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Declarative Synthesis and Multi-Objective Optimization of Stripboard Circuit Layouts Using Answer Set Programming

Fang Li

TL;DR

This work addresses the automation of stripboard (Veroboard) circuit layout by formulating the problem in Answer Set Programming (ASP) and solving it via a two-phase procedure: first to ensure feasible connectivity, then to optimize layout quality. The method includes a KiCad netlist parser, an ASP encoding on a 2D grid, feasibility synthesis, and multi-objective optimization that minimizes total strip crossings and board area, followed by normalization and visualization. Experimental results across several benchmark circuits show compact, manufacturable layouts with reasonable solve times, and a physical Guitar Pedal build validates practical applicability. The approach demonstrates the potential of declarative programming to solve complex design automation tasks in electronics prototyping and education.

Abstract

This paper presents a novel approach to automated stripboard circuit layout design using Answer Set Programming (ASP). The work formulates the layout problem as both a synthesis and multi-objective optimization task that simultaneously generates viable layouts while minimizing board area and component strip crossing. By leveraging ASP's declarative nature, this work expresses complex geometric and electrical constraints in a natural and concise manner. The two-phase solving methodology first ensures feasibility before optimizing layout quality. Experimental results demonstrate that this approach generates compact, manufacturable layouts for a range of circuit complexities. This work represents a significant advancement in automated stripboard layout, offering a practical tool for electronics prototyping and education while showcasing the power of declarative programming for solving complex design automation problems.

Declarative Synthesis and Multi-Objective Optimization of Stripboard Circuit Layouts Using Answer Set Programming

TL;DR

This work addresses the automation of stripboard (Veroboard) circuit layout by formulating the problem in Answer Set Programming (ASP) and solving it via a two-phase procedure: first to ensure feasible connectivity, then to optimize layout quality. The method includes a KiCad netlist parser, an ASP encoding on a 2D grid, feasibility synthesis, and multi-objective optimization that minimizes total strip crossings and board area, followed by normalization and visualization. Experimental results across several benchmark circuits show compact, manufacturable layouts with reasonable solve times, and a physical Guitar Pedal build validates practical applicability. The approach demonstrates the potential of declarative programming to solve complex design automation tasks in electronics prototyping and education.

Abstract

This paper presents a novel approach to automated stripboard circuit layout design using Answer Set Programming (ASP). The work formulates the layout problem as both a synthesis and multi-objective optimization task that simultaneously generates viable layouts while minimizing board area and component strip crossing. By leveraging ASP's declarative nature, this work expresses complex geometric and electrical constraints in a natural and concise manner. The two-phase solving methodology first ensures feasibility before optimizing layout quality. Experimental results demonstrate that this approach generates compact, manufacturable layouts for a range of circuit complexities. This work represents a significant advancement in automated stripboard layout, offering a practical tool for electronics prototyping and education while showcasing the power of declarative programming for solving complex design automation problems.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 22 sections, 3 figures, 2 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Background and Related Work
  3. Stripboard Circuit Design and Automation
  4. Automated Circuit Layout
  5. Answer Set Programming
  6. Declarative Programming in Circuit Design
  7. Methods
  8. Input Processing
  9. ASP Encoding
  10. Two-Phase ASP Solving
  11. Phase 1: Feasibility Synthesis
  12. Phase 2: Optimization
  13. Layout Normalization and Visualization
  14. Results
  15. Benchmark Circuits and Layout Quality
  16. ...and 7 more sections

Figures (3)

  • Figure 1: Full workflow of the stripboard layout synthesis and optimization system
  • Figure 2: Example visualization of a generated stripboard layout showing component placement, strips, and connections
  • Figure 3: Comparison between the original Guitar Pedal circuit schematic and the generated stripboard layout