Issue link: https://resources.randsim.com/i/1449549
Challenges with the Traditional Product Development Workflow Design workflows vary depending on the organization, but typically looks like the following: 1. Design schematic and layout following EMC best practices 2. Complete design review 3. Release design files for development of prototypes 4. Perform bench tests and device bring-up testing 5. Integrate the circuit board into the product assembly 6. Perform EMC tests However, there are numerous challenges that come into play throughout the product development process. The most obvious challenge comes when a device fails a test and the process outlined above must start over. Other challenges arise when product developers have to use a "test and learn" methodology because they don't have EMI mitigation experience, when a test lab is located far away from the manufacturer, when a test lab is booked out for several weeks, and when there isn't time to rebuild because of a client due date, product launch date, or commitment to the media. When faced with a failed radiated emissions test, some manufacturers elect to use a clamp-on ferrite, a ceramic material with ferrimagnetic properties that attaches to an electronic cord to absorb emissions. Sometimes, this part is all that is needed to get a device to pass the test. Unfortunately, ferrites can be expensive and can deeply impact the bottom line. This can be particularly true in high-volume applications where every dollar added to a bill-of-materials is under scrutiny. the Case for Simulation Electrical engineers and engineering product management teams are under tremendous pressure to meet stringent electromagnetic emissions guidelines while reducing costs and time to market. To accomplish this goal, they must reduce the complexity of board development. The decades-old process of "design, build, test, repeat" is too expensive and time consuming; with each board spin easily costing thousands of dollars, and each assembly taking between one week and one month, the time and money quickly adds up. There is a solution to address these challenges: electromagnetic simulation. Electromagnetic simulation replaces the time-consuming and costly prototyping by using technology to simulate electromagnetic devices. More and more companies are using simulation to identify problems, gain insight, and work rapidly through optimization, thus reducing costly rework, enhancing employee morale, and getting better products to market faster.