What does this case study cover?
It follows Elix Systems SA, an engineering firm specialising in autonomous flying vehicles, integrating Synthelyzer™ and fiXtress® into its electronic board design process.
In the fast-paced aerospace sector, reliability and efficiency are critical to success. Companies face the challenge of navigating complex design requirements while ensuring that their products meet the highest performance standards. This case study explores how Elix Systems SA, a prominent engineering firm specializing in autonomous flying vehicles, effectively integrated Synthelyzer™ and fiXtress® into their design workflow.The Synthelyzer™ ECAD Plugin plays a pivotal role by generating a comprehensive Bill of Materials (BOM) that includes both board components and operational stresses. This data is then utilized by fiXtress® for system-level derating and Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) predictions, allowing for a holistic view across multiple boards. The integration of these tools resulted in transformative benefits for Elix Systems, leading to enhanced reliability, streamlined processes, and substantial time savings.
Who is Elix Systems SA?
Founded in 2020, Elix Systems develops electronic systems for aerospace, defence and medical customers, with in-house expertise in video processing, security and human-machine interfaces.
Elix Systems SA, founded in 2020, boasts a team of seasoned engineers with expertise in video processing, security, and human-machine interfaces. The company specializes in developing electronic systems for demanding industries, including aerospace, defense, and medical. With a commitment to innovation, Elix Systems sought tools that could bolster their design processes and improve product reliability.
What problems did they start with?
Prior to adopting Synthelyzer™ and fiXtress®, Elix Systems faced several challenges:
- Outsourcing MTBF Calculations: The company relied on external resources for calculating Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), which slowed down their workflow and increased costs.
- Inefficiencies in Component Selection: The manual process of component derating and selection often led to delays and errors.
- Lack of Real-Time Analysis: The team struggled with integrating reliability data into their design processes, hindering their ability to make informed decisions.
How were the tools introduced?
Both tools were integrated into the existing design workflow rather than run alongside it, so the analysis became part of the design pass.
Recognizing the need for a comprehensive solution, Elix Systems integrated Synthelyzer™ and fiXtress® into their design workflow. These tools offered powerful capabilities, including:
- Automated Component Derating: Synthelyzer™ streamlined the derating process, reducing manual effort and enhancing accuracy.
- In-House MTBF Prediction: With fiXtress®, the team could perform MTBF calculations internally, significantly speeding up the design cycle.
- Real-Time Stress Analysis: The seamless integration with existing EDA tools allowed for in-workflow analysis, enabling engineers to assess reliability as designs evolved.
What did it deliver?
The integration of Synthelyzer™ and fiXtress® delivered measurable benefits to Elix Systems:
- Increased Efficiency: By eliminating the need for subcontractors to calculate MTBF, the company reduced design iteration times and increased flexibility. Frederic Guitard, COO, stated, “We can now rely on validated components and generate detailed reports that enhance our decision-making.”
- Enhanced Product Reliability: The tools provided comprehensive electrical stress analysis, enabling the team to identify and resolve potential failure points early in the design process. This proactive approach resulted in products that met stringent industry standards.
- Significant Time Savings: The automation of manual processes saved valuable engineering hours, allowing the team to focus on innovation and product development.
What is the wider lesson?
The gain came from putting reliability analysis inside the design workflow, which is what let an aerospace supplier meet its design requirements without adding a separate verification stage.
Elix Systems SA’s successful integration of Synthelyzer™ and fiXtress® exemplifies the potential of advanced engineering tools to transform design workflows. By enhancing reliability and efficiency, these solutions empower companies in the aerospace industry to meet the challenges
of modern electronic design head-on.
For organizations seeking to elevate their design processes and improve product performance, the case of Elix Systems underscores the critical role that Synthelyzer™ and fiXtress® can play in achieving these goals.
Contact us to learn how fiXtress® and Synthelyzer™ can transform your electronic design processes and drive your company toward unparalleled reliability and innovation.