Application of simulation-based decision making in product development of an RF module

This paper presents results of simulation-based design evaluation for thermal and thermo-mechanical performance and cost of packaging technology of a RF module for automotive application. Combination of thermal, thermo-mechanical and cost analysis within the multi-attribute decision making enabled design ranking and revealed two MCM-L/D and MCM-D designs with wire bonding assembly preferred for use in automotive applications for different temperature environments. Simulation-based design guidelines were developed for designing electronic modules exhibiting good thermal and thermo-mechanical performance. By application-based partitioning of the importance weights assigned to the reliability and cost criteria, the guidelines were extended to cover other application areas.