Zuken Announces S-Parameter Support for SI Analysis

October 22, 2009 - Munich, Germany and Westford, MA, USA – Zuken recently announced the support of S-Parameter based circuit models within the latest version of its high-speed design and verification environment CR-5000 Lightning. This major enhancement extends the capabilities of SI simulation to include a whole range of new application areas and simplifies the process for layout engineers unfamiliar with S-Parameter based modelling.

To analyse high-speed signals in applications featuring DDR2/3 or USB technology, accurate models for components such as common-mode filters, baluns, and connectors are required. At today’s bit rates, simple RLC models of such components are no longer appropriate. Accurate simulation at frequencies into the multi-gigahertz range is required, using models that reveal the minimum amount of information about the internal component structure.

S-Parameters, a behavioural concept well known in radio frequency design, are ideally suited for this purpose. They represent the transmission and reflection behaviour of waves at specific frequencies, using industry standard formats such as Touchstone, which has also been adopted by IBIS (I/O Buffer Information Specification).

The signal integrity (SI) analysis within CR-5000 Lightning is performed by time-domain simulation that works in conjunction with design capture and physical layout. Therefore the frequency domain S-Parameter models are first transformed into compatible macro-models which are then imported into the simulation library. The transformation is only done once and the resulting model can be used for SI verification without the need for any detailed knowledge of the original S-Parameter set. This provides an easy-to-use flow to layout engineers, who may not be familiar with S-Parameter based modelling.

For the implementation of this new functionality, Zuken has teamed up with IdemWorks s.r.l., Italy. This high-tech start-up is well known for its competence in S-Parameter based modelling. The easy-to-use transformation tool provided by IdemWorks generates Zuken-specific, robust time domain macro-models with a few button clicks, taking care of sophisticated requirements such as model passivity and causality. It also provides port reduction to ensure fast and easy to use models that focus on real designer needs.

"S-Parameter based modelling support has been requested by leading edge customers across all industries. The solution provided by Zuken and IdemWorks combines highest accuracy with an un-beaten ease-of-use. Add to that fully coupled lossy lines, real power plane geometry extraction, and advanced via modeling, and you're ready to carefully characterize signal integrity in the most challenging multi-gigabit designs", said Werner Rissiek, European General Engineering Manager.

Support for S Parameters is included the latest version of CR-5000 Lightning, revision 12.0. For more information about CR-5000 Lightning visit www.zuken.com/cr-5000-lightning. 
Read more about S-Parameters within the interesting Technical Article "S-Parameters: Microwave goes Mainstream for High-Speed PCB Design".

- Ends -

About Zuken

Zuken works globally with leading companies to optimize their electrical and electronic engineering design and related manufacturing processes through the provision of leading-edge software and consulting services. The company’s unique combination of proven experience, technological expertise and agility creates best in class solutions. Zuken’s transparent working practices and belief in integrity in all aspects of business produce long lasting and successful customer partnerships.

Zuken’s robust market position is reinforced by an established position in the industry with over 30 years experience, and solid financial foundations. As a stable multinational company, listed on Tier 1 of the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Zuken is able to remain focused on being a long-term innovation and growth partner. The security of an investment by partnering with Zuken is further reinforced by the company’s people - the foundation of Zuken’s success. Coming from a wide range of industry sectors, specializing in many different disciplines and advanced technologies, Zuken’s people are able to relate to and understand each company’s unique requirements.

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  S-Parameters: Microwave goes Mainstream for High-Speed PCB Design

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  This article explains in straightforward terms what S-Parameters are and why they
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