Etteplan is Ensuring Quality in Embedded Systems Through Ansys Simulations

Challenges in Embedded Systems Design

Embedded systems design refers to the process of creating and developing specialized microprocessor-based computing systems that are integrated into larger electromechanical devices to perform specific functions. These systems are typically designed to work within constraints such as limited power, processing capacity, and memory. Embedded systems are essential for devices across industries, from consumer electronics to industrial machinery and medical devices.

The rapid advancement of technology introduces new complexities to embedded systems design.

Etteplan’s customers face a growing number of challenges, such as:

• Increasingly complex antenna designs.
• Surging digital bus speeds with challenges in signal integrity.
• Higher frequency requirements driven by technologies like 5G.
• EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) compliance demands.
• The difficulty of identifying and resolving design flaws early without sophisticated analysis tools.

The traditional workflows often struggle to address these challenges efficiently. Designers frequently rely on iterative physical testing cycles, which are time-consuming, costly, and prone to errors. To remain competitive, businesses need innovative, simulation-driven approaches to enhance design accuracy and minimize rework.

Pioneering Embedded Systems Design with Ansys Electronics 

Etteplan’s use of Ansys simulation tools includes products like SIwave, HFSS, Q3D, Maxwell, Circuit, and TwinBuilder. This comprehensive suite of tools ensures they are equipped to tackle the most complex embedded system challenges, and provides capabilities for analyzing and optimizing designs across diverse applications.

Simulation-Driven Approach

Etteplan seamlessly integrates simulation-driven workflows into the development lifecycle, delivering exceptional insights into design behavior. This approach helps their customers remain ahead of evolving technological demands and challenging designs. Key aspects of their methodology include:

• Advanced Signal and Power Integrity Analysis

Etteplan ensures reliable communication and energy delivery in high-speed designs by identifying and mitigating potential bottlenecks and vulnerabilities.

• High-Speed Circuit Modeling

Their expertise optimizes circuit designs for faster data transfer while reducing interference and energy loss, ensuring robust performance in demanding applications.

• Antenna and RF Simulation

Etteplan addresses the complexities of wireless communication systems by predicting and fine-tuning antenna performance across diverse operating conditions, ensuring optimal efficiency.

The capability to also measure designed antennas in the in-house testing laboratory ensures a strong correlation between simulation and measurement.

• Customized Client Support

Etteplan tailors its solutions to the unique challenges of each client. By closely collaborating with customers, they develop simulation strategies that align with specific design goals and project requirements.

Stabilizing planes. A standard procedure at Etteplan.

Design → simulation → optimization

By embedding simulation as a core component of the workflow, Etteplan transforms the traditional “design → measurement → redesign” cycle into an efficient “design → simulation → optimization” process. This shift enables the early detection and resolution of potential issues, minimizing costly physical prototypes and accelerating development timelines.

Ansys Tools empowers Etteplan to deliver:

• Enhanced Design Accuracy
  Digital simulation delivers precise predictions of real-world performance, ensuring higher-quality designs from the outset.
• Reduced Iteration Cycles
  Simulations allow for early detection and resolution of potential issues, significantly cutting down on the number of physical prototypes needed.
• Improved Product Quality
  By identifying and addressing issues during the design phase, Etteplan ensures products meet stringent performance and reliability standards.
• Efficient Knowledge Transfer
  Insights gained from simulations are seamlessly integrated into layout and schematic design workflows, accelerating development.
• Better Antenna Performance Validation
  By comparing simulation results with physical measurements, Etteplan refines antenna designs for optimal performance.

Read More About Etteplan’s Simulation-Driven Design

Conclusions

Etteplan’s adoption of advanced Ansys simulation tools has revolutionized their approach to embedded systems design, establishing the company as a pioneer in the field. By tackling critical challenges such as signal and power integrity, 3D radiation performance, and high-frequency design complexities, Etteplan ensures accelerated development cycles, superior quality, and cost efficiency for their customers.

The integration of powerful tools like Ansys SIwave and the Ansys Electronics Desktop empowers Etteplan to provide exceptional engineering solutions. This enables their clients to confidently navigate industry demands and drive innovation in their respective markets.

Partnership Built on Innovation

Jenni Tuulos, Director, Embedded Solutions Finland at Etteplan, emphasizes the value of their collaboration with EDRMedeso: