Thermal simulation tool connects MCAD and EDA

FloTHERM XT is a unique thermal simulation software package that can be used during all stages of the electronics design process to improve design layout and reliability. The tool tightly couples mechanical and electronic CAD design flows and cuts design times significantly with its ability to examine thermal situations early in the design process.

The package offers a robust geometry engine for complex shapes and supports transient analysis, Joule heating, parametric studies, and the ability to represent copper in full 3D detail for complex PCBs. FloTHERM XT’s CAD-centric technology includes a robust mesher that simulates complex geometries with ease, speed, and accuracy. The tool features an integrated environment for defining, solving, and analyzing results for parametric variations of geometry, material attributes, and other solution parameters that significantly enhances the design process. All this is not inexpensive — starting from $48,000 — but for many designs it will be more than worth it.