RF PCB Toolbox
Perform electromagnetic analysis of printed circuit boards
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RF PCB Toolbox provides functions and apps for designing, analyzing, and visualizing high-speed and RF multilayer printed circuit boards (PCBs). You can model coupling, dispersion, losses, and DC performance using electromagnetic analysis techniques such as the frequency-domain method of moments and the finite element method. Fast frequency sweeps enable efficient electromagnetic analysis across broadband frequency ranges.
Designers of RF boards, MMICs, and SiPs can use a library of layout primitives and parameterized components, such as traces, filters, couplers, and vias, to predict PCB performance and generate Gerber files. Integration with RF Blockset allows wireless system architects to perform simulation and performance verification of end-to-end communications and radar systems.
The toolbox works with PCB and package database formats, including ODB++, Cadence® Allegro®, and others, enabling signal integrity engineers to analyze high-speed PCB layouts.
PCB Components Catalog
Design on-board filters, matching networks, couplers, splitters, and traces operating at RF and mmWave frequencies. Use behavioral models to rapidly analyze traces, inductors, and capacitors.
Import and Visualization
Import, visualize, and query ODB++ and other PCB and package database formats. Use the PCB Viewer app to visualize and interactively explore your design.
Electromagnetic Analysis
Use the method of moments, finite element method, or behavioral models to analyze PCBs and packages. Perform frequency sweeps of S-parameters. Compute impedance, IR drop, and charge and current distributions.
Design and Fabrication
Create custom PCB layouts by using interconnects such as traces, bends, and mitered edges; by combining parameterized shapes with Boolean operations; and by cascading components. Generate Gerber files to share with manufacturers for fabrication.
Signal Integrity
Characterize crosstalk and loss, analyze power distribution networks, and optimize on-board routing to minimize noise and coupling. Use Signal Integrity Toolbox for design space exploration and post-layout analysis.
RF System Simulation
Integrate PCB components into wireless systems using RF Blockset. Follow the guided process to convert ideal blocks such as phase shifters, traces, couplers, and dividers into distributed PCB elements for system-level simulation.
Product Resources:
RF PCB Toolbox FAQs
RF PCB Toolbox provides functions and apps for designing, analyzing, and visualizing high-speed and RF multi-layer printed circuit boards, enabling you to model coupling, dispersion, and parasitic effects using frequency-domain method of moments and other EM techniques.
You can design components with parameterized or arbitrary geometry, including distributed passive structures like traces, couplers, splitters, filters, inductors, and capacitors. Additionally you can use arbitrary planar geometric shapes to create custom designs.
The toolbox uses method of moments or behavioral models to compute S-parameters, impedance, charge and current distribution. The interpolated frequency sweep enables fast electromagnetic analysis over large bandwidth. You can determine IR drop of interconnects, and use the FEM solver for EMC analysis.
Yes, it supports ODB++ and databases from Cadence Allegro, Mentor Expedition, Altium, and Zuken for analyzing high-speed portions of PCB layouts.
RF PCB Toolbox allows you to generate Gerber files representing circuit board objects like copper traces, vias, pads, solder masks, and silkscreen images to share with manufacturers.
Behavioral models enable rapid analysis of traces, inductors, and capacitors without requiring full electromagnetic simulation, speeding up design iterations.
Yes, the toolbox supports design and analysis of on-board filters, matching networks, couplers, splitters, and traces operating at RF and mmWave frequencies. You can directly integrate PCB components with RF Blockset Circuit Envelope for system-level simulation.
Yes, you can choose materials from the catalog or specify arbitrary thickness, conductivity, permittivity, and loss tangent values for different dielectric and metal materials.
