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A parametric design assistant for concurrent engineering

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2009

Daniel Kuokka
Affiliation:
Hewlett-Packard Laboratories, 3500 Deer Creek Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, U.S.A.
Stanley Jefferson
Affiliation:
Hewlett-Packard Laboratories, 3500 Deer Creek Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, U.S.A.
Lee Barford
Affiliation:
Hewlett-Packard Laboratories, 3500 Deer Creek Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, U.S.A.
Felix Frayman
Affiliation:
Hewlett-Packard Laboratories, 3500 Deer Creek Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304, U.S.A.

Abstract

The Explorer parametric design assistant, an interactive tool that provides intelligent support for searching concurrent-engineering trade-spaces under multiple, conflicting objectives, is described. The system provides a convenient means for specifying multiple, cross-disciplinary constraints in terms of tables, formulas, and logical sentences. Based on these data, the system performs interactive constraint checking, computes feasible designs, and provides graphical analysis facilities, allowing users to compare designs based on multiple criteria. As a first application, Explorer has been used as a printed circuit board (PCB) construction design assistant. In initial tests, Explorer has helped users to find design configurations not previously considered that yield comparable performance and cost while offering better manufacturability and reliability. The capabilities and use of the Explorer system are described in detail, the underlying technologies are outlined, and an evaluation of the prototype system is presented.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1995

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