PCBBench · AI PCB design evaluation
Which AI models can design a working PCB?
The answer needs native design files, electrical checks and reproducible tasks. PCBBench is developing a benchmark across circuit reasoning, schematics, footprints, review, placement and routing.
Season 1 rankings are not published yet. The current pilot contains partial measured runs with different task coverage. Placeholder scores are excluded from public rankings. Read the evaluation plan.
What a useful PCB benchmark should test
All task suites- Electronics reasoningCan the system apply circuit relationships with correct units and explicit assumptions?
- Datasheet interpretationCan the system find the correct requirement in the exact device documentation?
- AI component selectionCan the system choose a real component that satisfies every mandatory constraint?
- PCB symbol and footprintCan the system turn the exact package documentation into correct native library artifacts?
- AI schematic generationCan the system implement a written electrical brief in a valid native schematic?
- AI PCB design reviewCan the system locate real defects without overwhelming engineers with false alarms?
- PCB engineering changeCan the system make a requested edit while preserving unrelated design intent?
- AI PCB placement and routingCan the system finish a fixed board problem while preserving connectivity, rules and electrical intent?
- End-to-end AI PCB designCan the system turn a product brief into a coherent native project and manufacturing package?
- PCB bring-up and debugCan the system use observations to distinguish likely causes and propose a discriminating next test?
Practical design checks
All 24 guides- How to evaluate an AI PCB design toolA practical evaluation protocol for AI PCB tools: native files, electrical checks, routing, cost and reproducibility.
- KiCad ERC checklist for AI-generated schematicsReview electrical-rule results without hiding connection mistakes, changing severity settings or overlooking wrong component values.
- KiCad DRC checklist before PCB fabricationA practical DRC review covering rule profiles, zone refill, unconnected items, exclusions and schematic parity.
- How to validate an AI-generated PCB footprintCheck an AI footprint against the exact package drawing, pad numbering, assembly process and mechanical envelope.
- Gerber and fabrication file release checklistCheck PCB manufacturing exports for revision consistency, layers, drills, outline and assembly handoff.
- How to measure the cost of AI PCB designMeasure AI PCB design cost using all attempts, tool expenses, human corrections and successful completion.
Understand the comparison before choosing a winner
An ERC pass, a DRC pass and a working physical board are different evidence. A model and a complete design agent are different evaluation targets. Our technical comparisons explain these boundaries.
Maintained by ProtoFlow. PCBBench is separate from similarly named research benchmarks; see prior work and our editorial policy.