Printed Circuit Design & Fab - November 2008 - (Page 33)

MEASUREMENT AND SiMulation use. Datasheets are still a trusted and highly available source; however, the convenience of using the simulation models provided by most chip and device manufacturers can greatly enhance design productivity. Also, the flexibility of modern ECAD tools means that there can be easy experimentation of “what if” scenarios by examining the effect of different parts. Shifting to an interactive and iterative simulation approach enables a far more in-depth view of design. Building small modular circuits and analyzing behavior provides graphical feedback on the topology. Analyses ranging from transient to frequency sweeps to noise figure and sensitivity are commonplace in SPICE simulation tools and, as such, help characterize overall behavior. For example, few would be able to comfortably validate a filter without the added analysis of bode plots (frequency sweep) as validation. At this point in the design flow, the overall behavior is well known and the specifications from an idealized view of circuit performance are complete. Real measurements and the virtual prototype approach can provide the seal of approval on a design. Introduction of the nuance of real signals can provide the added assurance of how a design will perform in the real world. Though virtual prototyping does not remove the need for a physical prototype and its validation, it does allow for more errors to be identified and resolved earlier in the design flow. become, the more likely it is that engineers will use the overall benefits of improved simulation in the design flow. As such methods become standard throughout the industry, so will the productivity and effectiveness of design. Conclusion Technology has provided us with increased computing capabilities, the inclusion of real measurements into simulation has the ability to evolve SPICE and circuit simulation for improved productivity in design. The virtual prototype is simulation, the next generation. By validating design decisions with real effects, engineers are provided with the impetus to proactively improve design at conceptive stages rather than after latter validation. The result is saved time, saved budget and, perhaps for the engineer, some saved sanity. pCd&f BhaVESh MiStry is product marketing engineer with National Instruments electronic Workbench Group and can be reached at bhavesh.mistry@ni.com. Facilitating Integration between Simulation and Real Measurements As the need for more innovative design practices grows, it is fair to say that integration between traditionally separate stages is necessary. For real measurements to have a greater role in PCB design and simulation, greater integration between design and test systems is required for the acquisition of real data to be seamlessly provided to simulation inputs. As technology can be better used to acquire and to link the stages of the design flow, so the divide between simulated measurements and real will be bridged. The easier that this process can AMPHENOL A proud Taiyo Partner. www.amphenol-tcs.com ➤ (LEFT TO RIGHT) MIKE CASSIDY, LPI Group Leader 1st Shift MATT JORDAN, LPI Group Leader 2nd Shift JOHN RISTEEN, Production Supervisor 2nd Shift RAY LAVALLEE, Process Engineer MIGUEL RESILLAS, Screen Operator NOVEMBER 2008 CircuiTree Ad NOV08_vFINAL.indd 1 printEd CirCuit dESign & fAB 9/26/08 9:55:45 AM 33 http://www.amphenol-tcs.com http://www.taiyo-america.com http://www.taiyo-america.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Printed Circuit Design & Fab - November 2008

Printed Circuit Design & Fab - November 2008 Contents Our Line Market Watch Around the World Happenings ROI Positive Plating Ten Tips to Improve Manufacturability 3D Chip-Package-Board Modeling Improving Circuit Simulation With The Addition Of Real Measurements Ad Index PCB West: Interview with NBS Design Inc. The Influence of Final Finish on Lead-Free Assembly Reliability The Lead-free Soldering Challenges for Peelable Resists Off the Shelf Marketplace BGA Bulletin

Printed Circuit Design & Fab - November 2008

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