PCB software for RF design

[treebear]

Hi,

Could any person tell me which one is the best PCB R & L tool for RF module design?

Thanks.

 

[Uky]

Depends on how "much" you want to do. If you create RF structures in a RF simulator (such as Agilent ADS) you can export them in "IFF" format. This format can then be read in in one of the high-end tools such as Mentor BoardStation, Expedition or Cadence Allegro. The RF structure then becomes an element, but without any other properties than it's copper representation. You will be able to modify the structure in the high end tool and then reexport it to (e.g.) ADS for renewed simulation and then move this IFF back and forth.

Alternatively, you can use a dedicated RF layout tool such as Mentor RF Architect/BoardStation where RF elements exists as library elements that can be instantiated in a schematic drawing and then created as their copper representations once you do the netlists (TO_LAYOUT)

The problems with RF layout in PCB CAD is that the RF structures needs to be regarded as components, something that they are not. In the schematic editor of a medium prized tool you will not find components such as "bends", "meanders" or "tapers"

What it boils down to is that if you want to do PCB design using RF elements as "components" the same way you are doing your design work using "real" components, you will have to buy a high end tool such as Mentor´s RF-Architect/RF-Station. We are talking plenty of $$$$$...

There may of course be others out there. Cadence ought to have some, but I am not aware of their full product range.

 

[SPATAN]

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