• Reliability is dominant priority in device connectivity for 79% of engineers
• Vast majority look to manufacturer websites and design software tools for evaluations
• AI now viewed as an increasingly normalized part of the engineering workflow, but real gaps exist between what PCB engineers wish for and realize in AI tools

Richmond, Va. (July 23, 2026) - Weidmuller USA, a leading provider of smart industrial connectivity and automation products and solutions headquartered in Richmond, Va., announces the release of significant findings from a national survey of 400 engineers in North America to understand how they design PCBs, evaluate components and use emerging tools such as AI in their workflow.

The study revealed that nearly 8 in 10 respondents placed the highest value on a product’s reliability when selecting components for PCB designs. Component performance also topped the list of reasons why the engineers would make a product switch.

According to the survey, conducted between April-May 2026 by global research and intelligence firm EETech Research, more than 9 in 10 engineers have used AI-based tools in their PCB design workflow. The majority of respondents – 75% – viewed AI tools as a productivity and acceleration layer within existing workflows for increased efficiency and faster design iteration.

The responding engineers also provided insights on their decision-making during the PCB design process, with almost half saying that component selections for a new PCB design are finalized during the early concept phase or in the schematic design phase.

Some key findings from this new survey include:

• An overwhelming majority – 79% – of respondents said “high reliability and durability” are the most important features for device connectivity, compared to only 22% saying price is most important in their decision-making.
• Top factors for trying a new product or component in the past 2-3 years are better performance, cost savings and improved reliability.
• 43% of respondents said most component selections for a new PCB design are finalized either in the early concept/architecture phase or in the schematic design phase, and 26% said component selection is usually iterative across multiple stages.
• 91% have used AI-based tools in their PCB design workflow, with faster design iterations being seen currently as the primary value of AI.
• When asked what they “wish existed” in AI tools, the study requested write-in answers which reveal that engineers see real and persistent gaps in the promise and reality of AI for PCB design, including lack of real-time error detection and fully autonomous text to the PCB board.

“This new research reinforces the importance that engineers place on improvement in performance, reliability, workflow efficiency and supply resilience, especially when these benefits are integrated directly into the PCB design process,” said John Froustet, Senior Director, Product Portfolio Management at Weidmuller USA. “While AI tools are increasingly looked to for speed and accuracy, many questions around data security and accuracy of results still linger.”

View the PCB Design Tools and Component Selection Survey.

Survey Methodology: EETech Research conducted a geo-targeted study of 400 engineers in North America. Data was collected via web survey during April-May 2026. Respondents were asked to complete an anonymous 28-question survey. The survey was commissioned by Weidmuller USA.

About Weidmuller USA

Weidmuller USA, headquartered in Richmond, Va. for more than 50 years, is a pioneer of innovation in smart industrial connectivity and automation products and solutions. As part of the globally renowned Weidmüller Group, the company leverages a rich legacy and expertise that spans across production sites, sales offices, and representatives in over 80 countries. Weidmuller USA’s commitment to industrial transformation and developing future-ready products tailored to customers is unwavering. Weidmuller USA’s mission is to power the pioneers of industry with cutting-edge and sustainable technology. Discover the next frontier of innovation at www.weidmuller.com.

About EETech

EETech is a community-driven technology company connecting engineers and technical professionals with the insights, resources, and updates that keep the electronics industry informed and innovative. That engaged global community of millions of engineers, paired with decades of industry research experience, is what allows EETech to deliver the research businesses rely on to make strategic decisions. Learn more at www.eetech.com.