Figure 1 SynMatrix SIW design package example.
Figure 2 Examples of different feeds in the SynMatrix SIW design package.
SynMatrix recently upgraded capabilities in existing functions to help reduce the barriers to engineering new RF filter designs. Building on the success of last year’s release, SynMatrix is announcing automatic 3D geometry workflows for substrate-integrated waveguide (SIW) filters. The current Monte Carlo analysis function has also been upgraded, expanding the current coupling matrix sensitivity analysis to yield analysis prediction for a 3D model simulation.
SIWs have recently gained popularity in RF filter design engineering. A combination of compact size, manufacturability and relatively low loss, coupled with good electromagnetic (EM) properties and performance make these filters excellent candidates for aerospace and automotive communication systems. The SynMatrix SIW design package is an exciting new solution now available for users. Like the capabilities and workflows for cavity and waveguide filters released last year, users can now build and optimize substrate-integrated waveguide filters starting from a single cavity. From there, users can select several coupling schemes that are ready for practical design, select several options for input and output schemes and complete a full 3D model geometry in Ansys HFSS using automatic workflows.
The SynMatrix SIW package offers a convenient guided workflow for users to follow. It also provides a library selection at each step to help users customize and realize their designs to meet specific requirements. Users can select several different SIW cavity shapes and then synthesize corresponding SIW side lengths and thicknesses. This allows users to see the impact of these selections on unloaded Q. Based on these dimensions, users can select pre-defined materials and customize them as needed. An example of this selection process and the result is shown in Figure 1.
Users are also given convenient interfaces to choose their tuning vias. Based on pre-defined and pre-integrated design rules, users can consider manufacturability in the early stages of the design process. SynMatrix’s SIW package also supports several different coupling schemes for a practical design that can be customized and analyzed using a parametric study. Users can select from two types of feed solutions for input and output structures and consider via spacing designs to avoid higher order modes and emissions. Figure 2 shows an example of different feed schemes and via spacing.
SynMatrix’s 3D workflow makes it easy for users to realize a full 3D design, like the workflow released last year with cavities; users can customize their topologies. These fully generated geometries easily transition into EM simulations and an integrated optimization workflow in Ansys HFSS. Figure 3 shows representative results from this process.
Figure 3 EM results for a customized 3D topology.
The Monte Carlo analysis function currently offers users the ability to analyze the sensitivity of the coupling matrix. The newly released Yield Analysis function expands the scope of the Monte Carlo analysis. This enables users to apply sensitivity analysis against a full 3D simulation. Figure 4 shows an example of Yield Analysis in SynMatrix.
Figure 4 SynMatrix Yield Analysis display.
Users can apply the analysis using absolute dimension variation or percentage change variation. By editing and analyzing the physical variables, users can analyze the sensitivity of their designed model, see how RF performance changes and make accurate yield predictions for production volumes. Application scenarios include mmWave components, non-tunable filter structures, planar/coplanar structures and 3D printing structures.
SynMatrix continues to expand the portfolio of structures supported by automatic 3D geometry generation in Ansys HFSS. With the complexity of requirements and variation of applications for filter design engineering, designers will need a vast array of different structures, options and better tools to meet their needs. Manufacturability is also a major factor when considering design options. Design tools must consider the practicality of design choices before fabricating prototypes and considering volume production. SynMatrix users can expect more product upgrades as the company expands its portfolio of capabilities to support additional filter structures and additional workflow functions to help designers get to market faster, more accurately and with better RF performance outcomes.
SynMatrix Technologies Inc.
Toronto, Canada
www.synmatrixtech.com