The View Towards ’22
Based upon the events of the last two years, two adages can readily apply: “the only certainty is uncertainty” and “beyond this place there be dragons.” Looking towards 2022, predicting what the future holds for product development in general and EDA technology specifically requires some critical thinking. Add the current chip shortage to the mix and the picture becomes more complex.
Current and next-generation high frequency/high data rate products have very little latitude in terms of “wiggle room” using traditional materials and components. Very small structures such as microvias and solder joints, not addressed during design, can become single points of failure that can mean the difference between a working product or a failed one. The EDA toolsets used to design these features must have a high degree of granularity and accuracy and be able to simulate and predict product manufacturability, operability and reliability. The ability to mitigate these factors will also help satisfy customer needs, maintain competitive advantages and maximize product revenues.
Most importantly, the foregoing challenges create a mandate for rethinking traditional design approaches. For EDA toolsets, lessons borrowed from other industries such as AI and machine learning will play an expanding role. For product designers, the ability to simulate and predict downstream product development processes may well determine the success or failure of current and future products.
