A module identification approach to the electrical design of electronic products by clustering analysis of the design matrix

This paper aims at implementing modular electrical design of electronic products at the system design level. An approach is proposed to identify modules by analyzing the design matrix, which represents the mapping relationships between design objectives (Functional Requirements) and physical solutions (Design Parameters). Algorithms derived from similar problems in group technology and cellular manufacturing are applied to the clustering analysis of the design matrix. A real case study in power supply design is conducted to illustrate the proposed approach.