A) Which EM Analysis Should I Use? (30 minutes)
There are many types of EM analysis out there, which one is best? The answer is a clear
and resounding, "They all are." Depending on your requirements, one or another tool can
be required. The main categories of EM tools are described and examples provided. The
recommended "Dream Team" of EM tools for the high frequency designer is suggested, it
might not be what you expect!
B) A Tutorial on Silicon Spiral Inductor Ground Return Effects on RFIC Design (30
minutes)
This presentation is a tutorial intended for designers who are not yet aware of the return
current issue. If you are already familiar with this issue, this might help firm up a few of the
details. Basically, the return current path is part of the inductor. The location of the return
current path directly affects both the inductance and the various stray capacitances,
especially the shunt capacitance to ground. The return current path in the Sonnet analysis
is either circuit metal specified by the user, or the Sonnet box sidewalls. All EM analyses
have a specific return current path, even if the user might not be aware of it.
Measurements of single inductors are usually performed inside a ?ground cage? which
forms the return current path. Use of an inductor in a circuit also requires a return current
path. Different return current paths can result in varying amounts of error and may cause
design failure. Examples are detailed.
Forschungs-