autorouters

Autorouters are software tools used in the design of printed circuit boards (PCBs). Their primary function is to automatically connect the components placed on a PCB layout, a process also known as routing. This automation aims to save designers significant time and effort compared to manual routing, especially for complex designs with many layers and interconnections.

The process typically begins after the components have been placed on the PCB. The autorouter analyzes the netlist, which defines the electrical connections required between these components. It then attempts to find a path for each connection on the available layers of the PCB, adhering to design rules such as trace width, spacing, and avoidance of obstacles. Advanced autorouters can handle multiple layers and optimize for factors like signal integrity and manufacturability.

While autorouters can be highly effective, they are not always perfect. Complex routing scenarios, high-speed signals, or very dense designs might still require manual intervention or post-processing by a human designer to achieve optimal results. Designers often use a combination of autorouting for less critical connections and manual routing for sensitive or challenging paths. The effectiveness of an autorouter depends heavily on the quality of the preceding component placement and the thoroughness of the defined design rules.