Electronics are everywhere, from smartphones to aerospace systems. With every new design, one question is critical: Will it last? Reliability issues often lead to costly failures, recalls, or downtime. That’s why tools like Sherlock analysis have become essential for design and testing teams.
Sherlock, developed by Ansys, goes beyond standard simulation. It predicts how a circuit board or electronic assembly will perform in real-world conditions. By analyzing materials, stress factors, and lifecycle conditions early in the design stage, Sherlock helps prevent failures before they happen.
If you’re exploring ways to improve your product reliability, here are seven things you should know about Sherlock analysis.
1. Sherlock Analysis Focuses on Real-World Reliability
Traditional design tools focus on electrical performance. Sherlock shifts the focus to mechanical and environmental reliability. It looks at how temperature changes, vibration, shock, and moisture will affect an electronic assembly.
By simulating these conditions digitally, engineers can catch problems long before physical prototypes are built. This saves both time and development costs.
2. It Uses Physics-of-Failure Modeling
One of the strengths of Sherlock is that it relies on physics-of-failure (PoF) modeling. Unlike generic reliability predictions, PoF models look at how materials and structures fail under stress.
For example:
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Will solder joints crack under repeated thermal cycling?
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How long can a printed circuit board handle vibration before showing fatigue?
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Which components are most vulnerable during a drop test?
Sherlock uses these models to give predictions based on science, not just statistical averages.
3. It Works Seamlessly with CAD and Design Data
Sherlock analysis can import files directly from popular CAD and PCB design tools. That means you don’t need to start from scratch. It uses existing board layouts, materials, and component libraries to build accurate models.
This integration makes it easier for design engineers to include reliability testing as part of their normal workflow instead of treating it as an afterthought.
4. It Speeds Up the Design Cycle
Building prototypes and testing them under stress can take weeks, sometimes months. Sherlock shortens this process. Within hours, it can run analyses that highlight high-risk areas.
This fast feedback allows engineers to redesign earlier, when changes are less costly. Instead of waiting for a prototype to fail, they can act on predictive insights.
5. It Supports Multiple Reliability Tests
Sherlock analysis doesn’t stop at one type of test. It supports a wide range of reliability evaluations, such as:
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Thermal cycling
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Vibration and mechanical shock
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Drop and bend tests
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Solder fatigue life prediction
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Creep and material stress analysis
This flexibility makes it useful across industries where electronics face different environmental challenges.
6. Industries That Rely on Sherlock
Sherlock is used in fields where reliability is not optional:
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Aerospace and defense: For avionics, satellites, and mission-critical systems.
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Automotive: To ensure electronics withstand constant vibration and temperature swings.
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Medical devices: Where failures can directly impact safety.
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Consumer electronics: To improve product lifespan and customer satisfaction.
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Industrial systems: For equipment that runs continuously in harsh environments.
In each case, Sherlock reduces risks by identifying weaknesses early.
7. It Complements, Not Replaces, Physical Testing
While Sherlock is powerful, it doesn’t eliminate the need for physical testing. Instead, it works alongside it. By screening designs digitally, companies can reduce the number of prototypes needed and focus testing on the most critical areas.
This combined approach ensures more reliable results and faster product development.
Conclusion
Sherlock analysis offers a smarter way to predict and improve electronics reliability. By applying physics-of-failure models, working with design data, and simulating real-world stress conditions, it helps teams build stronger products.
For businesses, this means fewer failures in the field, lower warranty costs, and more satisfied customers. For engineers, it means more confidence in design decisions.
Reliability isn’t just about avoiding problems. It’s about building trust in every product you deliver. Sherlock analysis gives you the insight to do exactly that.
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