The Flux Method: A Modern Approach to PCB Design

These are the foundational principles that Flux was built on inspired by our experience working with world-class hardware teams.

Never Start From Scratch

We believe that enabling seamless re-usability can amplify the impact of individuals and organizations.

Most hardware projects start from scratch because it's difficult to find relevant projects you can trust, re-build them in your tool of choice, and sync part libraries.

Flux was built from the ground up with re-usability in mind at every level. We make it easy to find templates, projects, and components to give you a head start, as well as create your own re-usable components.

  • Start with templates for popular platforms like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, and others published by the community and even create your own.
  • Reuse Components built and tested by some of the best engineers in the world instead of making them yourself. No more importing and syncing libraries.
  • Re-use sections of a layout, called modules, to drop in fully functional regions to your design like a USB-C module instead of starting from scratch.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

We believe that hardware design doesn't need to be hard, you just need to have the right tools to make design easier.

Sometimes, the hardest part of designing hardware is figuring out how to use your EDA tool. EDA tools are meant to take the load off the designer, but most of the time they just make life harder.

Flux is constantly developing new features and workflows that take the difficulty out of design. We believe that the right EDA tool should help you work smarter, not harder.

  • Flux Copilot is Flux's chat-based AI design assistant that acts as a personalized design expert at your side at all times.
  • Get real-time advice and feedback on your design to find out if you made mistakes and avoid them altogether.
  • Have Copilot make design suggestions and implement those changes to your project for you.

Work Better Together

We believe the best hardware teams break down communication barriers and make it easy to keep stakeholders in the loop.

Building hardware often requires coordination with teammates, clients, manufacturers, and other stakeholders. So, why is it that traditional EDA software makes it so hard to work together?

Flux lives in the browser and enables seamless collaboration with anyone just by sharing a link. Get feedback during your design process instead of waiting for formal design reviews cycles.

Stay in the Flow

We believe that reducing distractions and repetitive tasks can keep you in the flow and recapture the fun of making hardware.

Traditional EDA tools take you out of the design flow with modals on top of modals, requiring you to switch between different applications, miles deep config menus and performing repetitive tasks.

Flux integrates key workflows into a single app to keep you in the flow and reduce distractions.

  • Choose specific parts later with generic components that let you you make decisions about MPN, package size, and more, later on.
  • Check pricing & availability of all major distributors - such as Digi-Key, Mouser, and LCSC - without leaving the app.

Best Practices for Implementing the Flux Method

  1. Start with community templates: Begin new projects using existing templates to save time and leverage proven designs
  2. Create reusable modules: Design circuit blocks that can be reused across multiple projects
  3. Collaborate throughout the design process: Share your designs early and often for feedback
  4. Use generic components initially: Defer specific part selection until your design concept is solidified
  5. Leverage Copilot for guidance: Ask the AI assistant for help with design decisions and best practices

Troubleshooting Common Workflow Issues

Finding the Right Templates

  • Use the search function to find templates by application or platform
  • Check the community showcase for featured projects that might serve as templates
  • If you can't find an exact match, look for similar projects that can be modified

Collaboration Challenges

  • Ensure team members have the appropriate permissions for their roles
  • Use comments to communicate about specific design elements
  • Create a shared understanding of project requirements before beginning design work

Part Selection Difficulties

  • Start with generic components to focus on functionality first
  • Use Copilot to help identify appropriate parts based on your requirements
  • Check availability across multiple distributors before finalizing part selection

What's Next

Now that you understand the Flux Method, you might want to explore:

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Next to read:
What is Flux? A Modern Browser-Based PCB Design Tool
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The Flux Method: A Modern Approach to PCB DesignNever Start From ScratchWork Smarter, Not HarderWork Better TogetherStay in the FlowBest Practices for Implementing the Flux MethodTroubleshooting Common Workflow IssuesFinding the Right TemplatesCollaboration ChallengesPart Selection DifficultiesWhat's Next