MicroApps Seminars

Next-generation communication and radar systems require wide bandwidth signals to support high data rates and enhanced resolution. Low phase noise systems are critical in high-QAM rate and OFDM signals to minimize bit error rate (BER) and to maintain signal integrity. Qorvo introduces a line of digital controlled reference oscillators providing excellent integrated jitter performance for high-end systems. The solution highlights a temperature-controlled reference oscillator (TCXO) for a PLL/VCO integrated into a microwave up/down converter. The presentation highlights the composite Error Vector Magnitude (EVM%) performance upconverting a 5GNR signal up to 26 GHz with various sub-carrier spacings.

Precision Low Phase Noise Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillators with output frequencies from 10 to 100 MHz are the key reference sources for modern RF equipment. Phase noise, aging and frequency stability vs. temperature are the main parameters of OCXO to ensure the quality of equipment. But another important parameters like dynamic temperature sensitivity, vibration sensitivity (not only for moving vehicles) are being ignored mistakenly by the developers. What parameters may be important for? What are the phase noise limit for oscillators? What type of crystals we use and how they influence the oscillator’s parameters?

Frequency hopping between multiple LO frequencies find application in downconverter and upconverter chain where switching time expected is very low. Frequency Switching time in PLL based synthesizers containing integrated VCOs/Multipliers is dominated by VCO/Multiplier calibration time. During the calibration time, output frequency can vary a lot, which is undesired. Proposed FULL ASSIST solution in LMX26xx reduces calibration time to zero by forcing the settings related to frequency switch, all at one go using double buffering registers and thus avoids cycle slipping. With this feature in LMX26xx, overall lock time depends only on minimal register writes and analog loop settling.

EVM and ACLR are fundamental to all terrestrial wireless communication systems. However, over-the-air testing - common in phased array applications and others - raises a key question: are test results limited by the test system or the antenna's performance? This challenge is particularly pronounced in systems with a high number of elements, such as SATCOM phased arrays. This MicroApps seminar provides a clear answer, presenting practical measurement-based solutions for direct and indirect far-field testing, illustrated with real-world examples using advanced vector signal analysis and generation equipment.

Frequency hopping across wide frequency range find application in multiple systems used in electronic warfare, defense radio, and communications where switching time expected is very low. The Link-16 network used by NATO for transferring real-time tactical information requires frequency hopping under 13 µs. Frequency Switching time in PLL based synthesizers containing integrated VCOs is dominated by VCO calibration time which can go as high as 200 us depending on the capacitor bank in VCOs. Proposed instant calibration feature in LMX2820 reduces the VCO calibration time to 5 us across the wideband frequency range from 45 MHz to 22.6 GHz.

Confident in the accuracy of your Gain to Noise Temperature (G/T) measurements for large phased arrays? Traditional calculation-based methods can be error-prone and cumbersome. Typically, accurate G/T values require combining datasheet analysis, testing, simulation, calibration, and validation. This MicroApps seminar introduces a measurement-based approach that eliminates calculations, ensuring reliable G/T measurements for complex phased arrays. Simplify your workflow, boost accuracy, and gain confidence in your results with this innovative method.

Millimeter wave (mmWave) technology holds unparalleled potential to revolutionize industries ranging from telecommunications to advanced sensing. Yet, its full promise remains constrained by barriers in cost, expertise, and accessibility. Historically, mmWave has been considered impossible to scale, but Eravant has developed practical solutions to overcome this challenge. In this keynote, Wendy Shu, CEO of Eravant, will explore how scaling organizations and lowering barriers are critical to achieving commercial viability and unlocking mmWave's vast applications. Drawing on Eravant's approach to democratizing mmWave across catalog (COTS), custom solutions, test & measurement, and services, Wendy will share innovative strategies for enabling broader participation by engineers, scientists, and employees alike. She will also call on industry leaders to think about building companies where people from diverse backgrounds and experience levels can contribute meaningfully, so we can fully realize the transformative potential of mmWave technology.

Characterizing phased arrays demands numerous radiation pattern measurements to ensure uniform, fast, and accurate beam steering with minimal scan loss and side-lobe levels. Additional tests for tapering, null steering, and dual-polarization control further increase the burden. Discover how to drastically reduce measurement time from minutes to seconds, enabling more comprehensive phased array testing. Our seminar demonstrates a game-changing approach to rapid radiation pattern measurement, transforming your testing workflow.

Load pull is a common technique to understand the behavior of RF frontends with varying conditions and matchings in the target application, optimize the DUT or create accurate models. RF front ends often drive signals into antennas which are nominal 50 Ohm, but in reality far off. As PA performance changes with different impedances, the only way to ensure proper performance is to test with the target signals and varying impedances, thus wideband loadpull. A fast and cost-efficient solution will be discussed in this session.

D band and G band are still the two most promising bands for 6G research area. The initial research was all related to single ended devices - amplifiers, filters, mixers etc. However, in the recent times the differential device testing and characterization of the devices has become important. The fundamental devices needs to be characterized from DC to highest frequency possible (KHz range to 200+GHz). A Vector Network analyzer with true differential stimulus and Differential probes is required for device characterization and testing. Measurements such a differential IMD, Gain, Gain compression, Noise figure are crucial measurements.

Developments in coaxial connector design have now extended the available frequency range for systems relying on the TEM mode to beyond 200 GHz, historically the domain of waveguides. This makes it possible to compare measurements made using probes employing these connectors with the previous state of the art probes using waveguides. This talk will present these results and test methodologies and discuss benefits accruing from using a single-sweep system, besides the obvious reduction in test time and inventory cost from not having to maintain stock of several banded devices.

New advances in Vector Network implementations allow faster sweep times with increased sensitivity to enable faster and more accurate S parameter measurements. This is of special interest in the world of growing number of supported frequency bands and thus more filter paths in modern mobile phones. Adding more filter paths means more expensive validation. Reducing the test time is a major strike back to cut test cost without sacrificing sensitivity and measurement uncertainty.

Development in 5G/6G technologies require precise characterization of the complex permittivity of materials in the microwave and millimeter wave spectra, addressing various applications, e.g. microwave 5G bands, 77-GHz automotive radars, D- and G-band high-speed communication systems. Cavity and dielectric resonator devices supporting material characterization in 1-20GHz range will be presented at this seminar altogether with a family of Fabry-Perot open resonators enabling wideband measurements of solid dielectrics in the 15-220 GHz range. Measurement examples will feature PCB substrates, ultra-thin foils, automotive materials, in-plane anisotropic materials, with the measurement inaccuracy as low as 0.5% (2%) for the dielectric constant (loss tangent)

The ability to understand the thermal impact on performance has become a necessity for today’s complex electronic designs. Having an integrated thermal analysis tool within a multiphysics system design flow proves to be very beneficial for determining overall performance and becomes necessary to maintain design flow synchronization. This paper demonstrates the capabilities of the Cadence Celsius Thermal Solver, an electrothermal co-simulation solution that provides analysis and design insights to detect and mitigate thermal issues early in the design cycle. Simulations are validated with measurements on devices designed for thermal imaging and current density performance.

This session explores performance advances in GaN MMIC power amplifiers applied to advanced radar technology, linear power Satcom uplinks, 5G and wideband power amplifier applications. It discusses GaN on SiC MMIC power attributes that are critical to improving and offering more compelling next-generation products for 5G, Aerospace & Defense and SatCom applications. Different types of beamforming architectures along with tradeoffs will be covered. For Space applications, RF Solutions from COTS to Rad Hard, plastic to hermetically sealed packages will be discussed.

Modern vehicles are equipped with increasing communication functions and sensors, resulting in an increase of jamming signals in the vicinity of the GNSS reception band. These jamming signals cannot always be removed by simple filters. High linearity of a GNSS Wideband LNA can help improve jamming tolerance. But there is a tradeoff - high linearity can contribute to higher current consumption. Nisshinbo added a linearity compensation circuit to our Wideband LNA to keep the current consumption low at normal operation and to improve linearity during high EMI/RFI conditions.  This method can simplify the antenna-mounted filter in GNSS automotive antenna applications.

The design and measurement results of a 9W MMIC power amplifier, covering the 7.1-8.5GHz frequency range, is described. The PA was fabricated on a mature 0.25um GaAs optically-defined gate process with Enhanced Moisture Ruggedness layer. The PA is assembled in a low-cost 6x6mm QFN package and features integrated ESD protection. In CW mode, the amplifier exhibits 28dB of linear gain and 39.5dBm of saturated output power, with 34% associated efficiency. Optimal thermal design allows for operation up to 105°C. State-of-the-art performance, enhanced reliability, in conjunction with low-cost technologies, make this PA a very attractive option for C/X band communication systems.

Noise Power Ratio is a measure of a power amplifier’s distortion. It is commonly used to characterize power amplifiers for space systems although not limited to this. This presentation goes over key things to consider when simulating NPR as well as how to analyze results to make design decisions.

LNAs (Low Noise Amplifiers) are used to improve receive sensitivity and error rate, issues that are related to NF (Noise Figure). To improve NF, Nisshinbo has been working to shorten the FET gate length (Lg) for LNAs produced in our in-house GaAs Fab.  We also optimized the gate structure by lowering gate resistance (Rg) and gate-source capacitance (Cgs) to achieve a significant reduction of the LNA NF. In this presentation we will highlight the GaAs FET gate structural modifications needed to achieve the described NF reduction and reveal initial test results. 

To meet demanding performance requirements, particularly in the defence sector, gallium nitride (GaN) has emerged as a superior alternative to GaAs due to its greater power density, efficiency, and higher operating temperatures. Filtronic will showcase how GaN’s wide bandgap properties make it the ideal choice for applications where size, weight, and power (SWAP) are critical, such as in defence, space, and aerospace. Discover how these advantages position GaN as the optimal solution for high-performance needs.

In this presentation, we will demonstrate the technology capabilities of RF circuit design automation using the RapidRF software tool. We will show how state-of-the-art RFIC amplifier designs can be automatically generated with a simple push-button solution. Throughout the presentation we will demonstrate the entire design process, from entering the required circuit specifications, through performance validation, to creating final tapeout-ready design files.

3D Heterogeneous Integration is becoming a trend in the RF/MW industry to integrate mixed technologies (Silicon RFICs, III-V MMICs, packaging, passives, antennas and PCBs) into convenient drop in RF modules to enable the exponential growth of RF applications for high throughput wireless data transport demanded by commercial and defense-aerospace AI/Machine Learning requirements.
This microapps paper illustrates how RF EDA tools are now enabling 3DHI physical assembly, 3D RF routing and connectivity verification, followed by EM-circuit co-simulation/co-optimization of any RF path through the 3DHI structure. Electrothermal simulation is also enabled to accurately predict 3DHI RF performance in actual field deployment scenarios.

Large phased array systems include multiple RF sampling data converters, which require high precision synchronization to achieve proper beam steering. Synchronization can be achieved by properly aligning the device clocks and phase adjustability of SYSREFs to the data converters for meeting setup and hold time. SYSREFs in large array system can be generated or distributed on tile level, sub-system level and from the host in continuous, pulsed or burst mode. This presentation proposes the JESD204B/C clock buffer-based solution for precise SYSREFs phase alignment and distribution for synchronization up to X-band sampling clocks.

Quantum systems require exceptional precision and fidelity in control and readout operations . As gate times in quantum systems reach the picosecond (pS) scale, the need for high-speed sequencing and accurate waveform generation becomes increasingly critical. This presentation explores the advantages of Arbitrary Waveform Generators (AWGs) in addressing the stringent requirements of quantum calibration, control, and operation.
We will highlight the capabilities of Tektronix’s AWG70000 and AWG5200 series, emphasizing their ability to generate high-fidelity waveforms at pS rates and their integration with advanced oscilloscopes for comprehensive system calibration and monitoring. Key topics will include optimizing workflows for quantum operation.

Synchronizing systems with a high number of ADCs/DACs is very difficult. New features implemented in an analog PLL and a synchronizer IC can help synchronize such systems. The PLL can introduce delays on both device clock and SYSREF to compensate propagation delays, while the synchronizer measures and compensates the round-trip delays that may happen on one or two wire connections. The seminar presents how such a system may be architected using a tree or a cascade approach and how the synchronization may be achieved.

More than Moore is driving interest in integrating multiple die into a single package which brings system-level considerations for planning and placing components and die into a small space. Integrating different chip architectures and manufacturing processes necessitates sophisticated design tools and methodologies. Cadence Virtuoso Studio enabled for multi-process technologies brings the heterogeneous integration within a single platform.

Ubiquitous internet connectivity using satellites is no longer a dream, as demonstrated by the 3GPP investment in 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). This microapp will describe the challenges of NTN links, which significantly differ from those of terrestrial links, as they must deal with larger propagation delays and high Doppler. It will also describe the modeling and simulation required to design these links. We will discuss MATLAB simulations of orbit propagation, power amplifier (PA) models, Doppler compensation, 5G OFDM processing, and link throughput as a function of SNR.

This seminar focuses on practical OpenAirInterface (OAI) applications in FR2 networks, highlighting ORAN functions, FlexRIC, and MIMO technologies. Participants will learn how OAI facilitates mobile network development and testing, particularly for FR2 challenges. The session will cover FlexRIC’s integration with ORAN RIC for intelligent RAN control and MIMO’s role in boosting network capacity and stability, providing engineers and technicians with actionable insights for optimizing high-frequency networks.

Antennas and arrays are key to the rapid growth of wireless technologies, with their behavior captured by the far-field radiation pattern. The realized gain integrates port mismatches and losses in the system with the directivity, to present an integrated representation of antenna radiation. We explore techniques for analyzing and visualizing these patterns in 3D and 2D using simulation models and measured data. The problem of using limited data from data sheets for predicting 3D radiation pattern is presented with analytical and AI-based approaches offering up potential solutions.

In many phase-locked loop frequency generation applications, reducing lock time between frequencies is of critical importance. The ADF4382 uses a dual-core, multi-band VCO architecture that enables a wide octave frequency range from 11 GHz to 22 GHz. The default method for frequency selection uses an auto-calibration routine to select the appropriate VCO core and band internally, which typically takes 100μs. This presentation details the innovative FastCal feature which uses an on-chip Look-up table approach, allowing users to bypass the autocalibration routine. Thereby reducing time taken to lock from one frequency to another, to effectively just loop filter settling time.

The FR3 bands (7 to 24 GHz) have attracted growing interest as a possible “Goldilocks zone” for next-gen communications networks, balancing the data capacity of millimeter-wave transmissions with the range and low power requirements of sub-6 GHz signals. This talk will present a channel sounder module specially designed and built in collaboration with a research team from NYU WIRELESS to develop the first comprehensive penetration loss model for the 16.95 GHz FR3 band. The system requirements and block diagram will be described and a real-time demonstration performed using the same hardware in the original module.

The advancement of satellite and space technology demands rigorous and precise test and measurement methodologies to ensure the reliability and performance of RF and microwave components. This talk explores the latest developments in satellite and space applications, focusing on advanced techniques for characterizing RF components, antenna testing, and assessing materials in space-like environments covering a comprehensive range of test and measurement topics essential for these applications primarily using VNAs.

A millimeter-wave compact antenna test range (CATR) is used to perform radar cross-section (RCS) measurements of various objects. A transmit/receive VNA frequency extender is connected to the feed horn of a CATR reflector. A conducting sphere is used to calibrate the RCS measurement system. RCS measurements of various objects are presented. Additional measurements include the attenuation and reflection characteristics of materials used for radomes and signal absorbers.

As the communications industry moves towards higher data rates, lower energy consumption, and AI powered algorithms, the latest technology trends including antenna/radio design, modulations, and transmission technologies towards 6G will be reviewed. The new role of technologies such as ISAC, THz bands, and RIS will be discussed, the impact of AI will be considered, as well as the technical challenges to bring these to maturity. Finally the roadmap to development and deployment of 6G will be reviewed, and the key targets that are currently being discussed.

This MicroApp provides a practical guide for performing real-time over-the-air (OTA) data collections (recordings) for large data sets with USRP SDR radios for applications such as spectrum monitoring and AI/ML. We will consider the performance and capability tradeoffs between the various USRP devices, and discuss practical considerations regarding antennas, power levels, data rates and sampling rates, data word width, CPU I/O and disk I/O, and Ethernet connectivity. We will also examine the SigMF and DigitalRF file formats for storing and organizing data, as well as how to use the RF Data Recording API to automate large data collections.

Modern satellite payloads often require fixed or agile frequency sources with superior phase noise and spectral purity. The shorter development cycles and increased number of launches challenge microwave component suppliers to offer space-qualified components with rapid turnaround times and reduced cost. Offering products that meet the performance specifications while also adhering to the screening and reliability requirements entails utilizing proven designs, materials, and manufacturing processes. This talk will review the applications of these sources and describe how Narda-MITEQ is leveraging its space heritage and design expertise to meet the evolving demands of the satellite industry.

EVM is often called the "money spec". The question is how to measure it quickly and cost-effectively. We will first present high-performance 5G/NR EVM measurements with NI's latest Vector Signal Transceiver (VST), which offers top-tier performance at a higher cost. Then, we will present measurements with the USRP X410 software-defined radio (SDR), which provides substantial performance at a lower cost. We will demonstrate how both instruments can deliver fast and efficient measurements using the NI RFmx software.

Microwave phase coherent signals are used for device testing in various industries and applications. A typical scheme to generate phase coherency between signals is by sharing a common 10 MHz frequency reference between two or more signal generators generating those signals. However phase stability achievable between signals in such a scheme is often not satisfactory. Two different methods are proposed to enhance the phase stability, one using a higher reference frequency of 1.6 GHz and another using a very slow closed loop output phase adjustment of signal generator. Test results are shared showing better phase stability with proposed methods.

The commercial cellular 6G bands are expected to be in the range from 7-12 GHz or from 13-26 GHz range. Whenever there is a new band for the communication world, the first step is to sound the channel i.e. characterize the channel for multi path reflections, delay in signal propagation etc. A VNA is a preferred tool for channel sounding applications however today's VNA's need optical convertors to place the Tx and Rx port far apart in distance and this causes measurement challenges. A new distributed VNA system from Anritsu enabled with Phaselync technology simplifies the measurements.

Development in high-speed communication systems requires minimization of signal loss in electronic devices. A choice of proper materials and precise measurements of their parameters, further used in the design process, are of crucial importance. Direct measurements of dielectric loss are well established in the industry, whereas only indirect methods of insertion loss measurements are used for conduction loss assessment. In this seminar, direct methods for 14-60GHz surface conductivity measurements, providing high accuracy and repeatability, are discussed. The seminar will feature measurement examples of copper foils and copper clad laminates, where effective conductivity is measured from both sides of the conductor

Phased array antennas are used for a variety of beam-steering applications in the commercial and government markets with use cases ranging from Fixed Wireless Access and SATCOM to RADAR and EW. Regardless of use case, antenna engineers are always searching for ways to extract more capability and performance from their phased antenna array designs to offer more cost-effective and performant solutions to their customers. In this Microapps seminar, a Fortify RF lens expert will show you how to tackle common phased array performance challenges like grating lobes, scan loss, gain, and field-of-view by using Gradient-refractive Index (GRIN) dielectric lenses.

This seminar introduces a fast and accurate full-wave simulation tool for designing and optimizing phased-array antennas, directly on a laptop. Unlike conventional methods, which often rely on infinite periodic conditions or simplified models for arrays with hundreds or thousands of elements, this tool employs array-tailored method of moments algorithms to model full coupling and edge effects of such large, finite arrays, offering unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. Ideal for applications in 5G, radar, SatCom, and space, it enables precise simulations without heavy computational resources, making complex array designs more accessible than ever.

3D structured system and circuit designs are getting more complex. Designers need to consider the electrical effects caused by physical layouts, such as coupling, insertion loss, etc. Learn how to improve your productivity with the Virtuoso Multi-Technology solutions. It allows you to perform high-frequency extraction and analysis in an integrated method using the Virtuoso environment to optimize design and eliminate human errors throughout your design cycle.

Typical communication systems designed for space applications involve a large amount of microwave and RF components that need to be accurately modeled and designed which could lead to protracted design cycles if a fragmented approach is used. A process which approaches this design from a unified methodology is therefore needed. In this presentation we will discuss how Electromagnetic simulation software can be used in a hybrid unified approach to simulate all the different components together as a result of the fact that the disparate parts of such a system typically have unique simulation techniques that provide efficient analysis.

EM Twin is a powerful tool for an augmented OTA measurement & 3D EM simulation workflow, harnessing the strengths of both domains. By utilizing XPU technology, EM Twin enables rapid full wave EM simulations of antenna digital twins even in complex scenarios. Special patented algorithms (patent by IMST and Rohde&Schwarz) for accurate simulation using EM sources based on equivalent currents are applied. This advanced capability ensures an easy and efficient workflow making it an essential solution for modern antenna engineering challenges like integrating antennas in- and/or outside of vehicles, ships or airplanes.

With increasing complexity in product designs and manufacturing processes, efficient optimization methods are more essential than ever. This presentation introduces a unique solution combining electromagnetic (EM) simulations, Design of Experiments (DOE), and for designing, analyzing and optimizing electromagnetic EM components and systems. EM simulations provide critical insights into electromagnetic behavior, leading to accurate predictions and design improvements. By integrating DOE with electromagnetic simulations, we can systematically explore the design space, identify key design parameters, and optimize system performance. Automation enables rapid simulation setup, execution, and post-processing, reducing the overall design time.

Cadence Virtuoso Studio RF platform transforms the design and analysis flow by enabling system tools such as Cadence VSS software to directly access a Virtuoso design. Virtuoso Design Link offers seamless connections to DUT circuits through multiple simulator options, ensuring a transparent and efficient user experience. Ability to analyze and improve the system-level performance of a circuit design from a single environment opens the door to optimization, tradeoffs, and yield analysis, empowering designers to make informed decisions and maximize performance. This MicroApp will describe standard communication testbenches and Virtuoso Design Link, enhancing productivity and driving innovation in your design workflows.

Load pull is a critical characterization method for optimizing Power Amplifier (PA) performance in Radio Frequency (RF) front-end systems. By precisely matching complex impedance across frequencies, engineers can maximize output power and efficiency in high-performance RF applications like 5G networks and satellite communications. Utilizing Remcom's FDTD solver and schematic editor, engineers can analyze frequency-dependent load pull data to optimize critical parameters such as total radiated power. This approach is particularly crucial in modern radio communication systems, where reducing power consumption and improving system performance are essential.

Conventional antenna design workflows require deep domain knowledge for topology selection. Additionally, antenna design requirements are complex and changing across different applications areas. In this MicroApp, we present Cadence Optimality Intelligent System Explorer's AlphaGo algorithm approach to antenna design problems as a kind of game. Starting from a blank grid, AlphaGo algorithm generates antenna layouts that can meet designers’ specifications. During the generation process, a machine learning model with deep neural network architecture is built and improved, thus facilitating an online optimization flow with an accurate surrogate model that can accelerate design efficiency and reduce design cycles.

Achieving reliable wireless connectivity on the human body presents significant challenges due to radiation hazards, antenna design, and OTA measurements. This work demonstrates the use of the FDTD method to create near-field Huygens boxes that incorporate MCAD models, PCB designs with circuits, and surface mesh of a human body. For larger environments, these near-field Huygens boxes are integrated into 3D ray-tracing to evaluate environmental effects, including human presence for blockage. The hybrid approach is correlated, accounts for multipath effects for GNSS and indoor, and delivers significant runtime savings, providing a comprehensive RF digital twin solution for RF test and measurement.

Recent advances in ADC and DAC technology have enabled the practical realization of direct-sampling architectures, which provide access to the full RF bandwidth provided by the ADC/DAC. However, there are unique considerations that need to be made regarding master clock rate selection, frequency planning, aliasing effects, Nyquist zones, and spur and distortion avoidance. The USRP X440 uses a direct-sampling architecture and thus operates differently from other USRP devices. Attendees will gain an understanding of the challenges of this architecture, and how to make informed decisions when using the X440.

Rapid identification of object from RCS signals is important for traffic control, space and defense applications. The problem is typically solved using artificial neural networks. For accurate identification big data of monostatic/bistatic RCS is required. RCS data in a dense grid of directions should be collected for plane wave excitation incoming from numerous directions in a broad frequency range. Measurements cannot be used to collect sufficient data, and even for 3D EM simulation the task is challenging. WIPL-D will demonstrate a number of new options to acquire big data of RCS using examples of interest (birds, drones, vehicles, aircraft).

This seminar covers the critical role that RF connectors fulfill and outlines the process of proper RF connector selection from the myriads of choices that are currently available. It will include an overview of the many defined standards and why so many exist. In addition, the key elements to consider during selection will be presented in a manner that serves as a template for an ideal connector selection process.

Designing-in high frequency RF ICs requires special attention for proper chip to substrate transitions, including RF landing patterns, substrate/pad parasitics, and solder/wire-bond profiles:
•Designers often struggle to replicate the RF IC performance on another substrate or transition then recommended, as traditional s-parameter models fail to capture the critical chip-to-substrate transitions.
•Analog Devices, introduces a new unencrypted transition-based EM model approach, “Em-Plugs”, to the industry enabling precise performance predictions across varying substrates and transitions.
•This approach predicts the s-parameters performance accurately at high frequencies up to 90 GHz while eliminating the need for multiple PCB iterations, resulting faster design cycles.

The goals of heterogenous integration include higher speed, increased power efficiency, and smaller size. One large step towards achieving these goals is allowing high-frequency designers to co-simulate different technologies, process nodes, and/or media in a single RF-centric simulation and analysis environment. This MicroApp will introduce Cadence's new Virtuoso Studio RF platform highlighting the Virtuoso Design Link functionality to address this challenge. Designers can easily connect and integrate existing silicon and III/V designs in a single schematic for advanced RF and microwave simulation, including Method-of-Moments and Finite Element EM and thermal analysis.

Error vector magnitude (EVM) is a key figure of merit for wireless systems. The cascaded noise and linearity of an RF signal chain can directly impact the system-level EVM performance. As a result, analyzing the EVM of an RF signal chain can provide valuable insights for optimizing system-level tradeoffs to achieve the desired performance outcomes. This presentation explores RF system-level design considerations, the relationship between system performance and EVM, the interpretation of the EVM "bathtub" curve for system optimization, and accessible tools that can be used for this analysis.

This session highlights how RF engineers can leverage Tektronix Real-time spectrum analyzers (RSA) and SignalVu-PC software for synchronized, multi-channel RF data acquisition and analysis. Learn to connect multiple RSAs to a single PC, enabling simultaneous capture across multiple channels. Discover how this approach enhances the identification of signal interactions, interference analysis, and measurements of input/output devices like power amplifiers. Attendees will gain insights into real-time monitoring, multi-channel recording, and post-analysis workflows that reveal critical details in dynamic RF environments. Transform your spectrum analysis capabilities with unified, high-fidelity multi-channel RF capture.

When a digitally modulated signal passes through an RF signal chain, its Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) is affected by noise, spurs and distortion. Since power management circuits generate noise and spurs, EVM can be a useful metric for assessing their quality. This Microapps talk will compare EVM results for QAM signals being amplified by RF amplifiers when those amplifiers are being powered by various power management circuits. We will focus in particular on the performance difference between LDO and Switcher based power management circuits.

This MicroApp presents a model-based design workflow for the rapid development and prototyping of custom Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) modems using MATLAB, Simulink, and National Instruments (NI) USRP radios. The approach uses automated code generation from a behavioral model, and addresses challenges of efficiency and real-world applicability in wireless communication systems. By integrating simulation tools and over-the-air testing capabilities, the workflow significantly reduces the development cycle while maintaining traceability from the behavioral model to the deployed implementation. This workflow provides a seamless transition from theoretical design to practical implementation, offering insights into optimizing design and verification processes.

RF technologies are evolving rapidly, with significant advancements such as miniaturization in Antenna in Package (AiP), enhanced QBIT fidelity for quantum computing, and deeper integration of THz technologies into AI and machine learning for network management, data processing, and decision-making. As these technologies progress from concept to fabrication to data centers, ensuring reliability at ultra-low temperatures, reducing costs, and improving power consumption and efficiency are crucial for successful market deployment. Wafer-level testing is becoming increasingly critical in achieving these goals. This keynote will explore the intersection of wafer-level testing and its essential role in advancing RF technologies for 6G, AI, and quantum computing.

Differential designs are commonplace in the industry, for reasons including odd-order harmonic cancellation, good emissions performance, tolerance of process variance, and larger swing even on low-voltage processes. However, the factors which make tightly coupled differential designs attractive for the designer also make the acquisition of accurate S-parameter data challenging, due to incompatibility with the uncoupled representation assumed by conventional calibration algorithms. An approach to use the symmetry of the problem to ameliorate this has been proposed, and is now available in a commercial calibration package. This implementation is described, and the benefits arising from it discussed with real examples.

The USRP SDR radios from National Instruments (NI) are not calibrated devices, and as such, they operate using relative power levels in dBFS. However, it is possible to manually calibrate the USRP and obtain absolute power levels in dBm. By enabling absolute power measurements in dBm, results can more easily be compared, interpreted, and leveraged for signal analysis and device testing. We will present the manual calibration process in detail and explain how to achieve precise and reliable signal measurements in dBm using USRP devices and associated software tools.

Signal purity is vital for precision frequency control and timing, enabling high performance in mission-critical RF and microwave systems. This presentation examines Quantic Wenzel's method of achieving signal purity at every level, from the crystal to integrated microwave assembly. By leveraging Chip Scale Atomic Clocks (CSAC), Oven-Controlled Crystal Oscillators (OCXO), Dielectric Resonator Oscillators (DRO), Phase-Locked Loops (PLL), Microcontrollers, Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) technologies, and more, Quantic Wenzel delivers solutions that reduce phase noise and enhance system performance. Attendees will learn about the advantages of integrating these technologies, real-world applications, and how Quantic Wenzel leads in frequency control and timing innovation.

Modeling and simulation of antennas, arrays, and RF front-ends are crucial for successful wireless systems in communications and sensing. A top-down system-level approach, flexible in using full-wave EM models, behavioral models, and measured data, enhances RF system design. The goal is to make this approach accessible to engineers of all experience levels, enabling them to derive meaningful insights. This microapp showcases such a modeling paradigm. It features the use of an extensive component catalog for describing RF front-ends, with streamlined workflow for analysis and simulation, and enabling modeling options that weave in MATLAB-based scripting workflows into Simulink circuit-envelope based simulations.

New RF buffers have noiseless delays that can achieve 0.5 ps steps and up to 50 ps range. With such delays one can tune out mismatches due to board imperfections, cable/connector mismatches, and other factors. Phase array radar systems

Traditional oscilloscopes, while powerful, are often limited by identical settings across all channels, restricting their utility in advanced RF analysis. With the latest advancements, we have unlocked the potential of oscilloscopes to serve as wideband, multi-channel signal analyzers with truly independent configurations per channel, including center frequency, span, RBW, and time gating and almost every setting possible. This breakthrough allows users to analyze complex, multi-signal environments more effectively, enhancing diagnostic capabilities. Join us to explore this unique solution, its implementation, and the value it offers.

Low pass filters are crucial for eliminating unwanted high-frequency signals in communication systems. Achieving enhanced far-band rejection while maintaining a compact design, however, remains a significant challenge. This presentation explores a practical tuning technique to enhance the far-band rejection capabilities of suspended substrate low pass filters. Despite the wideband nature of suspended substrate technology in general, achieving far-band rejection performance can be challenging due to the limitations inherent to transmission lines for wider frequency ranges. The tuning technique discussed aims to address these limitations, ultimately giving designers a practical option to extend far-band rejection performance in low pass filters.

LTCC filters have traditionally delivered around 30 dB of stopband rejection. Mini-Circuits has innovated LTCC technology to produce filter designs with rejection up to 90 dB and beyond. These high-rejection designs require a launch from a stripline PCB to achieve their full rejection performance but may be adapted for other types of substrates. This presentation introduces an interposer board that allows universal adaptation of high-rejection LTCC filters for mounting onto microstrip and coplanar waveguide traces. Implementations on various substrates are presented and their performance compared with the stripline use case, demonstrating significant performance benefits compared to other filter technologies.