🚀 AI Revolution in PCB Design: What Do Engineers Say?

[Ahmet Ö.]

The results of the "2026 PCB Design Tools and Component Selection Survey," conducted by Weidmüller USA with 400 engineers in North America, have been announced. The survey reveals how engineers approach PCB design, evaluate components, and utilize new tools like artificial intelligence in their workflows.

🔍 Reliability Above All Else​

• Nearly 80% of engineers prioritize product reliability when selecting components for their PCB designs.
  
• Component performance is also among the most significant reasons for engineers to switch products.
  

🤖 AI Accelerates Workflow​

• According to the survey, over 90% of engineers have used AI-based tools in their PCB design workflows.
  
• 75% of participants view AI tools as a layer of productivity and acceleration to increase efficiency and speed up design iterations in their current workflows.
  
• Faster design iterations stand out as the primary value of artificial intelligence.
  

💡 Decision-Making Process and Component Selection​

• Nearly half of the engineers state that their component selections for a new PCB design are completed during the early concept phase or schematic design phase.
  
• 26% indicate that component selection is often iterative across multiple phases.
  

📊 Other Key Findings​

• Approximately 80% of participants state that "high reliability and durability" are the most important features for device connectivity, while only 22% say that price is the most critical factor in their decision-making processes.
  
• The most important factors for trying a new product or component in the last three years are listed as better performance, cost savings, and improved reliability.
  
• When asked about what they "wish for" in AI tools, engineers point out gaps between the promises of AI and reality in areas such as real-time error detection and fully autonomous text-to-PCB conversion.