Tutorial: AI-Assisted Circuit Design¶
This tutorial uses AI Copilot to prepare a small NE555 LED blinker, review its proposed design, resolve missing library assets, and verify measurable behavior. AI output remains a proposal until you review and validate it.
Image — Finished AI-assisted example¶
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Capture the final schematic, routed PCB, and AI Copilot panel in one v1.5.47 workspace. Use a sample project and ensure no API key or private path is visible.
Before you start¶
You need a new project, an OpenRouter API key configured from View → AI Copilot Chat, suitable component libraries, and at least one usable simulation engine. Save the project before starting the request.
1. State measurable requirements¶
Send a prompt such as:
Design a 9 V NE555 astable LED blinker. Target 1 Hz, use a red LED, include current limiting and supply decoupling, and identify every assumption that needs my confirmation.
Include voltage, frequency, tolerances, package preferences, connector requirements, and board constraints when known. If Copilot asks a question, answer it before accepting a BOM; unanswered choices become risky assumptions.
Image — Prompt and clarification¶
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Capture the initial requirement and one clarification exchange in AI Copilot. The prompt must include supply voltage and target frequency.
2. Review the proposed design¶
Use the Component Review tabs in order:
- BOM Components — verify part identity, value, rating, package, and availability.
- Connections Netlist — compare every NE555 pin and LED polarity with the datasheet.
- Blocks — confirm that timing, output, power, and decoupling functions are present.
- Local Pool Settings — decide which approved local assets may be reused.
- Simulate & Verify — prepare measurable checks.
- Design Analysis and Netlist Check — resolve warnings before applying changes.
Do not approve a component merely because its name matches. Package, pin numbering, ratings, and model pin order must also match.
Image — Component Review tabs¶
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Capture the complete review window with all seven tabs visible and one BOM item selected. Do not fabricate a separate schematic preview if the release UI does not show one.
3. Generate a missing component when required¶
Select AI Gen for an unresolved item. Choose From Template for a clear standard part, or From Datasheet when an exact symbol and package must be derived from manufacturer material.
Before continuing, check pin count, pin names, electrical types, pad numbering, dimensions, pitch, orientation marker, and symbol-to-footprint mapping. Follow the AI Component Generator guideline for the complete acceptance checklist.
Short video — Resolve a missing component¶
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Record a 25–35 second clip from AI Gen through generation and review. Show the final pin/pad comparison, but do not expose the API key or a proprietary datasheet.
4. Add explicit simulation requirements¶
Open Simulate & Verify or the Simulation Workbench and define a transient run long enough to show several cycles. Add signals for the output and timing capacitor, then create assertions for the acceptable frequency range and output behavior.
A visual waveform that “looks right” is not a pass criterion. Use the A/B cursors or a measurement to confirm the period, and keep the engine, model revision, sources, loads, and assertion results with the review.
Image — Measured transient result¶
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Capture output and timing-capacitor traces with A/B cursors spanning one period. Show the assertion result and engine used in the same release example where possible.
5. Apply, place, and route¶
Apply only the reviewed proposal. Run ERC on the generated schematic, then update the PCB from the active schematic using the current project tool. Review footprint orientation and board constraints before using placement or routing assistance.
After any assisted placement or routing:
- Confirm connectors, controls, indicators, mounting holes, and keepouts are practical.
- Check that every ratsnest connection is resolved intentionally.
- Inspect vias, layer changes, clearances, and return paths.
- Run DFM/DRC and correct every release-blocking violation.
See Placement and Routing Assistant.
Short video — Review an assisted PCB result¶
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Record a 25–35 second clip showing the proposal, a manual adjustment, remaining ratsnest review, and a clean DFM/DRC rerun. Do not show a one-click “fully approved” result.
6. Prepare release output¶
Save the verified revision, generate the fabrication package, and inspect representative Gerber and drill outputs. Check the BOM, IPC-D-356A, and manifest before archiving the package.
The tutorial is complete only when the schematic, generated library assets, simulation evidence, PCB checks, and fabrication archive all refer to the same saved revision.