Design tool

About: Design tool is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 3864 publications have been published within this topic receiving 46401 citations.

Auto-pipe and the X language: a pipeline design tool and description language

Abstract: Auto-Pipe is a tool that aids in the design, evaluation and implementation of applications that can be executed on computational pipelines (and other topologies) using a set of heterogeneous devices including multiple processors and FPGAs. It has been developed to meet the needs arising in the domains of communications, computation on large datasets, and real time streaming data applications. This paper introduces the Auto-Pipe design flow and the X design language, and presents sample applications. The applications include the Triple-DES encryption standard, a subset of the signal-processing pipeline for VERITAS, a high-energy gamma-ray astrophysics experiment. These applications are discussed and their description in X is presented. From X, simulations of alternative system designs and stage-to-device assignments are obtained and analyzed. The complete system permits production of executable code and bit maps that may be downloaded onto real devices. Future work required to complete the Auto-Pipe design tool is discussed.

Reliability-Based Design Optimization Using Efficient Global Reliability Analysis

Abstract: Finding the optimal (lightest, least expensive, etc.) design for an engineered component that meets or exceeds a specified level of reliability is a problem of obvious interest across a wide spectrum of engineering fields. Various methods for this reliability-based design optimization problem have been proposed. Unfortunately, this problem is rarely solved in practice because, regardless of the method used, solving the problem is too expensive or the final solution is too inaccurate to ensure that the reliability constraint is actually satisfied. This is especially true for engineering applications involving expensive, implicit, and possibly nonlinear performance functions (such as large finite element models). The Efficient Global Reliability Analysis method was recently introduced to improve both the accuracy and efficiency of reliability analysis for this type of performance function. This paper explores how this new reliability analysis method can be used in a design optimization context to create a method of sufficient accuracy and efficiency to enable the use of reliability-based design optimization as a practical design tool.

Quality of EDA CAD tools: definitions, metrics and directions

Abstract: In this paper we survey major problems faced by EDA tools in tackling deep submicron (DSM) design challenges like: crosstalk, reliability, power and interconnect dominated delay. We discuss the need for rethinking quality models used in EDA tools to allow early and reliable planning, estimation, analysis, and optimization. Key design quality metrics from a CAD tool perspective are surveyed, and methodologies and directions are proposed for the next generation design automation tools, intended to meet the challenges ahead. Ideas such as forward synthesis, incremental synthesis, system-level interconnect prediction and planning, and their implications on design quality design tool architecture, and design methodology are explored.

Skeuomorphism or flat design: future directions in mobile device User Interface UI design education

Abstract: Skeuomorphism in User Interface UI design has received much attention and criticism about its usefulness and purpose in the design of smartphone apps. The argument of whether or not skeuomorphism still has a place in UI design is explored in this paper. A questionnaire survey was undertaken by design students to establish their awareness of skeuomorphism and their opinion of its relevance in UI design. The results showed a lack of knowledge about the areas of UI design, but once fully explored they agreed that skeuomorphism is relevant but not as a stand-alone process. However, it has been identified as a design tool that may be used in conjunction with other processes as shown by Google UI design exploring skeuominimalism. They also come to state that they found the research was very useful to them in improving their knowledge on the topic and developing their skill set as a designer.

Optimal design of reconfigurable parallel machining systems

Abstract: A reconfigurable machining system is usually a modularized system, and its configuration design concerns the selections of modules and the determination of geometric dimensions in some specific modules. All of its design perspectives from kinematics, dynamics, and control have to be taken into considerations simultaneously, and a multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) tool is required to support the configuration design process. This paper presents a new MDO tool for reconfigurable machining systems, and it includes the following works: (i) the literatures on the computer-aided design of reconfigurable parallel machining systems have been reviewed with a conclusion that the multidisciplinary design optimization is essential, but no comprehensive design tool is available to reconfigurable parallel machining systems; (ii) a class of reconfigurable systems called reconfigurable tripod-based machining system has been introduced, its reconfiguration problem is identified, and the corresponding design criteria have been discussed; (iii) design analysis in all of the disciplines including kinematics, dynamics, and control have been taken into considerations, and design models have been developed to evaluate various design candidates; in particular, the innovative solutions to direct kinematics, stiffness analysis for the design configurations of tripod-based machines with a passive leg, and concise dynamic modelling have been provided; and (iv) A design optimization approach is proposed to determine the best solution from all possible configurations. Based on the works presented in this paper, a computer-aided design and control tool have been implemented to support the system reconfiguration design and control processes. Some issues relevant to the practical implementation have also been discussed.