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18.06.26
Altair in the electronics sector: simulation and analysis beyond traditional CAE tools
Electronics development presents simulation engineers with particular challenges. It is not just about mechanics, but about the interaction between electromagnetics, thermal behaviour, fluid flow and structure. Traditional CAE tools such as Siemens Simcenter are powerful in this regard, but for specialised requirements in electronics, Altair offers a portfolio that goes beyond traditional FEM and CFD. d.u.h.Group demonstrates how this specialised toolset can transform your electronics development – and when it is the right choice.
Challenges in electronics development
Modern electronics are densely packed and complex. Printed circuit boards with high component density generate heat that must be dissipated. Signal integrity is an ongoing concern. Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) can determine the success or failure of a product. At the same time, demands on reliability and service life are increasing.
Traditional approaches treat these phenomena in isolation: thermal analysis here, mechanical analysis there, and EMC simulation in yet another tool. This leads to oversimplifications and potentially overlooked interactions. The reality is more interconnected: a temperature distribution on a printed circuit board influences the electrical properties of components. Vibration and thermal cycles lead to fatigue. Electric currents generate magnetic fields that affect neighbouring components.
Altair offers tools that take these multiphysics aspects into account from the outset. This makes your electronics development more agile, safer and more realistic.
An overview of the Altair portfolio
Altair FLUX is the flagship solution for electromagnetic simulations. The software calculates electromagnetic fields in 2D and 3D – whether for high-frequency PCB layouts, inductors, transformers or antenna systems. FLUX operates with physical accuracy and has proven its worth in sectors such as the automotive and aerospace industries. The software integrates with HyperWorks and can also utilise Altair Feko for high-frequency antenna analysis.
Altair offers specialised tools for thermal considerations in the electronics context. The analysis of printed circuit board layouts, heat sinks and enclosure design is carried out using simulation-based tools. This is where results from CFD and FEM converge. The aim is clear: critical components must remain within the expected temperature range during operation.
HyperWorks itself serves as the integration platform. This platform connects various physical domains, enables multiphysics couplings and provides a seamless workflow structure. For PCB-specific tasks, Altair utilises specialised pre-processors and analysis tools. The ecosystem is cohesive and tailored to the specific requirements of electronics.
Differences compared to Siemens Simcenter
Both toolkits are powerful CAE platforms. The key difference lies in their focus. Siemens Simcenter is a universal tool for mechanics, thermal analysis and dynamics – with excellent capabilities for general industrial and automotive structures. The software is integrated with Teamcenter and NX, which is attractive to companies operating within this ecosystem.
Altair, on the other hand, is more specialised. FLUX and the HyperWorks environment are optimised for electromagnetics, high-frequency applications and specialised multiphysics couplings. The user interface is different, and the algorithms are tailored to electronic applications. Anyone requiring in-depth electromagnetic simulations or carrying out complex RF analyses will find their work more direct and efficient with Altair.
d.u.h.Group works with both providers. We can help you choose the right tool for every task. Often, a hybrid approach makes sense: structural analysis and thermal modelling with Simcenter, specialised electronics simulation with Altair, with both coupled via interfaces. The best solution is not always the monolithic one.
Practical examples from various sectors
A manufacturer of automotive control units uses Altair FLUX to evaluate layout variants for high-frequency circuits. A few years ago, this would have required prototyping and measurements. Today, engineers can virtually test multiple designs and select the best option before investing in materials. Signal integrity and signal-to-noise ratio are clearly visible in the simulation.
A medical technology company utilises thermal multiphysics analyses. A portable device must not exceed a certain surface temperature. Altair tools enable the coupled simulation of power losses in the electronics, heat dissipation through the housing and the resulting surface temperature. This eliminates the need for physical prototypes.
A manufacturer of high-frequency systems validates its antennas and couplers using FLUX and Feko. The simulation not only reproduces voltages and currents, but also the spatial field distribution. This is crucial for optimisation and certification. With Altair, the team can be confident that the design works in principle before embarking on test measurement campaigns.
d.u.h.Group has experience with all these application scenarios. We support companies in establishing simulation as a core competence in electronics development. From process design through training to optimisation – we guide them every step of the way.
Integration into the product development process
For simulation to be truly effective in electronics development, it must be integrated at an early stage in the process. Ideally, simulation should begin in the concept phase, not just at the prototyping stage. To achieve this, processes and expertise must be developed.
Altair tools support this integration. They work with neutral CAD formats, have open interfaces and can be integrated into PLM systems. d.u.h.Group helps you design these processes – so that simulation becomes a natural part of your development, rather than an additional task. This improves quality, reduces costs and accelerates time-to-market.
Next steps
If you work in electronics development and would like to expand your simulation and analysis capabilities, it is worth taking a closer look at the Altair portfolio. Specifically for electromagnetic, thermal and multiphysics tasks, this platform offers a level of specialisation and efficiency that general-purpose tools often fail to match. d.u.h.Group can analyse your requirements and demonstrate how Altair tools can be specifically integrated into your development process. Please contact us for a no-obligation discussion about your electronics simulation needs.
Topics
Technologies
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