Virtual prototyping boosts model-driven Design for Six Sigma methodology: Part 3 of 3 - Design example: Electronic throttle control

By Darrell Teegarden, Mentor Graphics Corporation

Automotive DesignLine (04/24/08, 03:44:00 PM EDT)

Part 1 of this 3-part series described how a model-driven development process and virtual prototyping tools help address the challenges of implementing a DFSS methodology in a complex automotive electronics development process.

Part 2 details how a model-driven development process is integrated with a DFSS methodology to provide a more efficient way to ensure that customer critical-to-quality (CTQ) requirements are met in the final product.

Imagine all the variables that can affect the performance of your design—from part tolerances to process variations and environmental conditions. Testing a physical prototype for even a fraction of these factors can be expensive, time-consuming, and error-prone. However, you can significantly cut the costs of testing by simulating with virtual prototypes.

A model-driven Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) approach provides an effective structure for managing a complex development process while reducing costs through virtual prototyping. DFSS methodologies typically start by defining a project and then analyzing customer needs—producing a set of customer critical to quality (CTQ) specifications. Incorporating a model-driven development process into the DFSS methodology can help ensure that these CTQs are met in the final product.

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