We route all our PCBs manually instead of using an auto router. This can be a tedious job sometimes, but we think it gives the best results.
Sometimes we’re just about to finish a PCB, when we notice a MUCH better way to route it if only a few connections could be changed. The Gateswap and Pinswap tools can help. They can quickly change connections between interchangeable pins or peripherals in an IC. These tools add flexibility to a designer dealing with complex and cramped routing.
4 gates inside an 74xx00
Swapping interchangeable gates
Gate swapping is available only to chips that have interchangeable devices in a single package. A good example of these is the 74xx00 logic IC which has four 2 input NAND gates, the 74xx573 with eight latches, and even LM324 dual op-amps. These chips have multiple identical devices, so you can swap them without affecting your circuit.
Swapping interchangeable pins
A good example for this is the 74xx10 which contains 3 input NAND gates. Each input pin of the NAND gate is interchangeable among the others.
Another example is the 74xx4066 bilateral switch used on the Bus Pirate. Input and output can be swapped since they only act as an analog switch. Swapping their pin connection is OK without having to worry about the impact on the circuit.
Read More: Eagle Tip: Gateswap and Pinswap tool