Software Tools for Microwave Software Tools for Microwave Research, Design, and EducationResearch, Design, and Education
Dejan V. Tošić
Milka PotrebićSchool of Electrical Engineering
Belgrade
OverviewOverview
• Introduction
• Microwave Office
• WIPL-D Microwave
• Ansoft Designer
• Simulation example
• Benefits
• Conclusion
ObjectiveObjective
• Compare software tools for microwave circuit simulation from the research, design, and educational view point
• Identify a candidate tool for each category
• Highlight teaching aspects
Considered Microwave ToolsConsidered Microwave Tools
• AWR Microwave OfficeMicrowave Office – MWO
• WIPL-D MicrowaveWIPL-D Microwave
• Ansoft DesignerAnsoft Designer
Introduction (1)Introduction (1)
• As we move towards a learner-oriented, self-paced, asynchronous system for higher and continuing education, the traditional course-based curriculum structure must be examined for its efficiency
• Courses can be restructured into primary concept modules that are interlinked to reflect the logical development of knowledge in the domain of the discipline being studied
Introduction (2)Introduction (2)
• With the wireless revolution, brought on mostly by cellular radio technologies, microwave applications have come to dominate the industry
• Cost, time to market, and manufacturing capacity are much stronger influences within the microwave engineering
• Cost versus performance will always be a trade-off within any engineering project, however, the weighting coefficients have shifted
Why is it important ?Why is it important ?
Software tools are indispensable in microwave engineering, so R & D, design, and the corresponding courses should always address• computer aided designcomputer aided design
• simulation prior to manufacturingsimulation prior to manufacturing
Who is using Who is using microwave software tools ?microwave software tools ?
• Engineers
• Practitioners
• Researchers
• Academia
AWR Microwave OfficeAWR Microwave Office(MWO)(MWO)
What is MWO? What is MWO? • Popular microwave software
environments in both academia and industry
• Professional design tool• LinearLinear & nonlinearnonlinear solution for
microwave hybrid, module and MMIC design
• Includes linearlinear, harmonic-balanceharmonic-balance, time-domaintime-domain, electromagneticelectromagnetic (EM) simulation, physical layoutphysical layout
• FrequencyFrequency domain simulator
2.5D EM Layered Structures2.5D EM Layered Structures
• EM simulation is based on 2.5D solver2.5D solver for layered structureslayered structures (microstrip filters & antennas) with predefined objects (rectangle, polygon, path, ellipse, drill hole, edge port, via, ...)
• Only automatic mashingautomatic mashing in three levels
1 21 2
Layout viewLayout view
• Layout viewLayout view can be generated from the schematic to take into account mutual coupling, parasitics, discontinuities, …
• Layout structure can be analyzed by 2.5D EM solverMTRACEID=X1W=Wo milL=Lo milBType=2M=0.6
1 2
3
MTEE$ID=TL1
MLINID=TL3W=Connectwidth1 milL=Connectlength1 mil
1 2
3
MTEE$ID=TL4
1 2
3
MTEE$ID=TL7
1 2
3
MTEE$ID=TL10
MSUBEr=9.8H=11.811 milT=1.9685 milRho=1Tand=0ErNom=9.8Name=SUB1
MTRACEID=X2W=Wo milL=Lo milBType=2M=0.6
MLINID=TL6W=Connectwidth2 milL=Connectlength2 mil
MLINID=TL9W=Connectwidth1 milL=Connectlength1 mil
MLEFID=TL2W=Stubwidth1 milL=Stublength1 mil
MLEFID=TL5W=Stubwidth2 milL=Stublength2 mil
MLEFID=TL8W=Stubwidth2 milL=Stublength2 mil
MLEFID=TL11W=Stubwidth1 milL=Stublength1 mil
PORTP=1Z=50 Ohm
PORTP=2Z=50 Ohm
MTRACEID=X1W=Wo milL=Lo milBType=2M=0.6
1 2
3
MTEE$ID=TL1
MLINID=TL3W=Connectwidth1 milL=Connectlength1 mil
1 2
3
MTEE$ID=TL4
1 2
3
MTEE$ID=TL7
1 2
3
MTEE$ID=TL10
MSUBEr=9.8H=11.811 milT=1.9685 milRho=1Tand=0ErNom=9.8Name=SUB1
MTRACEID=X2W=Wo milL=Lo milBType=2M=0.6
MLINID=TL6W=Connectwidth2 milL=Connectlength2 mil
MLINID=TL9W=Connectwidth1 milL=Connectlength1 mil
MLEFID=TL2W=Stubwidth1 milL=Stublength1 mil
MLEFID=TL5W=Stubwidth2 milL=Stublength2 mil
MLEFID=TL8W=Stubwidth2 milL=Stublength2 mil
MLEFID=TL11W=Stubwidth1 milL=Stublength1 mil
PORTP=1Z=50 Ohm
PORTP=2Z=50 Ohm
OptimizationOptimization
• OptimizerOptimizer for circuit model parameters without possibility to optimize physical structure
• TuningTuning – manual optimization
MSUBEr=9.8H=25 milT=0.1 milRho=1Tand=0.001ErNom=9.8Name=SUB1
MCFILID=TL1W=W0 milS=S0 milL=L0 mil
MCFILID=TL2W=W1 milS=S1 milL=L1 mil
MCFILID=TL3W=W2 milS=S2 milL=L2 mil
MCFILID=TL4W=W2 milS=S2 milL=L2 mil
MCFILID=TL5W=W1 milS=S1 milL=L1 mil
MCFILID=TL6W=W0 milS=S0 milL=L0 mil
MSTEPX$ID=MS1Offset=-abs(W@2-W@1)/2 mil
MSTEPX$ID=MS2Offset=-abs(W@2-W@1)/2 mil
MSTEPX$ID=MS3Offset=-abs(W@2-W@1)/2 mil
MSTEPX$ID=MS4Offset=-abs(W@2-W@1)/2 mil
MSTEPX$ID=MS5Offset=-abs(W@2-W@1)/2 mil
PORTP=1Z=50 Ohm
PORTP=2Z=50 Ohm
L0=Len[21]=120
L1=Len[8]=107
L2=Len[15]=114
W0=Wid[1]=10
W1=Wid[6]=15
W2=Wid[1]=10
Len=stepped(100,120,1)Wid=stepped(10,18,1)Gap=stepped(2,10,.5)
Input Return Loss
Insertion Loss
S0=Gap[4]=3.5
S1=Gap[3]=3
S2=Gap[15]=9
Schematic Results from Schematic(window in window)
Layout view of Schematic(window in window)
6 8 10 12 14Frequency (GHz)
Filter Response
-50
-40
-30
-20
-10
0
Input Return Loss
Insertion Loss
Transmission Line CalculatorTransmission Line Calculator
Filter Synthesis WizardFilter Synthesis Wizard
TLINID=TL1Z0=Z00 OhmEL=90 DegF0=10 GHz
TLINID=TL2Z0=Z01 OhmEL=90 DegF0=10 GHz
TLINID=TL3Z0=Z02 OhmEL=90 DegF0=10 GHz
TLINID=TL4Z0=Z01 OhmEL=90 DegF0=10 GHz
TLINID=TL5Z0=Z00 OhmEL=90 DegF0=10 GHz
PORTP=1Z=50 Ohm
PORTP=2Z=50 Ohm
Z00=29.3206
Z01=26.3811
Z02=27.7633
2.5 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.5Frequency (GHz)
Filter Response
-60
-50
-40
-30
-20
-10
0
DB(|S(1,1)|)Filter
DB(|S(2,1)|)Filter
What is WIPL-D Microwave?What is WIPL-D Microwave?
• New design and simulation tool for microwave projects involving microwave circuitscircuits, componentscomponents, and antennasantennas • Full wave 3D EM solver
FeaturesFeatures
• Predefined circuit components & arbitrary composite metallic and dielectric structures defined by user
• Circuit parameters of the included 3D EM components are computed on-the-fly
• Intended for engineers, practitioners, researches, academia, and as a teaching tool for microwave engineering curricula
Defining structures by means of Defining structures by means of (non)uniform grids(non)uniform grids
Advanced modeling conceptsAdvanced modeling conceptsUsing symmetry to facilitate analysis
Modeling of the end effect and feed area for thick wires
Coaxial line excitation
Edging & De-embeddingEdging & De-embeddingModeling of layered structures
De-embedding of circuit parameters from the 3D EM analysis
Taking the edge effectsinto account
Ideal Palette Ideal Palette
short circuited endshort circuited endopen-circuited endopen-circuited endamplifieramplifierideal transformer ideal transformer circulatorcirculatorsymmetric power splittersymmetric power splitterquadrature hybrid couplerquadrature hybrid coupler
short circuited endshort circuited endopen-circuited endopen-circuited endamplifieramplifierideal transformer ideal transformer circulatorcirculatorsymmetric power splittersymmetric power splitterquadrature hybrid couplerquadrature hybrid coupler
Contains all basic components for introductory microwave courses
Technology-related palettesTechnology-related palettes
Rectangular
Transitions
Not available in MWOdouble step & patch antennadouble step & patch antenna
Not available in MWOdouble step & patch antennadouble step & patch antenna
Special componentscoaxial taper, band, step, gap, coaxial taper, band, step, gap,
T-junction & crossT-junction & cross
Special componentscoaxial taper, band, step, gap, coaxial taper, band, step, gap,
T-junction & crossT-junction & cross Special componentsE- and H-post, E- and H-band, E- and H-post, E- and H-band, ET- and HT-junction, ET- and HT-junction, E- and H- coupled waveguides, E- and H- coupled waveguides, rectangular horn antenna & rectangular horn antenna & magic tee junction magic tee junction
Special componentsE- and H-post, E- and H-band, E- and H-post, E- and H-band, ET- and HT-junction, ET- and HT-junction, E- and H- coupled waveguides, E- and H- coupled waveguides, rectangular horn antenna & rectangular horn antenna & magic tee junction magic tee junction
Special componentstransitions from coaxial to rectangular transitions from coaxial to rectangular or microstrip technology or microstrip technology
Special componentstransitions from coaxial to rectangular transitions from coaxial to rectangular or microstrip technology or microstrip technology
Microstrip
Coaxial
Electrical length of portsElectrical length of ports
• Ports of each component can be electrically extended – equivalent transmission lines can be added to ports
• Schematic can contain fewer elements and one can experiment with shifting reference planes which define component ports
3D EM models3D EM models• 3D EM modeling provides predefined objectspredefined objects
dielectric domains, wires, plates,
sphere, circle, reflector, and body of revolution
•transition between two coaxial cables•half-sphere with a hole•ring with circular cross •ring with a square cross sections
• Symbolic parameters of 3D EM models can be optimizedoptimized
Ideal, analytical, and Ideal, analytical, and 3D EM component characterization 3D EM component characterization
• 3D EM analysis enables to explore differences between the results generated by analytical closed-formanalytical closed-form equations and accurate EM numerical simulationsaccurate EM numerical simulations
• 3D EM models can be made when the component parameters are out of the range over which the analytical model is valid
• Multiple componentMultiple component characterization:ideal or analytical or 3D electromagnetic
Analytical (Recommended):
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1/,5.3/5.1,10 221
thenlesserrorfor
hwwwr
Versatile input options Versatile input options
PhysicalPhysicaldimensionsdimensions
PhysicalPhysicaldimensionsdimensions
Characteristic Characteristic impedance &impedance &
Normalized lengthNormalized length
Characteristic Characteristic impedance &impedance &
Normalized lengthNormalized length
What is Ansoft Designer ? What is Ansoft Designer ? High-performance RF/mW Design & Analog/RFIC VerificationHigh-performance RF/mW Design & Analog/RFIC VerificationHigh-performance RF/mW Design & Analog/RFIC VerificationHigh-performance RF/mW Design & Analog/RFIC Verification
• Ansoft Designer provides an integrated schematicintegrated schematic and design management front-enddesign management front-end for complex analog, RF and mixed-signal applications • By leveraging advanced electromagnetic-field simulators dynamically linked to powerful circuit and system simulation, Ansoft Designer enables engineers to design, optimizedesign, optimize and validate validate component, circuit, and system performance long before building a prototype in hardware
Features (1)Features (1)
• Digital-communication-systemDigital-communication-system simulation• NonlinearNonlinear circuit simulation, frequency frequency domain,
and transient transient analyses
• Planar 3D EM3D EM simulation • Integrated IC and PCB layout editor with Java and
Visual Basic scripting• Impulse invariance convolution engine• Swept parameter analysis
Features (2)Features (2)
• Support of parameterized subcircuits, global variables, and parameter scoping
• Support of compiled and interpretive user-defined models (UDMs & SDDs)
• Design utilities, including real-time tuning filter and TRL synthesis and load-pull analysis
• Advanced design environment with dynamic project manager and solution caching
• Dynamic link with HFSS, 3D electromagnetic structure simulator
Circuit, Physical Layout, and Circuit, Physical Layout, and Planar EM modelPlanar EM model
Port1Port2
1 23
W1=WportW2=WLL
W3=Wc
1 23
W1=WLLW2=WLL
W3=Wc
1 23
W1=WLLW2=Wport
W3=Wc
1 23
W1=WLLW2=WLL
W3=Wc
P=L2W=WLL
P=L4W=WLL
P=3mmW=1.1348mm
P=3mmW=1.1348mm
P=L1W=Wc
P=L3W=Wc
P=L1W=Wc
P=L3W=Wc
P=L2W=WLL
Port1 Port2
Port1 Port2
CircuitCircuit
Physical Layout
Physical Layout
Planar EM model
Planar EM model
Circuit librariesCircuit libraries
http://www.ansoft.com/products/hf/ansoft_designer/designkits.cfmhttp://www.ansoft.com/products/hf/ansoft_designer/designkits.cfmhttp://www.ansoft.com/products/hf/ansoft_designer/designkits.cfmhttp://www.ansoft.com/products/hf/ansoft_designer/designkits.cfmOnlineOnlineOnlineOnline
Example component parametersExample component parameters
Port1Port2
1 23
W1=WportW2=WLL
W3=Wc
1 23
W1=WLLW2=WLL
W3=Wc
1 23
W1=WLLW2=Wport
W3=Wc
1 23
W1=WLLW2=WLL
W3=Wc
P=L2W=WLL
P=L4W=WLL
P=3mmW=1.1348mm
P=3mmW=1.1348mm
P=L1W=Wc
P=L3W=Wc
P=L1W=Wc
P=L3W=Wc
P=L2W=WLL
Port1Port2
1 23
W1=WportW2=WLL
W3=Wc
1 23
W1=WLLW2=WLL
W3=Wc
1 23
W1=WLLW2=Wport
W3=Wc
1 23
W1=WLLW2=WLL
W3=Wc
P=L2W=WLL
P=L4W=WLL
P=3mmW=1.1348mm
P=3mmW=1.1348mm
P=L1W=Wc
P=L3W=Wc
P=L1W=Wc
P=L3W=Wc
P=L2W=WLLMicrostrip Transmission Line, Physical Length - MSTRLMicrostrip Transmission Line, Physical Length - MSTRL
Planar EM modelPlanar EM model• Full 3D EM simulation• Predefined objects:
circle, rectangle, arc, line, polygon, void, hole, via (2.5D or 3D), cavity, …
• Symbolic parameters of 3D EM models3D EM models can be optimizedoptimized
• Estimate ModuleEstimate Module – Planar EM Calculator Microstrip line Quarter-wave transformer Tuning stub Rectangular patch Circularly polarized (CP) patch
Port1 Port2Port1 Port2
Meshing Meshing
• Fixed meshing with edge meshing
• Adaptive meshing
Port1 Port2
OptimizationOptimization
Optimetrics changesOptimetrics changes the design parameter values the design parameter values
to meet the goal to meet the goal
Optimetrics changesOptimetrics changes the design parameter values the design parameter values
to meet the goal to meet the goal
… … to determine how each to determine how each design variation affectsdesign variation affects
the performance of the design the performance of the design
… … to determine how each to determine how each design variation affectsdesign variation affects
the performance of the design the performance of the design
… … to determine the sensitivity of to determine the sensitivity of the design to small changes the design to small changes
in variables in variables
… … to determine the sensitivity of to determine the sensitivity of the design to small changes the design to small changes
in variables in variables Optimetrics determines Optimetrics determines the distribution of the distribution of
a design's performancea design's performance
Optimetrics determines Optimetrics determines the distribution of the distribution of
a design's performancea design's performance
Filter Design WizardFilter Design Wizard
Transmission Line CalculatorTransmission Line Calculator
Simulation exampleSimulation exampleSimulation exampleSimulation example
Microstrip lowpass filterMicrostrip lowpass filter
SpecificationSpecification
Source/load impedanceSource/load impedance 500Z 500Z
RealizationRealization
CAPID=C1C=3.76 pF
CAPID=C2C=6.674 pF
CAPID=C3C=3.76 pF
INDID=L1L=11.32 nH
INDID=L2L=11.32 nH
CAPID=C4C=6.674 pF
INDID=L3L=12.52 nH
PORTP=1Z=50 Ohm
PORTP=2Z=50 Ohm
CAPID=C1C=3.76 pF
CAPID=C2C=6.674 pF
CAPID=C3C=3.76 pF
INDID=L1L=11.32 nH
INDID=L2L=11.32 nH
CAPID=C4C=6.674 pF
INDID=L3L=12.52 nH
PORTP=1Z=50 Ohm
PORTP=2Z=50 Ohm
Seven-pole lowpass filter with Chebyshev response
ImplementationImplementation
1100Z
mm5CW
mm1.0LW
• Microstrip technology, fabricated on substrate with relative dielectric constantrelative dielectric constant and thicknessthickness without losses
• Open-circuited stubs implementation is chosen with high impedance lines as and a line width
• Open-circuited stub has a line width
1.27,h
CW
LW
1l2l
3l4l
5l6l
7l
mm86.571 ll
mm32.1362 ll
mm54.953 ll
mm09.154 l
,8.10r
Simulation modelsSimulation models
An important issue is to demonstrate
differences between various simulation models AnalyticalAnalytical 2.5D EM2.5D EM (MWO) 3D EM3D EM (WIPL-D Microwave, Ansoft Designer)
Example in MWOExample in MWO
MLINID=TL2W=Wl mmL=13.32 mm
MLINID=TL3W=Wl mmL=15.09 mm
MSUBEr=10.8H=1.27 mmT=0.036 mmRho=3Tand=0ErNom=10.8Name=SUB1
1 2
3
MTEE$ID=TL4
MLEFID=TL1W=Wc mmL=5.86 mm
1 2
3
MTEE$ID=TL5
1 2
3
MTEE$ID=TL6
MLINID=TL7W=Wl mmL=13.32 mm
1 2
3
MTEE$ID=TL9
MLEFID=TL10W=Wc mmL=9.54 mm
MLEFID=TL11W=Wc mmL=9.54 mm
MLEFID=TL12W=Wc mmL=5.86 mm
MLINID=TL8W=1.126 mmL=13.88 mm
MLINID=TL13W=1.126 mmL=13.88 mm
PORTP=1Z=50 Ohm
PORTP=2Z=50 Ohm
Wc=5
Wl=0.1
MLINID=TL2W=Wl mmL=13.32 mm
MLINID=TL3W=Wl mmL=15.09 mm
MSUBEr=10.8H=1.27 mmT=0.036 mmRho=3Tand=0ErNom=10.8Name=SUB1
1 2
3
MTEE$ID=TL4
MLEFID=TL1W=Wc mmL=5.86 mm
1 2
3
MTEE$ID=TL5
1 2
3
MTEE$ID=TL6
MLINID=TL7W=Wl mmL=13.32 mm
1 2
3
MTEE$ID=TL9
MLEFID=TL10W=Wc mmL=9.54 mm
MLEFID=TL11W=Wc mmL=9.54 mm
MLEFID=TL12W=Wc mmL=5.86 mm
MLINID=TL8W=1.126 mmL=13.88 mm
MLINID=TL13W=1.126 mmL=13.88 mm
PORTP=1Z=50 Ohm
PORTP=2Z=50 Ohm
Wc=5
Wl=0.1
1 21 2
1 21 2
SchematicSchematic
2.5D model2.5D model
Example in WIPL-D MicrowaveExample in WIPL-D Microwave
3D model 3D model
Schematic Schematic
Example in Ansoft DesignerExample in Ansoft Designer
Port1Port2
1 23
W1=WportW2=WLL
W3=Wc
1 23
W1=WLLW2=WLL
W3=Wc
1 23
W1=WLLW2=Wport
W3=Wc
1 23
W1=WLLW2=WLL
W3=Wc
P=L2W=WLL
P=L4W=WLL
P=3mmW=1.1348mm
P=3mmW=1.1348mm
P=L1W=Wc
P=L3W=Wc
P=L1W=Wc
P=L3W=Wc
P=L2W=WLL
Port1Port2
1 23
W1=WportW2=WLL
W3=Wc
1 23
W1=WLLW2=WLL
W3=Wc
1 23
W1=WLLW2=Wport
W3=Wc
1 23
W1=WLLW2=WLL
W3=Wc
P=L2W=WLL
P=L4W=WLL
P=3mmW=1.1348mm
P=3mmW=1.1348mm
P=L1W=Wc
P=L3W=Wc
P=L1W=Wc
P=L3W=Wc
P=L2W=WLL
Port1 Port2Port1 Port2
3D model 3D model
Schematic Schematic
Simulation results (1)Simulation results (1)
0.1 0.6 1.1 1.6 2.1 2.6 3Frequency (GHz)
Analytical S21dB
-100
-90
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
-20
-10
0
DB(|S(1,2)|)Analytical _ MWO
DB(|S(1,2)|)Analytical _ WIPL_D
DB(|S(2,1)|)Analytical_Ansoft Designer
WIPL-D WIPL-D MWMW
WIPL-D WIPL-D MWMW
MWOMWOMWOMWO
AnsoftAnsoftDesignerDesigner
AnsoftAnsoftDesignerDesigner
Simulation results (2)Simulation results (2)
0.1 0.6 1.1 1.6 2.1 2.6 3Frequency (GHz)
Full 3D EM S21dB
-100
-90
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
-20
-10
0
DB(|S(1,2)|)2_5D EM _ MWO
DB(|S(2,1)|)Full 3D EM_Ansoft Designer
DB(|S(2,1)|)Full 3D EM_WIPL_D
WIPL-D WIPL-D MWMW
WIPL-D WIPL-D MWMW
MWOMWOMWOMWO
AnsoftAnsoftDesignerDesigner
AnsoftAnsoftDesignerDesigner
Simulation results (3)Simulation results (3)
0.1 0.6 1.1 1.6 2.1 2.6 3Frequency (GHz)
S21dB
-100
-90
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
-20
-10
0
DB(|S(1,2)|)2_5D EM _ MWO
DB(|S(1,2)|)Analytical _ MWO
DB(|S(1,2)|)Analytical _ WIPL_D
DB(|S(1,2)|)Full 3D EM_WIPL_D circuit
DB(|S(2,1)|)Analytical_Ansoft Designer
DB(|S(2,1)|)Full 3D EM_Ansoft Designer
DB(|S(2,1)|)Full 3D EM_WIPL_D
Amplitude difference measureAmplitude difference measure (of the frequency response)(of the frequency response)
3D3D WIPL-D model & 2.5D2.5D MWO model3D3D WIPL-D model & 2.5D2.5D MWO model
BenefitsBenefits
and potential disadvantages
Benefits (1)Benefits (1)
• WIPL-D Microwave is a candidate tool for implementing efficient microwave education
• From the teaching view point, it has the following benefits Contains all components and microwave circuit models
needed for undergraduate microwave courses Ideal microwave elements are grouped into
a separate toolbar, so the student easily builds idealized microwave circuits
Benefits (2)Benefits (2)
Numerous teaching examples are available and are based on the widely used textbooks adopted in many microwave courses
Comprehensive review of microwave circuit basics is provided, so students can quickly review the scattering matrix properties, element definitions, and other background lessons
Full wave 3D EM analysis is available so the student can compare the results generated by analytical closed-form equations and accurate EM numerical simulations
Benefits (3)Benefits (3)
Multiple component characterization is provided so the student can specify a component as ideal or analytical or 3D electromagnetic
Technology-related components have integrated parameters and technology descriptors
Arbitrary metallic-dielectric structures can be characterized by, for example, scattering parameters and incorporated into the schematic when the components parameters are out of the range over which the analytical model is valid
Benefits (4)Benefits (4)
WIPL-D optimizer can optimize all schematic parameters including the parameters of the embedded 3D EM models
Ports consist of transmission lines with adjustable length that can be set to an arbitrary value, so a schematic can be built with fewer elements
WIPL-D is affordable for students because of its low price
Potential disadvantages Potential disadvantages
Time response can not be computed Nonlinear circuits can
not be simulated Subcircuits are not available Graphical presentation of the
simulation results by default smoothes data (fitting tool) that might lead to unexpected curves (peaks); this might confuse students and cause them to misinterpret the results
BenefitsBenefits
Provides nonlinear microwave circuits and systems Physical layout representation is assigned to
each component in a schematic, but this option does not always give correct layout
Arbitrary 2.5 D EM multi-layer structures can be incorporated into the schematic
MWO can not optimize physical structure, but it has a powerful manual and automatic optimizer for circuit model parameters
Computes the time-domain response Subcircuits can be used in the schematic realization Filter design wizard
Potential disadvantagesPotential disadvantages
Numerous components and their grouping sometimes might be confusing for undergraduate students
Layered EM structures can be modeled but cannot be optimized
Abundant advanced examples may not be suitable for undergraduate teaching process
MWO is not so affordable for students because of its high price
Benefits (1)Benefits (1)
Provides nonlinear microwave circuits and systems Physical layout representation is assigned to
each component in a schematic and it can be automatically exported to planar electromagnetic model
Full wave 3D EM analysis with possibility to incorporate arbitrary 3D EM multi-layer structures into the schematic
Ansoft Designer has a powerful manual and automatic optimizer for circuit and 3D EM model parameters
Benefits (2)Benefits (2)
Multiple component characterization is provided as analytical or 3D electromagnetic
Technology-related components have predefined global substrates
Computes the time-domain response Subcircuits can be used in the schematic realization Calculators:
• EM estimator
• Transmission line calculator
Filter design wizard
Potential disadvantagesPotential disadvantages
• No transition components (release 2004)
• Might be over-sophisticated for students
• Comparatively high prize
LowVery highPriceCos
tC
ost
NoYesYesTime domain reflectometry
Near & FarFarNear/Far field radiation
Not all, such as: G,H, ABCDYesS, Y, Z, G, H, ABCD, V, I, P
Mea
sure
sM
easu
res
NoYesYesFunctional blocks (systems) NoYesYesLayout (implementation) view
YesYesYesCircuit optimization
YesYesYesSymbolic variable
YesOnly idealTransitions
NoYesYesNonlinear components
Cir
cuit
s &
C
ircu
its
&
Sys
tem
sS
yste
ms
Automatic & ManualAutomaticAutomaticEdging
YesYesYesDe-embedding
YesYesYesAutomatic check
YesNoNoSymmetry planes
YesNoOptimizationYesYesNoSymbolic variables
Uniform & Non-uniformUniformUniformUniform/Non-uniform grid (EM model)
Basic & ComplexBasicBasicPredefined object
YesYesYesYesNoFull 3D simulationFull 3D simulation2.
5D &
3D
2.5D
& 3
D
WIPL-DWIPL-DMWOMWOFeatureFeature AnsoftAnsoft
Yes
Near & Far
EM estimator Yes NoNo
Transmission line calculator Yes BasicFilter design wizard Yes Yes, complex
Yes
No
Yes
Very high
Only ideal
Conclusion (1)Conclusion (1)
• We have evaluated and comparedmicrowave software tools
• Two professional tools: Microwave Office (7.0 beta 2006)Microwave Office (7.0 beta 2006) Ansoft designer (release 2004)Ansoft designer (release 2004)
• New software tool: WIPL-D Microwave (December 2005) WIPL-D Microwave (December 2005)
• Research, design, and teaching aspects were considered
Conclusion (2)Conclusion (2)
• WIPL-D Microwave: WIPL-D Microwave: Teaching, Introductory microwave courses
• Ansoft Designer:Ansoft Designer:
The most versatile from all view points• Microwave Office:Microwave Office:
The most convenient user interface, Suitable for research, design, and advanced microwave courses