A new technology for enabling computer-aided EMC analysis

The demand for CAD tools which can support integrated product development has grown. Generally, modern CAD systems have associated tools for performing various types of analysis on the CAD representation of a product design. While many CAD vendors distribute electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) analysis systems, many of these systems do not offer user companies sufficient flexibility to define company specific design guidelines. A new technology for enabling computer-aided EMC analysis is presented. Indeed the technology can be used to express any guideline that should be obeyed during design. This technology is more expressive and more flexible than systems currently available on the market. The technology is based on a constraint-based programming language and an associated compilation environment that generates CAD-compatible advice generation modules. While standard EMC rule-sets can be provided with the system, a user-company can incorporate company specific EMC and design guidelines into these rule-sets to develop fully customised design adviser modules for use with their CAD systems. This paper presents a detailed discussion of the technology, illustrating its use with a number of typical EMC and design guidelines used in the printed-circuit board (PCB) industry