Electronic Systems Design

Introduction

Modern innovation is no longer about single devices; it is about complex, interconnected systems. Electronic Systems Design (ESD) is the high-level discipline of conceptualizing and developing integrated electronic solutions that perform specific functions. This involves not just a single PCB, but the orchestration of multiple boards, wiring harnesses, user interfaces, and power management units.

In the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) world, ESD is where “Systems Thinking” becomes a reality. It requires a perfect synchronization between electrical, mechanical, and software engineers to ensure the final product is reliable, safe, and efficient.

The Core Pillars of Electronic Systems Design

To build a successful electronic system, engineers must master several critical areas:

1. System Architecture and Partitioning

Deciding how to divide the system’s functionality. Should the processing happen on a central board, or should it be distributed across multiple “smart” sensors? Partitioning affects everything from cost to thermal management.

2. Signal and Power Integrity (SI/PI)

As systems get faster and voltages get lower, ensuring that signals reach their destination without distortion (SI) and that power is distributed cleanly across the entire system (PI) is paramount.

3. Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

Designing the system so it doesn’t emit harmful interference and is immune to external electrical noise. This is critical for regulatory certifications like FCC or CE.

4. Interconnectivity and Harnessing

Designing the cables and connectors that join different parts of the system. In complex products like aircraft or electric vehicles, the “wiring” is one of the most complex and heavy components.

The ESD Workflow in the Digital Thread

Electronic Systems Design must be fully integrated into the PLM digital thread to avoid “siloed” engineering:

• Multidisciplinary BoM: The PLM system manages a unified Bill of Materials that includes electronics, mechanical fasteners, and even the firmware versions.
• ECAD-MCAD-ALM Integration: The system design must be validated across three domains: Will it fit (Mechanical)? Will it work electrically (Electrical)? And can it be controlled (Software/ALM)?
• Requirements-Driven Design: Every component in the electronic system must trace back to a functional requirement. If a customer asks for a “48-hour battery life,” the ESD must reflect that in the power architecture.

Challenges in Modern ESD

How Visure Solutions Governs Electronic Systems Design

Visure Requirements ALM Platform acts as the central brain for the Electronic Systems Design process:

• System-Level Traceability: Trace high-level system goals down to individual sub-systems, boards, and components.
• Safety Analysis (ISO 26262 / IEC 61508): Conduct FMEA and FTA (Fault Tree Analysis) at the system level to ensure that a failure in one electronic component doesn’t lead to a catastrophic system failure.
• Verification across Domains: Manage test plans that verify the interaction between hardware and software, such as “System Integration Testing.”
• Collaborative Environment: Allow electrical and mechanical teams to comment and approve the system architecture in a single, version-controlled platform.

Conclusion: The Harmony of Hardware

Electronic Systems Design is the art of making complex technology work as a single, harmonious unit. By focusing on the architecture and the interaction between components, companies can build products that are not only functional but also resilient and scalable.

With Visure, your electronic systems design is guided by a robust requirement management framework. You eliminate the guesswork and ensure that every sub-system and every connection is designed to meet the highest standards of quality and performance.

Check out the 14-day free trial at Visure and experience how AI-driven change control can help you manage changes faster, safer, and with full audit readiness.