Like many simulation applications, FloTHERM is packaged with CAD and meshing technology. However, what separates FloTHERM from the rest is that it is targeting electronic design automation and mechanical design automation for the automotive, transportation, consumer electronics, aerospace, defense, and automation industries.
The release includes a new environment for parametric studies. The tools will help engineers define, solve and analyze their results while changing parameters that could control geometry, materials and other aspects of design. This will help engineers optimize their design faster. However, it is unknown what optimization and DOE algorithms, if any, will be available to perform such a task.
The latest release also includes improvements to the import and manipulation of boards and components layouts. Engineers will be able to change the size, orientation and position of components before it is transferred into FloTHERM.
Engineers focusing on the automotive and power electronic industries will be interested to see the addition of Joule heating, the conversion of an electric current to heat as it passes through a resistive element.
Other improvements in the new release include:
- EDA integration with ODB++ interface
- New modeling options for the representation of copper nets
- Transient analysis for time-varying analysis
- Improved UI
“FloTHERM XT extended modeling, EDA interfacing capabilities and UI improvements have been well received by our customers as well as our consulting team,” said William Maltz, president of Electronic Cooling Solutions Inc.
“We can now take raw mechanical and electrical design data for an electronics system through to a viable thermal model appropriate for advanced parametric analysis,” he added. “The improvements offered by FloTHERM XT enable us to work more efficiently and to build and run models with a significant reduction of engineering time and effort.”
For an industry moving toward multiphysics and multi-scale, it is interesting to see tools that are specifically aimed at simulation for niche parts, such as PCBs. Mentor Graphics isn’t the only one to buck the trend. ESI Group also offers many tools to simulate specific products like HVAC, metal stamping and even aircraft seats. The question is, will these specified tools survive the consolidation of the simulation market or will their targeted application allow them to thrive separately?
Are you a user of a simulation tool that targets a specific product? Would you prefer to see it integrated into a larger simulation ecosystem or remain independent? Comment below.
Previous Coverage in ENGINEERING.com and TenLinks:
Mentor’s FloTHERM XT and the Electronification of Design — John Hayes, ENGINEERING.com, Mar 18, 2013
New FloTHERM Floats into the Spotlight — Shawn Wasserman, ENGINEERING.com, Nov 22, 2013
Mentor Graphics Ships FloTHERM XT for Advanced Thermal Mgmt — press release, TenLinks.com, May 27, 2015