Diode Computers, Inc. - Automated electronic engineering using AI
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AI Meets Electronics: The Innovative Approach of Diode Computers

Diode Computers, Inc. is revolutionizing the field of electronic engineering through automation and artificial intelligence. Established in 2024 and headquartered in New York, this innovative start-up consists of a small but highly skilled team of two founders, Davide Asnaghi and Lenny Khazan. Partnering with Diana Hu, they have set out to transform the way hardware design is approached, making it as seamless and efficient as possible. Diode's mission is to automate the creation of printed circuit boards (PCBs) using generative AI models, significantly reducing the time required to design and produce custom PCBs from weeks to mere minutes.

How Did Diode Computers Get Started?

The inception of Diode Computers stemmed from the founders' extensive experience and frustrations in the hardware design industry. Both Davide Asnaghi and Lenny Khazan have previously worked at major companies like Apple, where they frequently encountered persistent issues with PCBs that never functioned correctly on the first try. These recurring problems often necessitated either intricate micro-soldering repairs or complete redesigns of the boards, which was both time-consuming and costly. Driven by a desire to eliminate these inefficiencies, Davide and Lenny decided to establish a company that could automate and streamline the hardware design process, ensuring that PCBs would work flawlessly from the outset.

What is the Long-Term Vision of Diode Computers?

Diode Computers envisions a future where hardware design mimics the speed and flexibility of software development. The founders aim to introduce fast iteration cycles, error-checking mechanisms akin to software compilers, and reusable components that can be easily integrated and adapted for various projects. By achieving these goals, Diode hopes to transform the hardware design landscape, making it more accessible, efficient, and reliable. Their initial focus is on providing customizable, build-to-order development boards for components like the NVIDIA Jetson Nano, enabling rapid prototyping and deployment of electronic projects.

How Does Diode Automate Hardware Design?

Diode Computers utilizes advanced AI technology to automate the design and production of PCBs. The process is simplified into three main steps, making it accessible even to those without extensive hardware design experience:

Step 1: Pick a Base

Customers begin by selecting a base development board from a range of supported options, including popular choices like the Jetson Nano, Orin, and ESP32. This base serves as the foundation upon which the custom PCB will be built.

Step 2: Choose Your Add-Ons

Next, customers can choose from a variety of add-ons to customize their PCB according to their specific needs. Options include Power over Ethernet (PoE), cameras, custom sensors, and more. These add-ons are seamlessly integrated into the design layout.

Step 3: Get Your Board

Once the specifications are finalized, Diode’s AI-driven system takes over. The design is generated, reviewed by a human expert for accuracy, and then sent for manufacturing. The final product is delivered to the customer within days, ready for immediate use.

How Does Diode's AI Technology Work?

Diode Computers leverages a combination of AI datasheet parsing, modular composition, and autorouting to create custom PCBs efficiently and accurately.

AI Datasheet Parsing

The AI system automatically parses datasheets for the selected components, extracting critical information such as pinouts, footprints, and reference designs. This ensures that all components are correctly integrated into the PCB design, minimizing errors and optimizing functionality.

Modular Composition

Diode describes their schematics in code, allowing for modular reuse and extensibility. This approach enables the system to custom-generate PCBs tailored to the specific requirements of each project. By utilizing reusable modules, the design process becomes more efficient and adaptable.

Autorouting and Manual Review

The AI system automatically routes the PCB design, ensuring optimal layout and connectivity. To maintain high standards of quality and reliability, every design undergoes a thorough manual review by a human expert before being sent to manufacturing. This combination of automation and human oversight guarantees that each PCB meets the highest standards of performance and accuracy.

Who Are the Founders of Diode Computers?

Davide Asnaghi

Davide Asnaghi is a seasoned electronic engineer with a wealth of experience in designing electronics and firmware, ranging from custom silicon to printed circuit boards. His passion for making hardware design accessible and efficient drives the innovation at Diode. When not immersed in his work, Davide enjoys sailing and is planning an ambitious Atlantic Ocean crossing in 2027, for which he is currently seeking crew members.

Lenny Khazan

Lenny Khazan shares Davide’s vision of simplifying electronics design. His background in hardware design and his commitment to creating user-friendly solutions are key to Diode’s success. Together, Davide and Lenny form a dynamic team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in electronic engineering.

What Makes Diode's Solution Unique?

Diode Computers stands out in the electronic engineering landscape due to its innovative use of AI to automate and streamline the PCB design process. The key features that set Diode apart include:

  • Speed and Efficiency: Diode’s AI-driven approach drastically reduces the time required to design and produce custom PCBs, making rapid prototyping and deployment possible.
  • User-Friendly Process: The three-step process of selecting a base, choosing add-ons, and receiving a custom-built board is straightforward and accessible, even for those without extensive hardware design knowledge.
  • High-Quality Output: The combination of AI automation and human review ensures that each PCB is accurately designed and manufactured to the highest standards.
  • Modular Design: Diode’s use of modular composition allows for flexible and customizable PCB designs that can be easily adapted for different projects and applications.

How Can You Experience Diode's Technology?

Diode Computers offers a live demo of their tools, showcasing the capabilities of their AI-driven PCB design process. Interested individuals and organizations can visit their website to see the technology in action and explore how Diode can help bring their hardware projects to life.

Conclusion

Diode Computers, Inc. is at the forefront of revolutionizing hardware design through automation and AI. With a clear vision, innovative technology, and a commitment to making electronic engineering more efficient and accessible, Diode is poised to make a significant impact on the industry. As they continue to develop and refine their solutions, the future of hardware design looks faster, more flexible, and more reliable, thanks to the groundbreaking work of Diode Computers.