Design - Getting it together - It's slow and expensive to build physical prototypes

Multi-domain simulation has become more common as systems get more complex. Using multi-domain simulation tools, design teams are able to model and simulate the behavior of mechanical systems controlled by electronic circuitry and software. Based on proprietary behavioral description languages such as MAST and VHDL-AMS, these simulators played a key role in the development of the Tekbot robot, Volkswagen's power system, and the guidance, navigation and control system for Lockheed Martin's Mars Reconnaisance Orbiter