In this application note, we will look at the basics of AEL programming for customized layout (“artwork”) and how to include that in your ADS project.

 ADS: Create customized artwork cells using AEL code

In this application note, we will look at two different ways of using layout parameters for Momentum EM simulations:

• Use built-in parameters in layout created from standard circuit elements (microstrip line etc.)
• Parameterize manually drawn layout from rectangles/polygons

We will discuss the use EM results of parameterized blocks in a schematic, with emSetup/emModel views.
A basic understanding of Momentum mesh setup etc. is required. Those details are not discussed again in this document.

Using layout parameters in Momentum EM simulations

Muehlhaus Inductor Toolkit for ADS assists you to synthesize the best possible RFIC inductor layout.

The software has now been updated to support ADS2015.01.
The free version for GPDK180 technology (fully functional until 30 June 2015) can be found here:

Free Demo: RFIC Inductor Synthesis for GPDK180

In part one of this application note we had discussed basic design concepts and simulation methods for “printed” PCB antennas. Now in this second part, we will discuss advanced topics:

• Co-simulation of antenna and SMD matching components for electrically small antennas
• Using the Analyst 3D FEM solver to include the effect of finite PCB size, or possible PCB cutouts.

For design and simulation, Microwave Office v11 with the Axiem and Analyst EM simulators is used.

Microwave Office: PCB antenna simulation 868MHz

This document describes the design and simulation of simple PCB antennas for 2.4GHz and 5.6GHz with Microwave Office and the Axiem EM simulator. The first example shows a 2.4GHz single band antenna. The second example then shows a dual band version for 2.4GHz and 5.6GHz. Finally, we will investigate the sensitivity to PCB material tolerances.

PCB antenna simulation 2.4GHZ/5.6GHz

From 1. November 2014 until 31. Dezember 2014 we offer Inductor Toolkit with a tremendous discount. For details and prices, please see the attached product flyer.

RFIC_Inductor_Toolkit_generic_datasheet

For more information on Inductor Toolkit, please visit the product page.
An evaluation version for GPDK 180nm is available here.

Mühlhaus RFIC Inductor Toolkit for ADS is an automated solution to find the best possible RFIC inductor layout, with EM accurate results. From 1. Nov 2014 until 31 Dec 2014, the special edition for IHP technologies is available with a massive discount.

https://muehlhaus.com/products/rfic-inductor-toolkit-for-ads/rfic-inductor-toolkit-ihpupgrade

This appnote discusses the useful, but widely unknown Edge/Area Pins in Momentum EM simulation, based on a power amplifier PCB example.

Edge/Area pins in Momentum EM simulation

There are some good uses for ports with an explicit (-) ground reference. Using them for SMD elements, where a device is included as 1-port with (+) on one pad and (-) on the other pad, is not a good idea in most cases. Used in the wrong context, you can get totally unexpected results from  differential ports. You really need to understand what these ports physically mean for your model.

Go to application note

Semiconductor foundry IHP has licensed Inductor Toolkit for ADS, and now provides this automated inductor synthesis solution to their foundry customers at no cost. Based on target inductance and target frequency, the software will find the inductor geometry with best performance (highest Q factor).

Available layouts include IHP’s octagon shaped with/without center tap. Additional inductor layouts (different shapes, stacked metal, ground shield, localized backside etching) are available as a payed upgrade.

https://muehlhaus.com/products/rfic-inductor-toolkit-for-ads

IHP customers can download Inductor Toolkit PDK for SG25H, SGB25 and SG13 from the IHP designkit server. ADS2012.08 or later is required (not included).