Integrated Software Suite Enables PC-based High-frequency Circuit Design

Ansoft Corporation recently acquired Compact Software. This new development offers a win-win relationship among Ansoft, Compact, and — most important — the microwave/wireless circuit design industry. Ansoft wins advanced linear and nonlinear circuit simulation; Compact wins enabling electromagnetic (EM) simulation technology; and the microwave industry wins a clear, viable and comprehensive solution for high-frequency design. Before the acquisition, Compact had been developing an advanced integrated design system. Now, Ansoft Corporation delivers Serenade®7.0 for PC-based high-frequency circuit design. The new design suite offers integrated schematic capture, circuit analysis and layout capability in a single easy-to-use graphical interface. Ansoft has coupled the proven accuracy and functionality of SuperCompact® and Microwave Harmonica® circuit simulators with advanced interactive schematic capture and optional AutoCAD® layout. Engineering managers will find that engineers now have a UNIX-class solution for high-frequency design on the PC desktop. The new software runs under Windows 95 and Windows NT. High-frequency designs can be captured, analyzed, optimized and physically designed while taking performance and manufacturability requirements into account. Serenade’s powerful simulation capabilities, intuitive interface and value make this new Ansoft tool attractive to large and small design facilities alike. This article provides the first look at Ansoft’s new tool. An introduction to the Serenade desktop includes a summary of the advanced features built into the Windows interface. Powerful advantages of the Microwave Harmonica harmonic balance simulator are described in the third section, along with design automation features such as online documentation, synthesis capabilities and report generation. The final sections of the article highlight particular design examples to further illustrate Serenade’s capabilities.