Keysight Technologies, Inc. introduces RFPro Circuit, a next-generation radio frequency (RF) simulation tool. Particularly, it targets complex, multi-physics requirements of RF integrated circuit (RFIC) designers.

Moreover, wireless, automotive, and satellite designers can now deliver robust designs that overcome performance challenges in dense 3D packaging. Thus, taking advantage of interoperability and automation to form complex workflows.  

Keysight’s W5600E RFPro Circuit features a new modular architecture that ensures a consistent, streamlined environment for multi-physics. It is a co-design across Cadence, Synopsys, and Keysight electronic design automation (EDA) platforms. Optional electromagnetic (EM) and electro-thermal simulators also plug into this new environment. Thus, enabling faster design and troubleshooting of wireless RFICs.   

Integration Into Highly Automated, Efficient Workflows

Typically, RFIC designers perform sequential, single-domain verifications using expert tools. However, they have a difficult time identifying and troubleshooting multi-domain design issues until the end of the design process. Furthermore, designers often need to become domain experts, shouldering the overhead of setup and database manipulations for each tool.

With the new RFPro Circuit simulator, these tools offer more tight integration into highly automated and efficient workflows.

In addition to EM and electro-thermal simulators, Keysight provides RF-aware analyses for stability, system-level modulation and waveforms, and simulator settings. For example, designers can optimize a sophisticated 5G-Advanced power amplifier for error vector magnitude (EVM) while loaded with EM package parasitics.

As 3D designs become denser and move into new millimeter wave frequencies, Keysight now offers a path to efficient design flows that are not only robust but reliable enough. Particularly, for use in training tomorrow’s artificial intelligence and machine learning automation in leading-edge microwave applications.

RFPro Circuit Features

The RFPro Circuit offers several features. Among them is the standard DC, AC, S-parameter, Harmonic Balance Transient, and Envelope Transient simulation modes. Moreover, it also has high accuracy modulation analysis; Winslow stability analysis; optimization; and faster one-time netlist parsing.

Meanwhile, it also compatible with Keysight’s extensive catalog of silicon and III-V compound semiconductor foundry process development kits (PDK). It comes with advanced support for III-V processes, mixed hierarchies for 3D heterogeneous integration and packaging, and validation against system-level modulation.

Beyond RFPro Circuit’s numerous technical improvements, Keysight offers a flexible licensing model that gives RFIC designers greater simulation freedom. Furthermore, an access to the latest features, in order to adapt to changing workflows on a daily basis.

Joe Civello, Director of RF/uW Products, Keysight EDA, said, “Designers using RFPro Circuit can accelerate their engineering cycles and shift left more of their verification effort from physical into virtual prototyping where it’s easier and less costly to fix problems.”

-19 April 2024-