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 refinement
If 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.
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