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Supply chains are often linked by a multitude of mechanical CAD systems, software applications and file formats. System software providers are all, however, looking for the same thing – an elusive Universal File Format, or UFF, supporting all data systems. Some will say such a thing already exists, with the IGES (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification) and STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product model data) systems. Both are neutral data formats which allow digital exchange of CAD design files across platforms. However, their usefulness as are marred by their shortcomings.

The development of STEP in 1994 led to a loss of interest in improving and developing the IGES system, which STEP was intended to replace. Whereas IGES was developed solely for CAD migration, STEP was formatted to support the product throughout its entire life cycle. However, STEP has so far failed to live up to its expectations, and IGES is still the most common system in use.

However, engineers suffer many frustrations with CAD migration using IGES, with missing surfaces and corrupted files which take hours, sometimes days to put right. 3D CAD translation and file compatibility is an increasingly complex issue, not helped by the IT literacy required to cope with new file formats.

For this reason, many companies turn to us at �ۿ۴�ý Technologies. We provide an extensive range of CAD CAM services, including 3D modeling, CAD migration, CAD translation and 2D to 3D conversion of legacy files.

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VHDL language specifically operates simulation and synthesizing tools, but users are not limited to one description style, and hardware designs can be described via any method, e.g. from the top down, bottom up or both ends to the middle. Although the language itself is standardized, the hardware designer can choose the tools and methodology.

Hardware can be described by the VHDL language in a number of abstract ways. When applying VHDL to advanced ASIC and FPGA design, there are three levels of abstraction: algorithm, RTL (Register Transfer Level) and gate level. They are identified in terms of timing.

RTL represents the input, and GL the output, of synthesis. The algorithm is a set of commands carried out in sequence to perform a task, and does not have inputs, outputs, a clock or detailed delays. However, behavioural synthesis tools are available which enable VHDL input to occur. This can be constrained via an algorithmic clock.

RTL description encompasses a clock, which allows scheduled operations to occur in specific cycles, but without detailed delays. Again, tools are available to increase flexibility. Gate level description is technology orientated, describing a network of gates and registers, and contains delays.

We at �ۿ۴�ý Technologies offer a wide range of value engineering services, including complex FPGA programming and VHDL design.

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ATF plants have to dispose of all hazardous materials, and recycle at least 85% of the rest. The first thing to be removed is the battery, then the fluids; engine oil, fuel, hydraulic fluids, anti-freeze, and even the windscreen wash. Holes are drilled to facilitate this, with oils and fluids suctioned or drained into special containers. Recyclable components such as tyres are also removed.

This all sounds familiar, but ELV, GADSL and mean extra care with hazardous components. Lead balancing weights, mercury-rich internal switches and trims containing hexavalent chromium must all be removed and disposed of in an environmentally compliant manner, such that they do not re-enter the supply chain as recycled goods. Other physically hazardous components, such as air bags and seat-belt pretension mechanisms, must be removed or made inactive. The car must be totally safe before being sent for further recycling. There, things become more complex, with a drive to recycle everything, from plastic fascias to fabric upholstery.

ATFs invest large sums of money to reach ELV compliance. Mechanical engineers, FPGA design consultants and system development teams are working overtime to get novel recycling patents off the ground. We at �ۿ۴�ý Technologies can help, offering manufacturing support at every level.

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Mechanical CAD has come a long way in the last few years and in many ways is helping the process of mechanical engineering more than ever. In the earlier days, CAD systems were nothing more than an extension of the drawing board, simply offering a more convenient way of producing design specifications. Now, CAD systems will not only produce the full designs for a product, but they can also offer virtual prototyping, and endless extra information on materials, manufacturing processes, component selection, and tolerances of individual parts, and even the whole system.

CAD doesn’t only operate in 2D any more either, 3D CAD is now so widely available that these days even the most humble items may well be designed, specified and virtually prototyped within a CAD system before anybody ever gets to see or touch anything real at all. In many cases, a number of different designs will be on the go at once so that they can be tested together and even, in the case of products that need to be seen and touched and have some degree of aesthetic or ergonomics, they can be visualized in photo-realism and shown to target audiences so that you can decide final product details before it ever goes to the physical prototype stage or even straight to manufacture.

The CAD process has become very advanced and it would take a brave company to take on their own mechanical design CAD systems in-house, which is why a number of companies are now providing design services for mechanical engineering companies, working together through all the process stages until the product is ready to roll.

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