The Electronic Design Automation (EDA) industry is a driving force behind many industries worldwide, as it comprises a mix of tools used to design and verify electronic systems, integrated circuits (ICs), and printed circuit boards (PCBs). With the rapidly increasing number of connected devices worldwide, estimated to reach 35 billion IoT devices installed globally by the end of 2021, according to techjury.net, the demand for advanced electronic design automation software is higher than ever.
The electronic design automation market is projected to exceed $20 billion by 2027, according to Global Market Insights Inc. As a result, companies find themselves constantly battling changes in the EDA market. Some of the latest trends that characterize the electronic design automation industry are listed below.
#1 Increasing Demand from the Medical Fraternity
The medical sector has incorporated advanced technologies for some time, making it possible to conduct treatments and surgeries that were once considered impossible. Endoscopic and laparoscopic surgeries have become common only due to the assistance of electronic design automation tools. Companies produce high-powered, AI-enabled devices for advanced diagnostics and treatment methods by deploying electronic design automation software in the manufacturing process.
EDA companies are helping to develop and design AI-enabled diagnostic devices, which have enabled medical organizations to advance state-of-the-art AI technologies. EDA applications help improve IC design tools by leveraging machine-learning algorithms to deliver faster results. Ibex Medical Analytics and KSM recently announced that they have started using Galen™ Gastric, an AI-enabled diagnostics and quality control solution, to detect cancer in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, possibly due to the deployment of EDA at the production level.
#2 Growing Popularity of Miniaturization
As the popular adage in the electronics industry goes, small is the new big. Miniaturization of large devices is a major factor that has allowed electronics to penetrate deeper in various industrial applications. Using devices that are smaller, compact, and more functional is found to be beneficial, especially in the automotive, medical, and consumer electronics fields.
The trend of downsizing electronic equipment has led to the evolution of slimmer mobiles, tablets, laptops, wearables, and nano-sized, sophisticated surgery equipment for medical professionals. As the trend continues to maintain traction, the demand for EDA tools will continue to rise.
Researchers at Northwestern's Engineering wing have recently developed a flying microchip/microflier - the smallest flying structure made by humans. It is embedded with highly miniaturized technology such as antennas, sensors, routers, etc., and can be used to monitor air pollution and airborne diseases. The miniaturization has been possible only due to the advancements in electronic design automation software and the impact they have on the final semiconductor chip design.
#3 Rising Requirement for Advanced Technologies in Manufacturing
The influx of robotics and automation in the manufacturing sector is not new. Today, robots are deployed in manufacturing for activities such as pick and place, physical testing, packaging, semiconductor production, soldering, etc. Electronics manufacturing is becoming increasingly complex as miniaturization takes effect, leading to the requirement of precise replacement and flawless design. The demand for EDA software has become even more vital as it is used to ensure that all the stages in the electronics production cycle, such as material handling, assembly lines, and testing, are carried out seamlessly.
In what may be conceived as a breakthrough, Synopsys, the global leader in electronic design automation (EDA) and semiconductor IP, and TSMC recently joined hands on an advanced design enablement deal. Through this partnership, TSMC will be able to leverage Synopsys's vast EDA solutions portfolio for its latest version of 3 nanometer (nm) process technology DRM and SPICE models to be used across mobile, 5G, and AI applications.
#4 Integration of AI in EDA Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly gained traction across several industries, and EDA is no exception. AI algorithms are being integrated into electronic design automation software, and this is expected to have a significant impact on the industry. EDA tools are already being used to improve IC design tools by leveraging machine-learning algorithms to deliver faster results. With AI integration, these tools can now predict errors or issues that may occur during the design process, reducing the need for extensive testing and minimizing design errors. AI integration is also expected to make the design process faster and more efficient.
#5 Demand for customized design As the electronic devices market becomes more crowded, companies are looking for ways to differentiate their products. One way they can achieve this is through customized design. With the increasing demand for customized designs, electronic design automation tools are becoming more flexible and versatile, allowing for the creation of unique designs tailored to meet specific requirements. This trend is expected to continue in the future, with the demand for customized designs expected to rise.
#6 Increasing use of System-on-Chip (SoC) System-on-Chip (SoC) is becoming increasingly popular as a way to integrate multiple components onto a single chip. SoC designs require a comprehensive approach that includes designing, verification, and testing. Electronic design automation tools are being used to simplify this process, making it easier to design and verify SoCs. As the demand for SoCs continues to grow, the use of electronic design automation tools will also continue to rise.
In conclusion, the electronic design automation industry is undergoing significant changes due to the increasing demand for connected devices and the adoption of advanced technologies such as AI and SoC. The industry is at the heart of innovation and is expected to play a vital role in pioneering vital innovations in the future. As companies continue to adopt electronic design automation tools, the industry is expected to grow at a rapid pace, with a projected industry size of over USD 20 billion by 2027.