Collaborative design software for MEMS

Abstract

MEMS by definition is interdisciplinary and a software that facilitates collaboration will be useful in both research and teaching. In this paper, a software, called CyberCAD that enables collaborative design via the Internet is described. The software is Java-based and is therefore platform independent. CyberCAD combines the functionality of a standard CAD package with the flexibility and interactivity of Java and the Internet. A designer, using this application can collaboratively work together with his counterpart in another part of the world as if they were working in close proximity. CyberCAD aims to reduce the number of design iterations through concurrent engineering during the design stage of a new product development such as the design of an inertial measurement unit. Lead time and cost of the design process will be reduced significantly resulting in higher efficiency and productivity. CyberCAD is based entirely on the Java platform, using its Java 3DTM API. Many of its features are derived from the Java platform itself. This project is ongoing and the completed portion includes the mathematical engine used for designing and rendering. In this paper, the object-oriented features of the software under construction are described. Although, the software is not ready for MEMS applications yet, the attributes that the software possesses will enable it to facilitate the development in the future.