PDN DC voltage/current analysis, IR drop, design rule checking, and multi-net batch analysis on imported PCB layouts. TRIGGER: user asks about power integrity, PDN analysis, IR drop, voltage distribution, current density, power nets, or design rule checking on a PCB. Invoke BEFORE writing code — the PDN API chain is specialized and non-obvious. SKIP: importing a PCB file (use matlab-read-pcb-layout), EM field/S-parameter extraction (use matlab-analyze-em), material/stackup setup only (use matlab
SkillScore82Maintained
Automatic
◆Coding pack
Last verified 8/17/2026
What it changes
Passed 18 of 22 test cases with the skill, and 8 of 22 without it.
Without skill36%
With skill82%
Checks it passed that the model alone missed
Identifies that Sense is a mandatory parameter in setNetworkParameters.
Uses cadnetList to retrieve the table of board nets from the layout object.
Calls voltage on the PDN object with the parameter option ShowViolation=true.
and 11 more in the full report
10 fixed8 passed either way4 still failing0 broke
Pass-rate lift
+45 pp
Tokens
+160%
Agent turns
0%
Response time
-40%
Model gemini-3.6-flashMeasured 8/17/2026v218 of 22 cases passed with skill
Tokens, turns and time describe resource use, not a dollar price.
See it in action
One of 10 test cases the skill fixed. Same model, same prompt, with and without the skill.
1 of 10
Prompt
When setting up network parameters for a PCB power network in MATLAB using `setNetworkParameters`, I want to set the via barrel copper plating thickness to 2 mils (approx 50 microns). What value and units should I pass to the `PlatingThickness` argument?
What was checked, without and with the skill
Checked
Without skill
With skill
Specifies that the PlatingThickness parameter value must be supplied in inches rather than meters or millimeters.
Missed
Passed
case-10 · gemini-3.6-flash · 8/17/2026 · answers are capped and redacted
What's inside
The instructions your model reads when the skill loads.
SKILL.md478 lines2 files
Analyzing Power Distribution Networks (PDN)
When to Use
Analyzing DC voltage and current distribution on PCB power rails
Checking design rules (max current density, voltage margins, via current limits)
Discovering and listing power nets on an imported PCB layout
Assigning source/load/sense topology for PDN analysis
Running batch analysis across multiple power rails on a board
Inferring nominal voltage from standard PCB net naming conventions
When NOT to Use
Importing PCB layouts (Gerber, ODB++, Allegro) — use matlab-read-pcb-layout
Analyzing S-parameters, fields, or EM performance — use matlab-analyze-em
Analyzing crosstalk between signal traces — use matlab-design-pcb-transmission-line
Defining dielectric or conductor materials — use matlab-manage-pcb-material
Modeling via structures — use matlab-model-via
Typical Workflow
Before:matlab-read-pcb-layout — import the PCB layout from Gerber/ODB++/Allegro
This skill: Run DC analysis, check IR drop, evaluate design rules, batch-analyze nets
After: Iterate on the physical design in CAD and re-import, or use results to inform stackup changes via matlab-manage-pcb-material