Download - EM Simulators for PCB Design Verification
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2014 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.
Microwave Office | Visual System Simulator | Analog Office | AXIEM | Analyst
Using 3D Planar and Full 3D EM Simulators for Design Verification
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2014 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.
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What is Design Verification?
Often the (spatially limited) RF functions of a product PCB are designed assuming an ideal environment regarding chassis shape, ground planes, digital control lines, bias etc.
The initial RF real estate area on the board may change, the physical properties of the board may change, more or less substantial tweaks may take place when the RF section is laid out in the manufacturing tool
For these reasons it is often a good idea to perform a verification simulation using the actual layout data from the manufacturing tool before prototyping
If OK
AWR EM model
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2014 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.
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Outline of the Flow
Simple single-layer layout data can be exported as dxf from the mfg tool
Complex multilayer layout data can be exported as ODB++ If ODB++ export is not available, Gerber data can be used dxf can directly be imported into AWR ODB++ and Gerber data is processed using a conversion software
Netex-G for AWR from ACS (Artwork Conversion Software) Direct AWR export option is available from Cadence Allegro and
Zuken CR8000
Mfg tool (MG,
Cadence, Zuken, PADS...)
Netex-G AWR
ODB++, Gerber 3Di
AXIEM Analyst
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2014 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.
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Flow Demo
Open Netex-G for AWR. If the data is available as ODB++, just choose File > Import ODB++
If the data is available as Gerber (demo), have a document available for the layer file names and drill file format
In EM simulation we are only interested in metallizations and vias
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2014 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.
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Flow Demo Preparations
A number of general settings can be done under Preferences
Recommendation: use very short directory names
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2014 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.
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Flow Demo Preparations
The tool eventually outputs a 3Di file. The output file directory was set under preferences, the output file name is set under Output
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2014 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.
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Flow Demo Stackup Definition
In Netex-G we populate the stackup as shown
Click to browse Gerber files
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2014 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.
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Flow Demo Stackup Definition
Each layer can be previewed
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2014 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.
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Flow Demo Stackup Definition
Metal and dielectric properties are set under Properties
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2014 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.
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Flow Demo Drill Files
Drill file is set under Drills
Drill file needs first be converted into Gerber
Now you need to know the drill file format version
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2014 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.
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Flow Demo Drill Files
Once drill file is translated into Gerber, browse the file and set top and bottom layer numbers (usually first and last)
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2014 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.
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Flow Demo Choosing Extraction Area
Normally only a portion of the design is exported to MWO This is controlled under Extractions
You can either choose to extract an area, or a selection of nets with a given cutout region around them
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2014 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.
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Flow Demo Choosing Extraction Area
Use the selection tool (rectangle, polygon) to choose the area You should see the vias now. If you dont, you have a problem with
the drill file.
When ready, Finish
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2014 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.
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Flow Demo Extract
Then its time to Execute the extraction
This is what you want to see! You can exit the tool.
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2014 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.
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Flow Demo Import of 3Di File into AWR
In AWR side, launch 3Di Import wizard Browse the file from your chosen output directory If your data was ODB++ with component info included, you can
choose to import such that the wizard creates a dummy schematic with connectivities defined as iNets
If you have only geometry, choose Layout only
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2014 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.
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Flow Demo Import of 3Di File into AWR
You get the design in as schematic layout, with all drawing layers set The wizard also creates a STACKUP under Global definitions
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2014 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.
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Flow Demo Cleaning the Design
It is a good idea to double-check the STACKUP and fix if necessary, before creating an EM doc
Normally there are also details in the design that are not necessary for the EM simulation, and can be removed
44k unknowns = OK, but removing floating pads and unconnected traces will reduce the unknowns by 50%
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2014 AWR Corporation. All rights reserved.
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Thank You!
Questions and test cases can be sent to