Design hardware in the fast lane with Flux's new steerable agent

Hardware design doesn't happen in a straight line.

You start with an idea and work towards a goal, but things take a turn in the middle. Parts change, requirements sharpen -- you get the drift. That's where most hardware projects slow down, or worse -- stop entirely.

So today, we're introducing an upgraded version of the Flux agent that's more steerable, more adaptive, and faster.

Steerable means Flux can change course as you introduce new information. Adaptive means it can discover new information and adjust its approach on its own. The result is a Flux that stays in sync with you and your intent as the project evolves.

Steer the agent

The distance between your idea and a manufacturable board are a large number of decisions, big and small. Flux closes this gap by making many of them autonomously, while keeping you in the loop. And now, Flux can also integrate your decisions on the fly without stops, pauses, or having to start over.

Flux autonomously spots and fixes issues like:

• We need reverse polarity protection on this battery connector
• These enable pins are floating
• The datasheet recommends very specific decoupling cap values

Flux can also integrate any decisions you make on the fly, such as:

• Add a TVS diode, to make this connector handle hot-plugging
• Switch to an integrated MCU, these peripherals are adding too much cost and complexity
• Use a certified radio module

We can't wait to see how fast you'll move from idea to PCB with the upgraded, steerable Flux agent.

What's been upgraded

1. Steer while the work is underway

Most projects evolve as the design takes shape. Flux now gives you a way to jump in mid-run to steer the work:

Put the connector on the other side

Add a power switch and ESD protection

Make sure the output ripple is acceptable

I prefer an ADI LDO

You don't need to get the entire spec right before starting. Flux adapts from the current state and continues the work, or stops if you told it to. You can course-correct as constraints become clearer, and directly collaborate with the agent and guide it with your expertise and judgment.

2. One thread, from idea to board

Start with a simple request and Flux will move forward in a single run.

For example:

Build me a USB-C powered ESP32 dev board with an SHT40 temperature and humidity sensor over I2C.

Flux will figure out the architecture for your project, select major components, build the schematic, make implementation decisions and document the most important ones, and summarize what it did when it is done.

3. A smarter, faster agent under the hood

Flux now does a better job communicating what it's doing with more legible, useful, and logically grouped status messages.

Flux now also provides a more concise summary after a run is completed, to help you quickly understand what's most important, without bothering you with boilerplate.

A step closer to true collaboration

Today's upgrade is faster, yes, and also smarter. But its steer-ability is what we're really excited to share. You can now catch false assumptions sooner, refine direction as the work progresses, and can keep momentum up without having perfect requirements upfront.

Flux now carries more of the execution, while you stay in control of the decisions that matter most to you. In other words, Flux drives, but your hand's on the wheel.

Try it on a real board today

Start with a project you can evaluate well. This way, you'll get a good feel for what Flux can do for you, and where you need to lean on your own expertise.

Start with a simple prompt. Then steer it while it works.

That is the new workflow: not prompt, wait, and regenerate -- but guide, inspect, and continue.