Overview

Overview of Physics Rule Checks (PRCs) applied by Quilter to validate user-defined physics constraints.

Physics rule checks (PRCs) validate candidates by ensuring that the critical parameters for each physics constraint are satisfied. Quilter produces PRC reports for every layout candidate it examines.

During Circuit Comprehension, Quilter reads your schematic and input board file to automatically detect Physics Constraints that capture the core physics concerns in your design. Quilter generates a set of PRCs for each identified constraint as a way to evaluate the implementation of that constraint in the layout candidates that it generates.

For example, Differential Pairsare checked to validate appropriate length matching, tightly coupled spacing, and ground plane overlap.

Continue reading for a complete overview of supported Physics Rule Checks and the associated physics constraints that they support.

PRCs by Constraint Type

Physics Constraint	Applied PRCs
Power Nets	Overheated Length
Timing-sensitive Signals	Coming soon
Single-ended Impedance Control	Invalid Width Span Ground Plane Overlap
Differential Pairs	Ground Plane Overlap Uncoupled Spacing Length Mismatch
Bypass Capacitors	Pin Distance Trace Path Length Layer Switch Count Ground Plane Overlap
Crystal Oscillators	Pin Distance Trace Path Length Layer Switch Count Ground Plane Overlap
Switching Converters	Pin Distance Trace Path Length Layer Switch Count Ground Plane Overlap

PRC Results

Example PRC result for a Bypass Capacitor constraint

During the review step, you will see passing and failing PRCs alongside candidates, allowing you to be confident that the design will work as expected. For failing PRCs, the documentation for each PRC provides more insight into the listed error.

For more information on interpreting PRC results, see Reviewing PRCs.