Quilter: Revolutionizing PCB Design
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Introduction
Quilter is an innovative PCB design tool that empowers engineers at leading electronics companies to automate circuit board layout seamlessly. As part of its open beta program, Quilter is currently free, allowing users to experience its powerful features without any upfront costs.
Key Features
1. End-to-End PCB Design
Quilter offers a comprehensive solution for PCB design, enabling users to:
- Design: Create your schematic using your preferred ECAD application (Altium or KiCAD).
- Optimize: Automatically optimize board designs for EMI performance and manufacturing.
- Collaborate: Work with your team effortlessly throughout the design process.
- Iterate: Generate multiple design candidates and select the best one.
2. Fully Optimized Board Designs
Quilter imports design constraints from your existing files, ensuring that all designs are optimized for performance and manufacturability. This feature significantly reduces the time spent on manual adjustments and iterations.
3. Compatibility with Existing Tools
One of Quilter's standout features is its compatibility with existing design tools and libraries. All completed designs are returned in the same file format they were submitted, making it easy to inspect, modify, and export.
How to Use Quilter
Step 1: Design Your Schematic
Use your ECAD application of choice to create your schematic.
Step 2: Upload Your Design Files
Upload your schematic and empty board file. Quilter will auto-detect relationships between parts, streamlining the design process.
Step 3: Define Your Constraints
Specify any design constraints for your board, and Quilter will validate tolerances against top fabrication houses.
Step 4: Generate Design Candidates
Quilter explores dozens of design candidates, ensuring that all designs pass Design Rule Checks (DRCs).
Step 5: Select and Download Your Design
Review the generated candidates, select your favorite, and download the board files for fabrication and testing.
FAQs
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How is Quilter different from an autorouter?
Quilter offers a more comprehensive design approach, considering various constraints and optimizing for performance, while autorouters primarily focus on trace routing. -
What boards can Quilter layout?
Quilter can layout a wide variety of PCB designs, accommodating different sizes and complexities. -
How does Quilter handle design rules?
Quilter validates designs against industry-standard rules, ensuring compliance and manufacturability. -
How long does Quilter take to complete a design?
The time varies based on design complexity, but Quilter's automation significantly speeds up the process compared to traditional methods.
Conclusion
Quilter is transforming the PCB design landscape by providing engineers with an efficient, user-friendly tool that simplifies the design process. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, Quilter can help you save valuable engineering time and enhance your design capabilities.
Call to Action
Ready to revolutionize your PCB design process? Try Quilter's open beta today and experience the future of PCB design!
