Agilent’s Advanced Design System (ADS) 2009 Update 1 is a complete front-to-back solution for MMIC and RF module design. This includes a complete flow to manufacturing: Enhanced PDKs, Desktop LVS & DRC and Calibre LVS integration; full support for X-parameters*; enhanced integrated 3D EM analysis; and an easy-to-use Optimization Cockpit. This combination of capabilities enables designers to stay within a single design platform throughout their development cycle (design, simulation and manufacturing output), eliminating the time and expense integrating disparate point-tools.

Complete MMIC Manufacturing Design Flow

Agilent ADS accelerates design with capabilities such as a customized MMIC layout tool bar. Built on top of foundry-approved PDKs (currently available for TriQuint, Win Semiconductor and UMS), the tool bar allows one-click access to process-specific functions for layout creation and editing (see Figure 1). Example functions include automatic via insertion; the conversion of trace structures to transmission lines; and splitting, joining, stretching and tapping into transmission lines. Easy access to these capabilities improves productivity and also helps eliminate layout-versus-schematic errors early in the design process.

For improved synchronization, ADS 2009 Update 1 includes multiple options that go well beyond the typical “always on” tools that are often inflexible and may lead to design errors that are difficult to correct without damaging or discarding an entire design. One such capability is the continuously updated “Design Differences” window, which provides either a single or a dual representation of schematic and layout. In this mode, the designer can choose to place specific schematic components onto the layout or, at will, update the entire layout from the schematic.