Kyle Koppenhoefer

Solving Automotive Design Challenges with Simulation

Every vehicle operates in a constant state of flux. Not only must a car’s engine produce the necessary energy to propel the vehicle forward; its battery must also provide power to operate various electronic devices (sensors, radio, touch-screens, etc.) within the vehicle. These components, in turn, operate at different frequencies requiring constant DC to AC conversion. Electronic components must also withstand incredible temperature variation within a vehicle’s interior, from subfreezing to well over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Solving Automotive Design Challenges with Simulation Read More »

In Silico: The Role of Simulation in Medical Device Design

Medical device designers are responsible for many of the life-saving and life-enhancing therapies relied on by patients worldwide. From pacemakers to ablation tools to imaging devices, much of our current medical treatment would be impossible without the dedication of these engineers. But with the push to innovate comes a consistent pressure to develop new therapies

In Silico: The Role of Simulation in Medical Device Design Read More »

It’s a Small World – Designing Piezoelectric Acoustic Transducers as Devices Miniaturize, Part 1

The increasing miniaturization and sophistication of electronic products–ranging from consumer media devices, to medical diagnostic tools, to defense-related sonar applications–presents a bounty of utility and ease for consumers, and an ongoing challenge for design engineers. These seemingly disparate products (audio/mobile device speakers, certain non-invasive medical devices and sonar arrays) share in common a reliance on

It’s a Small World – Designing Piezoelectric Acoustic Transducers as Devices Miniaturize, Part 1 Read More »

It’s a Small World – Designing Piezoelectric Acoustic Transducers as Devices Miniaturize, Part 2

In Part 1, we provided a basic introduction to Piezoelectric materials. In this blog, we will take a look at specific products that present a challenge for design engineers due to the need for increased output within smaller devices. Mics and Speakers Piezoelectric materials are used extensively in acoustics. Microphones contain piezoelectric crystals that convert

It’s a Small World – Designing Piezoelectric Acoustic Transducers as Devices Miniaturize, Part 2 Read More »

Cracks in the System – Thermomechanical Fatigue of Electronics Components, Part 2

As discussed in Part 1, engineers are tasked with designing electrical components that can withstand the increased thermal and mechanical loads required of today’s ever-more-powerful electronics. Sometimes these are entirely new designs built from the ground up, and subjected to holistic testing and prototyping during the R&D phase. But often, manufacturers seek to merely tweak

Cracks in the System – Thermomechanical Fatigue of Electronics Components, Part 2 Read More »

Cracks in the System – Thermomechanical Fatigue of Electronics Components, Part 1

The airbags in your car; the camera on your video doorbell; the phone or other electronic device you’re reading this on right now. The everyday products that make modern life possible wouldn’t be able to run without key electrical components that maintain functionality and stability for years at a time. And yet, these electrical components

Cracks in the System – Thermomechanical Fatigue of Electronics Components, Part 1 Read More »

Computational Simulation in Medical Device Design

Engineers have been using models since the beginning of time. Computational simulations provide a better way for engineers to model. Computational simulation continues to provide excellent value throughout the product development lifecycle. This engineering tool has significantly improved product quality, development cost and time-to-market for companies. In addition, engineers have used simulation to create highly

Computational Simulation in Medical Device Design Read More »

Medical small 224x300 1

Computational Simulation for Medical Device Design

Engineers have been using models since the beginning of time. Computational simulations provide a better way for engineers to model. Computational simulation provides excellent value throughout the product development lifecycle. This engineering tool has significantly improved product quality, and lowered development cost and time-to-market for companies. In addition, engineers have used simulation to create highly

Computational Simulation for Medical Device Design Read More »

time rockwell

Saving Time and Money for Rockwell Automation

Problem: As Rockwell Automation looked to improve product functionality, engineers relied on developing physical prototypes to test heat sink designs for its powerful microprocessor chips. This approach left mechanical engineers scrambling at the end of the design cycle to find an electronics cooling solution that would fit the prototypes and not delay new product releases.

Saving Time and Money for Rockwell Automation Read More »