Autoroute? Is it coming? (Mod edit, short answer is not in the foreseeable future so nothing to see here. ;) )

maui · September 17, 2021, 5:02am

just for reference, there is an interesting project:

Advanced constraints syntax for KiCad and OpenROAD

Advanced constraints syntax for KiCad and OpenROAD
Our project is called OpenROAD and it mostly focuses on IC design, but I’m working on the PCB section. You can check out the OpenROAD project here (https://theopenroadproject.org/ ). The overall goal is to have a “no-human-in-the-loop” placer and router for PCB. The project is DARPA sponsored and a requirement is that the whole thing be totally open-source. Since KiCad is the best (only?) fully open-source PCB design tool in general use we are basing everything on KiCad and making our tools KiCad compatible.

We are working on a (for now) standalone placer, router, DRC checker (for advanced constraints), and a decompactor. The idea is to be able to autoplace and autoroute a BeagleBone Black type design within six months. This means 6+ layers, BGA microprocessor, DDR3L memory, USB, HDMI, eMMC, and so on.