Novel Graph-Based Reinforcement Learning Approach for Multi-Power-Domain PCB PDN Shape and Stackup Synthesis

Chulsoon Hwang
Xu Gao
Jianmin Zhang
Haran Manoharan
Jingnan Pan
2025

Abstract

Efficient power plane and stackup optimization is critical for printed circuit board (PCB) power delivery networks (PDNs), particularly in multi-power-domain designs with stringent DC resistance (DCR) specifications. This work presents a novel reinforcement learning-based framework that assigns stackup layers for each power domain and iteratively refines power plane shapes to meet design constraints while ensuring non-overlapping layouts. The approach leverages Minimum Spanning Trees (MSTs) for initializing power plane shapes and dynamically refines them using the A* algorithm with weighted pathfinding, ensuring optimal connectivity and compliance with DCR requirements. Tested extensively on multi-power-domain scenarios, the algorithm demonstrates robust performance and scalability, offering an unprecedented solution to power plane and stackup optimization challenges in PCB PDN design
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