Micro-Apps 2013: EM Simulation Tools in Evolution within Circuit Design

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EM Simulation Tools in Evolution within Circuit Design

Dr. John Dunn

Because of the complex interactions of the components in today’s sophisticated wireless systems, EM simulation is becoming an increasingly more important tool for IC designers. EM tools are being used in MMIC design to model large portions of the layout of the chip and the transitions and in the silicon RFIC world to model critical passive components, especially inductors. In both applications the transition to the rest of the RF system is important to model. This presentation looks at the evolution of planar and 3D EM tools from their original focus on simulating interconnect discontinuities to looking at entire circuits in MMICs and large sections of boards and module assemblies. It examines the lessons learned over the past 20 years to predict trends in EM software development and how EM tools will be used by high frequency circuit designers in the future. The conclusion will be that EM tools as we know them will become an integral part of the circuit design flow and so automatic that designers many times will not be aware they are using them. Instead of focusing on which EM tool to use, designers will focus on issues like layout optimization, which happen to use EM behind the scenes.

IMS2013 Micro-Apps Tuesday 1110

EM Simulation Tools in Evolution within Circuit Design

Dr. John Dunn

IMS2013 Micro-Apps Tuesday 1110

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