Keysight Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) has unveiled the latest addition to its electronic design automation (EDA) software suite, PathWave Advanced Design System (ADS) 2024. This cutting-edge software aims to empower chip designers with advanced capabilities in millimeter wave (mmWave) and subterahertz (sub-THz) frequencies, enabling accelerated design for 5G mmWave products while anticipating the requirements for future 6G wireless communications development.
With the rise of 5G and non-terrestrial network components, the development of next-generation radio front-end modules operating in mmWave frequency bands presents significant challenges in design and simulation. These frequencies are susceptible to signal loss caused by propagation characteristics, atmospheric attenuation, complex packaging issues, and noise and dynamic range problems. Additionally, designing for 6G poses even greater hurdles with sub-THz signals operating at higher frequencies.
To address these challenges, developers of monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMIC) and modules are combining multiple semiconductor and III-V processes at mmWave frequencies. This requires intricate die assembly, module-level interconnection, and careful power considerations. Moreover, new semiconductor packaging techniques like flip chip bonding have emerged, enabling higher densities and performance but necessitating co-design across multiple technologies and processes.
In response to these development pain points, PathWave ADS 2024 incorporates algorithm, layout, electro-thermal, and workflow automation enhancements to facilitate efficient and reliable design.
Doug Jorgesen, Vice President of Applications at Marki Microwave, expressed his confidence in PathWave ADS, stating, “We use PathWave ADS for our mmWave power amplifier designs because it is a complete integrated solution that gives us simulation models, layout tools, and the accuracy we need to ensure first pass success. ADS has a unique Winslow Probe stability analysis capability that enables us to optimize our amplifier designs with confidence. Our simulations closely match our lab measurements, so we avoid expensive prototype re-spins on our designs. ADS is our preferred tool for power amplifier design.”
Joe Civello, PathWave ADS Product Manager at Keysight, highlighted the advancements in the software, saying, “Traditional RF/uW EDA workflows involve a variety of specialized solvers that require database transfers, deep domain knowledge, and familiarity with multiple environments. We’ve added more speed and performance to ADS electromagnetic (EM) meshing and solving algorithms to improve sweeping coverage through parameters like process variations and layout effects. RFPro in PathWave ADS 2024 streamlines workflows into a unified circuit-EM co-design cockpit where circuit designers can now perform EM simulation to tune and optimize designs early in the development cycle. ADS supports multi-technology design and analysis of thermal, EM, and layout parasitics on circuits and signal modulation. It enables rapid assembly of circuits, MMICs, packaging, interconnects, and module layouts to significantly improve mmWave engineering productivity.”
The introduction of PathWave ADS 2024 marks a significant milestone in enabling chip designers to tackle the complexities of mmWave and sub-THz frequency design. By leveraging the enhanced capabilities of the software suite, industry professionals can accelerate the development of 5G mmWave products while staying ahead in the dynamic landscape of wireless communications, paving the way for future advancements in 6G technology.
