Application of Computer Aided Engineering Tools for Insight into Electromagnetic Compatibility Characteristics of Electrical and Electronic Components for Automotive Systems

With the increasing content of electronics in automobiles and faster development times, it is essential that electronics hardware design and vehicle electrical architecture is done early and correctly. Today, the first designs are done in the electronic format with circuit and CAD design tools. Once the initial design is completed, several iterations are typically conducted in a “peer review” methodology to incorporate “best practices” before actual hardware is built. Among the many challenges facing electronics design and integration is electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). Success in EMC starts at the design phase with a relevant “lessons learned” data set that encompasses component technology content, schematic and printed circuit board (PCB) layout, and wiring using computer aided engineering (CAE) tools. This paper will investigate virtual tools to improve the process of electronics design for EMC and discuss available tools to help in the initial design for EMC to include established design rules. This paper will also discuss how tools can help fine tune the hardware during the development process.