Showing papers on "Design tool published in 1995"

DSP design tool requirements for embedded systems: a telecommunications industrial perspective

Abstract: This paper describes the trends in DSP (Digital Signal Processing) for telecommunications design at Bell Northern Research (BNR)1 and the tools needed to address them. The paper is in three parts: First, we present the results of a three month survey of DSP design practices at BNR. We briefly describe the characteristics of the designs, as well as the DSP design tools used. However, the emphasis is on the main bottlenecks in the design process, and the tools required to address them in the future. Then, we present a proposal for a next generation DSP design environment for telecommunication applications, based on the survey results. Particular emphasis will be given to code generation, system-level simulation, and behavioral synthesis, the three most requested design tools. Finally, we provide a description of FlexWare, an embedded software development system which is being developed internally. This system addresses one important aspect of this next generation environment, namely design tools for application-specific instruction-set processors (ASIP). FlexWare is composed of two main components: CodeSyn, a retargetable microcode synthesis system; and Insulin, a VHDL-based instruction set simulation system.

Design scenarios for integrated renewable energy systems

Abstract: The wide variety of renewable energy resources and their highly site-specific and variable nature, coupled with different types and qualities of energy needs, pose a challenging problem to the designers of integrated renewable energy systems (IRES). This paper discusses some typical design scenarios and the formulation of designs using the knowledge-based design tool IRES-KB with the aid of KAPPA-PC development tools. A remote village with no electrical grid connection is chosen for this study since renewables are most likely to make their greatest impact in such locations. The versatility of IRES-KB is brought out in the discussion of the results.

Design methodology for a multifunctional hand prosthesis

Abstract: The first part of this paper reviews different approaches to define the motion of the fingers and the thumb in order to obtain prehension. The last part presents the design of a hand prosthesis based on a new plane of action for the thumb and on proposed design specifications and functional characteristics. The design methodology consists of two steps: the morphology design of the hand prosthesis and the 4-bar mechanism design for each finger. A 3-D computer-aided design (CAD) interactive program was used as a design tool to obtain the hand morphology. This CAD technique was also used to check the geometry, the relative motions of the fingers, and the possibility of interference for the proposed model with two prehension patterns (tridigital and lateral). It is noted that identical flexion angles of the finger joints were obtained for these two prehension patterns, the difference being in the inclination angle of the thumb's plane of flexion. This finding greatly simplified the design of the internal mechanisms of the fingers. CAD was a powerful tool in the design process of this hand prosthesis and will be more and more useful in the future.

An object-oriented power plant adaptive control system design tool

Abstract: An object-oriented power plant control system design tool is proposed in this paper which integrates modelling, analysis, design, simulation, and graphical user interface into one software suite. This facility can be conveniently used to study power plant dynamic behaviour and develop modern control algorithms. A design example of an adaptive governor shows the effectiveness of the design tool. >

Circuit design methods and tools

Abstract: A circuit design tool which includes (1) separating structural and functional aspects of components, so as to specify the desired functional behaviour of the component, leaving the actual gate-level design of the component to the design tool; (2) translating a model of the desired logical behaviour of a circuit into a regularized set of functional components to achieve that desired behaviour; (3) verifying structural equivalence between pairs of components; (4) a method for bit-reversing the signal flow in a component; (5) a method for performing arithmetic operations backwards from a natural order; (6) an architecture for a multiplier which is faster and more compact than known multipliers; and (7) a method of translating a logic equation into a netlist of connected logic gates.

An interactive VLSI CAD tool for yield estimation

Abstract: The yield of a VLSI chip depends on the sensitivity of the chip to defects occurring during the fabrication process, among other factors. To predict this sensitivity, one usually needs to compute the so-called critical area (A/sub c/), which reflects how many and how large the defects must be in order to result in a circuit failure. The main computational problem in yield estimation is to calculate A/sub c/ efficiently for complicated, irregular layouts. A novel approach is suggested for this problem that results in an algorithm that will solve it efficiently. This paper provides an interactive, accurate, and fast method for the evaluation of critical area as a design tool; the tool utilizes good visual feedback to allow layout improvement for higher yield. The algorithm is compared to other yield-prediction methods, which use either the Monte Carlo approach (VLASIC) or a deterministic approach (SCA); the algorithm is shown to be faster. It also has the advantage that it can graphically show a detailed 'defect sensitivity map' that can assist a chip designer in improving the yield of his/her layout. >

Method and apparatus for the cross-sectional design of multi-layer printed circuit boards

Abstract: Disclosed is a design tool and a method of fabricating a multi-layer printed circuit board. The method utilizes the design tool. The knowledge base means has both (1) printed circuit board cross sectional geometric parameter to transmission line parameter data and (2) "IF . . . THEN . . . " production rules for lamination, registration, circuitization, testability, test tools, and test procedures. These tools relate to manufacturability, cost, test development, second level packaging and printed circuit board. The printed circuit board begins with the user entering the printed circuit board design parameters and performance parameters into the input/output interface. Next, the knowledge base production rules are applied to the printed circuit board design and performance parameters to generate a set of cross section designs meeting the user specified parameters. The printed circuit board is then built up in accordance with one of the generated cross section designs.

Simulation and modeling: simulating optical interconnects

Abstract: The computer-aided design tool can be used in choosing design parameter values that help lower the cost and increase reliability. Good tools are also necessary to minimize the length of the design cycle to bring products to market in a timely manner. Some tools exist that can be used for simulating and designing optical interconnects, but they are intended for electronics and are used for lack of tools more suitable for their unique needs. Currently, no computer-aided design tools encompass all the simulation methodologies required to address the design needs of optical interconnects. After reviewing briefly the various CAD tools that are available, the authors discuss in more detail two tools developed recently: iSMILE (illinois Simulator for the Modeling of Integrated-circuit Level Elements), a CAD tool for the rapid development and simulation of new circuit-level optoelectronics models; and iFROST (illinois FibeR-optic and Optoelectronic Systems Toolkit), a high-level simulator of digital lightwave links. >

Designing with dialogue charts: a qualitative content analysis of end‐user designers' experiences with a software engineering design tool

Abstract: Abstract. Software engineering tools used by designers are critical to most systems development methodologies, and successful methodologies are critical to improved productivity. However, the way in which designers use and relate to software engineering tools, whether computer assisted or not, has received little attention in the design literature. The purpose of this study is to gain insight into how people perceive the process of using design tools. The study is a qualitative analysis of interview information from participants in a field experiment. Four teams of student designers used various design tools during the development of interactive information systems typical of those that might be developed by sophisticated end‐users. The research reported here is an exploratory study aimed at understanding how designers use one of these tools, the dialogue charts. The broad range of purposes included the uses predicted by the reference literature on design. However, the end‐user designers also used the tool opportunistically — they found a broader range of tool usage than the literature on design tools predicted. For example, they consistently used the tool as a communications vehicle among different phases of design and development. The results show that the relationships these ‘end‐user designers’ developed with the target tool are expressed in highly emotional language. These attitudes are tightly coupled with the purposes for which the designers use the tool. The methodology uses a field experiment as a treatment and a semistructured interview with a hidden agenda for gathering data. The data analysis techniques draw on the concepts of discovering grounded theory as described by Glaser and Strauss. They further draw on the concepts of qualitative content analysis synthesized by Krippendortf and the qualitative data analysis methods described by Miles and Huberman.

DefibSim: an interactive defibrillation device design tool

Abstract: We have developed an interactive computer modeling tool (DefibSim) for defibrillation device design. This system allows researchers to interactively design and place electrodes within a large-scale thorax model and then compute the electric and potential fields using an adaptive finite element method. Both visual and quantitative measures have been developed to determine the efficacy of different electrode configurations. This tool has allowed us to quickly and efficiently investigate over 170 different electrode configurations. A promising subset of electrode locations are now being tested in animals as well as in clinical environments.

The cluster compiler—a tool for the design of time-triggered real-time systems

Abstract: An off-line planning tool that supports the programmer in developing his real-time application is mandatory in the design of time-triggered real-time systems. This paper describes the architecture and the functions of such a tool, the Cluster Compiler, that is in development at our institute. We emphasize on the principle of a strict separation of the local from the global parts of a distributed system and on the consequences for the structure of the design tool arising from this principle.

Generating ECAD Framework Code from Abstract Models

Abstract: This paper describes a novel approach for generating the code of ECAD frameworks automatically from abstract models. Instead of providing the framework components of a design system in the form of a code library, we favor to use such a 'library' at modeling level. The framework components, common to all design tools, are described by easily understandable base models. For each design tool, the base models will be customized individually to meet the tool-specific requirements. Then, the customized models are input to a code generator that automatically generates tool specific, optimized source code. A generic modeling system and several code generators are implemented in a software generation environment called MOOSE.

Genetic algorithm optimisation and scheduling for building heating systems

Abstract: The utopian vision behind the work described in this paper was that of a design tool which would aid Building Heating Systems design engineers in the modelling, evaluation and optimisation of experimental Building/Heating system scenarios. The imagined design tool would hide all intricacies and problems concerned with mathematical modelling, simulation and optimisation of the heating system so allowing the design engineer to concentrate fully on improvement of the heating system and building design. A system has now been developed and is described in this paper, it includes a new computer language called MDL (Model Description Language) which includes provision for the specification of restraints and cost functions, and a new piece of simulation and Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimisation software called QUEST.

Charge and wavelength scaling of RF photoinjectors: a design tool

Abstract: The optimum design of an emittance compensated RF field photoinjector is very complicated and time-consuming, relying heavily on multi-particle simulations without good analytical models as a guide. Emittance compensated designs which have been developed, however, can be used to generate other designs with no additional effort if the original design is scaled correctly. This paper examines the scaling of RF photoinjector design with respect to charge and wavelength, and presents emittance and brightness scaling laws for these variables. Parametric simulation studies are presented to illustrate these scaling laws. A practical design for the TESLA FEL RF photo-injector is developed using these scaling techniques.

General shading model for solar building design

Abstract: This paper describes a general principle for accurate calculation of the effect of shading objects on surfaces exposed to direct solar radiation. The principle used is known as polygon clipping, a technique for determining every subpolygon that arises when two or more polygons overlap one another. In this case, the obstructing objects are approximated by polygons in space, projected as seen from the sun, at any given time of the year, onto the exposed surface of interest, so that every sunlit region and the fully or partly shaded regions of the plane surface can be determined. The technique has been implemented in a PC software application, which can function as a stand-alone design tool or may be integrated with programs for thermal simulation of buildings or solar systems. The paper gives examples of the use of application, shows its functionality when integrated with a thermal simulation tool, and presents comparative validations against the standard ASHRAE algorithms for calculations of overhangs and side fins.

A system and method for creating design configurations and for controlling the execution of multiple design tools

Abstract: A system and method are described for controlling the execution of design tools and for creating design configurations. The system comprises a flow sequencer, a flow map, and a flow configuration object. The flow sequencer controls the execution of design tools in accordance with the flow map and constructs a configuration of its actions in the active flow configuration object. The flow sequencer moves through a flow map executing the actions required by each node of the flow map. At certain nodes the flow sequencer executes design tools. At other nodes the flow sequencer gathers and manipulates data so that a design tool can utilize the data. The configuration is constructed as the nodes of the flow map are executed. The flow sequencer is also capable of analyzing a design to determine whether the data associated with each node is the most current data available. The flow sequencer can identify the nodes where the data is not most current and can re-execute the nodes necessary to update the design. The flow sequencer will execute the minimum number of nodes necessary to update the design. The system also includes a means for debugging a design. At any node the system can stop the execution of the nodes of the flow map and output the current state of the design. The system will then continue executing the nodes from the node at which it stopped the execution of the nodes.

EaSy-Sim: A Tool Environment for the Design of Complex, Real-Time Systems

Abstract: Up to now no tool is available on the market that allows functional design and performance analysis within the same environment. Mostly new models have to be built to do performance analysis. This approach is time consuming and erroneous. To overcome this awkward situation two tools, namely GEODE/SDL a typical design tool and SES/workbench a typical simulation tool were coupled. The resulting design and simulation environment will allow the designer to make multiple iterations between functional and performance validation, and therefore the quality of the system design will be improved. Additionally the risk not to meet e.g. some of the performance requirements will be reduced dramatically.

A tutorial on PROSIM: a knowledge-based simulation model design tool

Abstract: This paper introduces ProSim, a knowledge-based simulation design tool that automatically generates simulation models from process models. Domain experts who are familiar with the various aspects of the system may be interviewed and process models can be developed based on the evidence collected using ProSim. The built-in simulation design support environment of ProSim enables building simulation models automatically from process models. A purchase order processing system example is described to demonstrate the utility of ProSim.

Design tools for parameter determination and simulation of integrated Josephson structures

Abstract: The recent development of integrated Josephson circuits with increased complexity-e.g. RSFQ devices-invokes the need of a comprehensive computer-aided design support. The derivation of circuit parameters from layout data as well as an efficient and versatile simulation technique are essential means in the design and dimensioning of complex integrated structures. We present a comprehensive solution for calculating circuit parameters and simulating the device dynamics. The calculation of inductances and capacitances is performed by three-dimensional field computation using special developed programs which have been proven in high-T/sub c/ SQUID design. They can process layout information in standard graphic interchange formats (e.g. DXF). The netlists for device simulation can be generated automatically from the equivalent circuit schematic. Additionally, a technique for distributed simulation, which allows performing margins-and-yields-analyses in an efficient manner, was elaborated. The performance of the whole design tool set is demonstrated using basic RSFQ circuits. >

An Application of Artificial Intelligence for Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing

Abstract: The knowledge required to integrate aircraft manufacturing characteristics and constraints into the structural design process is beyond the proficiency of a single engineer. Concurrent Engineering (CE) enables the integration of design with manufacturing to permit trades based not only on product performance, but also on other criteria not easily evaluated, such as producibility and support. A decision support system, or Knowledge-Based System, that can direct manufacturing issues during the preliminary design process would be an invaluable tool for system designers. The objective of this technical paper is to clearly describe the development of a Knowledge-Based System (KBS) for the determination of manufacturing processes for selected airframe structural components for the wing of the High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT). The KBS evolving with this research will be utilized within an integrated design environment along with existing tools to demonstrate its functionality as a design tool. The system will empower engineers to design the strongest, lightest possible wing structure at the least cost that meets the load-carrying requirements for a specified aircraft range. The paper outlines the knowledge- and rule-base development required to build the KBS. The interfaces and relations to CAD packages, external synthesis and analysis codes, as well as links to cost estimating software and methods are discussed.

Development of an intelligent product design system: integration strategies

Abstract: Conventional computer-aided design (CAD) packages have drastically reduced the workload of the human designer and shortened the product design cycle. However, the degree of effort and volume of information required to use these tools limit their use to the later stages of design. Intelligent computer-aided design (ICAD) systems have sought to provide a more complete design tool to assist the designer in all phases of design. ICAD systems incorporate conventional CAD elements as well as knowledge engineering constructs. The level of integration between different components of an ICAD system determines its usefulness. Most commercial intelligent CAD packages are tied to a specific set of CAD tools, restricting their application domains. This dependence on specific software tools can be reduced by using general purpose modules to interface with available CAD packages. This paper discusses a method of introducing knowledge engineering technology to help develop an advanced intelligent product design system by...

NView: a visual framework for network tool integration

Abstract: Monitoring and managing distributed applications and networks present a number of problems. Tracking down the source of connection problems over a large area, such as the Internet, can be time-consuming and confusing, as one must deal with many small utilities. In this paper, we present NView a framework program for integrating network tools into a uniform visual interface with a minimum of effort. We also discuss an example implementation which has been applied to the Internet's Multicast Backbone. This easily customized tool allows various "what if" questions to be asked, and results to be displayed in different ways. NView can be used both off-line as a design tool, and on-line as a network monitoring tool. >

Evaluation of a thermal design tool for electronics-a three chip MCM as a case study

Abstract: Thermal analysis software based on Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is being increasingly used by designers to predict the thermal performance of electronic devices and systems. Such tools allow the designer to integrate thermal analysis into the design process, thereby minimizing costly prototyping and reducing the design cycle. Icepak is a software specially designed for the thermal design of electronics. However, such tools need to be validated against reliable experimental data prior to being incorporated into the regular design process. This paper presents temperature and air flow predictions for a three-chip Multi-Chip Module (MCM) cooled by natural convection, obtained from Icepak. The results were found to compare very well with published experimental data.

Microwave/optical transformation method

Abstract: A method to design and analyze distributed microwave circuit elements is presented for design work, the invention can be used to match impedance between microwave circuit elements, and in the design of filters can specifically be used for, but is not limited to the design of microwave stripline or microstrip equivalent elements. This method adapts an optical design tool known as the Optical Admittance Diagram (OAD) for the analysis and design of microwave circuits and/or components (MC), such as microstrip, stripline etc. by: defining the physical MC in terms of equivalent which is transformed into an equivalent continuous transmission line known as a microwave transformer circuit which is made up quarter wave segments which are then transformed (by defining impedances as normalized optical admittances) into equivalent quarter wave optical thin film layers which make up a stack (EOTFS) whose characteristic design parameters and performances are determined by observing the plotted EOTFS on the OAD and then modifying plotted values to achieve the desired characteristic design parameters and then; performing a reverse transformation by transforming said EOTFS back into said equivalent microwave transformer (made up of said series impedance quarter wave segments) which is then transformed into parallel components as necessary to transform back into the MC which is then; physically constructed using automatic photo-etching techniques and machining techniques for fabrication of aluminum plates to house the photo-etched circuit and connectors for testing on a microwave network analyzer to verify design results.