Electronic Manufacturing Process Systems Cost Modeling and Simulation Tools

Recent National Science Foundation [1] and National Research Council [2] studies have discussed electronics industry needs in the areas of computer-aided process modeling and simulation tools to support the Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) electronics-design-for-manufacturing process. In this paper, we present a summary of pioneering efforts in the modeling and simulation areas by Northern Telecom Ltd. (NTL) to support a technology/product leadership-setting-position with Companion Haudsfree Speakerphone, Electronic Telephone, Office products. The simple software tools to be discussed will cover printed wiring board assembly (PWBA) technology cost modeling, tolerance analysis and yield prediction including experiment design, impact of function complexity on optimum module size and component density, component sample plans and statistics and optimum component value selections. These tools are applicable to programmable calculators and PC's.