Automated Excitation Source Planning for PCB Electromagnetic Simulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current three-dimensional electromagnetic simulation software, such as ANSYS HFSS, requires manual and time-consuming processes for setting excitation sources, leading to human errors and reduced accuracy in simulation results.

Innovation Solution

An automated excitation source planning method and system that imports a printed circuit board (PCB) layout, sets the excitation source between the signal and ground layers, and generates a three-dimensional simulation model, automatically connecting the signal layer to the ground layer if not initially connected, using electromagnetic simulation software.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operations are used to set excitation sources in electromagnetic simulation software, then flexibility and control are improved, but operation time increases and human errors occur

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveManual control of excitation source positioningVSAvoidTime consumed in manually creating and adjusting excitation sources

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic excitation source planning without requiring manual intervention. The processing unit automatically imports PCB layout, identifies signal and ground layers, positions excitation sources, and generates 3D simulation models, enabling the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous human operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary automatic planning of excitation sources before the actual electromagnetic simulation begins. By pre-positioning excitation sources based on PCB layout analysis and automatically extending metal units to ensure electrical connectivity, the system prepares all necessary configurations in advance, eliminating time-consuming manual adjustments during simulation setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual operations are used to set excitation sources, then adaptability to different cases is improved, but accuracy of simulation results deteriorates due to human errors

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to handle different PCB layouts and configurationsVSAvoidAccuracy of excitation source positioning and simulation results

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automatic detection and verification mechanisms that analyze PCB layouts, identify signal and ground layers, and verify electrical connectivity through automatic extension of metal units. This feedback loop ensures accurate excitation source positioning and maintains high simulation accuracy across different PCB configurations without human error.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated computational processes. The processing unit uses algorithms to automatically import PCB layouts, identify layers, position excitation sources, and generate 3D models, substituting human manual operations with precise computational automation that eliminates human errors while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If automated excitation source planning is implemented, then operation time is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveSpeed of excitation source setup and simulation generationVSAvoidComplexity of automated planning system and software integration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic simulation software module is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple tasks within a single integrated system. It can automatically import PCB layouts, identify signal and ground layers, position excitation sources, extend metal units for connectivity, and generate 3D simulation models, consolidating multiple functions into one universal tool that reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple discrete operations into a single automated workflow. The layout importing step, port establishing step with excitation source positioning, metal unit extension for connectivity verification, and 3D model generation are combined into one integrated automated process, simplifying the system architecture while improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11599702B2Excitation source planning method for electrical simulation and system thereof

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 UNIVERSAL SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIAL (SHANGHAI) CO LTD

AI summary

An excitation source planning method for an electrical stimulation is proposed to plan an excitation source. A layout importing step is performed to drive a processing unit to import a PCB layout to an electromagnetic simulation software module. A port establishing step is performed to set the excitation source to be vertically disposed between a signal layer and a main ground layer. A model generating step is performed to perform the electrical simulation according to the excitation source to generate a three-dimensional simulation model corresponding to the PCB layout. When the signal layer is not electrically connected to the main ground layer, the electromagnetic simulation software module executes an extending step. The extending step is performed to provide a first metal unit to be connected to the signal layer, and reset the excitation source to be vertically disposed between the first metal unit and the main ground layer.