Software Handles Full 3D Electromagnetic Simulation

Priced comparably with typical circuit simulators, the Electromagnetic Design System (EMDS) from Agilent Technologies’ EEsof EDA group makes full 3D electromagnetic simulation accessible to all high-frequency designers. Prior to this release, high-end 3D EM simulators were much more expensive than common circuit simulation tools, so RF and microwave designers often skipped EM analysis and relied on "best guesses" instead, according to the company. EMDS allows analysis and visualization of EM effects that offer insight into the performance of high-frequency RF designs like component-level bond wires, connectors, packages, machined parts, and antennas. By using the tool before prototyping, designers can make decisions and adjustments that reduce or eliminate the need for costly design iterations.

The first release of EMDS provides basic design-flow integration with Agilent’s Advanced Design System (ADS) allowing users to import layout designs from ADS into EMDS for full 3D analysis. Agilent plans to include increasing levels of integration with ADS and with the company’s Genesys environment. ADS offers front-to-back simulation and layout tools and instrument links for RF and microwave IC design. Genesys is an integrated EDA environment for RF and microwave applications.