June 2015
15
I
NTERNET
-O
F
-T
HINGS
– S
YSTEMS
D
ESIGN
Designing robust electronics
for the Internet of Things
By Sudir Sharma,
Ansys
Since the earliest days
of the high-tech revolution,
simulation-driven product
development has been critical for
satisfying consumers’ increasing
demand for device functionality,
speed, bandwidth, aesthetics and
other characteristics. As before,
the winners in the IoT economy
are adopting typical best practices
outlined in this article.
n
Today we live in a world based on connectiv-
ity and communication, in which a burgeoning
network of electronic systems and devices helps
us navigate our days. Smartphones, tablets and
GPS systems are the most obvious examples. In
addition increasingly sophisticated electron-
ics in cars, homes, hotels and o ces keep us
secure and comfortable, and medical implants
and prosthetics are relied upon every day by
many to maintain health and quality of life.
When we visit theme parks or attend concerts,
wristbands or smartphones may be scanned for
admittance. Wearable wristbands and activity
trackers can monitor our physical movements,
vital signs and sleep patterns. Today, high-
tech devices are inescapable. is prolifera-
tion of connected devices and systems is being
called the “Internet of ings” or IoT. By 2020,
over 200 billion devices will be connected to
the Internet, delivering over $7.1 billion in
economic value.
is rapid growth brings signi cant chal-
lenges. As devices proliferate, consumer
expectations for connectivity, energy e -
ciency, reliability, ease of use and structural
strength will only increase. Electronics must
be not only innovative and high-performing,
but must also be attractive. And, of course,
all this functionality and beauty must be
delivered at a low price. How can high-tech
engineering teams manage these pressures?
Since the inception of the industry, market
leaders have relied on simulation-driven
product development to launch their devices
quickly, cost-e ectively and with a high
degree of con dence that they will perform
as expected in the real world. Designing
robust systems for IoT will require engineers
to improve communication speed, maximize
energy e ciency, optimize antenna perfor-
mance, and improve structural and thermal
integrity. e following sections provide
greater insight into these challenges as well
as some technical examples.
As mobile devices proliferate, more and more
data is being transmitted and received, driv-
ing the need for faster communications net-
works. Video streaming, interactive gaming
and high-speed web service are pushing the
limits of not only mobile devices, but also
servers, routers and switches. Improving
speed and bandwidth is an industry impera-
tive, but design complexity poses signi cant
challenges. For example, designing printed
circuit boards (PCBs) for high-speed, dou-
ble-data rate (DDR) memory buses or serial
communication channels requires extreme
care. High data rates combined with low oper-
ating voltages can cause signal and power
Figure 1. Design automation tools like ANSYS PowerArtist can identify the key RTL changes with
the greatest power-saving potential
Figure 2. Design of sensor antennas for a smart watch
