Researchers at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) are working with CAD software developers, circuit designers, and EMC engineers to develop a powerful tool for modeling and predicting electromagnetic interference (EMI) problems. The consortium structure brings EMI/EMC modeling experts together with professional CAE/CAD software developers and state-of-the-art circuit designers representing the computer, aerospace, and automotive electronics industries. The goal of this project is to develop intelligent EMI modeling software that will work with automated printed circuit board layout tools to:

• review and analyze printed circuit board designs;
• point out problems with the layout that could result in electromagnetic emissions or electromagnetic susceptibility;
• estimate the magnitude of potential radiated EMI problems;
• anticipate ESD and radiated susceptibility problems; and
• provide circuit and board layout design advice.

Unlike numerical EM modeling software or EMC design rule checkers, the software being developed by the consortium examines boards in much the same manner as a professional EMC engineer. Potential common-mode and differential-mode EMI sources are identified and evaluated. The software looks for EMI antennas on or off the board and evaluates how hard they are being driven. It identifies any problems found with the board layout and estimates the impact of these problems on the radiated EMI from the system.

Two commercial expert system software tools based on the algorithms developed so far have already been released. Quiet Expert from Innoveda and Hot-Stage EMI from Zuken are based on principles and algorithms resulting from this project. Both of these tools will continue to get "smarter" and easier to use as work on this project progresses.