This guide uses Trace desktop to create a small passive RC low-pass filter. The goal is a saved, reviewed schematic—not a fabrication-ready board.
1. Create a New Project
After installation, choose New project on the desktop start page. Name it RC-Filter and choose a local save location. Open its schematic from the project tree.
Already have a saved design? Choose Open project… and work on a copy for your first exercise.
The creation prompt below assumes an empty schematic. On an existing design, request a review or one targeted change instead; do not paste it unchanged.
2. Choose a Model and Ask a Question
Open the assistant beside the schematic. Select the chat's Ask mode, and use Choose model to pick a supported model. A toolbar Ask Trace or Command Box can instead find editor tools in some builds; it is not the chat mode selector. The desktop requires a model choice before sending; account and usage conditions also apply. See Models and Billing.
Send:
Explain a passive RC low-pass filter with a 1 kΩ series resistor
and a 100 nF capacitor from output to ground. Assume an external
0–1 V signal source with negligible output resistance and a
1 MΩ output load. Calculate the nominal unloaded cutoff.
Do not change any files.
The nominal unloaded cutoff is 1 / (2πRC) ≈ 1591.55 Hz. Real source impedance, load, and component tolerances affect the response. Ask remains read-only; it does not automatically switch into editing.
3. Make a Bounded Change
Here, 0805 means imperial 0805 (metric 2012), approximately 2.0 mm × 1.25 mm—not metric 0805. Select Agent and send:
In this empty schematic, create only the passive RC filter:
- R1 = 1 kΩ, C1 = 100 nF, both 0805.
- J1 and J2 = two-pin 2.54 mm headers.
- J1 pin 1 = IN; J1 pin 2 = GND.
- R1 connects IN to OUT; C1 connects OUT to GND.
- J2 pin 1 = OUT; J2 pin 2 = GND.
Label the signal and ground connections clearly.
The signal source and 1 MΩ load are external; do not add a supply,
MCU, amplifier, or voltage source to the product schematic.
Do not place or route the PCB.
Follow the activity rows and answer any remaining part/package questions. A written statement that work finished is not enough: inspect the actual drawing.
4. Review and Save
Check that there is one resistor, one capacitor, and two connectors, with the exact pin-to-net connections above. Inspect the selected footprints, values, and labels. Save the schematic and run ERC.
Review every ERC finding; do not add a fake power source just to silence a warning. ERC checks electrical rules, not the filter's frequency response.
Keep the native design and its .xo drawing together. Opening the saved schematic again is a useful check that your work was persisted.
If the Task Does Not Finish
Use the displayed error or review control. If delivery is uncertain, check the chat and design before sending the same edit again. Stop does not undo completed changes. See Chat for queue, Stop, and Resume behavior.
Next Steps
- Your First PCB: complete the footprint, board, routing, and export review.
- Schematic drawing: improve presentation without changing circuit intent.
- Simulation: evaluate a supported bench using known external stimulus and load.
- Using Prompts: write precise requests for later changes.