Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) Overview

Computer aided engineering CAE refers to a collection of software and hardware tools integrated into a system a computer that is providing the circuit designer and circuit troubleshooter with step-by-step assistance during each phase of the design and analysis cycle, as well as during development, documentation, and maintenance. Under the CAE umbrella a number of commonly called automated design tools, which are the software components of CAE, are revolutionizing and transforming engineering environments from the hands-on way of conducting business into a virtual or simulated hands-on mode of operating and are having a tremendous impact throughout all engineering disciplines. They have not yet displaced breadboarding and other methods of developing circuit boards yet but are making their presence known to the point of being totally necessary in the design of certain devices. It is the intention of this report to promote the use of these tools in the government by providing engineering management with an overview of the hardware and software products available for electronic simulation, while covering trends, new technologies, and costs.