Flux Copilot: AI-Powered PCB Design Assistant
Copilot is your AI-powered design assistant that lives in your Flux projects, answers complex questions, and helps you move faster by automating PCB design tasks.
Overview
Copilot is an AI-powered hardware design assistant integrated directly into Flux. This custom-trained large language model (LLM) understands your schematics, components, electrical connections, and bill of materials. With Copilot, you can accelerate part selection, evaluate alternatives, receive design feedback, and with your approval, make direct changes to your schematic.
Join the Copilot channel in our Slack community to share your experiences and discover new use cases.
Getting Started with Copilot
Access Copilot through the Chat tab in the right sidebar or by right-clicking anywhere on your project canvas and selecting "Copilot". For detailed guidance on using AI in your design process, see our AI-assisted PCB design tutorial.
Starting a conversation
Simply type your question or request in the Chat tab. Copilot maintains context within conversation threads, allowing for natural back-and-forth exchanges about your design.
Copilot may take a few seconds to respond as it processes your design information.
What can Copilot do?
- Answer questions: Get relevant information for part selection, design feedback, and circuit optimization. Learn more
- Parse datasheets: Save time by having Copilot extract and reference datasheet information. Learn more
- Modify your design: Let Copilot make connections and changes directly in your schematic with your approval. Learn more
- Access documentation: Get help with Flux features and workflows. Learn more
- Find components: Search the library for parts that meet your specifications. Learn more
- Perform calculations: Evaluate engineering formulas and analyze circuit parameters. Learn more
- Generate code: Create Python scripts for data analysis and visualization. Learn more
- Simulate circuits: Verify circuit behavior using SPICE simulation. Learn more
Specialized Tools
- @file – Access attached datasheets and project files
- @library – Search the Flux component library for part selection
- @calculator – Extract equations from datasheets for calculations
- @code – Generate Python scripts and charts
- @help – Search Flux documentation for guidance
- @simulator – Perform SPICE circuit simulations
Project Context Access
Copilot analyzes your project to provide relevant suggestions:
- Project metadata: Uses project name and description for context
- Components and netlist: Understands your circuit's structure and connections
- Part information: Accesses datasheets for compatibility and design recommendations
- Comment locations: Recognizes the physical context of your questions
- Flux documentation: Provides guidance on tool features and workflows
Copilot primarily works with schematics and currently has limited understanding of PCB layout and trace positioning.
Key Features
Chat Interface
- Model Selection: Choose AI models optimized for different tasks
- Context Controls: Select what project information Copilot uses
- File Attachments: Upload datasheets and reference documents
- Branching Conversations: Explore multiple design approaches
- Response Regeneration: Get alternative suggestions with "Try Again"
Design Actions
Copilot can directly modify your design upon request:
- Component Management: Add, edit, or remove components
- Designator Changes: Rename and organize component references
- Net Modifications: Create and modify electrical connections
- Property Editing: Update component and design parameters
Keyboard Shortcuts
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open Chat Tab | Alt + C |
| Focus on chat input | / |
| Submit message | Ctrl + Enter |
| Navigate history | Up/Down arrows |
For detailed usage instructions, see our Getting Started with Copilot tutorial.
Privacy and Security
Your design data remains private and secure. For details on our privacy practices, see our Privacy Statement.
Current Limitations
- Thread-specific context: Copilot only considers messages within the current conversation thread
- Schematic focus: Currently works primarily with schematics, with limited PCB layout understanding
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| No response | Ensure you're using the Chat tab or right-click menu and have sufficient credits |
| Incorrect actions | Review proposed changes before approval and use "Try Again" for alternatives |
| Context confusion | Break complex questions into smaller queries and provide specific context |
Credits System
Copilot uses a credit system for usage beyond free limits. All plans include monthly free credits, with additional credits available on Pro and Organization plans. Learn more about individual credits or organization credits.
Next Steps
- AI for Hardware Design - Leverage AI in your design process
- Copilot Use Cases - Practical applications
- Getting Started with Copilot - Step-by-step guide
- Schematic Editor - Master the design environment