Get ready to replace your prototype with a virtual model

As technology continues to advance, the line between hardware and software is becoming increasingly blurred. This is particularly true in the realm of embedded development, where integrated development environments for microcontrollers now include in-circuit debug support. This allows for the monitoring of embedded code as it executes on a hardware platform, which could be a development kit or a prototype.


However, with the advent of virtual prototyping, the need for physical prototypes is becoming less crucial. Virtual prototyping allows for the simulation of more of a system during development, making it a more viable option as advances in computing performance continue to improve.


Tools such as SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis) are commonly used in hardware simulation and have been adopted by many semiconductor manufacturers as a basis for their own simulation tools. Additionally, many companies now offer standalone simulation tools for specific functions, such as ST Microelectronics' ST PowerStudio, which is a dynamic electro-thermal simulation tool designed for power devices.


While virtual prototyping has its advantages, the next step would be to move the virtual design to real hardware. Remote laboratories, which allow engineers to evaluate hardware remotely over an Internet connection, are becoming increasingly popular. This not only makes the equipment more accessible but also allows for more efficient collaboration and development.

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