Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1525004
42 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I AUGUST 2024 is separation was inefficient and error- prone, as ad-hoc processes and manual transfer of data between tools contributed to inaccuracies, miscommunication, and a lack of coherence in the design process. • Iterative design and simulation cycles: e lack of integration between design and simulation tools resulted in an itera- tive and lengthy process of design, testing, and redesign, oen late in the design cycle. is not only slowed down the develop- ment process but also increased costs associated with additional prototyping and testing. • Performance and reliability issues: With- out the ability to accurately simulate the real-world behavior of electronic com- ponents and systems during the design phase, there were higher risks of encoun- tering performance issues or failures in the final product. is oen led to increased warranty claims, product recalls, or field repairs. • Time-to-market pressures: Reducing the time to market for new electronics prod- ucts was crucial. e disconnect between the design and analysis phases led to lon- ger development cycles, as potential issues only become apparent late in the design process, requiring costly and time-con- suming revisions. If those challenges and issues sound all too familiar, they should. ey are just as relevant today as they ever were, and they're being fur- ther exacerbated by the inevitability-turned- certainty of signal integrity and power integ- rity-related issues inherent in modern elec- tronics hardware. While modern electronics hardware requires more comprehensive simulation for signal and power integrity, thermal reliability, and elec- tromagnetic analysis, the goal remains the same: to ensure the final product meets the required specifications and regulatory compli- ances to perform as intended in the real world. Although it may seem counterintuitive, by employing the best simulation tools, design organizations can and do achieve that goal, as evidenced by the plethora of properly func- tioning electronics products in the world. How- ever, simply having the best simulation tools is not enough for design organizations, as many still struggle and need help with the numerous operational and efficiency challenges that lead to potential scheduling delays, increased costs, and time-to-market risks. Overcoming those organizational challenges can be achieved through effective and efficient communication and collaboration between PCB layout designers and simulation engineers. Integration of the two domains is highly depen- dent on a functional, iterative process involv- ing numerous cycles of design, simulation, and adjustment. Streamlining the iterative process through intelligent, bidirectional integration can eliminate simulation-related operational and efficiency challenges. ese challenges arise from all-to-common disjointed, manual, and isolated design methodologies. Industry Leaders Join Forces To address these challenges, Altium Ltd. and Ansys Inc. are bridging the gap between " Simply having the best simulation tools is not enough for design organizations... "