DfR Solutions Releases Sherlock 4.1

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DfR Solutions, leader in quality, reliability, and durability (QRD) solutions for the electronics industry, has announced the release of the newest version of Sherlock Automated Design Analysis software, version 4.1.  This version of Sherlock now translates Shock Response Spectrum (SRS) Analysis into Power Spectral Density (PSD) Curves. The real value to users is the ability to predict random vibration events of electronic hardware more precisely than any tool currently available on the market. Additional enhancements in this version of Sherlock include an updated package manager, improved analysis capabilities, and a modified user interface.

Developed over 80 years ago, shock response spectrum (SRS) is used as an approximation of shock loads (explosion, seismic, launch, landings, etc.) early in the product development process. While SRS has now become the default technique for evaluating large structures in severe environments (like rockets, tanks, and airplanes), it is inadequate in capturing the risk of electronics within these same applications. Sherlock version 4.1automatically converts SRS into much more relevant Power Spectral Density (PSD) Curves. Through an understanding of the likely range of nodal responses, Sherlock allows users to incorporate SRS into the already powerful simulation and modeling capabilities within Sherlock.  Failure risks can be more accurately predicted and Sherlock users can now introduce potential mitigations at the board, box or system level much earlier in the new product development process. 

Additionally, the updated Package Manager now allows for users to create new packages or copy existing packages. Previous versions of the package manager only allowed for properties of existing packages to be modified.  Other updates include improved part validation analysis, life prediction charts, and thermal event analysis.

“Repeated shock is a major concern in many high-risk environments like aerospace, avionics and defense,” stated DfR Solutions CEO Craig Hillman.  “Electronics in these conditions are subject to extreme levels of shock, unlike any other industry. Traditionally, SRS calculations have flowed down from very large structures (such as the rocket tube) to perform to assess this risk."

"But those SRS calculations are a gross approximation and do not take into account the specific mechanical response of the electronics to shock.  This enhancement to Sherlock incorporates our deep knowledge of electronics and provides the designer, manufacturer, and system-integrator with the tools to gain deeper visibility into their risk of failure under real world conditions,” said Hillman.

About Sherlock Automated Design Analysis Software

Sherlock is the first-of-its-kind Automated Design Analysis software for analyzing, grading, and certifying the expected reliability of products at the circuit card assembly level. It is used by the electronics industry across all markets. Sherlock continues to evolve, incorporating new innovations and enhancements allowing users to manage increasingly complex analyses faster and more efficiently than ever before.

About DfR Solutions

DfR Solutions has world-renowned expertise in applying the science of Reliability Physics to electrical and electronics technologies and is a leading provider of quality, reliability, and durability (QRD) research and consulting for the electronics industry. The company’s integrated use of Physics of Failure (PoF) and Best Practices provides crucial insights and solutions early in product design and development and throughout the product life cycle. DfR Solutions specializes in providing knowledge- and science-based solutions to maximize and accelerate the product integrity assurance activities of their clients in every marketplace for electronic technologies (consumer, industrial, automotive, medical, military, telecom, oil drilling, and throughout the electronic component and material supply chain). For more information regarding DfR Solutions, visit www.dfrsolutions.com.