No code to write
Describe the board instead of writing TSX or setting up an AI agent with the tscircuit skill.
The tscircuit alternative that needs no code
tscircuit lets you write your PCB in React and TypeScript, because every board deserves a build step. You, or your own AI agent, write the code that describes each part and connection before anything gets routed, and you maintain that code as the design changes. siliXon takes a plain-English description instead and handles the parts, schematic, placement and routing, then gives you an editable board and a full fab package, no code, no compiler and no framework to learn.
Free plan. Runs in your browser.
Head to head
Who leads on what matters when you want a board.
siliXonYou design it, in the browser
tscircuitPCBs written in TypeScript
Starting point
siliXon: A plain-English description
tscircuit: TSX code, by you or your AI agent
siliXon leads.Skills you need
siliXon: None
tscircuit: TypeScript and React
siliXon leads.Who does the work
siliXon: siliXon; you steer and edit
tscircuit: You or your agent write code; it routes
siliXon leads.What you get
siliXon: An editable PCB and fab files
tscircuit: A PCB and fab files
Even.Time to first board
siliXon: Minutes
tscircuit: Hours to days
siliXon leads.Board complexity
siliXon: Up to 4 layers
tscircuit: Up to 10 layers
tscircuit leads.Layout prep
siliXon: None
tscircuit: Write the board as code
siliXon leads.
Verdict
Choose siliXon to get a board from a description, with no code.
Choose tscircuit to design boards as open-source TypeScript code.
siliXon todaysiliXon is in early beta and builds two- and four-layer, mostly digital boards. Review every design before fabrication.
Where tscircuit is strongerOpen source under MIT, designs as version-controlled code, SPICE simulation, KiCad import and export, and up to 10 layers.
Time to a prototype
siliXon
5 to 20 minutes
tscircuit
4 hours to 3 days
From an idea to a board you can send to a fab, on one scale from zero. Estimates for someone new to each tool.
What changes when you switch from tscircuit
Placement done for you
siliXon places parts automatically. In tscircuit you set coordinates in code, and auto-layout is in beta.
The schematic from your brief
siliXon picks the chips and draws the circuit. In tscircuit every connection is defined in code.
siliXon vs tscircuit: feature comparison
| Feature | |  |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | A plain-English description | TSX code, by you or an agent |
| AI generation | Generates the whole board | None built in; bring your own agent |
| PCB layout | Editable in 2D and 3D | Placement in code, automatic routing |
| Copper layers | Up to 4 | Up to 10 |
| Part selection | Real, available parts picked for you | Passives from JLCPCB; you pick chips |
| Design checks | Connectivity and manufacturing checks | Netlist, placement and routing checks |
| Fab outputs | Gerbers, drill, BOM and pick-and-place | Gerbers, drill, BOM and pick-and-place |
| Firmware | Programmable over USB, with flashing steps | Not stated |
| Layout prep | None; answer a few questions | Write every part and connection as code |
| Runs in | Browser | Browser editor and CLI |
siliXon is in early beta and builds two- and four-layer, mostly digital boards. Review every design before fabrication.
So far creating my first project for 10 min - onboarding seems quite smooth
I like the self validation and how it explains everything too, makes it easier for me to quickly cross reference and learn on the go
Response is very meaningful, I like how it asks you questions to verify and gives you the options to choose the answers with the recommended on the one it thinks is a better option
Good so far. It is helpful and gives me advice
I have to say I love the UI and UX, the front end is really fun to interact with, with the little dynamic touches etc
Super helpful and easy to use
Really good actually better than Flux ai
Compare siliXon with other tools
siliXon vs KiCadFree, open-source desktop EDA for schematics and PCB layout
siliXon vs Altium DesignerProfessional EDA for complex, multi-layer production boards
siliXon vs SchematikAI that turns a prompt into Arduino, ESP32 and Pico projects
siliXon vs Blueprint.ioAI build plans with parts, wiring and assembly steps
siliXon vs Flux.aiBrowser ECAD with an AI agent that designs alongside you
siliXon vs DiodeAI-assisted board design service, from spec to production
siliXon vs QuilterAI placement and routing from your finished schematic
siliXon vs SnapMagicAI copilot for Altium, built on the SnapEDA parts library
siliXon vs CELUSAI that turns requirements into schematics and a BOM
siliXon vs atopileCode-native electronics design, with an agent in the browsersiliXon vs tscircuit: your questions answered
Is tscircuit free?
Yes. It is open source under the MIT licence, and commercial use is allowed.
Does tscircuit generate boards from text?
Not by itself. You write TSX, or have your own AI agent write it using the tscircuit skill.
Which supports more layers?
tscircuit, with up to 10. siliXon builds boards of up to four layers during beta.
Can both export manufacturing files?
Yes. Both export Gerbers, drill data, a BOM and pick-and-place files.