In the extracted view shown in Figure 5, the ACE tool decom-poses parallel line segments into coupled-line models such that as nets that have some segment or trace become parallel or stop being parallel with other nets' segments, the software inserts a new coupled-line model in series with the original, with the difference between the two representing one more or one fewer coupled lines. In fact, the software is capable of creating dense networks of interconnects in this way by finding units, or portions, of the layout that can be grouped together based on the extensive library of models in the AWR design environment. These are the same models that designers have been relying upon for nearly a decade to design RF/microwave circuits up to and beyond 100 GHz.

Engineering design in recent years has become overreliant on analysis because RF/microwave design tools have not kept pace with the challenges of next-generation design. The ACE software puts the power of the design process back into the engineer's hands because it provides the user with the ability to parametrically investigate designs by combining the proven technique of circuit extraction with microwave models and understandings. It identifies and fixes complex interconnect issues during the design process, where it is timely and cost-effective to do so, while at the same time reserving EM analysis for final verification of the design.

Michael Heimlich is the microwave market segment director for Applied Wave Research, with responsibility for AWR's flagship Microwave Office design suite, as well as heading up the company's university relations program. He received his BSEE, MSEE and PhD EE degrees from Renssalear Polytechnic Institute. He holds a patent in signal integrity modeling and EDA tool integration.

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