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AI Copilot

AI Copilot helps turn a circuit request into a reviewable design, inspect an existing schematic or PCB, organize functional blocks, generate missing library items, and explain simulation results. It assists the workflow; it does not replace datasheet review, ERC, DRC, DFM, or engineering approval.

Configure AI access

  1. Open Preferences → AI, or open the Copilot menu and select AI settings.
  2. Enter your OpenRouter API key.
  3. Select an allowed model.
  4. Save the settings.
  5. Open View → AI Copilot Chat.

The current release uses a locally configured, user-provided OpenRouter key. Do not place that key in screenshots, project files, bug reports, or shared configuration examples.

Image — AI settings

Image needed

Capture the current AI provider settings with the key value hidden. Show the provider/model controls and save action. Do not use the older screenshot placeholder that shows a different header or input text. Suggested size: 900 × 620 px.

Start a focused session

Use the + control to create a session and the history control to reopen earlier project sessions. Describe one goal at a time and include measurable requirements where possible.

Good starting requests include:

  • “Design a 12 V to 5 V buck supply for a 1 A load.”
  • “Review the USB-C power input and protection block on this schematic.”
  • “Explain the failed VOUT ripple assertion from the latest simulation.”
  • “Group this sheet into power, control, and interface blocks.”

Long sessions are summarized and relevant project facts can be recalled later. Still restate safety-critical values before asking Copilot to modify or verify a design.

Short video — Start and reopen a Copilot session

Video needed

Record 10–15 seconds showing View → AI Copilot Chat, creation of a new session, one short request, opening History, and returning to the session. Do not expose an API key or private project data. 1080p.

Design workflow

Diagram — AI design review workflow

Diagram replacement needed

Create a polished release diagram showing: requirement and constraints → clarification → component and connection review → missing-item generation when needed → deterministic verification → user-approved apply. The older four-step image omitted review and simulation gates and must not be reused.

  1. Describe the circuit and constraints.
  2. Review the research summary.
  3. Answer clarifying questions or select Skip (Use Defaults) only when the defaults are acceptable.
  4. Review BOM components, connections, and functional blocks.
  5. Resolve missing symbols, footprints, and pin-count mismatches.
  6. Run Netlist Check, simulation, and design analysis.
  7. Add approved blocks or create the AI project.
  8. Inspect the schematic before updating a PCB.

Component Review tabs

Tab Use it for
BOM Components Check part number, value, package, origin, and library status
Connections Netlist Review named connections and pin references
Blocks Generate and review functional circuit groups
Local Pool Settings Add library sources and review generated contracts
Simulate & Verify Run simulation checks for the proposed design
Design Analysis Review design-level findings
Netlist Check Find pin, connectivity, and consistency problems

Image — Current Component Review tabs

Image needed

Capture the full Component Review tab row from the current build, with BOM Components selected and at least one component card visible. This replaces older media showing only BOM, Netlist, and Placement Preview. Suggested size: 1400 × 820 px.

Safety and privacy

  • AI requests and attached datasheet content are sent to the configured provider.
  • Review every proposed change before applying it.
  • Treat generated symbols and footprints as unverified until checked against the datasheet.
  • Limit each request to the relevant sheet, block, or signal.
  • Re-run deterministic checks after every accepted change.
  • Stop and review when part numbers, package variants, ratings, or pinouts are ambiguous.

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