Documentation
Go to AppSign InSign Up
    Getting Started
    • Introduction to Flux
    • What is Flux?
    • Quick Start
    • The Flux Method
    • Creating an Account
    • Flux for Organizations
    • Setting Up Your Browser
      • Mouse & Trackpad
      • Multi-Screen Operation
      • Keyboard Shortcuts
    • Your First PCB in Flux
      • DFM & Export
      • PCB Layout & Routing
      • Project Setup
      • Schematic
      • Export & Manufacturing
    • KiCAD to Flux
      • Layout
      • Parts & Libraries
      • Schematics
    • Eagle to Flux
    • EasyEDA to Flux
    • Upverter to Flux
    • Altium to Flux
    • Getting Help
    Tutorials
    • Tutorials
    • Getting Started With Flux
      • Customizing Flux
    • Flux Use Cases
      • AI Architecture Design
      • AI Component Research
      • AI Design Reviews
      • AI Testing & Debugging
      • AI Auto-Layout
      • Generative AI
    • Start Learning Flux, No Matter Your Skill Level
      • Advanced Designer
      • First Time Designer
      • Intermediate Designer
    • Power Regulator
      • 1 – Part Selection
      • 2 – PCB Layout
      • 2 – Schematics
    • Routing
      • High-speed Routing
      • High Density Designs (HDI)
      • Working with Polygons
    • Adding Components to the Library
      • Publishing Components to the Library
      • Creating Components from Scratch
      • Importing Components
      • Working with Footprints
      • Working with Symbols
    • What is a Module?
      • Module Design Best Practices
      • Creating Modules
      • Using Modules
    • Generic Components
      • Creating a generic part
    • Copper Fills Tutorial
      • Creating Copper Cutouts
    • Board Outline Shape and Size
    • The Toolbar
    • Using Layout Rules
    • Intro to collaboration
    • Embedding a Flux Project
    • Reviewing component updates
    • Version Control Deep Dive
    • Custom Shapes
    • AI-Assisted Design with Flux
    • PCB Design Reviews (DRC)
    • Component Placement
    • Component Procurement
    • Multi-Layer PCB Design
    • Working with Ground Signals
    • Reusing Projects
      • Useful links
    Reference
    • Flux Context Menu
    • Calculator Tool
    • Change Project Name
    • Code Tool
    • Convert to component
    • Flux ACUs
    • Overview
    • Data Portability
    • Delete & Archive Projects
    • Design Rule Check (DRC)
    • Expressions
    • File Tool
    • FMEA Report Generation
    • Gerber Exports
    • Help Tool
    • Special Part Types
    • JEP30 PartModel Import/Export
    • Knowledge Base
    • Library Tool
    • Managing Units
    • Measuring Distances
    • Model Selection
    • Nets and Traces
      • Curved Traces
      • Impedance Control
      • Trace Width
    • Object Types
      • AssetNode
      • ControlNode
      • ElementNode
      • ElementTerminalNode
      • OutputNode
      • PropertyNode
      • RouteNode
      • RouteTerminalNode
    • Pads & Holes
    • Passive Component Consolidation
    • Layout Rules Reference
      • Layout Rules List
      • Object-Specific Layout Rules
      • Selector-Based Layout Rules
      • Layout Rules Inheritance & Precedence
      • Layout Rules Modifiers
    • Polygons
    • Comments
    • Cursors
    • Forking & Cloning
    • Copper Fills
    • Importing Schematics
    • Importing Components
    • Schematic Inspector
      • Assets Panel
      • Pricing & Availability Panel
      • Properties Panel
      • Simulation Panel
    • The Library
    • Project Launcher
      • New Blank Project
    • Layout Object Tree
      • PCB Object Types
    • Schematic Object List
    • The PCB Editor
      • Locking
      • Layer View Control
      • Positioning & Routing
      • Selecting Objects
      • Stackup Editor
    • Permission Tiers
    • Preloaded Examples
    • The Profile Page
      • Featured Projects
    • The Schematic Editor
      • Positioning & Wiring
    • Global Search
    • Sharing & Permissions
    • History & Version Control
    • Silkscreen
    • Simulator Tool
    • Star a Project (Favorite)
    • Vias
      • Smart Vias
    Copilot
    • Copilot Overview
    • Model Selection
    • Flux ACUs
    • Knowledge Base
    • Flux Context Menu
    • Calculator Tool
    • Code Tool
    • File Tool
    • Help Tool
    • Library Tool
    • Simulator Tool
    • FMEA Report Generation
    • Passive Component Consolidation
    FAQ
    • Schematic Editor
    • General FAQs
    • Flux and AI FAQs
    • PCB Editor FAQs
    • Parts and Modules
    • Pricing
    • Private and public projects
    • Data security and IP protection
    • When things go wrong: Errors and how to handle them
      • Lost connection
    Legal
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Statement
    • Main Services Agreement
    • Subprocessors

Tutorials

›

AI-Assisted Design with Flux

Tutorials

AI-Assisted Hardware Design with Flux

We've organized our tutorials according to the steps of the hardware design process. Flux can revolutionize every step of the hardware development process from initial brainstorming all the way through production.

Overview

Flux is an AI design assistant that lives in your projects, understanding your project's context and components to provide relevant information and assistance. Unlike generic AI tools, Flux is specifically trained for hardware design and PCB development, making it a powerful companion throughout your design process.

How Flux Transforms Hardware Design

Architecture Design

During the initial planning stages, Flux can help you:

  • Brainstorm system architectures based on your requirements
  • Suggest appropriate components and interfaces
  • Provide insights on design tradeoffs
  • Recommend best practices for specific applications

Learn more about AI-powered architecture design

Component Research

When selecting components, Flux can:

  • Find suitable parts based on your specifications
  • Compare alternatives and highlight key differences
  • Explain technical parameters and their implications
  • Provide availability and pricing information
  • Suggest compatible components that work well together

Learn more about researching components with AI

Design Reviews

During the review process, Flux can:

  • Identify potential design issues before manufacturing
  • Suggest improvements for signal integrity
  • Check for common design mistakes
  • Verify compliance with design rules
  • Recommend optimizations for manufacturability

Learn more about AI design reviews

Testing and Debugging

When troubleshooting your designs, Flux can:

  • Help interpret test results
  • Suggest debugging approaches
  • Explain potential causes of failures
  • Recommend fixes for common issues
  • Guide you through complex debugging workflows
  • Simulate circuits using SPICE to verify behavior

Learn more about AI testing and debugging

Getting Started with Flux

To begin using Flux:

  1. Open any Flux project
  2. Click the Chat tab in the right sidebar
  3. Ask a question or request assistance
  4. Interact with Flux's responses to refine your design

For detailed instructions, visit our Getting Started with Flux guide.

Best Practices for Working with Flux

To get the most out of Flux:

  1. Be specific in your requests - The more details you provide, the more targeted Flux's assistance will be
  2. Use iterative conversations - Build on previous questions to refine your design
  3. Combine with your expertise - Use Flux as a tool to augment your knowledge, not replace it
  4. Share context - Let Flux know about specific constraints or requirements
  5. Explore alternatives - Ask Flux to suggest different approaches to the same problem

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Response Quality

If Flux's responses aren't as helpful as expected:

  • Try rephrasing your question to be more specific
  • Break complex questions into smaller, focused queries
  • Provide additional context about your design goals

Technical Limitations

Remember that while Flux is powerful, it has limitations:

  • It may not have knowledge of very recent components or standards
  • Complex, multi-step reasoning might require breaking down into smaller steps
  • Always verify critical design decisions with appropriate reference materials

What's Next

Now that you understand how AI can assist with hardware design, you might want to explore:

Previous

Custom Shapes

Next

PCB Design Reviews (DRC)