Electronic Design Automation (EDA) includes anything that is created with electronics. This can mean Internet routers, computer chips, cellular phones and everything else created by the electronics industry. These products are made by using EDA designers and tools.

EDA firms provide hardware design and software solutions that will help companies develop electronic devices quicker and more cost-effectively than if the company tried to do it on their own. Your EDA firm should be able to help your engineers resolve the design dilemmas they face. Automated electronic design services can help your company in the following ways:

1. EDA companies can design and manufacture complex electronic devices.

2. EDA companies can provide software that helps microchip manufacturers meet critical deadlines by reducing time between product iterations.

3. EDA companies can send an EDA designer to work as part of your team to ensure project goals are met.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase EDA software from electronic design automation suppliers

An automatic schematic design can be easily created by using EDA software packages. If you have a design team on staff, then they may want to use EDA software to see if they can enhance your current products without having to hire outside help. EDA software can save you thousands of dollars if you have someone willing to learn how to use the tool.

I recommend: McCAD sells a variety of EDA software. You can purchase the modules that you need so if you were only interested in circuit design or schematic captures, then you only have to buy those modules. Check out the demos that CAD Design Software offers on the key features of their EDA software. Capilano Computing has an EDA package called DesignWorks that features an integrated PDF export which allows you to create design documentation without the need for additional software.

Find an EDA designer for your custom design solutions

An EDA designer can come in from the beginning of the project and lead your team or may be hired as a member of your team to assist the others. Having an EDA designer will ensure that different approaches to design are considered. The EDA designers know how to clarify your needs for speed and power in order to meet the project's objectives in a timely manner.

I recommend: Impulse Accelerated Technologies sells kits that can be customized for your specific application needs, in addition to offering EDA designers to work on your project. Magma Design Automation will customize any EDA software package to meet your business needs and will provide EDA designers to work on your projects.

Run electronic design automation tests

Consider hiring an EDA company to run schematic design tests and systems simulation and analysis. These are time consuming to perform, but are essential for your product design. hiring an outside firm to do these tests can free up your engineers for other tasks that will help you get your product to market on schedule.

I recommend: To ensure your design works properly there are a battery of simulation tests and analysis that must be done and Cadence Design Systems and Agilent offers these services.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  To keep up with the latest in electronic design automation, consider attending the Design Automation Conference, or DAC, which is a technical conference and a trade show.