Whitepapers

3D PCB Design

3D PCB Design When it comes to designing circuit boards, you know that being able to properly visualize your spacing, sizing, and layout is crucial to a successful finished product with minimal setbacks. While standard PCB design software has its place, 3D PCB software allows you to get a detailed look at your routing, components, and overall layout BEFORE you send your design out for a physical prototype. As 3D environments become more advanced, they become Read Article

Protect Your PCB From ESD

Protect Your PCB From ESD From computers and televisions, to automobiles and kitchen appliances, PCBs are found in nearly every aspect of our lives-- many of our devices would not be possible without them. They are the brains of our electronics, and as such, it is of the utmost importance to do everything in our power to ensure our designs are protected from potentially catastrophic threats. Proper routing and schematics, component placement, and special attention to Read Article

Application Security at the Speed of DevOps

Application Security at the Speed of DevOps The movement towards a rapid application delivery strategy and away from a traditional waterfall approach to software development is driven by the need to more effectively meet current consumer needs and market opportunities, specifically by making small changes quickly rather than making a large number of changes on a release schedule. However, pre-existing application security strategies must be adapted to meet this new approach. Key Read Article

AD16 vs AD17.1 Comparison Chart

AD16 vs AD17.1 Comparison Chart Read Article

The MOM/MES Edge: The MES Performance Kick

The MOM/MES Edge: The MES Performance Kick Manufacturers are increasingly being pushed to implement manufacturing execution systems (MES) in order to optimize their operations. Statistics illustrate both how Best-in-Class organizations successfully deploy such systems as well as how they reap the benefits of doing so. Key observations include: The pressure to implement MES is predominantly driven by cost, quality, and the need to comply with regulations, respectively. Best-In-Class Read Article

Hierarchical Schematic Designs: Organization Is Golden

Hierarchical Schematic Designs: Organization Is Golden Read Article

10 Symptoms of a Bad PDN

10 Symptoms of a Bad PDN At face value, DC power integrity seems to be a simple enough topic -- you just need to make sure that every component on your PCB has the power (current and voltage) it needs when it needs it. But that’s just on the surface. WHAT IS POWER INTEGRITY? The new reality is a bit more complicated. When you start to work with fine-pitch device packages, the manufacturing constraints and power requirements of said devices are almost completely at odds Read Article

The Benefit of Simulation-Driven Design

The Benefit of Simulation-Driven Design Deploying simulations earlier in the design process rather than later results in more innovative, high-quality products while also reducing production costs. The findings presented suggest that simulation-driven design allows Best-In-Class designers and firms to more effectively deliver the product to the consumer. Key highlights of their research include: In 2016, 87% of Best-in-Class organizations used simulation, up from 75% in 2014. Best-in Read Article

Pervasive Engineering Simulation: The Pulse of the Healthcare Industry

Pervasive Engineering Simulation: The Pulse of the Healthcare Industry Pervasive engineering simulation and consolidated engineering simulation platforms accelerate more innovative healthcare and render more effective, high-quality designs. By focusing specifically on the healthcare industry, it is demonstrated how simulation-driven design reduces costs and increases the ability of engineers to successfully meet product targets such as quality and launch date. Key findings include: 69% of platform-based simulation Read Article

Virtual Prototyping Versus Traditional Product Development Methods

Virtual Prototyping Versus Traditional Product Development Methods Best-in-Class companies who utilize simulation and virtual prototyping are notably outperforming their peers who continue to use more traditional methods of product development. By discussing the three primary methods used to predict product performance (physical prototyping, manual calculation, and virtual prototyping software) this article demonstrates how simulation software is the superior choice for successfully addressing the increasingly Read Article

Pervasive Simulation Accelerates Innovations in High-Tech

Pervasive Simulation Accelerates Innovations in High-Tech High-tech firms increasingly need to utilize pervasive engineering simulation and a consolidated engineering simulation platform in order to stay competitive in an ever-expanding market. By incorporating both of these components into the design process, Best-In-Class firms are able to more successfully fulfill their targets. Key findings include: High-tech companies are investing in a broad portfolio of engineering simulation tools. High-tech Read Article

IoT Resource Bundle

IoT Resource Bundle From the early days of printed circuit boards, the electronics industry has made huge strides in board materials, copper printing methods, miniaturization, rigid-flex, ELIC, EDA, and much more. Many of the devices we use in our homes, our vehicles, and in our workplaces would not be possible without this continuous evolution of PCB design and technology. The scope of creativity from individuals is unbounded. While the infrastructure for IoT can Read Article

PCB Editor View Modes

PCB Editor View Modes PCB editor view modes allow designers to locate and correct errors in particular areas of the board. Altium Designer features multiple ways to view your design, allowing you to be most eﬃcient and to help avoid errors. These diﬀerent PCB editor view modes have allowed users to find and fix design problems, such as why a flex board does not fold, why components are on the wrong layers, and why dead copper is not being shown anywhere on the board Read Article

Why Simulation Is Critical to Success in Developing Autonomous Systems

Why Simulation Is Critical to Success in Developing Autonomous Systems Simulation-driven design is essential to ensuring that autonomous systems will operate without error once in the hands of consumers. By illustrating how Best-in-Class firms are implementing simulations throughout the design and testing process and discussing this in terms of autonomous systems such as vehicles, drones, and robots, these findings underscore the necessity of simulations in this innovative new field. Key findings include: The Read Article

Automated HSE: An Essential Requirement for Proactive Safety Management

Automated HSE: An Essential Requirement for Proactive Safety Management Automated safety management solutions not only reduce risk in the workplace, but also make it easier for firms of all sizes to meet their Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) reporting requirements. Using the practices of Best-in-Class firms as an example, these findings illustrate how use of automated incident and inspection management tools can similarly help small and medium businesses (SMBs). Key findings include: Ensuring full compliance Read Article

Conquering Your Design Demands with USB Type-C

Conquering Your Design Demands with USB Type-C The last thing you want is getting your power demands balance wrong on your electronic design. Too little voltage and your device starves; too much voltage and you’re left with smoke signals for help as caps pop like the Fourth of July. Not to mention that the complications you run into when your device has varying voltage requirements when operating in different states. The increased usage of embedded sensors has made constant data acquisition Read Article

Optimizing Organizational Performance with Operational Risk Management

Optimizing Organizational Performance with Operational Risk Management Implementation of successful operational risk management allows manufacturers to operate with a minimized chance of incident that could negatively impact business. Citing data from Best-in-Class and All Other respondents, this report argues for the importance of incorporating operational risk management and suggests ways for manufacturers to implement solutions. Key findings include: The sole focus on personal safety is not enough to mitigate Read Article