E/E systems development
What is E/E systems development?
E/E systems development is the robust integration of three electrical design domains and disciplines – systems, software and electrical. Figure 1 displays a modern E/E system engineering solution supported by a common core of data management, change handling and other application infrastructure technologies. These software tools encompass and integrate the three electrical design domains and disciplines – systems, software and electrical. In the first stage, early modeling inputs are consumed by engineers who develop system architecture proposals. E/E design alternatives are evaluated and refined, optimized and studied – with preferred conceptual solutions moving forward with an enriched data set, appropriately validated. Then, this moves downstream in two tracks – one implementing the electrical interconnect system, while the other implements the software functions and associated networks.
E/E architecture and system models
E/E architecture software and network development
Electrical harness design
The electrical distribution system (EDS) is designed logically and physically, then verified by correct-by-construction methods using active design rule checks (DRCs). These run in the background when designing electrical systems and catch errors during all stages of design.
Modern E/E systems engineering solutions are built upon data and process backbones. They enable high levels of automation, data coherency and integration with adjacent domains, such as mechanical design. This E/E data management system enables traceability across all domains, which is a key element of model-based systems engineering (MBSE) for managing design changes, product configurations and verification from start to finish in the development process. This digital backbone allows OEMs to better serve the demands of their customers by enabling greater agility and flexibility in product design and manufacturing.
As E/E systems become increasingly complex, development is executed in the context of MBSE. At Siemens, we move into other domains to deliver an integrated system, including MCAD, PLM and application lifecycle management (ALM) systems. Advanced and integrated E/E system development tools are required to deliver today’s sophisticated products in the following industries: automotive, aerospace, heavy equipment and industrial.
A model-based approach to E/E systems development
Capital: Siemens’ E/E systems development portfolio
The Capital electrical and electronics (E/E) systems development software portfolio encompasses E/E system and software architectures, network communications and embedded software development capabilities.
These enable:
1. Model-based E/E system architecture development, including optimal allocation of hardware and software functions.
2. The transformation of system models into end-to-end, optimized electrical, electronic, network and software outcomes.
Upstream, the three building blocks link to platform-level requirements and multi-domain system models, ensuring that the E/E architect remains aligned with the overall system requirements and constraints. Downstream, they provide executable E/E system descriptions for overall system verification and validation. Capital includes domain-specific data and process management, alongside native integration to the Xcelerator PLM data backbone. It also enables E/E system implementation in the context of the platform’s physical environment, through mechanical co-design.