Flux introduces AI Part Creation for PCB design, enabling users to input datasheets and obtain parts instantly, reducing errors and saving time.
Flux, a PCB design tool, is adding an AI Part Creation feature to its tool on February 22nd at 9 am PST. This will allow users to input a part’s datasheet and get a part as an output. Parts for PCB design had to be created manually by engineers, meaning a slow and tedious process. Most companies have library teams that aim to develop and maintain parts for their tools. But with Flux’s new feature, gone are the days of manual part creation, and here are the days of reduced errors and faster time to market.
In a discussion with Matthias Wagner, CEO and Co-Founder of Flux, and Kerry Chayka, Product Expert, it was revealed that the AI component of their tool can comprehend the data within datasheets, recognize package codes, link them to IPC standard templates, and subsequently import them. However, datasheets are commonly found in PDF format and are written in human language, which is not directly machine-readable. The key innovation here is the capability to process a document of this nature and enable the computer to extract the information, converting it into structured data. This structured data can then be utilized to generate a footprint and assembly in a design tool.
When we asked about the tool’s limitations, Matthias added, “I mean, there are no inherent limitations. If you compare us to incumbent tools, there’s still some gap to be closed for high-density designs. So for high-scale consumer-grade electronics, there’s a bit of a way to go. But for the majority of electronics projects, Flux has all the necessary capabilities.”
They also shared that their product was launched last February and has quickly gained popularity, being used by 40,000 engineers monthly within just 12 months. They have successfully built a significant community around their product, which has transformed into a browser-based, collaborative platform. This platform not only serves engineers but also provides a space for semiconductor manufacturers and companies to collaborate and share resources more efficiently. For instance, companies like Texas Instruments can share reference designs, footprints, and symbols for their products with Flux’s users, streamlining the design process.
