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USC "Design Modelling Simulation" (formerly CAD)
Downloadable Files for members of this USC
State of the art in Design, Modelling, and Simulation for Microsystems
The future development of microsystems will be characterized by an increasing number of features and, therefore, by an increasing number of physical domains such as: electronics, mechanics, electrostatic and electromagnetic fields, thermal effects, chemical reactions, fluidics, biological grow processes etc., which have to be considered in the design process.
Today, microsystems usually comprise two or three physical domains and analog/digital electronics in a desired interaction. Also, parasitic effects often have to be considered. In addition, the complexity has a wide spectrum: from single sensor with an analog evaluation circuit up to multi-sensor-systems with specialized signal processing on microcontrollers or DSPs and communication interfaces.
The importance of design objectives like functionality, reliability, fault tolerances, costs, and manufacturability will increase rapidly. The only way to handle this complexity (physical effects, manufacturing conditions, etc.) is an efficient design methodology supported by powerful algorithms, efficient design tools and standardized interfaces.
The current situation in microsystem design is characterized by huge differences in the performance and the extent of automation in the design flow of the subsystems. Commercially available microsystem design suites are very powerful but so far limited to special physical effects, technologies or system structures.
USC DMS History
More than 30 users and a few suppliers plus researchers participated in a NEXUS workshop on CAD tools for microsystems in 1999. A synthesis from the debate was that continuous interaction between users and suppliers was needed to strengthen the European basis of microsystems design methodology and tools in order to improve the competitiveness of the microsystems industry. In response to this demand, the NEXUS Executive Board decided in its December 1999 meeting to launch a User Supplier Club on CAD.
As a first action, NEXUS Executive Board member Patric Salomon, carried out a survey on needs and offers in the area of design tools for microsystems on behalf of the USC. The kick-off meeting of USC CAD took place on 30 August 2000 in Copenhagen, in the frame of the Eurosensors conference.
Meetings have been held twice to three times a year since then, usually in conjunction with major conferences or exhibitions in the field, or with the annual NEXUS forum in Brussels.
To better reflect the topics that are discussed in the formerly named User-supplier Club “CAD”, the name has been changed to “USC Design Modelling Simulation” in 2002. The USC puts main emphasis on discussing methodologies and product implementation for design, modelling and simulation of microtechnologies from microstructure to the system, which includes front end and back end manufacturing aspects.
A short chapter for the second edition of the NEXUS Microsystem Technology Roadmap (to be published in 2003) has been edited by a core group of the USC DMS. Further elaboration of this “Design Modelling Simulation Roadmap” is planned.
The need for international cooperation is evident in the field of design, modelling, and simulation for microsystems. This is why NEXUS and MEMS IG have chosen USC DMS to have the first of what is hoped to be many cooperative meetings between NEXUS, and MEMS Industry Group, the leading non-profit US microsystems/MEMS association. The first meeting was scheduled for Hannover Messe 2003, where a large US delegation will already be present. Participation of North American companies is facilitated by the MEMS Industry Group. The meeting is organized jointly by Patric Salomon on behalf of NEXUS and Ellen McDevitt of the MEMS Industry Group.
Main aims and objectives of USC DMS
Main aim of the USC is to facilitate and speed up microsystems product development in the industry through improvements in all the areas of DMS. The objectives are to:
Meetings
Meetings are held 2 or 3 times a year, usually in conjunction with major conferences or exhibitions in the field, or with the annual NEXUS forum. The USC brings together commercial and academic suppliers of microsystems design tools and their users. Design flows of industry-oriented microsystems designers and their future needs are discussed. In addition, new methodologies are presented as well as new features in design tool suites. A general discussion will usually take place with the members, working out ways in which the participants can network and approach the presented problems from both, a technological, and commercial point. Cooperation between participants from all levels of tool implementation is encouraged. The meetings are open to further active participants. In addition to design tool experts, we encourage especially design tool users to participate and discuss their design flows including problems and demands. Members are invited to suggest speakers and topics for the meetings.
Membership/communication
Membership is free. The only cost to members is their time and travel to meetings. Communication will be via email through the coordinator. There are three levels of membership:
Active members (category 1) have the full benefits of all NEXUS and USC DMS activities. Active and semi-active members will be included in the official membership list.
Minutes of Meetings
Minutes of previous meetings can be found here
Anyone interested in participating in this USC, please contact coordinator Patric Salomon.
Contact
Patric Salomon
4M2C PATRIC SALOMON
Cranachstrasse 1
12157 Berlin, Germany
Tel: +49 30 2435 7870
Fax: +49 69 1330 6496 553
E-mail:
patricsalomon@web.de