Patent ID: 7640524

Claim:
A computer-implemented method, comprising: inputting a netlist into a computer, the netlist comprising nodes identifying a plurality of interconnected components comprising a first component, a second component, and a third component, at least one connection between the first component and the second component, and at least one connection between the second component and the third component; when at least one first pair of symbols of the netlist has been placed in a wiring harness layout, selecting a next pair of symbols to place in the layout comprising at least one symbol of the first pair; when there is at least one predefined symbol in the netlist, determining, using a processor, a connection strength for predefined symbols in the netlist, the connection strength being a measure of the total number of connections between a symbol and other symbols to which the symbol connects and selecting as the next pair of symbols a pair of symbols having a highest connection strength and comprising a predefined symbol; selecting, for placement of pins, a side of one symbol of the next pair of symbols; and arranging pins along the side to increase a directness of connection between the symbols.