PCB design has moved beyond component placement. AI now generates symbols, footprints, and translates designs across multiple CAD tools automatically. Nidhi Agarwal and Saba Aafreen from EFY speak with Suresh Kumar Muthusamy of Zettaone Technologies to explore the technology, strategy, and vision behind PCBPartz, a platform redefining PCB design workflows and automation.
Q. What is PCBPartz, how did it start, and what is its mission?
A. PCBPartz is a brand under Zettaone Technologies, developed in collaboration with PCB Libraries. We combined our embedded systems expertise with strengths in PCB design automation, including symbol, footprint, 3D model, and library creation.
PCBPartz was created to address a recurring issue: engineers repeatedly recreate schematic symbols and PCB footprints due to inconsistent CAD formats. To solve this, the platform generates these elements in a neutral format compatible across multiple CAD tools, reducing duplication and imporving efficiency.
We launched the brand about three years ago, the initial phase focused on backend development before entering the market. The mission is to provide ready-to-use PCB design content that helps engineers save time and accelerate design workflows.
Q. What unique problem does PCBPartz solve, and how does it fill the market gap?
A. The biggest challenge we saw was duplication of effort. The same electronic components are used across multiple designs, yet engineers repeatedly had to manually create circuit symbols and PCB footprints. While automation tools exist, they are usually limited to specific CAD tools. What makes PCBPartz unique is that we provide circuit symbols, footprints, and 3D models in a neutral format that can be exported across multiple CAD platforms. We also automate the process by extracting data directly from datasheets to generate these elements. In a way, the platform acts like a ready to use CAD library, helping engineers save time, reduce repetitive work, and improve design efficiency.
Q. Is PCBPartz essentially an EDA tool?
A. PCBPartz operates as a platform combined with EDA capabilities rather than just a standalone tool. We have built a large database of around 19+ million parts, which forms the core content. This content is processed by our EDA tools, including our AI-driven system for generating circuit symbols and footprints, as well as Footprint Expert. So, it is a combination of a rich parts database and intelligent design automation tools working together.
Q. How does PCBPartz compare to other EDA tools, and what sets it apart?
A. The platform stands out for the quality and reliability of its content It is built around industry-proven tools like Footprint Expert, which is widely regarded as a benchmark for footprint creation and even integrated into workflows by major players. Unlike platforms that rely on freely contributed and often unverified content from hobbyists, we focus on professionally created and rigorously controlled data. Every part in PCBPartz goes through a structured process, ensuring high accuracy and consistency. We also combine this with robust automation, in which circuit symbols and footprints are generated. Overall, PCBPartz is designed as a professional grade platform for both B2B and B2C users, prioritising precision, reliability, and scalability over open but less controlled libraries.
Q. Could you also mention your main competitors?
A. Our main competitors include Ultra Librarian and SnapEDA. The key difference is that PCBPartz focuses on professionally created, highly controlled, and dynamic content, rather than static or community-driven libraries. We combine automation, real-world validation, and flexibility across multiple CAD tools, which helps deliver higher accuracy and reliability in design workflows.
Q. How do you compete with tools like Ultra Librarian or similar solutions?
A. The key difference is our foundation and approach. Legacy tools such as Ultra Librarian have been in the market for a long time but are relatively less flexible. PCBPartz is built around Footprint Expert, a recognised benchmark in footprint creation and already used across many large enterprises. It also offers a dynamic library system instead of static content, making it more flexible, user-friendly, and adaptable to different workflows. This flexibility provides a strong edge in modern design environments.
Q. What is the fundamental structure of PCBPartz as a platform and tool?
A. PCBPartz is built as a fully cloud-based platform. The entire system, including tools and licensing, is managed through the cloud. Designed as an end-to-end solution, it allows users to simply log in and begin working without a complex setup. This ensures accessibility, scalability, and seamless integration into engineering workflows.
Q. Can you explain AI Symbol Expert, Footprint Expert, and the translator in simple terms?
A. Think of the whole PCBPartz platform like a smart assistant for PCB design.
- AI Symbol Expert is like a reader that looks at a component’s datasheet and automatically draws the circuit symbol for you, instead of you doing it manually.
- Footprint Expert is like a precise map maker. It creates the exact layout of how a component should sit on the PCB, ensuring it fits perfectly for manufacturing.
- The translator is like a language converter. It takes these designs and converts them into the exact format required by different CAD tools, eliminating compatibility concerns.
Together, they make the entire workflow smooth and easy. Even beginners can quickly start designing without spending too much time learning complex processes, while experienced engineers can work faster and more efficiently.
Q. How does your AI tool improve PCB design workflows?
A. Our AI tool eliminates the need for manual datasheet interpretation when creating circuit symbols. Typically, engineers have to open datasheets, extract pin details, and input them into CAD tools, which is time-consuming. We built a model that automatically reads datasheets, extracts pin names, numbers, and configurations, and generates circuit symbols. It also learns standard design practices, like proper pin alignment and placement, to ensure consistency. The tool then integrates directly with our schematic design system and outputs symbols that can be exported to any CAD tool of the user’s choice. This significantly speeds up the workflow while reducing manual effort and errors.
Q. How does the translator convert datasheets or legacy libraries into usable PCB design assets?
A. The translator primarily addresses the problem of moving data between different CAD tools. In electronics, design data is not in a neutral format, so when companies switch tools, their existing libraries and designs don’t easily transfer. Our platform creates parts in a neutral, flexible format, which can then be translated into the native format of any target CAD tool. This makes it easy to migrate legacy libraries and even entire designs without rebuilding them from scratch. We also support large-scale migrations when companies switch between tools from Siemens or Cadence Design Systems. In such cases, the translator converts existing data into the new environment, saving significant time and effort while ensuring continuity in design workflows.
Q. Can the AI Symbol Expert be used independently with other EDA tools?
A. Yes, it works both as a plug-in and as a standalone solution. Our AI Symbol Expert integrates with major CAD tools from Cadence Design Systems, Siemens, Altium, and Zuken, serving as a plug-in to automate circuit symbol generation within existing workflows. At the same time, it can also be used independently. Designers can use it to generate symbols and then export them into their preferred CAD tool. This flexibility ensures it fits easily into any design environment while reducing manual effort.
Q. Which CAD platforms does PCBPartz support?
A. PCBPartz supports a wide range of industry-standard CAD tools, including solutions from Siemens (formerly Mentor Graphics), Cadence Design Systems (Allegro and OrCAD), Altium, as well as tools from Zuken, Pulsonix, and Autodesk (Eagle / Fusion 360). We also support several other smaller CAD platforms in the ecosystem.
Q. How does PCBPartz integrate with existing EDA workflows for designers?
A. Our platform integrates with major CAD tools and streamlines PCB design. It is designed to fit seamlessly into existing workflows without disrupting them. We use native translators that generate circuit symbols and footprints directly in the format of the user’s chosen CAD tool, whether it’s from Cadence Design Systems, Siemens, Altium or others. Unlike static libraries, our platform is dynamic. Designers can set their own preferences based on their company’s manufacturing flow, and the system automatically customises the output accordingly. Designers can define preferences based on organisational manufacturing workflows, and the system automatically customises outputs accordingly. This ensures smooth integration into existing design processes.
Q. Can you describe the architecture and cloud setup behind PCBPartz?
A. The architecture is fully cloud-based and built on Amazon Web Services. The entire backend infrastructure runs on AWS, ensuring scalability and reliability. It follows a full-stack architecture, with the backend hosted on AWS and the frontend deployed in the cloud. The platform is built using technologies like Node.js for the backend and React for the frontend, enabling a responsive and scalable system.
Q. Are there similar AI symbol tools in the market, and how is AI used here?
A. There have been some attempts in the industry, but very few players are actively using AI at scale in the CAD library space. In our case, the AI is built from years of learning at Zettaone Technologies. We have converted that domain expertise into models that automate tasks like symbol creation, pin mapping, and layout structuring. So, rather than just offering basic automation, the AI learns from real-world engineering practices and applies that knowledge to streamline design workflows, where it adds the most value.
Q. What key design challenges did you face while implementing this technology?
A. A major challenge was handling user preferences. While we aim to automate parts of the workflow, every engineer has their own way of creating circuit symbols and designing schematics. So, the difficulty was not just automation, but making it flexible enough to adapt to different styles. We are still continuously learning from user behaviour and refining the system to offer more customisation, so engineers can generate symbols that match their preferred design approach.
Q. How do you validate and test the accuracy of your tools?
A. We follow a multi-level validation approach. At Zettaone Technologies, we have a dedicated software testing team that ensures quality at the code and application level. Beyond that, the tool is extensively used internally by over 200 engineers in real design workflows, which acts as continuous practical validation. This ensures the outputs are tested in day-to-day use. We also have rapid feedback and bug fixing processes, so any issues identified are quickly addressed, keeping the system reliable and up to date.
Q. How do you ensure high quality and reliability across outputs?
A. Quality comes from both our process and real-world validation. At Zettaone Technologies, we have a dedicated team of around 30 engineers focused on content creation, following a structured ‘four eye’ review system, one creator and two verifiers to ensure accuracy. We also automate much of this validation, but the key difference is that our parts are not just created; they are actually used in our own designs. These designs go through manufacturing and testing, which means every circuit symbol and footprint is practically validated. We call these ‘golden parts’ content that is designed, verified, and proven in real production workflows, ensuring high reliability.
Q. Can you describe the R&D and lab facilities behind PCBPartz?
A. PCBPartz is primarily a content and software-driven platform, so the focus is less on physical lab infrastructure and more on engineering expertise and digital systems. The broader R&D setup comes from Zettaone Technologies, which has a strong presence in Bengaluru across multiple locations. Since Zettaone works on a wide range of electronic designs, insights from these projects feed directly into PCBPartz’s development. In terms of infrastructure, it primarily relies on skilled engineering teams, computing systems, and cloud-based servers rather than traditional hardware labs, since the product is software- and content-focused.
Q. What is the revenue generation model of PCBPartz?
A. Our revenue comes from both tool sales and subscriptions. We sell tools like Footprint Expert and Symbol Expert in the market. For PCBPartz, the platform itself follows a subscription model. Currently, we are offering it free for a limited period to drive adoption and bring users into the ecosystem, after which it will be monetised through subscriptions.
Q. Who are your target customers?
A. Any company involved in electronics design is our target customer. This includes large OEMs, semiconductor companies, and organisations including industrial, automotive, aerospace defence, and medical. Any organisation designing PCBs or electronic systems can benefit from the platform.
Q. Are you also looking for new distributors or channel partners?
A. Yes, as a global platform, there is active interest in partnering with distributors and channel partners worldwide. The focus is on expanding the partner ecosystem to increase reach and adoption.
Q. Are you looking for ecosystem or academic partnerships, and are you collaborating with any institutes?
A. Yes, we are actively looking to collaborate with ecosystem partners and academic institutions. We plan to offer the platform free for students and the broader community to encourage learning and adoption. We are engaging with institutes that have strong electronics labs or incubation centres, including organisations like the Indian Institutes of Technology and the Indian Institute of Information Technology, and other universities with strong technology hubs.
Q. Do you plan to integrate real-time supply chain or availability data into your outputs?
A. Yes, we are already working on this. We have built integrations and APIs with distributors like Digi-Key, Mouser Electronics, Arrow Electronics, and Avnet. We are also collaborating with OEMs such as Texas Instruments and Microchip Technology, with more partnerships in progress. The goal is to enable real-time component availability and supply chain insights directly within the platform, making it easier for designers to move seamlessly from design to procurement.
Q. Beyond symbols and footprints, what new AI capabilities or PCB automation features are planned?
A. We are working on automating broader workflows, especially those related to library management and supply chain integration. The goal is to unify various cross-platform services into a single, streamlined solution, making PCB design and component management more efficient and automated.
Q. Where do you see PCBPartz in the next 3–5 years, and what is the ultimate goal?
A. Our aim is to become the market leader in PCB library content, offering the largest and highest-quality database. We want PCBPartz to be the go to platform for any library needs, ultimately driving global adoption and becoming the standard tool for PCB design automation and ecosystem integration.
Q. Do you think AI automation could replace PCB design engineers in the future?
A. Not really. AI is more about enhancing engineers’ efficiency rather than replacing them. It helps reduce manual effort, minimise errors, and speed up design cycles. In hardware design, mistakes are costly in both time and money, so automation ensures greater accuracy and reliability. This allows engineers to focus on innovation, handle more designs, and bring products to market faster, rather than being replaced by the technology.
Q. Is there anything else you would like to add for our readers?
A. One key point is that a lot of duplication happens in creating the same circuit symbols and footprints repeatedly across the industry. All of PCBPartz’s tools and content are built around industry standards, specifically IPC 7351, ensuring compliance and consistency. This standardisation, combined with our automation, helps reduce redundancy and improve reliability for designers.
