requirements. Tip: You can use tool like @library to direct Copilot to search the part library, or @file to direct Copilot to use datasheet details in it’s responses.
@library List out 5 switching regulators that I can use for my project with a maximum output current of 2A. Include key parameters such as input voltage range, output voltage range, switching frequency, efficiency, and package type.
@file extract the following details from the datasheet of @U2
1. Key features
2. Functional Pin Description
- List each pin with its name, function, and relevant electrical characteristics.
3. From the Typical Application Circuit:
- List all components present along with their values in a table format.
- Describe explicitly how each pin is connected.
4. Any circuit-Specific Design Notes
Identify alternative components for @U4 with similar functionality, pin configurations, and electrical characteristics. Include key differences and trade-offs.
@file extract the absolute maximum ratings of @U1 including voltage, current, and thermal limits. Present the data in a clear table format.
@file Explain @U1 in detail, including its purpose, key functions, and common applications. Describe how it operates within a circuit and any notable characteristics. Also, explain the family or series this component belongs to, highlighting its variations, key differences, and typical use cases compared to other models in the series.
@file Extract the recommended operating conditions for @IC2. Retrieve key parameters such as supply voltage range, operating temperature range, input/output voltage levels, and other relevant conditions specified for optimal performance.
Compare LMR33630ADDAR and MP2451DJ-LF-Z in terms of efficiency, output ripple, load regulation, and thermal performance. Highlight key differences in topology, switching frequency, and suitability for a [specific application, e.g., battery-powered wearable]. Provide a recommendation based on [input voltage range, output voltage, current requirements.
Analyze all the parts in the project context and generate a consolidated parts table that optimizes component selection. Specifically, apply the following consolidation rule:
- Identify passive components (resistors, capacitors, inductors) with the same values but different MPNs (Manufacturer Part Numbers).
- Propose a single standardized MPN for each unique value, prioritizing parts with better availability, and popular supplier.
Present the table clearly. The table must strictly list and analyze all passive components in the project context. It must not use vague terms such as “etc.” or truncate the list in any way. The table should have the following headers (Original Part Category (e.g., Resistor, Capacitor, Inductor), Original Values/Specs (e.g., 10kΩ, 1μF, 100mH), Original MPNs (List all variants found in the project), Proposed Consolidated MPN (Recommended single part), Reason for Consolidation (e.g., same specs, better tolerance, reduced part diversity)
Copilot isn’t just here to answer questions—it can take direct action in your project, helping you place components, modify properties, and refine your design faster than ever. Instead of manually searching for parts or tweaking values one by one, you can ask Copilot to handle specific tasks, like adding a resistor with a defined value or updating a component’s footprint.
When Copilot detects an action it can execute, you’ll see an action button appear—click it to apply the change instantly. If you don’t see a button, try rephrasing your request or breaking it into smaller steps. While Copilot can’t yet generate an entire schematic at once, it’s great at guiding you through the process, handling tedious tasks, and keeping your workflow smooth.
I want the 555 timer to operate at a frequency of 1.5 kHz.
@library add the following components to the project:
- NE555 Timer IC
- 2-Pin Terminal Block Connector (for power input)
- Resistors:
- R1 = 10kΩ
- R2 = 100Ω
- R3 (Current-limiting resistor for output)
- Capacitors:
- C1 = 100nF (0.1µF)
- C2 = 0.1µF (Decoupling capacitor)
- Diode: 1N4148
- LED
- Ground connection
@library add the following components to this project; NE555 Timer IC, 2-Pin Terminal Block Connector (for power input) and two 0603 1k ohm resistors
When working on a design, precise calculations are key—but instead of crunching numbers manually, Copilot can help streamline the process. Whether you need to size a resistor, calculate power consumption, or verify signal integrity, you can use Copilot to gather equations and relevant data before running calculations.
Start by pulling in the necessary formulas and values using @file or @library, ensuring you have all the details upfront. Once you’ve gathered the required inputs, use the @calculator tool to perform the calculations accurately. Taking this structured approach will help you get the most reliable results from Copilot.
@file obtain the equation for sizing the inductor for @U2, along with the required parameter values needed for the calculation.
@calculator calculate the inductor size for U2 needed for my project (Vin = 5V, Vout = 3.3V, Iout = 1A)
@calculator calculate the required PCB trace width for the 12V power rail according to the IPC-2221 standard. The trace should handle a current of 3A with a maximum allowable temperature rise of 10°C. Assume a copper thickness of 1oz and an ambient temperature of 25°C.
@calculator calculate the required decoupling capacitance for @C2 and @C3 considering ±50mv noise/ripple range.
Focuses on early project development to establish a solid project foundation.
@copilot, use mermaid-formatted block diagrams to generate 2 well-detailed architecture design of this project for comparison. Make sure to use the technical and functional requirements information.
@copilot, I’m designing a custom voice-controlled speaker and I initially want it to have buttons, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and rechargeable battery. Help me brainstorm and develop a comprehensive product requirements document. Ask me one question at a time, waiting for my response before moving to the next question.
@copilot, validate the the suggested architecture in the block diagram matches the product requirements set for this project. Point out any missing blocks that would be needed to satisfy the requirements.
Brainstorm and optimize modular circuit blocks for faster hardware development.
@copilot, based on my requirements, help me figure out the best power architecture for this project. What should the power tree look like?
Involves choosing appropriate parts for implementation, recommending main and alternative components that meet design requirements.
@copilot, here's the block diagram of this design. In a table format, recommend at least 3 IC for each block highlighting the electrical characteristics of the IC and why you recommended it.
@copilot, list all components specified in the datasheet of U1 for building the typical application circuit. Present the information in a detailed table format with equations needed to size the components.
@copilot, outline the electrical characteristics of U4 as detailed in the datasheet. Then, suggest at least four drop-in replacement parts, presented in a table format with the columns
@copilot, query all components in the schematic that do not have an assigned manufacturer part number (MPN). Compile these components into a table format with the following details: Designator, Component Function, Electrical Properties, and Recommended MPN (Provide a list of recommended part numbers based on the component's properties, focusing on the most popular and widely available parts).
Focuses on optimizing component selection and management, including consolidating similar passive components and addressing part obsolescence to streamline the bill of materials and reduce costs.
@copilot, perform a BoM consolidation review to identify passive components (resistors, capacitors, and inductors) that have similar but different values (within ±50%) and the same package code. The goal is to simplify the BoM and reduce costs by replacing these components with a single value where possible, without affecting the circuit's functionality.
For each group of similar components, compare their electrical and mechanical characteristics, then identify a single value that can replace the others. Provide a detailed comparison table for each group, listing the designators, component values, package codes, and the proposed consolidated value, along with key specifications and any additional notes. Document the final proposed consolidated BoM in a table format.
@copilot, identify all components in the schematic that are either obsolete or not recommended for new designs (NRND). Compile these components into a table with the following details: Designator, Description/Function, Obsolete/NRND Status, Recommended Alternative Parts (Suggest at least 2 alternative components and their MPN that are current, widely available, and suitable replacements, based on the original component's specifications).
Involves precise calculations for sizing various components often using Python for accuracy and presenting results in detailed tables.
@copilot, from the datasheet of U1 obtain equations used to
Calculate these values using python and present the results in a clear and detailed table.
@copilot, use Python to calculate the load capacitors for Y1 using the information from its datasheet.
@copilot, use the datasheets of LED D5 and D2 to obtain electrical characteristics needed to calculate the appropriate current-limiting resistor value. Then use python to calculate the value and present it in a well detailed table forma.
Involves detailed examination of integrated components to ensure proper component selection and usage in the design.
@copilot, from the datasheet of U2 List the pin names, functions, and additional attributes for the IC. Include the following details for each pin in a table format: Pin Name, Function, Pin Type (e.g., power, ground, signal), Pin Direction (e.g., input, output, bidirectional, passive), Default State (e.g., high, low, floating), Voltage Level (if applicable), Additional Notes (e.g., pull-up/pull-down resistor, special considerations).
@copilot What are the absolute maximum ratings for U5? Identify any critical components that must be carefully selected to stay within these limits and present the results in a well detailed table format.
Utilizes Python to create visual representations of design data to assist in analysis and decision-making.
@copilot, use python to plot a bar graph showing the most expensive components in this design.
Provides thorough checks of specific circuit elements to verify correct calculations and implementation in the schematic and layout.
@copilot, list all ICs and the decoupling capacitors attached to each. Ensure to include all ICs present in the design, including digital ICs, power converters, LDOs, etc. For every IC, clearly state:
@copilot, review the design to ensure all current-limiting resistors for LEDs are correctly calculated for a current range of 1mA to 10mA. Follow these steps:
@copilot, determine the efficiency of U4 at various load conditions, considering that the input is a battery with a voltage range from 4.2V (fully charged) to 3.3V (low battery level). Identify which components in the circuit affect this efficiency and present that in a detailed table. Finally, use python to plot a graph showing the efficiency of U1 across the range of load conditions and input voltages.
Generates test plans and collaborative workflows, ensuring your hardware is manufactured error-free.
@copilot, create a detailed step-by-step plan table for this project to verify its functionality.
@copilot, develop an FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) report in a table format that analyzes the systems schematic, each unique component specification, and operational parameters. It should identify critical failure modes, assess their impact, and recommend mitigation actions based on severity, occurrence probability, and detectability. Include columns such as: process step, potential failure mode, potential failure effect, S, O, D, RPN, Action Recommended, and any other you see fit.
Copilot can help get you started quickly by understanding the requirements and providing guidance.
@copilot here's a block diagram I've been working on. Can you suggest ICs I might use to implement this in Flux?
@copilot I'd like to build a smart curtain that opens or closes based on the amount of sunshine I want to enter my room. How would you approach designing this? Please ask me questions to help with the development.
@copilot I'm designing a PCB for a medical device that measures heart rate and temperature. Can you give me the list of components I will need?
@copilot I'd like to build geeky wristwatch with LED display. How would you approach building this? Please ask me questions to help me design this.
Copilot can connect complex parts for you, explore design options, and provide a bill of materials for a target project.
@copilot here's a plot of the charging profile of U2. What charging phase would it be in at 3.2V?
@copilot, how would I connect these parts to make the LED flash at 1kHz?
@copilot, how would I connect these two HDMI connectors as a pass through?
@copilot, how should I connect RP2040 and TFT LCD?
@copilot can you choose 4 digital pins on the ATMega328P-AU that I have here to use as GPIO given that I am already using some pins for reset, the external clock, UART, and I2C.
Copilot can understand datasheets and reference them in its responses. This means you get more accurate responses when asking Copilot questions about specific parts.
@copilot what's the max voltage I can supply to U2?
@copilot can U2 withstand intense operating temperatures even without a heatsink?
@copilot what is the maximum frequency I can reach without an external crystal on U6?
@copilot I'm a firmware engineer. How do I configure an interrupt on a pin for U4?
@copilot what are the clock requirements for U4?
Copilot answers questions about how to use Flux by referencing our documentation. So, instead of getting stuck and searching documentation, you can stay in the flow and get the help you need without leaving your project!
@copilot can you explain the different dimensions of this footprint diagram?
@copilot how do I know if a part has a simulation model?
@copilot how do I connect ground to these components?
@copilot I can't find part on the library what do I do?
@copilot how do I know my projects are safe and private?
@copilot what resistor do I need to limit the current on LED1 while being driven by U1?
@copilot can you help me debugging this circuit, and help me understand if there's any problems?
@copilot can you check all my components in my schematic and tell me if I am missing any manufacturer part number fields?
@copilot how would I decrease the distance between my ground fill and my vias?
Copilot can provide valuable recommendations to optimize your design based on constraints and specifications.
@copilot please review this block diagram and compare it to my project, is there anything I'm missing?
@copilot what components do I need to power a 30w speaker to this audio driver amplifier?
@copilot can you suggest a suitable ADC for microphone pickup going through an Arduino Uno?
@copilot can I use U1 to make a 20db gain op-amp?
@copilot I want to build a PCB that uses a solar panel to charge a single cell LiPo battery. I want to measure ambient pressure with a microcontroller and send that over WiFi. What are all the components I would need?
Copilot can offer tailored suggestions and analyze tradeoffs based on your project goals, constraints, and specifications.
@copilot can you suggest an alternative to C1 that meets the same specs but is more cost-effective?
@copilot are there any alternatives to U2 that have better availability?
Flux Copilot has a range of tools to help you through your design process. For the best results, use one tool at a time. This helps Copilot focus on a single task, making its responses more accurate and actionable.
Flux Copilot is here to make hardware design more straightforward and efficient. By following these prompts and tips, you can streamline your workflow, reduce errors, and tackle each step of your project with confidence. Feel free to share your results and favorite prompts in our Slack Community.
Happy designing!
But, it can be daunting when you and your team are looking to embrace cloud software for the first time. There are seemingly dozens of options out there, each with its own marketing jargon convincing you that their solution is the best. Let’s cut through the fog to help your team better understand the ins and outs of choosing the right cloud-based software. The following are the 8 Principles of Choosing Cloud-Based Software for PCB Design.
First things first, you need to be clear about what is driving your team to adopt cloud-based software.
Why do you need new software now? What’s pushing the urgency? Maybe your CFO demands a 12% margin increase by year-end. Or perhaps you need to ship a backlog of products by Q3. Define this compelling event, document past attempts to solve the problem, and honestly assess what worked, what didn’t, and why.
Pro-tip: Try to solve your problem internally first—sometimes better processes can work wonders without extra costs.
Your team isn’t buying software; you’re buying a solution to a problem. Therefore, any software purchase must be justified with a clear return on investment (ROI).
By understanding the magnitude of your problem in terms of time and money, your team can better determine which cloud solutions make the most sense for you. This process means gathering all the relevant data—FTE costs, current software expenses, opportunity costs—and using it to create a metric of your needs. A good software provider will help you document this and build a solid business case.
If the ROI isn't clear, you might not be ready to buy.
Technical teams often wish they could advance projects at their own pace, but in practice, everything needs to go through corporate approval first. That means that when your team wants to switch to cloud-based software, the move needs executive backing.
Whether you start from the bottom up or the top down, ensuring alignment with strategic goals is necessary. It’s often good practice to leverage the DACI framework (Driver, Approver, Contributor, Informed) to streamline roles and responsibilities and get all major stakeholders on the same page. By clearly defining who is responsible for each aspect of the project, who has the final say, who provides input, and who needs to be kept informed, the DACI framework helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures efficient decision-making.
As a technical team, it is also advisable to keep the executive sponsor involved at key points to maintain momentum and ensure the project’s priority.
We’ve all experienced the pain and red tape associated with requests for proposals (RFPs). What most people won’t admit, however, is that RFPs are often a waste of time.
Your decision-making and needs are complex and nuanced, but RFPs try to reduce complex needs to binary yes/no answers. The result? Mismatches and frustration.
Instead, after following the initial steps in this guide, your list of potential providers should be narrow enough to handle individually and more intimately. It’s far better to talk to 1-3 companies and focus on in-depth discussions rather than going through the cursory checkbox comparisons.
When you’re choosing a new software, you want to know that it has a proven track record of success with other customers. Most software providers will assuage these fears by inundating you with case studies, trials, and product demos. But is all of this collateral really relevant to your team’s needs?
When going through the software courting process, you should ensure that the case studies you request are relevant. For demos, focus on your top concerns rather than generic capabilities. Trials should be approached with clear goals, success criteria, and structured test plans.
Remember, the UI/UX shouldn’t overshadow actual value.
Too often, we get caught up in arguing dollars and cents when the ROI is so much more valuable than the upfront cost. Our advice: don’t haggle for the sake of it.
If the solution offers a clear ROI, like solving a $10M problem for $500K, embrace it. At the end of the day, the upfront cost of your software solution is just a drop in the bucket compared to the return your company will actualize from it.
Instead of haggling, it’s ideal to collaborate with the provider to articulate your problem's size and expect a reasonable investment proposal. High-value solutions shouldn’t feel like a negotiation battle but a mutual agreement. A good transaction will be one in which both sides walk away feeling like winners.
Flux, like other cloud-based EDA tools, offers real-time collaboration, AI integration, seamless updates, and scalability. These are game-changers for moving hardware teams from the 90s into the modern age, matching the pace of their software counterparts.
These advantages collectively streamline the design process, enhance productivity, and enable hardware development to be innovative and agile.
It often feels like the hardware industry is stuck in the past, fearing new technologies like cloud and AI. Understand that these fears are rooted in the industry's slow evolution and long-established practices. Unlike the software industry, which has rapidly adopted and benefited from cloud computing, AI, and other innovations, the hardware sector has traditionally been more cautious, prioritizing stability and reliability over agility and innovation.
Flux and similar tools are designed to help you overcome these fears and leverage modern capabilities to stay competitive.
Adopting these technologies can transform your workflow from rigid and outdated to agile and innovative. By embracing cloud and AI, you can reduce time-to-market, improve product quality, and respond more swiftly to changing market demands. The shift may seem daunting, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial challenges.
Buying cloud-based PCB design software doesn't have to be daunting. By following these steps, you’ll make informed, confident decisions. Evaluate your needs honestly, quantify your problems, secure executive alignment, ditch the outdated RFP process, and focus on relevant case studies and structured trials. Embrace the cloud for its real-time collaboration, AI benefits, and scalability.
Want to learn more about how to select the cloud software for your team’s needs? Contact our sales team today.
Imagine starting a project with over 800,000+ parts at your fingertips, ready to go without any setup. With Flux community-powered part library, you have everything you need to build at scale —all in one place, with real-time supply chain data, intelligent filters, and powerful AI tools.
We’re incredibly excited to announce that we have decided to open up Flux and move out of private beta! What does this mean? If you’re a current user of Flux - nothing will change for you. For new users, this means that we’re now allowing anyone and their team to signup!
Today, we’re announcing Flux Enterprise, a new plan that allows enterprise hardware teams to leverage AI to iterate faster, streamline processes, mitigate risks, and enhance team efficiency. With Flux Enterprise, we’re finally bringing AI to hardware teams at enterprise companies with Flux Copilot.
We're excited to unveil our Smart Polygon system in Flux! This powerful capability builds on top of our automatic copper fills to transform how you create and manage custom copper areas in your PCB designs.
Now, Flux Copilot can learn how you work—your design principles, part selection preferences, schematic style guidelines, and testing workflows—and remember them automatically.
Today, we’re launching automatic photorealistic 3D renderings so that you can put your best foot forward and share your work to the world. Now, anyone can effortlessly create stunning, dynamic, and professional 3D renders.
This month, we’re rolling out major upgrades to Flux Copilot’s reasoning, transparency, and layout performance—plus some crucial fixes and a big leap in modular design reliability.
In this post, we’ll show you exactly how to unlock the power of Flux Copilot for yourself: from writing rock-solid triggers to scoping entries at the project, user, and system levels.
Imagine an AI teammate that doesn’t just chat about your PCB ideas, but actively transforms them into schematics—placing parts, connecting circuits, and optimizing your design at your command, all through natural language. That’s exactly what the newly overhauled Flux Copilot does.
If you’re using EasyEDA and are thinking of making the switch to Flux, learn how the two platforms differ and why Flux might be the next step in elevating your PCB design experience.
Hardware just got a little less hard. See how Flux reduces busy work, keeps your team in sync, and gives you AI superpowers.
In this post, we’ll explore why these concepts matter, how they impact signal integrity and power distribution, and what to keep in mind as you design. If you want to go deeper into implementation details—like when to use zones, where to place stitching vias, or how to avoid stack-up pitfalls—we’ve created a detailed PDF guide just for that.
