News

1 June 2009

 

Agilent launches complete, front-to-back solution for MMIC and RF module design

Agilent Technologies Inc has launched Advanced Design System (ADS) 2009 Update 1, which it claims to be the industry’s first complete, front-to-back solution for monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) and RF module design. The release integrates 3D electromagnetic (EM) analysis, wireless standards-based design verification libraries, X-parameter simulation, and statistical design and yield optimization. ADS 2009 Update 1 enables designers to stay within the design and simulation platform of choice for their entire design cycle and eliminates the need for separate, time-consuming point tools.

“This release represents a big jump in efficiency for MMIC and RF module designers,” claims How-Siang Yap, product marketing manager with Agilent’s EEsof EDA division. “Designers clearly prefer a single design flow, without the stops and starts associated with point tools. ADS 2009 Update 1 provides a single, superior flow where our customers can do more analysis while spending less money on design tools.”

Features include:

• integrated planar and 3D EM simulation and analysis that allows designers to account for EM effects from packages and interconnects without any import or export of data or models (saving time and making the overall design process more efficient and accurate);

• an X-parameter simulation model generator that delivers fast, drop-in usable and accurate nonlinear behavioral models (eliminating the need for datasheets of specification-based characterization parameters and the laborious measurements typically required for accurate designs); and

• easy-to-use statistical and yield Optimization Cockpit that allows designers to interactively modify settings in real time during the optimization (resulting in better, faster designs).

ADS 2009 Update 1 also includes other enhancements for MMIC design, including:

• an MMIC layout personality, allowing one-click access to commonly used MMIC layout functions for ease-of-use and increased engineering productivity;

• access to ADS layout functions from foundry-endorsed process design kit (PDK) components for faster, error-free MMIC/system-in-package (SIP) layout and design synchronization with the schematic; and

• Mentor Calibre Layout-Vs-Schematic (LVS) integration in the MMIC/SIP design flow, ensuring error-free layout connectivity before hardware fabrication.

In addition, Agilent has recently established a new R&D team specifically focused on enhancing PDKs to take advantage of the MMIC/SIP front-to-back design flow in ADS2009 Update Release 1.

“Our partnership with key MMIC foundries and their customers ensures that all criteria required for full PDK endorsement within ADS is met,” says Steve Chen, Advanced Design System R&D manager with Agilent's EEsof EDA division. “The partnerships allow the ADS EDA platform to completely support the MMIC front-to-back flow signoff with Mentor's Calibre or Cadence’s Assura verification tools, which are required by many foundries and customers,” he adds.

ADS 2009 Update 1 also integrates with Cadence and Mentor backend verification tools, enabling the import of Design Rule Check results from Cadence Assura, Mentor Calibre or Triquint MailDRC for viewing and correcting within the ADS layout environment.

Agilent’s Advanced Design System (ADS) is an electronic design automation software system that offers complete design integration for products such as cellular phones, wireless networking and GPS, radar and satellite communications systems, and high-speed digital serial links. ADS supports system and RF design engineers developing all types of RF designs, from simple to the most complex, from RF/microwave modules to integrated MMICs for communications and aerospace/defense applications.

ADS 2009 Update 1 will be available in September, with prices starting at about $21,000. It is also available in time-based bundles, starting at about $8000 per year.

See related item:

Agilent launches X-Parameter nonlinear modeling for wireless and aerospace defense components

Search: Agilent MMIC EM analysis

Visit: www.agilent.com/find/eesof-ads2009-update1