COSMOSFloWorks takes the heat out of intelligent optical networking

Company Sorrento Networks Industry Electrical/Electronics Location U.S.A. Product Used COSMOSFloWorks™ Type of Analysis Thermal Analysis, CFD Printable Version

The Challenge
Sorrento Networks has been a leading supplier of intelligent optical networking solutions for metro and regional applications since 1997. Today, Sorrento's solutions are deployed around the globe throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Wayne Cottle, Manager of Engineering Services at Sorrento Networks, heads the group which designs and builds PCBs and card cage assemblies for their optical networking equipment.

To Cottle, it is important in the design phase of a project that both the designers and the engineers work closely together and that both groups understand thermal issues and constraints. In addition, it is important that engineers continue to find new technology or software that will enhance their efficiency. Through his 15 years of experience in designing PCBs, Wayne Cottle has found that the most important question a designer or engineer can ask is "How can I do my job better and more efficiently?" What new information, process, material technology or IT hardware and software has arrived and obviated whatever came before?

The Solution
Sorrento Networks chose COSMOSFloWorks for their thermal analysis software. "For individuals who conduct thermal analysis, the most important new technological advancement has been the continued enhancement of analysis software," says Cottle. "Analysis software such as COSMOSFloWorks clearly reveals where the airflow is, where it goes and its flow pattern dramatically helps the engineer." Cottle found the software to be simple to use and the results easy to interpret. "[COSMOSFloWorks] graphical analyses quickly tell my mechanical team where we need to place components. Although at some level, airflow may seem obvious (especially after so many years of experience), I am finding out (more often than I would like) that the airflows are not as obvious as originally thought. Consequently, I am still learning and still posing questions to my peers, my staff and industry contacts."