Enabling World Changing Product Innovation

Simulating antenna placement in various platforms is crucial for both commercial and defense applications, ranging from consumer devices to aerospace systems. However, designing antennas that can withstand the complexities of real-life scenarios—such as those encountered in space communication—requires sophisticated simulation tools to account for the geometry of the environment and electromagnetic interactions. This is usually a challenging task due to the geometry size relative to wavelength trade-offs and the complexity of the model geometry.

Electromagnetic simulation of antenna design and its interaction with the entire system allows designers to evaluate “what-if” real-life scenarios. No matter the sector, simulation is the solution to execute high-performance antenna and platform designs with minimal wasted effort and cost while maximizing performance.

This case study highlights how PlaneWave, a company specializing in RF and antenna systems for space applications, used Ansys HFSS SBR+ to solve a complex challenge involving the multipath effect in lunar communication.

Learn more about PlaneWave at planewaveinc.com.

Ultherapy is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure for the face that uses high density, focused, ultrasound and the body’s own natural healing process

The existing Handpiece was functional, yet difficult and expensive to manufacture and service. The system also suffered from transducer-handpiece engagement issues that were complicated by component in­terface and tolerancing issues. PADT approached the redesign project using a multi-company, multi-disciplined team while working within our flexible, customer-specific, FDA compliant design control process.

“PADT has provided a number of valuable services for Ulthera® ranging from design work and ergonomic improvements, to manufacturability and V&V testing. Ulthera® also benefited from PADT’s adaptable, customer-specific, Design Control process to minimize the QC documentation requirements on the Ulthera® staff”

– Michael Peterson Vice President, R&D Ulthera, Inc

Originally used as a permanent replacement heart, the SynCardia Total Artificial Heart is currently approved as a bridge to transplant.

PADT’s challenge was to translate SynCardia’s design requirements into a series of verification tests for the Freedom portable driver and meet a very strict delivery schedule. PADT’s medical device engineering staff worked closely with SynCardia’s engineering, QC, and regulatory personnel to translate design requirements into a series of successful verification tests.

“SynCardia has chosen to work with PADT based on their ability to develop close personal relationships, to create and implement engineering solutions rapidly, and to support SynCardia’s innovative drive for our lifesaving technology.“

– Douglas A. Nutter Chief Operating Officer SynCardia Systems, Inc.

The tissue expander improves surgical access during minimally invasive surgeries by creating and maintaining, an enlarged surgical corridor through more gentle radial expansion instead of a downward stabbing motion.

PADT’s challenge was to develop a compelling prototype to prove the viability of the technology, and find out if the device could be packaged within an enclosure that would lend itself to the surgical environment ).

“I found there to be great benefit in going through PADT’s disciplined steps for the development of an updated prototype of our device. Restarting with a more systematic approach, and analyzing each component fresh, made me feel confident about every aspect of the new design.”

– Neil R. Crawford, PhD, Associate Professor, Spinal Biomechanics Barrow Neurological Institute

Most charging stations require hours to recharge a vehicle contributing to the limited viability of electric vehicles. When introduced, the ECOtality Blink DC Fast Charger was the fastest method for charging vehicles; it used intelligent, user-friendly features to intuitively and safely charge electric vehicles in under 30 minutes. ECOtality approached PADT to develop the Charge Dispensing Unit (CDU), the customer-facing part of the world’s first Blink DC Fast charger.  We utilized our in-house simulation expertise to assure reliable operation over a wide range of temperature, environmental, and operating conditions.

“PADT did a great job translating our prototype ideas into a fully-designed, manufacturable product. From multi-disciplinary engineering to project management to fabrication, PADT did it all. PADT worked collaboratively with our team to understand requirements and to solve technical hurdles in order to deliver a product that best fit our expectations.” – Garrett Beauregard, Senior VP of Engineering, ECOtality Inc.

RS Solutions was looking to develop a method to stop a wrong way driver (WWD) on the roadway ramp, by sending radio frequency (RF) waves into the engine compartment of the WWD vehicle.  In Phase I of the SBIR, RS Solutions demonstrated an RF system can successfully cause engine fault, which will stall the motor and require the driver to restart the engine.  Phase II of the SBIR expanded on the earlier work, looking to understand if this equipment could be effective across diverse vehicles and at differing speeds.  Along with consultation for engineering and test practices, PADT has been able to aid RS Solutions in several innovative developments during this Phase II effort.

“PADT came aboard on this project at an early conceptual stage to help RS Solutions win the Phase I SBIR and continued to support the project through our Phase II work. The team at PADT made valuable contributions to the projects through the entire process.”

– Jay Berens Owner and President, RS Solutions