June 21, 2024
Using AI to Design a Webcam: An End-to-End Example
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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!
This project will be designing the camera circuit for an open-source laptop. We’ll be starting completely from scratch to design a functional webcam around OmniVision’s OV02740 HD image sensor, and we’ll be covering everything from the image sensor itself to the supporting power management and passive circuitry. At the end of this project, you’ll see exactly how AI can reinvigorate your PCB design process from start to finish.
The major AI-powered steps in this project will include
You can check out the projects at your own pace using the links below
The first challenge when starting a new project is taking your idea for a product and deciding on the design architecture. The architectural design phase is foundational in hardware development, sometimes determining the success or failure of a project. It's complex, requiring the balancing of numerous variables and aligning diverse stakeholders on a unified vision.
Creating architectures with Flux Copilot is easy and straightforward. You can simply have a conversation with Copilot about what you intend to build using as much information as you know. Copilot can use your requirements and constraints to explore many different architectural ideas and variations quickly.
In this project, we started by asking:
Copilot then provides us with multiple architectural options, each containing suggestions for circuit blocks, components, and their interconnections. Later, Copilot helps us create block diagrams to better visualize and intuitively understand our chosen architecture. Leveraging AI to rapidly generate and evaluate a wider range of options against your specific product requirements ensures a more effective selection process that leads to optimal outcomes.
To learn more about AI-powered architecture design, read our blog.
Once our architecture is determined, we need to choose the core components that will turn our idea into a real circuit. Fortunately, selecting components is one place where Copilot really shines.
Copilot is guided by your company’s guidelines, including regulatory requirements, pricing, power consumption, operating conditions, and more. With these parameters defined in a Template, Copilot finds the best components that fit your specific project requirements.
In this project, given our architecture, we ask Copilot:
Copilot then provides specific components that are interoperable and achieve the needs of our design in an organized, tabular manner.
Learn more about how AI powers component research.
Designing electronics is about more than just creating a system that works; it also requires creating a system that is sourceable, compliant, and robust against a volatile supply chain. Once we have decided upon our main components, we can use the power of AI to help find alternative component options in case we need backups for whatever reason.
For space savings in our webcam project, we ask Copilot to help us find leadless package alternatives for our components. Specifically, we can ask Copilot
Copilot then provides us with an alternative component that meets our architectural needs and even describes the differences between the original and alternative components.
However, we run into a problem here: the new component doesn’t have a part in the Flux library yet. Fortunately, we can use Copilot to automatically generate a part (i.e., schematic symbol, footprint, and 3D model). Our AI-powered workflow allows you to create parts by importing PDF datasheets directly. Copilot will automatically extract part information, generate components, and enable easy review, validation, and editing—all within the browser.
This AI-powered workflow for handling datasheets and part creation offers an entirely new way to approach the task, replacing the tedious and time-consuming manual part creation process.
Want to learn more about AI-powered part creation? Read our blog.
Thanks to Copilot, we have a schematic and component alternatives for our webcam project. But next, we want to try to make this design as affordable as possible. It’s time to cost-optimize our design.
First, we can save costs by eliminating any unnecessary components in our bill of materials (BoM).
BoM consolidation involves identifying outlier components that can be merged with existing values, reducing the number of unique components needed. For example, a circuit may require a unique resistance value, such as 31.23kΩ, but such a unique value is costly to source. Instead, Copilot can suggest implementing this resistance with two more standard and affordable solutions, such as a 30kΩ and 200Ω in series.
Then, Copilot can help us save costs by evaluating components for over-specification. This ensures that no component exceeds the necessary performance requirements, which can reduce costs. Learn more about AI-driven PCB Cost optimization.
For example, assessing whether a high-performance microcontroller is necessary or if a lower-cost alternative can meet the project’s needs without compromising performance. Copilot can investigate the components in your schematic against the operating conditions of your circuit — be it power, temperature, or frequency — to ensure that no component is unnecessarily over-specified.
Now that we have a highly optimized design, it is time for a design review. Follow this blog to learn more about AI-powered design reviews.
Reviews can be meticulous and tedious, demanding the near-impossible task of considering hundreds of variables and comparing your design against organization-specific standards and constraints. AI like Flux Copilot can automate these menial tasks so that engineers can save time and instead focus their efforts on more high-leverage tasks.
In this project, we ask Copilot first to review the voltage ratings of our passive components. Copilot can handle this task without further instruction, but in this case, we give Copilot detailed steps on how to complete the review so that we’re confident that the review is up to our standards. Copilot then compares every passive component’s ratings against the maximum applied voltage in our circuit and provides this data, as well as a pass/fail status, in an organized table for our review.
Then, we take things one step further by asking Copilot to conduct a precise design review focused on verifying the pin-out and configuration accuracy of the components in our schematic. Copilot gives us insight into its design review process by first explaining the procedure it will follow during its review. With our permission, Copilot then validates the pin-out of our components against the datasheet and provides the results in an organized table.
The final step in our design process is now the testing and debugging phase. Flux uses AI to help you test and debug your circuit designs, including everything from test plan creation to failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA).
In our webcam project, we first asked Copilot to help us develop an automated FMEA report that identifies critical failure modes, assesses their impact, and recommends mitigation actions based on severity, occurrence probability, and detectability. Copilot took to the challenge, generating a detailed tabular report of each component type and explaining the table. With an understanding of the detailed interplay between all the components in your design and expert-level knowledge of electronics fundamentals, Copilot creates a thorough and comprehensive FMEA report for us.
Next, we asked Copilot to help us create a detailed step-by-step plan table for this project to verify its functionality. In our case, Copilot responded with a test plan outlining steps for each major component and functional group. To learn more about AI-powered testing and debugging, read our blog.
With a comprehensive test plan, your team can ensure that any design errors get caught early in the process and well before you go to production. This means your team can spend less time correcting errors and less money on unnecessary design revisions. Ultimately, that translates to higher quality products and faster time to market.
AI has the power to completely transform the hardware and electronics design workflow from start to finish. Through this end-to-end project example, we hope to have demonstrated how AI can assist your team’s design process and how each unique AI-powered workflow converges to create an innovative product. To learn more about how your company can streamline processes, reduce costs, and save time with AI-powered hardware design, sign up for Flux today.
Today, we’re thrilled to launch a powerful new feature that allows you to declare project requirements like operating temperature, voltage, or compliance standards so Copilot can leverage that knowledge to accelerate tedious tasks like BOM verification, debugging, and part recommendations freeing you to do more of the work you love.
We want to make this process as easy as possible for all Flux users. So, after hundreds of hours of testing and talking to dozens of real users, we’ve put together six prompting tips that will help you get the most out of Copilot. Read on to learn more!
CO2 sensors monitor air quality, helping prevent cognitive decline from high CO2 levels. They use various technologies for accuracy in different settings. These sensors are vital for health, efficiency, and safety.
Designing an AI pin would normally take months, but in this project, we did it in hours. In our step-by-step guide, you'll see how Flux can accelerate your design process and bring your AI pin project to life.
Buck and Boost converters are highlighted for their power efficiency and system reliability roles. The blog reveals their unique advantages, making them essential in diverse applications like renewable energy and portable electronics.
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.
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.
Testing plays a major role in minimizing errors during mass production, yet creating thorough test plans can be challenging and time-consuming.. That’s why we're excited to introduce AI-generated test plans and collaborative workflows, ensuring your hardware is manufactured error-free!
Oscillators are electronic circuits producing oscillating signals without an input. Types include sine, square, sawtooth, triangular, and pulse wave oscillators. Crystal oscillators use vibrating crystals for precise frequencies, crucial in clocks and radios. RF oscillators operate at radio frequencies, essential in broadcasting and telecoms.
We wanted to bring the power of Python directly into our users' hands so that you can augment your workflows with custom scripts that automate your design and analysis tasks. That’s why, today we’re excited to be introducing Copilot’s Code Interpreter.
Looking for a comprehensive guide to ESP8266 pinout? Check out our article that covers everything you need to know about the ESP8266's pins, including digital, analog, and PWM pins. Perfect for beginners and experts alike, our guide will help you understand the ESP8266's pinout and how to use it in your projects.
The blog offers an in-depth look at Zener diodes, highlighting their crucial role in voltage regulation and stability in electronic circuits. It covers their basic principles, applications, and the challenges faced in their usage.
