SBIR-STTR Award

Proposed is the development of an innovative approach to unified life cycle engineering (ULCE) for evaluation of digital electronics design. This approach can be applied continuously throughout the bidding, initial and final design processes. The development will focus on the integration of computer aided design techniques with a ULCE methodology so that both the contractor and supplier can continuously monitor and evaluate the design project. A unique aspect of the proposed project is the implementation (during phase II) and formalization of a ULCE methodology which we are calling 'life cycle design by progressive approximation'.

Proposed is the development of software for Unified Life Cycle Engineering (ULCE) design and evaluation of digital electronics. The software will be capable of integrating diverse analysis programs and providing methods for rapid requirements allocation and verification. The developed system will be useful throughout the bidding, initial and final design processes as well as during customer evaluation of proposals. The design, evaluation, analysis integration and requirements allocation are accomplished by using tree and network structures for representing designs. The conceptual basis of the proposed approach to ULCE digital electronics design is called "design by progressive approximation." Appropriate artificial intelligence and other advanced computer techniques will be employed. Care has been taken in the design of a supportive user interface. The Phase II development will be based on the prototype software completed during the Phase I project, which proved the feasibility and usefulness of this approach to ULCE for digital electronics.