Automating PCB electrical sign-off with rule-based verification in HyperLynx DRC

PCB verification and sign-off is a tedious, multi-step process that requires an expert understanding of the signal integrity, power integrity and EMI/EMC issues that can cause a board re-spin. Siemens HyperLynx DRC provides an automated rule verification process that can be used throughout the PCB layout design cycle, enabling designers to run DRC rules early and often at any stage of the PCB design process.

PCB verification and sign-off is a multi-step process. It requires the person or team performing the verification to understand the concepts of signal integrity, power integrity and diagnosing EMI/EMC issues that can cause a board re-spin. Traditional visual inspection of the PCB can take hours or days to complete and is a tedious process that is limited by the time and expertise of the reviewer.

Siemens proposes a better method, an automated rule verification process that can be implemented throughout the PCB layout design cycle. Automated electrical rules are not limited to the traditional layout design rule checks (DRC) but can go beyond the simple spacing and distance checks that are already available in layout and manufacturing DRCs.

Automated, electrically focused DRCs that are incorporated into the layout tool can significantly speed up the layout design process. Using rules that are easy to run and that incorporate SI, PI, and EMI/EMC theory allows the layout expert to check and correct throughout their design flow.

Taking simple problems off the table early allows experts to spend their time on more critical problems, such as SI, PI, or EMI issues that can cause a board respin.