Co-Simulation with Layout Components

Japanese Version

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Electromagnetic/circuit co-simulation with Layout Components breaks down the barriers between electrical and physical analysis domains. The Layout Component technology allows the users of the Agilent Advanced Design System (ADS) to create layout components that can be used in the schematic design environment. Once artwork and ports are defined, the user can generate a Layout Component with the click of a button.

Layout Components are based on ADS Momentum technology, and allow a more automatic and transparent integration of electromagnetic simulation data, as well as other S-parameters or netlist files, at the schematic design level.

For an online demo showing the Co-Simulation with Layout Components feature in operation, click on the following link:

• Co-Simulation with Layout Components Overview     Info     Run
  

What's New

• Transparent EM/Circuit co-simulation from the schematic view.
  
• Include physical layout parasitics at the schematic design level.
  
• Seamless integration of Momentum EM technology in the standard design flow.
  
• Momentum simulation options accessible from schematic view.
  
• environment.
  

Product Highlights

• EM/Circuit co-simulation from the schematic view.
  
• Include physical layout parasitics at the schematic design level.
  
• Seamless integration of Momentum EM technology in the standard design flow.
  
• Momentum simulation options accessible from schematic environment.
  
• User defined Layout Components’ symbol size & min/max pin-pair spacing.
  
• Compiled Layout Components listed in project’s network director.
  
• Embedded database for model data reuse option.
  

Product Description

Co-simulation with Layout Components brings physical effects into the schematic environment in a new, more intuitive way. Layout Components is a new concept that breaks down the barriers between electrical and physical analysis domains. Key value is the ability to incorporate physical effects in at the schematic design level for concurrent analysis of circuit performance along with critical physical effects.

The process for producing Layout Components is straightforward. Layout artwork can be imported into ADS layout environment using a standard translator (i.e. GDSII, DXF, IGES…) or entered by the user. Once the layout artwork is complete and ports assigned, Layout Components are generated by a click of a button. The finished product appears in the design hierarchy as a subnetwork, and is made accessible from the schematic environment.

Layout components are used in the schematic environment alongside schematic components to include physical effects, such as cross-talk and coupling, during the design performance analysis. Due to their physical nature, layout components utilize Momentum full-wave or quasi-static electromagnetic (EM) solvers to account for coupling, radiation and other parasitic effects. They may also be file-based (S-parameters or netlist) such as ones derived from prototype measurements. The embedded cosimulation feature automatically distinguishes between schematic and layout components, and applies the right simulator, whether circuit and/or electromagnetic, to produce the most accurate design characterization. After initial simulation, EM models of layout components are stored in a database for future use. This allows for faster subsequent simulations of the overall design.

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As an example, when designing an MMIC, coupling of traces (or inward radiation) may not be completely modeled using standard coupled-lines schematic components. Layout components take into consideration all coupling providing the most accurate simulation results from within a single environment.

The Layout Component can have a layout look-alike symbol with schematic pins automatically mapped to the ports as defined in the layout. During a circuit simulation, the Momentum EM engines are automatically invoked to create an S-parameter model for the Layout Component. This S-parameter model is automatically back annotated to the Layout Component in the schematic design environment. The user has control over the most important Momentum simulation parameters in the schematic environment. The user has the option to choose which EM simulation mode to use: the RF mode or the Microwave mode. The Layout Component technology allows a more automatic and transparent integration of planar electromagnetic simulation data at the schematic circuit design level.

The user can complete the circuit design with lumped elements, port sources and simulation elements and invoke the circuit simulator. During this circuit simulation, the Momentum engines are automatically invoked to produce an S-parameter model for the Momentum Component. The EM simulation is invoked only of the component is being simulated for the first time or if the user has changed some of the component parameters. The S-parameter model is automatically back annotated to the Layout Component.

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The Layout Components feature is implemented as a new feature in ADS. There is no license required to generate Layout Components, however, a Momentum license and appropriate circuit simulator(s) licenses are required to perform EM/circuit co-simulation.

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