A multiple-perspective design advisory system for use in the layout design of printed circuit board assemblies

Time-to-market is now the critical factor in new product introduction. Success or failure can rest on the ability to produce a "right first time" design. Computer-based design advisory systems, or design critiquing tools, can help to ensure that relevant life-cycle issues are considered, and agreed design policies effectively implemented, during the layout design of printed circuit board assemblies. Such tools can be of significant educational benefit if the information that they provide is of appropriate content. Currently-available tools are limited in scope, do not provide sufficiently detailed information, and are often difficult to adapt to the requirements of individual users. This paper discusses relevant issues, reviews related research, and describes a prototype design critiquing tool that seeks to address some of the outstanding issues.