Date: 08/10/2012

Agilent uncovers ADS 2012 software

Agilent Technologies Inc. has revealed ADS 2012, the next release of its Advanced Design System (ADS) flagship RF and microwave EDA platform. ADS 2012 delivers new capabilities that improve productivity and efficiency for all applications it supports, as well as breakthrough technologies applicable to GaAs, GaN and silicon RF power-amplifier multichip module design.

ADS 2012 features dockable windows, for example, enable users to rapidly access frequently used dialog boxes, such as component information and layer visibility in layout. New component search and net navigator functions make it easy to work with larger designs, and a new archive/un-archive utility makes sharing designs and workspaces easier.

Two ADS DesignGuides have also been updated. The ADS Load Pull DesignGuide now provides mismatch simulation to indicate device or amplifier sensitivity to load VSWR or phase angle. The Amplifier DesignGuide features updates that make it easy to see amplifier performance at a specific output power or a specific amount of gain compression.

New breakthroughs for RF power amplifier design in ADS 2012 include:
1. Unparalleled integration with EMPro that enables 3-D EM components to be saved as database cells for use directly in ADS.
2. A new ADS electro-thermal simulator based on a full 3-D thermal solver natively integrated into ADS, which includes dynamic temperature effects to improve accuracy in "thermally aware" circuit simulation results.
3. Multichip module electromagnetic (EM) simulation setup and Finite Element Method simulation of different technologies to analyze EM interactions between ICs and interconnects, wire bond and flip-chip solder bumps in typical multichip RF power amplifier modules.
4. Model support for Agilent's new artificial neural network-based NeuroFET model (extracted by Agilent's IC-CAP device modeling software) to enable more accurate FET modeling and simulation results (e.g., for high-power GaN FET amplifiers).

ADS 2012 webcasts:
Agilent’s webcasts to demonstrate its new technologies and applications include:
1. Integrated Electro-Thermal Solution Delivers Thermally Aware Circuit Simulation - Live broadcast Oct. 4
2. RF Power Amplifier Design Series: Part 4 - RF Module Design using Amalfi CMOS PA - Live broadcast Nov. 15
3. RF Power Amplifier Design Series: Part 5 - Envelope Tracking and Simulation Analysis - Live broadcast Dec. 13
4. IC, Laminate, Package Multi-Technology PA Module Design Methodology - On demand
5. Power Amplifier Design with X-Parameters* Power Transistor Models - On demand

Agilent to display ADS 2012 at the Compound Semiconductor IC Symposium (Booth 16), Oct. 15-16, in La Jolla, Calif., and at European Microwave Week (Booth 114), Oct. 29-Nov. 1, RAI, Amsterdam.

For more information: www.agilent.com/find/eesof-ads

Source: Agilent