Study of Via Optimization Problem Based on Estimation of Distribution Algorithm

Optimizing the number of vias is an important approach for improving the performance and the yield of printed circuit boards (PCBs). To optimize the vias of multilayer PCBs, first, we converted the circuit routing diagram into an undirected weighted topology. Then, the mathematical model of the via optimization problem was established on the basis of the topological weight segmentation method. Finally, it was solved using estimation of distribution algorithm (EDA). Compared with the traditional methods, the proposed method was intuitive and easy to implement with no invalid solution existing in the intermediate process and with high operation efficiency. The simulation experiments demonstrated that the proposed algorithm could effectively solve the via optimization problem, and EDA had faster convergence and better effectiveness than the genetic algorithm (GA).