ECAD – Plugin

BQR offers software plugins for Altium, OrCad and Mentor that add the following capabilities:

• Simple Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) calculation according to Mil Hdbk 217 parts count, or Telcordia SR-332 issue 3. BOM is automatically imported from the CAD, and the tool also includes a components part number library for reuse of defined components, thereby saving engineers valuable time.
• Component stresses (Power, Voltage, Current etc.,) can be easily defined, propagated to other components, and shown in the schematic. This is useful for component derating analysis.
• Net-name and Net-property generator for standardized and meaningful net names. Netlist data is automatically retrieved from the CAD, and can be updated in order to clarify the meaning and usage of the net.
• Back annotation i.e. present stresses and revised net-names on the CAD schematic drawing.
• Easy connection to BQR’s fiXtress provides automated design error detection and automates component derating and electrical stress analysis options:
  • Automated schematic review (also known as Design Analysis or Design Rule Check) according to a flexible rule checker that allows to add user defined rules.
    Example rules:
    • Floating ground
    • Required decoupling capacitors
    • Required pull-up / pull-down resistor
  • Circuit simulation and stress analysis for complex circuit designs. The simulation allows to detect additional design errors such as:
    • EOS – Electrical Over Stress components
    • Bus errors (incorrect voltage for high / low states)
    • Junction temperature for semiconductors and ICs

Benefits

• Improve design robustness by detecting design errors during schematic phase
• Correct hard-to-detect design errors before manufacturing
• Streamline the design process
• Applicable for all industries requiring highly reliable electronics boards
• Accelerate time to market by reducing design cycles
• Optimize component selection, reliability & MTBF
• Ensure adherence to derating guidelines
• Optimize thermal design placement
• Facilitate warranty period and spare parts planning

Note to Zuken users

Although BQR currently does not have a plug-in for Zuken, Zuken allows to easily export the Bill Of Materials and Connections to Excel (via Tools – Reports – Excel). These files can be imported by BQR software for MTBF calculation, stress analysis and schematic review.