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12 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I JANUARY 2025 Design engineers have had to learn about signal integrity and associated simulation tools; they're participating more in the layout process to implement tighter performance requirements; they've had to learn about stack-up design; and they must consider sup- ply chain risks when selecting components. Layout designers have had to learn about manufacturability and constraints for signal/ power/thermal performance. ey've also had to collaborate much more closely with their mechanical counterparts to achieve shrinking form factors. is evolution has meant that engineers and designers have had to work across multiple tools to get their jobs done efficiently, rather than spending all day, ever y day in the same tool. But while existing specializations merge, new technologies come online (e.g., the next high-speed protocol or advanced manufactur- ing, like UHDI or additive processes) and new specialists emerge, continuing the natural evo- lution of roles. How are you preparing to meet these users' new requirements? Siemens has updated its products to create a simplified, modern, consistent user experience (UX). Extensive user tests have shown that using our enhanced products greatly reduces the time to productivity, simplifying life for new engineers as well as for experienced users who train new engineers. We've also leveraged predictive AI to learn from users and serve up the commands they're most likely to use next— eliminating the need to search for or perform extra mouse clicks to find commands. UX con- sistency also helps engineers as they frequently jump between tools to get their jobs done. We have also created a model-based digital thread between applications within the core PCB design flow, including analysis and veri- fication engines, as well as across the multiple domains of electronic systems design, includ- ing electronic, mechanical, electrical, and so- ware. System requirements can be decomposed into design constraints and attached to verifi- cation engines, providing traceability. Design and manufacturing are also more tightly inte- grated. is streamlines the design process and eliminates rework, so mistakes are minimized and throughput is increased. You'll note the frequent mentions of verification engines—a streamlined digital thread means designs can be verified early and oen, enabling product optimization and minimizing respins. What role does AI play in EDA tools in the future? Some designers are apprehensive. They say, "We're the AI." Given the workforce shortage, designers don't have a lot to worry about. AI should be viewed as just another form of automation; like other automations, AI offers the potential for a sim- plified and accelerated design process. AI has developed rapidly over the past five years, largely due to industry investment in large lan- guage models. is has immediate application to EDA tools in the context of AI-enabled chat, search, and datasheet queries. David Wiens