🤖 AI Summary
This paper addresses the automated layout design problem for stripboard (perfboard) circuits. We propose a declarative synthesis and multi-objective optimization approach based on Answer Set Programming (ASP). The problem is modeled holistically to enforce electrical connectivity, geometric constraints, and minimization of wire crossings. A two-stage solving strategy is adopted: first ensuring layout feasibility, then jointly optimizing board area and the number of component jumper connections (i.e., through-hole interconnections). Unlike traditional heuristic methods, our declarative formulation naturally encodes complex domain constraints, yielding higher-quality and more manufacturable solutions. Experimental evaluation across circuits of varying complexity demonstrates that our method consistently produces compact, low-crossing, and solder-friendly layouts—achieving an average 18.7% reduction in board area and a 32.4% decrease in jumper count. The approach is particularly suitable for electronic prototyping and educational applications.
📝 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.