Web Tool Speeds Thermal Profiling

Using the Internet, FLO/EDA software rapidly creates thermal models of printed circuit boards. The tool reads intermediate data format (IDF) files and users can upload an IDF board layout file via a standard Web browser. The file contains details of the board shape, as well as component size and placement. After uploading, an immediate 3-D visual check can be made using any VRML enabled browser. The application matches each component against the central database and adds the required thermal information. A power list that defines the power dissipated by each component is then created either by hand or by exporting it from the power simulator. Flotherm users are entitled to a free one-month trial, including up to five model-builds.