Applications and Benefits of Design Automation

Traditional RF/microwave design techniques often require multiple, back-and-forth, iterative simulations and manual optimizations. For example, power amplifier design often relies on bias sweep, power sweep, and load-pull measurements, performed iteratively and repeatedly. A method is needed that can cut through the optimization dimensions and automate this complex design. A power amplifier design approach, using both traditional optimization and neural-network based optimization, is presented. The Smith Tube is presented as a visual tool that allows an optimization to be extended over multiple dimensions.