Known Limitations
Current product limitations, expected behavior boundaries, and workarounds.
Protoboard is in alpha. The core workflow (place parts, connect them, validate, export) is solid, but there are rough edges. This page documents the current limitations so you know what to expect and can plan around them.
Parts library coverage
The parts library is growing but doesn't have every component. You may not find your specific part, especially for niche, very new, or region-specific components.
Workaround: Create a blank part with the correct interfaces and resources. Blank parts work identically to library parts for DRC and BOM purposes. You can add manufacturer info and pricing manually.
ProtoBot accuracy
ProtoBot's quality depends on the AI model you select and the specificity of your prompt. Lighter models are faster and cheaper (less energy) but may misunderstand complex requests. Heavier models handle nuance better but consume more Wh.
What to expect:
Simple tasks (search, place, basic wiring) work reliably across most models
Complex tasks (multi-step DRC diagnosis, architecture suggestions) benefit from more capable models
ProtoBot may occasionally suggest incorrect fixes, so always review its changes before accepting
Workaround: Use specific, detailed prompts. Break complex tasks into smaller steps. Switch models if the current one isn't performing well. See prompt patterns for tested prompts.
No real-time collaboration
Only one user can edit a board at a time. There's no live cursor, no concurrent editing, and no conflict resolution for simultaneous changes.
Workaround: Coordinate with your team on who's editing which board. Use the Share feature for view-only access so others can review without risking conflicts. Duplicate boards if multiple people need to experiment independently.
Export format limitations
The BOM currently exports to CSV and PDF only. There's no export to EDA formats like KiCad, Eagle, or Altium.
What this means: Protoboard validates your design and produces a parts list, but you'll need to recreate the schematic in your EDA tool of choice. EDA export is on the roadmap.
Workaround: Use the CSV export to import your parts list into your EDA tool's BOM manager. The part numbers and manufacturer data carry over cleanly.
Domain validation depth
Electrical domain validation is the most mature. Thermal, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic domain validation is more basic.
What to expect:
Workaround: For mechanical, pneumatic, or thermal designs, use Protoboard for system-level architecture validation and rely on domain-specific tools (CAD, CFD) for detailed analysis.
OpenAI models only
ProtoBot currently supports OpenAI models only (gpt-5.4 and gpt-5.5). Other providers are not available at this time.
Energy consumption variability
Different AI models consume energy at very different rates. A complex request to a capable model might use 5-10x the energy of the same request to a lighter model.
What to expect: Your daily energy budget may last anywhere from a few dozen to a few hundred interactions, depending on your model choices and request complexity.
Workaround: Monitor your energy balance in the ProtoBot panel. Use lighter models for routine tasks (search, placement) and reserve heavier models for tasks that benefit from deeper reasoning (DRC diagnosis, architecture review). See Usage, Energy, and Privacy.
Board complexity limits
Very large boards (50+ parts with complex interconnections) may experience slower canvas rendering and longer DRC run times.
What to expect: The canvas remains usable, but interactions may feel sluggish. DRC may take several seconds instead of being near-instant.
Workaround: Split very large systems into multiple boards organized by subsystem. This also makes designs easier to understand and maintain.
Offline access
Protoboard requires an internet connection. You can't use it offline.
What to expect: If you lose connectivity mid-session, edits may not save. The autosave system helps prevent data loss, but it's not a substitute for a stable connection.
Workaround: Work on a stable connection. If you're in a low-connectivity environment, consider exporting your board data before going offline.
Browser compatibility
Protoboard is optimized for Chromium-based browsers (Chrome, Edge, Brave). Firefox and Safari are generally supported but may have minor rendering differences, especially on the canvas.
Workaround: Use the latest version of Google Chrome for the best experience.
Feature requests and roadmap
Have a feature in mind that would solve one of these limitations? Use the feedback button in the app. Feature requests directly inform the roadmap, and frequently requested features get prioritized.
Related pages
Changelog: See what's changed recently
FAQ: General questions and answers
Troubleshooting: Fixes for specific issues
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