The MathWorks introduced RF Blockset 2, which extends Simulink® with a library of blocks to model the behavior of linear and nonlinear RF components—filters, transmission lines, amplifiers and mixers—by supporting the widespread Agilent standards for large signal-scattering parameters in system-level verification models.
In addition to enabling access to industry-standard data file formats for network parameters and noise properties, such as S2P, Y2P, Z2P and H2P, RF Blockset 2 lets engineers import system-level verification models in the S2D, P2D and AMP formats that specify not only the network parameters and noise properties, but also the nonlinear properties of a component. Engineers can obtain S2D and P2D files from component manufacturers, measured data and the Verification Model Extractor feature in Advanced Design System (ADS) from Agilent.
“RF Blockset helps engineers from the communications systems world collaborate with engineers from the RF world,” said Colin Warwick, technical marketing manager at The MathWorks. “It facilitates communication across teams in different disciplines that each use different languages and tools. For example, wireless communication system engineers use Simulink with Communications Blockset to create an executable specification, but RF engineers use a transistor-level circuit simulator for their RF subsystem. With RF Blockset, the system engineer can generate specifications that the RF engineer can use, and the RF engineer can extract verification models that the systems engineer can use.”
“We are pleased to contribute P2D amplifier and S2D mixer models to this new release and applaud The MathWorks for adopting these widely used data file formats,” said Larry Dunleavy, president and CEO of Modelithics Inc. “This collaboration enables The MathWorks and Modelithics to better support customers who design RF systems and components in wireless systems.”
RF Blockset is available immediately for the Solaris, Linux, Microsoft Windows and Macintosh platforms. US list prices start at $2,000.