210 research outputs found
A new design methodology for mixed level and mixed signal simulation using PSpice A/D and VHDL
PSpice A/D is a simulation package that is used to analyze and predict the performance of analog and mixed signal circuits. It is very popular especially among Printed Circuit Board (PCB) engineers to verify board level designs. However, PSpice A/D currently lacks the ability to simulate analog components connected to digital circuits that are modeled using Hardware Descriptive Languages (HDLs), such as VHDL and Verilog HDL. Simulation of HDL models in PSpice A/D is necessary to verify mixed signal PCBs where programmable logic devices like Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) and Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs) are connected to discrete analog components. More than 60% of the PCBs that are designed today contain at least one FPGA or CPLD. This thesis investigates the possibility of simulating VHDL models in PSpice A/D. A new design methodology and the necessary tools to achieve this goal are presented. The new design methodology achieves total system verification at PCB level. Total system verification reduces design failures and hence increases reliability. It also allows reducing the overall time to market. A mixed signal design from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for a brushless three phase motor that runs a space application is implemented by following the proposed design methodology
A Specification For A Next Generation Cad Toolkit For Electronics Product Design
Electronic engineering product design is a complex process which has enjoyed an
increasing provision of computer based tools since the early 1980's. Over this period
computer aided design tool development has progressed at such a pace that new features
and functions have tended to be market driven. As such CAD tools have not been developed
through the recommended practise of defining a functional specification prior to any
software code generation.
This thesis defines a new functional specification for next generation CAD tools to support
the electronics product design process. It is synthesized from a review of the use of
computers in the electronics product design process, from a case study of Best Practices
prevalent in a wide range of electronics companies and from a new model of the design
process. The model and the best practices have given rise to a new concept for company
engineering documentation, the Product Book which provides a logical framework for
constraining CAD tools and their users (designers) as means of controlling costs in the
design process.
This specification differs from current perceptions of computer functionality in the CAD
tool industry by addressing human needs together with company needs of computer
supported design, rather than just providing more technological support for the designer in
isolation.Racal Reda
QR codes decoder
The aim of this project is to develop a device that demonstrates the ability to read barcodes, and is also capable of detecting and analysing QR codes from a picture
Design and simulation of a multichip module
Electronic packaging has undergone basic changes in the last few years to keep up with an ever increasing demand for speed and miniaturization. Multichip Modules (MCM) represent a class of advanced packaging technologies. This thesis examines various MCM technologies and their relative advantages and disadvantages. Further, the design process for an MCM is presented in detail. The physical design and simulation for the performance ( electrical and thermal) is also detailed. A design example ties together all the issues that are relevant to the design of an MCM
Development of Cost-effective Endurance Test Rig with Integrated Algorithm for Safety
This paper presents a novel algorithm for controlling a new endur-ance test rig for the validation of a safety switch of the Cortech HealthCare Ltd shower and commode chair.
The paper outlines the design of the algorithm as well as the main concept and criteria together with the validation and testing methods.
In order to validate the algorithm, a set of preliminary trials is also presented
Advancement in robot programming with specific reference to graphical methods
This research study is concerned with the derivation of advanced robot
programming methods. The methods include the use of proprietary
simulation modelling and design software tools for the off-line
programming of industrial robots. The study has involved the generation
of integration software to facilitate the co-operative operation of these
software tools.
The three major researcli'themes7of "ease of usage", calibration and the
integration of product design data have been followed to advance robot
programming. The "ease of usage" is concerned with enhancements in the
man-machine interface for robo t simulation systems in terms of computer
assisted solid modelling and computer assisted task generation.
Robot simulation models represent an idealised situation, and any off-line
robot programs generated from'them may contain'discrepancies which could
seriously effect thq programs' performance; Calibration techniques have
therefore been investigated as 'a method of overcoming discrepancies
between the simulation model and the real world.
At the present time, most computer aided design systems operate as
isolated islands of computer technology, whereas their product databases
should be used to support decision making processes and ultimately
facilitate the generation of machine programs. Thus the integration of
product design data has been studied as an important step towards truly
computer integrated manufacturing.
The functionality of the three areas of study have been generalised and
form the basis for recommended enhancements to future robot programming
systems
Generating Programming Environments with Integrated Text and Graphics for VLSI Design Systems
The constant improvements in device integration, the development of new technologies
and the emergence of new design techniques call for flexible, maintainable
and robust software tools. The generic nature of compiler-compiler systems,
with their semi-formal specifications, can help in the construction of those tools.
This thesis describes the Wright editor generator which is used in the synthesis
of language-based graphical editors (LBGEs). An LBGE is a programming
environment where the programs being manipulated denote pictures. Editing
actions can be specified through both textual and graphical interfaces. Editors
generated by the Wright system are specified using the formalism of attribute
grammars.
The major example editor in this thesis, Stick-Wright, is a design entry system
for the construction of VLSI circuits. Stick-Wright is a hierarchical symbolic
layout editor which exploits a combination of text and graphics in an interactive
environment to provide the circuit designer with a tool for experimenting with
circuit topologies. A simpler system, Pict-Wright: a picture drawing system, is
also used to illustrate the attribute grammar specification process.
This thesis aims to demonstrate the efficacy of formal specification in the
generation of software-tools. The generated system Stick-Wright shows that a
text/graphic programming environment can form the basis of a powerful VLSI
design tool, especially with regard to providing the designer with immediate
graphical feedback. Further applications of the LBGE generator approach to
system design are given for a range of VLSI design activities
Indoor Navigation and Manipulation using a Segway RMP
This project dealt with a Segway RMP, utilizing it in an assistive-technology manner, encompassing navigation and manipulation aspects of robotics. First, background research was conducted to develop a blueprint for the robot. The hardware, software, and configuration of the RMP was updated, and a robotic arm was designed to extend the RMP’s capabilities. The robot was programmed to accomplish autonomous multi-floor navigation through the use of the navigation stack in ROS, image detection, and a GUI. The robot can navigate through the hallways of the building utilizing the elevator. The robotic arm was designed to accomplish tasks such as pressing a button and picking an object up off of a table. The Segway RMP is designed to be utilized and expanded upon as a robotics research platform
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