PEEC Electromagnetic Simulator for High-Frequency ICs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electromagnetic simulation methods for high-frequency integrated circuits are inefficient due to the complexity of full 3D discretization and the blurring of parameter and parasitic extraction distinctions, leading to slow computation times and instability at low frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A circuit-based Partial Element Equivalent Circuit (PEEC) discretization method that reduces electromagnetic simulation complexity by using multilayered Green's functions to account for substrate eddy current loss and displacement loss, integrating with traditional circuit simulators through charge and current elements, and employing a data caching mechanism for efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional full-wave electromagnetic simulation methods are used, then electromagnetic accuracy is improved, but computation time increases dramatically (from hours to days)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous electromagnetic field problem into discrete circuit elements (partial inductances, partial capacitances, and resistances) that can be modeled using equivalent circuit theory. This segmentation allows the complex electromagnetic simulation to be broken down into manageable circuit components that can be processed much faster than full-wave methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional electromagnetic field-based simulation system with an equivalent circuit system. By substituting electromagnetic field calculations with circuit theory calculations (using partial element equivalent circuits), the computation becomes significantly faster while maintaining accuracy for high-frequency IC applications.
2Device complexity
If 2.5D simulation context with infinitely thin conductor assumption is used, then computation is simplified, but accuracy deteriorates for integrated circuits where conductor thickness is comparable to width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the modeling parameters by introducing three-dimensional conductor geometry with finite thickness into the partial element equivalent circuit framework. Instead of assuming infinitely thin conductors, the method calculates partial inductances and capacitances that account for the actual thickness of conductors, making the model accurate for IC applications where thickness is comparable to width.
3Measurement precision
If PEEC method with vast number of partial elements is used, then electromagnetic effects are captured, but computing cost becomes prohibitively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial element equivalent circuit methods selectively to only those regions where electromagnetic effects are significant, rather than discretizing the entire structure into vast numbers of partial elements. This partial action approach captures the essential electromagnetic effects while keeping the number of circuit elements manageable and computing costs acceptable.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional extraction tools are used, then parameter extraction is performed, but the tools lack versatility to handle strong couplings between passive devices and interconnects at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal partial element equivalent circuit framework that can handle both intentional passive devices (inductors, transformers) and unintentional structures (interconnects) within a single modeling approach. This multi-functional method automatically accounts for strong couplings between devices and interconnects at high frequencies, eliminating the need for separate parameter extraction and parasitic extraction tools.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for an electromagnetic simulator. The method for circuit simulation comprises the steps of discretizing the circuit element into charge elements and current elements, generating internal data structures to include the charge elements and current elements wherein the internal data structures include Mixed-Potential Integral Equation Green's functions and Partial Element Equivalent Circuit (PEEC) incident matrixes, and calculating relationship between the charge elements and current elements using multilayer Green's function to provide electromagnetic interactions in the internal data structures.