X

NVIDIA, a leading company in visual computing technologies, was facing a significant challenge in meeting the stringent time-to-market windows for its high-performance gadgets. The company's average design cycle was less than six months, from silicon tapeout to printed circuit boards (PCBs) ready for the marketplace. NVIDIA design teams were using Cadence tools to create their IC package and board designs. They had also developed several in-house tools for ball grid array (BGA) fanout and routing to augment their existing Cadence® Allegro® constraint-driven PCB design flow. However, the pressures of product miniaturization and high-density interconnect (HDI), combined with an increasing number of constraints, was creating new challenges. The question was whether to invest time and resources developing tools to enable HDI, or to adopt a new solution. And since NVIDIA was designing with high-speed constraints but also using “build-up” technology to handle BGA fanout, they would need a highly flexible solution that could address both sets of requirements.

Faraday Technology Corporation, a leading fabless ASIC vendor and SIP provider, faced a significant challenge in updating its engineering change order (ECO) process. The ECO process involves inserting a logic change directly into the netlist after an automatic tool has already processed it. This could include anything from adding or removing logic in a design to a more subtle change such as cleaning up routing for signal integrity. However, ECOs can be stressful and time-consuming. Traditional manual ECO flows are labor-intensive and limited in their ability to ensure that a product will function properly. Designers often don't know if a change made in the logical netlist can be executed in the physical netlist, making the manual ECO process time-consuming and effort-intensive. It was also difficult to accurately keep track of used spare cells and freed cells.

Ricoh, a leading provider of office equipment, was facing challenges in speeding up the development cycle for its multifunction printer ASICs to keep pace with the fast-moving market. The company identified two significant areas for improvement. Firstly, there was a lack of effective solutions to avoid missing test cases and test implementations, leading to errors in the testing process. About 22% of their errors stemmed from insufficient data extraction into the testbench and wrong test implementation due to misinterpretation of the specification. Secondly, Ricoh was spending too much time, about three hours each day, just capturing the verification status for progress management manually from a team of 26 verification engineers. This excluded time spent diagnosing actual problems. Ricoh needed to automate this data collection and filtering process, so the engineers could start resolving problems sooner.

Pegatron Corporation, a leading electronics manufacturing company, was facing a significant challenge in its product development process. The company's layout team was spending an excessive amount of time manually routing and tuning the traces on PCBs developed for notebook, tablet, and server products. The process was slow and labor-intensive, particularly when dealing with complex ball-grid array (BGA) packages that could have up to 1,000 pins. The company's customers were also demanding more detailed evaluations, requesting 100 percent routing, including tuning. This situation was limiting the number of projects the team could handle and was causing frustration among the team members. To increase their productivity and meet customer demands, the team needed a way to automate the routing process.

Fuji Electric (FE), a global company based in Japan, was faced with the challenge of developing a new driver IC for its power modules and power ICs. The company needed a control function that could meet the specifications of a new power-management system. The design team had to explore a new control algorithm, including the design concept for the new power-management system. The IC would need to support many functions, such as a protection function to stop the system in case of unusual conditions, such as high or low voltage during a lightning storm. The aggressive time-to-market requirements for this new low-power, low-noise, low-cost power-supply IC added to the complexity of the task. The team also needed to increase the efficiency of the concept design and manage complex verification items.

Sharp Corporation, a global electronics company based in Japan, was faced with the challenge of speeding up the time to market for a new CMOS image sensor without compromising on product quality. The market for sensors and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) devices was rapidly expanding, driven by the increasing demand for user-friendly consumer electronics in various sectors including automobiles, computers, medical equipment, and portable products such as media players, tablets, and smartphones. This put immense pressure on Sharp to produce highly differentiated products within increasingly tight timeframes. The design challenge was to address timing and routability convergence challenges.

VIA Telecom, a leading fabless semiconductor company, was facing a significant challenge in delivering low-power baseband processors in a highly competitive market. The company's customers, primarily handset manufacturers, were under increasing pressure to deliver unique mobile devices with low power consumption and long battery life. These customers were also facing shortened design cycles due to time-to-market demands. To keep pace with its customers, VIA Telecom needed to move away from its manual process for verifying the power intent of its digital baseband processor designs. The company was seeking a proven solution with strong support to automate this process and maintain low power consumption while ensuring timely delivery of their products.

Altair, a fabless chip company specializing in high-performance, low-power 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) semiconductor solutions, faced several challenges in its quest to capture market share in the rapidly growing LTE market. The advanced LTE technologies required high levels of signal processing and careful design to minimize power consumption and maximize performance. The company also had to deal with high costs related to intellectual property (IP) licensing of different system-on-a-chip (SoC) components, tapeouts in advanced process geometries, carrier certifications, and significant software investments. Furthermore, Altair had to meet aggressive time-to-market and price targets for its chipsets. The company's product portfolio, divided into Supercharged LTE and LTE for IoT, presented different challenges, whether it was to enhance performance or reduce power consumption.

Samsung, a market leader in solid-state drives (SSDs), decided to add a PCI Express interface to its SSD controllers in 2012 to increase data transfer performance and expand its market share. Traditionally, SSDs were based on the SATA protocol used for HDDs, which was compatible but had performance and throughput limitations when used with non-volatile memory. The addition of PCI Express to Samsung’s SSD significantly increased the challenges faced in device and software validation, particularly at the system-on-chip (SoC) level. This required a significant performance increase in the validation environment to validate PCI Express behavior at the SoC level, integrate and debug host driver software, and validate end-to-end bulk DMA transfers. Samsung initially attempted to use their traditional approach—a simulated testbench using simulation verification IP (VIP)—but found it too slow and inefficient for their needs with the PCI Express interface.

UPEK, a California-based pioneer in biometric fingerprint technology, faced a significant challenge in its design and verification process. The company's design team was responsible for both design and verification elements of the flow, necessitating a high degree of flexibility to accommodate multiple interfaces across diverse computing systems. The primary business challenge was to provide customers with a faster time to market. To achieve this, UPEK needed to speed up the design cycle and incorporate an assertion-based verification methodology into its existing design and verification flow.

IBM, a leader in mainframe computing, was facing challenges in designing highly complex printed circuit boards (PCBs) for their mainframe computers. These PCBs, measuring as large as 50cm x 60cm, carry tens of thousands of signal interconnects in more than 10 layers of circuitry, with pin counts reaching 5,000 per component and more than 5,000 connections at the board level. The complexity of these designs made traditional schematics cumbersome and time-consuming to work with and analyze. IBM attempted to simplify the process by developing a solution based on entering the design attributes of each signal in a table or spreadsheet format. However, this added another step in the process as engineers had to convert the information into Hardware Description Language (HDL) to interface with the design platform. Additionally, analog elements could not be treated in this way and had to be configured manually.

The case study revolves around the optimization of an axial fan's design using TCFD® and CAESES® software. The primary challenge was to develop a new, highly efficient fan or improve the parameters of an existing one. The existing axial fan had specific parameters, including a diameter of 280 mm, RPM of 3000, maximum power of 100 W, maximum pressure of 410 Pa, maximum air capacity of 1100 m3/h, and peak efficiency of 69%. The study aimed to maximize the fan's efficiency in the range of flow rates from 576 m3/h to 1296 m3/h and increase the air flow capacity. The challenge also involved creating a smart and efficient turbomachinery design optimization workflow by connecting the two software packages, TCFD® and CAESES®.

The design of turbomachinery blades is a complex process that requires a high level of precision and customization. The challenge lies in creating robust and flexible parametric models that can be integrated into existing workflows. The models need to consider geometric and manufacturing constraints, and should be capable of reducing the total number of parameters. Furthermore, the design process should allow for comprehensive tuning possibilities of shape details to better control local flow phenomena such as cavitation or swirl. The preprocessing for all design variants should be done only once, and the entire process should be geared towards automation for efficient shape optimization.

Barbara Webster, a talented quilter and founder of Starforest Quilts, was faced with the challenge of creating intricate, kaleidoscopic patterns of photographic images for her quilts. Traditional methods of quilt designing were not sufficient to achieve the level of complexity and precision she desired. Moreover, she wanted to incorporate high-resolution photographic images in vivid color on 100% cotton fabric, which was virtually impossible without the use of advanced technology. The challenge was to find a solution that could help her create these intricate designs and print them on fabric in a high-quality manner.

An Original Occasion, a Los Angeles-based special events production company, was facing challenges in effectively communicating their vision to clients. The event planning industry is highly competitive and conceptual, making it difficult to convey the intended event design and details through words alone. The company was struggling to provide a realistic picture of the event, including props, decor, and lighting effects, which was causing confusion and misinterpretation among clients. This lack of clarity was affecting their proposal acceptance rate and their ability to stand out in the multi-million dollar event planning industry.

Stand 21, a French company, has been designing and producing special race clothing since 1970. The company's products are held in high regard by its 3000 customers, including multiple Formula 1 drivers. The challenge for Stand 21 was to design and produce fireproof race-wear that is not only safe but also comfortable for the drivers. The race-wear includes balaclavas, overalls, gloves, boots, and even underwear—all made from fireproof material. The clothes must also be breathable enough to wick out the driver's sweat and keep him cool. The suit has up to three layers, and all stitching and seams are fireproof too. The clothes are meticulously made by hand to ensure compliance with stringent safety and quality standards. The company also had to customize each outfit according to the drivers' wishes, including logos, sponsor names, and a variety of other images embroidered onto the suits using fireproof thread.

Peter Litger, the CEO of a Car Body and Spray Painting Center in Germany's Rhein-Sieg district, faced a unique challenge. His business was not just about fixing scratches or dents on vehicles; it was about creating unique, artistic designs on vehicles, transforming them into moving pieces of art. However, creating these designs by hand was a time-consuming process, and it was difficult to ensure consistency and precision in every design. Moreover, Peter was one of only two people in Germany who painted by hand using an airbrush, which added to the complexity of the task. The challenge was to find a solution that could help streamline the design process, improve efficiency, and maintain the high quality of the artwork.

Logique Communications Inc., a Toronto-based marketing and communications firm, was approached by Alpha Health and Wellness, a personal training company, to help them update their logo, business cards, and other marketing collateral. The company wanted to expand its core fitness offerings to a more holistic approach, including 'balance-of-life' and 'life coach' services. The challenge was to create a logo that conveyed a sense of positive energy flow. The initial creative brief included a triangular, spiral-shaped symbol that was to be the basis for the 'A's in the word ALPHA. The remaining letters 'LPH' were to be designed using a rounded, sans-serif font. The challenge was to create a visually pleasing symmetry while maintaining the essence of the brand.

Herdwick Landscapes, a UK-based company specializing in the creation of period stone dolls' houses, faced significant challenges in their production process. The company, founded by Peter and Kate Kelsall, was inspired by the rugged beauty of England's north-west Lake District and aimed to create miniature models that accurately represented the classic stone buildings found in this region. However, crafting these intricate models by hand was extremely time-consuming and physically challenging, particularly when working at a 1/48th scale. The finer details, such as fretwork, windows, and doors, were particularly difficult to produce. The labor-intensive nature of the work also limited the range of styles they could offer, and some elements, like windows and fireplaces that light up, were simply too small to create by hand at the 1/48 scale.

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI), a global leader in digital signal processing and analog technologies, faced a significant challenge in its Technical Information Solutions (TIS) department. The TIS team, responsible for creating documentation supporting the company's custom semiconductor product lines, needed a tool that could seamlessly integrate into their documentation workflow. They relied on an XML-based content management system to publish, version, and repurpose product documentation. The team received source graphics in various formats, including AutoCAD, Visio, and WMF, which needed to be converted for use in both print and web documents. The challenge was to find a software package that could easily edit and convert these graphics into the various file formats required for their publishing processes. Furthermore, the team was planning to standardize on a single file format, SVG, in the future. Therefore, the solution they chose had to support this powerful open standard graphics format.

The Refilwe Community Project, a South African charity for disadvantaged and vulnerable children, was facing challenges in producing marketing and fundraising materials. The charity, which supports over 200 children and infants, is heavily dependent on donations and has to make the most of volunteered services and thinly-stretched staff. The process of outsourcing graphic design and video production was not only costly but also time-consuming, with a lot of back and forth with external designers or video producers. This was slowing down the approval process and increasing production time. The charity needed a solution that would allow them to be self-sufficient, save money, and cut down on production time without compromising on the quality of their marketing materials.

Ferris State University (FSU) is a leading technical and professional university that offers a wide range of programs to over 11,000 students. The Center for Student Services at FSU is responsible for producing a variety of educational materials, including course catalogs, class schedule books, recruitment posters, campus maps, directional signs, and calendars. These materials are used by students, faculty, visitors, and administration, and they rely on high-quality, accurate graphics to display important information. The challenge was to save time and reduce the costs of outsourcing these projects. Craig E. Westman, Ph.D., Associate Dean of Enrollment Services and Director of Admissions and Records at FSU, was looking for ways to make the creation of class schedule books more cost-effective and visually appealing to attract potential advertisers. He needed a software application that was easy to use, offered creative flexibility, and produced professional-quality results.

Abracadabra Signs and Designs, a signmaking company known for its unique and memorable cartoon characters, was facing a significant challenge. The company, led by Steve Thomas Greer, had built its reputation on hand-painted murals and signs, a process that was both time-consuming and labor-intensive. As the demand for their work increased, the company found it increasingly difficult to keep up with the growing number of projects. The traditional signmaking process, involving paint, brushes, and cut vinyl, was slowing down their workflow and limiting their ability to take on more jobs. Steve recognized the potential of digital printing to speed up processes and increase productivity. However, he was hesitant to make the transition for fear of compromising the unique, hand-crafted look that was the trademark of his company's art.

Richard Parrish, the owner and founder of Vinyl Creations, a small signmaking shop in Port Orange, Florida, faced a significant challenge. Despite having no formal training in graphic design, he needed to create professional-looking vinyl signs, banners, and decals for his clients. His clients often brought him logos on paper, asking him to create banners or signs based on these designs. As a small business, Vinyl Creations had limited resources and manpower, with only three employees who had to be prepared to do a bit of everything. The challenge was to find a solution that would allow them to create high-quality custom graphics efficiently and confidently, despite their lack of formal design training.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service are responsible for managing millions of acres of America's public lands. Their mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of these lands for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Increasingly, these lands are viewed from the perspective of the recreational opportunities they offer, their cultural resources, and their abundant beauty. The Roseburg District BLM and Umpqua National Forest, which border each other, provide opportunities to collaborate in the development of brochures and other interpretive projects to showcase the vast recreational, scenic, and tourist attractions of the region. The challenge was to create collateral pieces on a variety of subjects and recreational opportunities, including boating, camping, fishing, hiking, hunting, mountain biking, site-seeing, and visiting cultural or heritage sites.

The Formula Student Electric Team at TU Berlin, known as zedX, faced a significant challenge when they decided to participate in the renowned Formula Student Germany event in Hockenheim. The event was accepting entries for electric racing cars for the first time in 2010, and the team had less than ten months to design and build a racing car that would be made in a limited series of 1000 units and cost less than US$25,000 per car. The car had to meet several criteria, including speed, braking capability, design, fuel consumption, engine safety, and a comprehensive costing and marketing plan. The team also had to create a logo and promotional materials for the car, a task that fell to Philipp Kahle. He had to produce the first layouts of the four-page brochure and the logo for the car within the thirty-day trial period of the CorelDRAW Graphics Suite.

The Munich University of Applied Sciences was faced with the challenge of teaching future technical writers how to create ergonomic and intuitive products. The goal was to explain complex devices using images and technical drawings. The university needed a software that could run on both Mac and Windows systems, and that was easy to learn and use. The software also needed to be able to support popular file formats, as the students would be working with different CAD systems in their professional lives. Furthermore, the university wanted to develop strong media competence among the students, which required the software to be able to work together and with other systems.

DiGiMATiON, a leading developer of advanced broadcast and place-based multimedia authoring solutions, was in a partnership with Matrox Video Products Group to produce Matrox Infonet TV, an integrated information delivery system. The challenge was to provide an interface for their software, Audience.tv, that was feature-rich yet easy to customize and user-friendly. They needed a program that could serve as a layout, design, and rendering engine for creating graphical content for a wide variety of broadcast media. After considering several products from competitors, they found none that could match the capabilities of CorelDRAW Graphics Suite. The suite's ease of use, tight integration, and advanced three-dimensional graphics effects were the deciding factors.

Careline Crisis and Trauma Centre, a South African charity, is dedicated to supporting the community in its darkest hour. The organization runs a life skills training program, Careline Print Media, which aims to provide new career opportunities to residents by teaching them how to produce a wide range of marketing material using CorelDRAW Graphics Suite. The challenge was to offer recovering addicts and trauma victims a new lease on life. The Careline Halfway House, based in Durban, serves as a refuge for substance abusers who have completed a three-week detox program and individuals who need a safe haven to recover from trauma. The organization needed a way to provide these individuals with skills that could help them launch successful new careers in graphic design and printing.

Tadcaster Grammar School (TGS) in North Yorkshire, England, is a bustling educational institution with over 1500 students aged 11 to 18. The school's Design & Technology Department was facing a significant challenge. The students, particularly those interested in graphic design, lacked the necessary software tools to produce their best work. The school was using two or three different software packages, which were not only time-consuming but also required the teachers to train the students on different platforms. This situation was diverting the students' focus from their projects to learning how to use the software. Moreover, the existing software was not compatible with the school's design equipment, such as the laser cutter and the plotter. This incompatibility led to a lot of reformatting, resulting in wasted time and effort, and causing frustration among students and teachers alike. The school recognized the need for a comprehensive solution that would address these issues, particularly the compatibility problems.