Agilent EEsof EDA

Advanced
Design
System

The Industrys Leading RF, Microwave

and High-Speed Design Platform
ADS ADVANCED DESIGN SYSTEM
Powerful. Easy. Complete.

Advanced Design System (ADS) is the worlds leading electronic design automation (EDA) software
for RF, microwave, and high speed digital applications. In a powerful and easy-to-use interface, ADS pioneers the most
innovative and commercially successful technologies, such as X-parameters* and 3D EM simulators, used by leading
companies in the wireless communication and networking and aerospace and defense industries. For LTE-A, 802.11ac,
PCI Express, USB3, radar, and satellite applications, ADS provides full, standards-based design
and verification with Wireless Libraries and circuit-system-EM co-simulation in an integrated platform.

Watch ADS 30-Second

Demos...
Watch our 30 second videos to learn about
* "X-parameters" is a trademark of Agilent Technologies, Inc. popular usability innovations weve made in
The X-parameter format and underlying equations are
open and documented. ADS to increase your productivity.
www.agilent.com/find/eesof-ads-30-second-demos

2
The Industrys Only ADS offers a solution that combines
schematic, layout, circuit, electro-thermal
leading technology, co-simulation and three full-wave 3D EM
and much more technologies for IC, package, laminate/
PCB and 3D EM component co-design in a
single-vendor, integrated platform solution
that can dramatically improve productivity
and significantly reduce costs.
To shorten your design cycles, ADS provides a
huge amount of application-specific data. Over 300
examples cover everything from specific application
circuits to tutorials on how to get the most out of
ADS. DesignGuide integrate the experience and
best practices of leading designers to provide you
with wizards, pre-configured set-ups and displays,
and step-by-step instructions for design applications,
and give you easy access to the power of ADS
from day one.

3
ADS DESIGN WITH CONFIDENCE

ADS key highlights

Anticipate success
with fast, accurate, and easy
first-pass simulations

Complete set of fast, accurate and easy-to-use

simulators enable first-pass design success
Easy-to-use, application-specific DesignGuide
encapsulate years of expertise
Optimization Cockpit for real-time
feedback and control when using any
of 12 powerful optimizers
X-parameter model generation from
Exclusively endorsed by leading industry and circuit schematic and Agilents
foundry partners Nonlinear Vector Network Analyzer (NVNA)
for nonlinear high-frequency design
Complete schematic capture and layout
environment Up-to-date Wireless Libraries for
design and verification of the emerging
Innovative and industry-leading circuit wireless standards
and system simulators
Direct, native access to 3D planar
and full 3D EM field solvers
Broadest RF and MW process design kit (PDK) Models and
coverage, endorsed by leading foundry and enhanced foundry kits
industry partners
EDA and design flow integration with
companies such as Cadence,
Mentor and Zuken

The ADS platform comprises solutions for

design entry, synthesis, system, circuit, 3D EM
simulation, analysis/post processing, and a complete
flow to manufacturing. It easily integrates with
the designers enterprise IC
or PCB framework.
Design for
manufacturing

Schematic
circuit design
and tools

Optimization, yield and

statistical design

Wireless &
high-speed
X-Parameters standards
nonlinear behavioral verification
modeling

4
 Accelerate your design
process with Agilent EEsof
foundry partners

RFIC and MIMIC foundry partners

Agilent EEsof EDA works closely with foundries to
offer you high-frequency PDKs in Si, SiGe, GaAs, InP
and GaN processes. Complete front-to-back ADS
PDKs, including DRC rules and Momentum stack-up
files, for all GaAs, InP and GaN processes, as well
as a broad range of SiGe and RF-CMOS processes
are available.

ADS Desktop
DRC/Calibre/
Assura/mailDrC

ADS desktop
LVS/calibre

3D planar EM
design and
verification
Mask
reticle

Physical
design and Packaging
layout and module
68%

Hardware
Agilent EEsof
validation/connected
solutions
Integrated
68%
of the RF design market
3D EM analysis
and design
Agilent EEsof is the
leading provider of
DUT board RF, Design and
Simulation tools.

Gary Smith,
EDAs 2012
market trends report

5
ADS Innovative and Industry-leading
Simulation Technologies
Figure 1
S-parameter linear frequency-domain simulator
Harmonic balance nonlinear frequency-
domain simulator
COMPLETE DESIGN FLOW
Create robust designs
with first pass success
and high yield

Circuit envelope hybrid time-/frequency-

domain nonlinear simulator
Transient/convolution time-domain simulator
Momentum 3D planar EM simulator
Finite Element full 3D EM simulator
X-parameter generator simulator Figure 1
Signal Integrity Channel simulator
Agilent Ptolemy system simulator

Post Processing with Data Display

Figure 2
A powerful Data Display capability allows you
to learn about your designs performance by
post-processing and analyzing the data without
re-running simulation. Countless built-in functions Figure 4
simplify the process. For added flexibility, you
can even write your own functions (e.g., for
the creation of load-pull contours, gain circles
or eye diagrams).

Optimizing Your Design

Figure 3
Once your initial design is done, ADS optimizers Figure 2
can further improve its nominal performance. The
ADS optimization cockpit provides an interactive
environment with multiple optimization variables,
interactive tuning and progress controls. Using
it, you can achieve optimal performance while
gaining design insight into the optimized
variables versus the goals.

Making Your Designs More Robust

Figure 4
ADS features unique and easy-to-use statistical tools
to pinpoint problems during design. Yield sensitivity
histograms help identify the most sensitive design
components and how best to set their specifications Figure 3
to improve manufacturing yield.

6
Eliminate costly layout errors
using ADSs advanced
LVS and DRC tools

Easy Layout in Your Foundrys Specific Figure 5

Process Figure 5
ADS offers a full-featured tool for generating
production ready RF layouts. With the largest
number of fully endorsed foundry design kits, ADS
helps you layout your design in your foundrys
specific process. The MMIC Toolbar and layout
command line editor, available in all enhanced
foundry PDKs, ensures layout editing commands
are easily accessible and provide a full suite
of layout verification tools.

Catch Errors Early with ADS Desktop

Figure 6
DRC and LVS
Figure 6
ADS Desktop design rule check (DRC) enables you
to determine whether your physical layout satisfies
foundry design rules. Use ADS Desktop layout vs.
schematic (LVS) to verify no discrepancies exist
between the layout and schematic, to identify
missing components and easily find and correct
connections in your schematic or layout. Component
based LVS on module designs with nested
technology finds module-level wiring and pin swap
errors. ADS also supports DRC/LVS with Calibre and
Assura directly from the ADS cockpit.

Integrated Electro-Thermal Solver

Figure 7
ADS provides a full 3-D thermal solver that is tightly
integrated with the ADS layout environment and
circuit simulators. Simply add the Electro-Thermal
controller to the ADS schematic, start a circuit
Figure 7
simulation and the integrated thermal solver will
run in the background. No more manual export of
IC layouts to stand-alone thermal solvers; no more
manual import of temperature data into the circuit
simulators.

Innovative Multi-technology Capability

Figure 8
ADS capabilities enable tradeoffs to be made
interactively on the IC, laminate, packaging, and
printed circuit boards being designed or co-designed
together. Circuits designed in multiple technologies
can be combined and simulated at both the circuit
and full 3D EM level.
Figure 8

7
ADS Agilent offers multiple EM simulation technologies
that are directly integrated into the ADS design
flow. This allows seamless co-simulation between
schematic, layout and 3D components without leav-
INTEGRATED 3D EM

ing the circuit design flow. It is especially convenient

for RF module designs where 3D interconnects and
packaging must be simulated along with the circuit.
Advanced Model Composer
3D EM modeling and simulation
environment is integrated
with the ADS design flow

Momentum and FEM are paired with Agilents

parameterized passive model generation
capability, Advanced Model Composer (AMC).
AMC allows you to create EM-based custom
libraries of 3D models not available in standard
simulation libraries. AMC libraries retain the
accuracy of EM simulation, but simulate and
Momentum 3D Planar EM Simulator optimize at the speed of circuit simulation
Figure 9 through smart interpolation across the
parameterized EM database.
Agilents Momentum is the leading 3D planar EM
simulator used for passive circuit modeling and
analysis. It accepts multilayer design geometries Figure 10
and uses frequency-domain Method of Moments
(MoM) technology to accurately simulate complex Agilents FEM simulator includes
EM effects (including coupling and parasitic), both direct and iterative solvers,
improving performance and increasing confidence and linear and quadratic basis functions,
that manufactured products will meet specifications. to solve a broad range of problems.
Momentum features the latest NlogN and
multi-threading solver algorithms to deliver the
fastest, highest capacity 3D planar EM simulation. Figure 9
Integrated with ADS, it allows EM simulation
Momentum provides the most efficient
(along with circuit and system co-simulation or
and fastest 3D planar EM simulation
co-optimization) to account for proximity or
radiation effects of planar structures. Results capability, integrated with ADS through
can be visualized as surface currents or radiated a common design entry, simulation and
fields for insight into the location of problem areas. optimization user interface.

Finite Element Method Simulator

Figure 10

The Agilent FEM simulator element provides

full-wave 3D EM simulation capabilities to both
ADS and its companion 3D EM simulation software,
Electromagnetic Professional (EMPro). FEM is
a frequency-domain technique that can handle
arbitrary shaped structures, employing both direct
and iterative solvers, and linear and quadratic basis
functions, to solve a broad range of problems. The
same FEM simulator engine is available in both ADS
and EMPro.

8
 Create custom 3D components
for simulation with ADS
layout designs
EMPro Environment ADS Platform

Parameterized
EM components
from EMPro
EMProADSs Companion 3D EM
Simulation Software
Figures 11 & 12
Layout objects
from ADS
EMPro is a 3D modeling and simulation environment
for analyzing the 3D EM effects of high-speed and
RF/microwave components. EMPro features:

Common database integration with ADS

3D objects in EMPro can now be saved as ADS
libraries, containing cells for use directly in ADS. For
example, an SMA connector cell created in EMPro
FDTD simulator FEM simulator Momentum simulator
Finite difference time domain Finite element method Method of moments will have an emModel view that can be placed
directly in an ADS schematic and used for circuit/
EM co-sim, and a layout view that can be placed on
Figure 11 an ADS layout design (e.g., PCB layout) for full 3D
Agilent provides multiple simulations in ADS.
EM simulation technologies
integrated with the ADS
Full 3D drawing environment
design flow. EMPro provides the flexibility of drawing arbitrary
3D structures and the convenience of importing
existing CAD files. You can create 3D shapes, add
material properties, set up simulations, and view
resultsall within the EMPro environment.

High capacity time- and frequency-

domain simulation technology
3D structures can be analyzed in EMPro using
the same FEM simulator available in ADS. For
electrically large problems, such as antennas and
Figure 12 some signal integrity analyses, the Finite Difference
Time Domain (FDTD) simulator can be used.
EMPros 3D EM technologies
complement 3D planar
simulators such as Agilent
Momentum for connectors,
packaging and RF
components.

9
ADS
RF & Microwave Design Flows
MOST COMPLETE SOLUTION

Agilents RF and microwave design and simulation

tools provide the most complete solution for
creating robust designs with first-pass success
and high yields. ADS provides accurate models
and powerful simulation technologies for circuit-
RFIC/MMIC Design
Figure 13
Industry-leading tools
for your high-frequency and
high-speed applications

ADS provides the most complete set of advanced

simulation tools, seamlessly integrated into a single
environment, that flows from schematic entry to
tape-out and packaging. These tools enable you to
RF Module Design
Figure 14

As the market and technology leader in RF module

design solutions, Agilent EEsof EDA offers the best
co-design platform and methodologies for designing
RF modules with high confidence. ADS offers
to system-level designs. Seamlessly integrated verify, prior to fabrication, that your RFIC/MMIC designers the best way to reduce risks of design
circuit and EM simulation tools flow from schematic meets all specifications in its final package. failure due to unexpected parasitics.
entry to production and verification. A complete
set of the most accurate wireless verification All major MMIC foundries offer complete front-to-
tools in ADS provides true circuit verification back ADS PDKs, and also a broad range of SiGe/
to all wireless standards. BiCMOS and CMOS-SOI PDKs are available.

Figure 13

ADS offers a complete set of

advanced simulation tools,
seamlessly integrated into one
single environment, which flows from
schematic entry to production and
packaging of the MMIC.

Figure 14

ADS offers designers the best

solutions and methodologies for
confidently designing RF modules.

10
 Accelerate your design with the
industrys most complete set of
simulation tools and model libraries

High-Speed Digital Design RF Board Design

Figure 15
ADS provides proven board design solutions with
ADS offers two bundles that put applicable very accurate models and simulation technologies
simulators, libraries and capabilities into the covering circuit, EM and system level designs. It
hands of high-speed digital engineers. SystemVue offers the widest variety of synthesis capabilities
generates IC models compliant to the IBIS-AMI to explore alternatives quickly and balance RF
standard. ADS provides the most complete data link performance, parts count and board area, within
analysis for standards like PCI Express, Ethernet, seconds, while also helping designers assess
DDR, HDMI, and USB. It enables complete the cost-effectiveness of making versus buying a
chip-to-chip link analysis by co-simulating individual commercial component.
components, each at its most appropriate level
of abstraction (link, circuit, layout, or geometry). Accurate model libraries in ADS support different
S-parameter models, based on frequency-domain simulation domains for various applications.
measurements, can be accurately imported into Behavioral models (important for initial system-
time-domain circuit and channel simulations, level designs) can be extracted from datasheets,
avoiding causality and passivity issues. Ultra-low measurement or simulation. ADSs robust layout
BER contours can be generated in seconds, not artwork translators ensure a smooth hand-off to
days, resulting in dramatically reduced product PCB manufacturing for RF board designers.
design cycles.

Agilent EEsof EDA actively engages

with component manufacturers to
create model libraries that provide
access the latest models and
0.6
technologies, including:
0.4
Analog Johanson Samsung
0.2 Devices
KOA Speer Samtec
Avago
Density

Metelics Samyoung
Mask

0.0
AVX Mini- Siemens
-0.2 Banpil Circuits
Taiyo
CEL Mitsubishi Yuden
-0.4
Coilcraft Modelithics TDK
-0.6 Cyntec Motorola Temwell
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 DT Micro Murata TFT
Time, psec NEC TI
DuPont
Freescale Panasonic Toshiba
Figure 15 Hittite Polyfet

The ADS Eye Probe diagram allows you to For an updated list, refer to:
calculate parameters using algorithms drawn
www.agilent.com/find/eesof-vendor-
from those on Agilent instruments.
libraries

11
ADS INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS

Design Flow Integration

Partners for Complete Success
Achieve enterprise-wide
integration with your
design process

Agilent EEsof EDA aligns with key EDA vendors

and frameworks to provide enhanced solutions
that complement your investment. The open and
flexible ADS environment ensures that a wide
ADS Board LinkNext Generation
PCB Integration Solution
ADS Board Link (ABL) provides a bi-directional
interface for layouts, schematics and libraries
between ADS and enterprise PCB tools. It supports
import and export of libraries and technology
range of design flows are supported. ADS supports information (e.g., units, resolution, layers, purposes,
design flows based on a Cadence, Mentor or Zuken and substrates), as well as design data. ABL design
flow, for example, using industry-standard formats. transfer between tools is high-fidelity and preserves
Our expanding list of partners goes well beyond all data and original objects.
standard relationships and is part of an ongoing
effort to provide best-in-class tools and technology Silicon RFIC Schematic Interoperability
that work in an integrated environment.
with Virtuoso
Figure 16

Bi-directional schematic interoperability with

Virtuoso
Bring Virtuoso schematics in ADS and simulate RF
performance
Front-end design in ADS and layout
implementation in Virtuoso

Figure 16
ADS enables users to edit and simulate designs created
in Cadence Design System's Virtuoso software.

12
 Seamless integration with Agilents
EDA tools and measurement
instrumentation

X-parameters Enable Rapid Design Wireless Verification Test Benches Easy Links to Instrumentation
Optimization (VTB)
The integration of ADS with Agilent test
In high-frequency and high-speed designs, Wireless VTBs provide circuit design instrumentation enables the seamless sharing
X-parameters overcome the system-level verification solutions for the newest and most of signals, measurements, algorithms, and
inaccuracies that often occur when using challenging multi-band, wide-bandwidth data between the virtual software and physical
overly simplified behavioral models to standards (LTE, LTE-A and 802.11ac) with a hardware domains. Designers use this linkage
simulate complex, nonlinear circuits. The dramatically simplified user interface. VTBs to simulate and evaluate design trade-offs
use of X-parameters produces highly and the underlying simulation technology are and what-ifs, and then turn the simulated
accurate nonlinear modelsfrom either based on the SystemVue dataflow simulation signal into an RF test signal on the bench for
measurements or simulationsthat can be technology and also allow system architects hardware test.
passed through the design chain for quick to develop custom VTBs for use by circuit
and accurate simulation and optimization of designers in ADS.
system-level performance.

13
ADS
World-class Support
WORLD-CLASS SUPPORT

Agilent Technologies is committed to customer

satisfaction. We are dedicated to providing the
right software, support and consulting solutions
to increase your engineering productivity and
advance your long-term success. Whether a
Training
Accelerate success with convenient
product bundling plus comprehensive
support and training services

Agilent EEsof EDA offers a full range of classroom

courses, as well as live and self-paced e-learning
courses, that provide instruction on the use of
EDA software in a wide variety of applications.
Live classes are conducted by experienced design
Knowledge Center
The Agilent EEsof Knowledge Center is an
around-the-clock resource for designers. It contains
thousands of support documents and hundreds
of downloadable examples created by support
engineers to supplement the ADS application
novice or experienced user, Agilents customer engineers and focus on in-depth software operation examples and documentation. Maintenance Service
support offerings can help you every step of the and design examples. They also cover introductory Releaseswith updates to previously released
way. They include software and user manual and advanced microwave, RF, system and signal software versionsare also available for download.
updates via download or on CD-ROM, worldwide integrity design techniques. Self-paced e-learning A tracking feature allows you to submit and
technical support via telephone, fax, e-mail, and courses allow you to set your own timetable. manage your support cases and related defect and
the worldwide web. Agilent also offers dedicated If travelling to a regularly scheduled class is enhancement requests.
support engineers in many countries to provide problematic, or you have a group of designers that
you with local language support. Phone support is might benefit from a common class, your field sales
available Monday through Friday, worldwide. representative can arrange an on-site class.
.

14
 Purchase what you need today;
add greater functionality
as your needs evolve

ADS product structure and options summary

ADS can be ordered in value-priced
bundles for simplicity and convenience,
or in Environment + Element building
blocks for greater flexibility.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

ADS Environment + Elements Circuit & System Simulation Elements High-Speed Digital Design
Configure a flexible ADS package thats right W2300 Harmonic Balance W2302 Transient/Convolution
for you. Choose an ADS Environment plus W2301 Circuit Envelope W2307 Controlled Impedance Line Designer
any combination of the following individual W2306 Linear Simulator Element W2312 Transient Distributed Computing 8-pack
Element building blocks. W2349 Electro-Thermal Simulator W2324 High Capacity Layout Pre-processor
W2361 Agilent Ptolemy W2500 Transient/Convolution GT
W2362 RF Architect & Synthesis
ADS Core Environment Model & Library Elements Verification Test Benches
W2304 Verilog-AMS Compiler
W2200 ADS Core W2305 X-Parameter Generator W2385 Wireless Networking (802.11ac)
W2201 ADS Core + Layout W2363 Mature Wireless Library W2390 LTE-A Verification (Rel 10 & 11)
W2364 2G/3G Wireless Library W2388 LTE 3GPP (Rel 8 &9)
EM Simulation Elements W2381 VTB Engine
W2365 Wireless Networking Library
W2341 Momentum G2 W2366 Integrated Wireless Library
W2343 Momentum Turbo W2367 WiMedia Wireless Library Additional Recommended Products
W2342 FEM Simulator W2368 3GPP-LTE Wireless Library W2401 EMPro Core Environment
W2369 WVAN Wireless Library W2402 EMPro Core + FEM
W2371 Asia DTV Wireless Library W2319 ADS Silicon RFIC Interoperability
W2320 ADS Advanced Layout

15
 www.agilent.com

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Product specifications and descriptions in

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X-parameters is a trademark and registered trademark of Agilent

Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2013-2014
Technologies in the US, EU, JP, and elsewhere. The X-parameters format and Published in USA, April 1, 2014
underlying equations are open and documented. For more information, visit 5988-3326EN
www.agilent.com/find/eesof-x-parameters-info

PCI-SIG, PCIe and the PCI Express are US registered trademarks and/or
service marks of PCI-SIG.