Integrating EM Technology Into an RF/Microwave Design Flow
5G networks and devices support greater connectivity by relying on spectrally efficient modulation techniques and mmWave
and multiple-in multiple-out (MIMO) antenna technologies. As a result, RF front-end architectures have become considerably
more complex. Now that AWR is part of Cadence, accessing additional EM tools like the Clarity 3D Solver is possible. The EM
Socket tool was first introduced by AWR in 2003 and the EM Socket II architecture was enhanced in the 2013 V13 release. This
revolutionary technology enables interoperability between third-party EM simulation tools and the company's flagship
high-frequency AWR Microwave Office software, enabling designers to choose the best tool for the job at hand. EM Socket
software continues to be a vital part of the AWR Design Environment platform by allowing designers working in AWR
Microwave Office software to access the abilities of the Clarity 3D Solver.
PA Simulation and Design Support
AWR V15 software allows designers to optimize PA linearity performance through video band load-pull analysis of PAs
operating under two-tone excitations (Figure 1). Designers can plot intermodulation distortion (IMD) and third-order intercept
point (IP3) results as a function of (F2-F1) impedance, directly investigating IMD products over swept input power. Load-pull
analysis also supports impedance tuning at the 4th and 5th harmonics as well as the ability to generate contours on rectan-
gular plots for enhanced visualization of performance versus load impedance.
Figure 1: Video-band load pull supports low-frequency impedance optimization to reduce IMD products
5G NR Library and DPD Models
The 5G NR library offers easy-to-configure signal sources and receivers that can be used to evaluate RF components and/or
RF links using system-level measurements. New testbenches accelerate the component design and evaluation process with
preconfigured 5G NR transmit (TX) and receive (RX) blocks and measurements supporting TX/RX functionality for both
downlink and uplink.
Conclusion
The AWR Design Environment platform V15 brings new and enhanced RF/microwave design and simulation to the Cadence
portfolio of EDA solutions. Advanced design automation optimizes engineering throughput and productivity by reducing
manual design tasks and supporting tool interoperability.
Read full RF/Microwave Design Software software spotlight.
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