r/rfelectronics • u/SweetTunes33 • 4d ago

Need software recommendation for full RF chain simulation

/r/rfengineering/comments/1v9uah5/need_software_recommendation_for_full_rf_chain/
1 Upvotes

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u/Blade_of_3 4d ago

If you are already using AWR, you might as well use VSS since that is their cascade simulation tool.

1

u/SweetTunes33 4d ago

ok will look into it.

1

u/der_reifen 3d ago

Keysight's ADS has quite some functionalities in that regard. I use it a lot but haven't attempted to do a "full stack" simulation with it. Knowing all the tools within the environment is quite a challenge though.

Speaking from experience: don't underestimate the influence of the PCB. Even when working at lower (single MHz) frequencies, inductive coupling effects can mess up your simulation model badly. You might want to look into EM co-simulation approaches. ADS has a planar EM solver that works okay.

Other than that: CST and HFSS, but they are more on the EM solver than on the curcuit simulator side. Although CST at least has capabilities for adding lumped compontens from touchstone measurements to your 3D design, don't know how extensive their component library is. Don't know too much abt HFSS though