Agilent updates 3-D EM simulation software

EMPro 2012, Agilent's 3-D electromagnetic modeling and simulation software, not only offers several simulator enhancements that improve performance and accelerate product development, but also increased integration with the company's ADS (Advanced Design System) software. The program eases the creation of 3-D models and the analysis of electrical performance of packages, connectors, antennas, and other RF and high-speed components.

This release of EMPro introduces a low-frequency analysis algorithm that improves accuracy below 100 MHz, including at DC, in FEM (finite element method) simulations. Previous FEM solvers have had difficulty producing accurate, stable results at DC and low frequencies, which is required in subsequent circuit simulations, even for higher-frequency applications. Additionally, Agilent enhanced EMPro's FEM meshing technology for faster FEM simulations (typically 50% faster).

EMPro's new level of integration with ADS is based on a shared database approach. Three-dimensional objects in EMPro can now be saved as ADS design-database cells for use directly in ADS. For example, a 3-D SMA connector cell created in EMPro now has cell views that can be placed either directly in an ADS schematic for circuit/electromagnetic cosimulation or in an ADS layout, such as an RF PCB, for full 3-D EM simulations in ADS.

EMPro 2012 will be available in July, with prices starting at $7000.

Agilent Technologies, www.agilent.com/find/eesof-empro