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QUEST calculates 3D frequency dependent inductance, resistance, capacitance and capacitive loss for any multi-port network for RF SPICE analysis. QUEST creates frequency dependent SPICE models for W-element transmission lines, spiral inductors and MIM capacitors from GDSII layouts using an interactive GUI interface.

Key Features:

• Calculates frequency dependent or independent spiral inductor standard SPICE models directly from GDSII layout and technology files
• Calculates frequency dependent W-element transmission line SPICE models directly from GDSII layout and technology files
• Calculates frequency dependent multi-port S-parameter models directly from GDSII layout and technology files for use in RF SPICE for any arbitrary layout and structure
• Calculates L, C or R coupling effects between conductors
• Includes frequency dependent material permittivity to account for lossy dielectrics
• Built-in GUI with Design Of Experiments (DOE) feature allows designers to easily optimize design
  

Ease of Use

• All program operations and functions are accessed via the intuitive GUI interfaces
• Simulation speed enables characterization over the full operating frequency range for complete characterization
• GUI Driven conversion from .citi and .csv measure S.param file format to QUEST S, Y and Z param outputs for direct comparison between measurement and QUEST simulated results
• Field solver paramters (i.e. mesh parameters) can be defined as variables and used in the Design of Experiments (DOE) panel for mesh optimization
  

QUEST interactive GUI.

Automated Parameterized DOE for Inductor Layout Optimization

To create a layout DOE, click model, select inductor type and modify pre-loaded DOE options.

Productivity and Versatility

• The DOE feature allows a large number of experiments to be run from the GUI and on Multi-cpus machines for design optimization
• Existing inductor/transmission design libraries can be re-characterized to analyze behavior for next version up process technology or for second source fabrication facilities
• QUEST structure creation and connectivity can be automatically driven from TSMC technology files
• Inductor creation from pre-defined or user-defined P-cells allows layout-based design of experiments

Advanced Physics

• Dual meshing algorithm increases simulation speed and allows analysis of larger structures
• Calculates effects of substrate resistivity and skin depth
• True physics-based simulator allows any arbitrary structure to be correctly characterized
• Simulation speed allows full frequency analysis and realistic DOE simulation times
• Spiral inductor and MIM capacitor analysis
• Transmission line and more general multi-lines (multi-ports) structure analysis
• Inductive coupling (noise) effects of bus lines
• RF SPICE frequency domain analysis of arbitrary multi-port layout defined structures
• Inductor equivalent circuit model generation (with or without parameters independent of the frequency) for use in standard time domain analysis of arbitrary multi-port layout defined structures
• Advanced numerical models developed in collaboration with the leading research institute LETI
  

 

QUEST results are directly imported to UTMOST IV. User defined inductor spice netlist can be directly edited in UTMOST IV.

 

Calculated current coupling in patterned ground shield of 10Ghz.

 

Overlay of measured and simulated data with error calculations can be seen directly in SmartView.

 

Using QUEST for RF MIM capacitance analysis.

Automated Multi-Port S-Y-Z Parameter Generation

S-Parameter output example for a balanced inductor.

We acknowledge STM Tours to have provided measurements and support to accomplish this work.

Rev 040808_17