How to Make a 3D Circuit

Draw a 3D schematic by using labels to associate points on one layer with points in another layer. For example, consider an artificial neural network--a typical situation when 3D circuits are advantageous. In neural networks, there are many elements in each layer and each element in one layer connects to many elements in the neighboring layer. If the layers are named A, B and C and the points of interest on each layer are numbered, the connections between layers can be denoted in code instead of showing a bewildering collection of wires that would be necessary in a 2D schematic. For example, point B5 might be labeled A6 and A17. The connections are clear although no wires are shown.

Build up several layers of breadboard for use during the prototyping stage. Cut up a breadboard into several sections. Make a hole in each corner to allow a bolt to pass through. With a long bolt--and sleeve spacers--you can make a breadboard with several layers and make direct connections between layers. This will eliminate cables running between these sections of circuits. It will also eliminate the problem of matching up the wires in the cables to the points in each layer.

Stack several chips on top of each other and punch through each layer to the layer below to make short connections; this eliminates the routing problems that would involve routing dozens or hundreds of wires between two sections of a 2D layout. This would involve some extra cost in manufacturing a custom chip, but it makes some applications--such as artificial neural networks--possible. The wire routing problems making multiple connections between layers can be intractable.