AWR Datasheets

The Process Setup in the Virtuoso Environment In order to work properly, AWR AXIEM software requires that the STACKUP properties, material properties, and various simulation settings be configured. These settings reside in the Virtuoso modeling assistant. Figure 2 shows the PDK setup in the model assistant with several representative menus, for example, dielectric and via properties are shown in the middle picture, where the silicon material properties and layer thicknesses are listed. Figure 2: PDK setup in the Virtuoso model assistant There are some preview and diagnostic capabilities built into the AWR AXIEM integration. Figure 3 illustrates how the mesh can quickly be previewed in the AWR AXIEM model to understand the density that will be used and the accuracy level.1 Note that in this example the mesh density is relatively sparse. There is a nice 3D view of the mesh on the surface of the inductor. Thick metal with side walls is being used to capture the coupling. The meshing density can be adjusted in the AWR AXIEM setup menus if desired. Figure 3: Mesh preview in the AXIEM simulator The goal of the Virtuoso and AWR AXIEM EM solver flow is to enable the designer to stay within Virtuoso environment and yet gain access to S-parameters with full-wave accuracy. After the S-parameters are generated, the model in the golden schematic is replaced with the S-parameter results. The extracted view is then created, and the model in the schematic is replaced with the S-parameters. Conclusion As frequencies of operation push upward, EM simulators are becoming more and more critical for RFIC designers. Distributed effects, such as inductors, become important, as do frequency-dependent effects such as resistance. Grounding issues become critical and must be accounted for in simulations. Structures such as meshed ground planes and rings need to be EM simulated to ensure they are modeled correctly. Coupling effects between various components, which are not included in models, become an issue and must be EM simulated. The AWR AXIEM EM solver and Virtuoso design flow seamlessly integrates the process of accounting for EM effects within a circuit design project by enabling a single environment for simulation, LVS, and EM analysis and verification, without the need for unique schematics for EM and LVS. This new flow reduces the chance of error and cuts design time and verification cycles. To learn more about AWR software and its many features, visit www.awr.tv. 4 www.cadence.com/go/awr

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