Keysight Technologies, Inc. introduced RFPro Circuit, a next-generation radio frequency simulation tool targeting the complex, multi-physics requirements of RF integrated circuit (RFIC) designers. Wireless, automotive, and satellite designers can now deliver robust designs that overcome performance challenges in dense 3D packaging, 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 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, enabling faster design and troubleshooting of wireless RFICs.

Typically, RFIC designers perform sequential, single-domain verifications using expert tools, but have a difficult time identifying and troubleshooting multi-domain design issues until the end of the design process. Designers are often required to become domain experts, shouldering the overhead of setup and database manipulations for each tool. With the new RFPro Circuit simulator, these tools are more tightly integrated into highly automated and efficient workflows.

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 to be used for training tomorrow?s artificial intelligence and machine learning automation in microwave applications.

RFPro Circuit features include: Standard DC, AC, S-parameter, Harmonic Balance Transient, and Envelope Transient simulation modes, High accuracy modulation analysis; Winslow stability analysis; optimization; and faster one-time netlist parsing and Compatibility with Keysight?s extensive catalog of silicon and III-V compound semiconductor foundry process development kits (PDK). Advanced support for III-V processes, mixed hierarchies for 3D heterogeneous integration and packaging, and validation against system-level modulation.