Ansoft Corp. has released Q3D Extractor V8, the latest version of the company's 3-D parasitic extraction software. Q3D Extractor performs both the 2-D and 3-D electromagnetic field simulation required to extract RLCG parameters from an interconnect structure and automatically generates an equivalent SPICE circuit model for use in Nexxim, the company's high-capacity circuit simulator, or other Berkeley SPICE-compatible tools. These models provide an EM-based design synthesis solution for on-chip passives and speed the design and optimization of high-performance structures in order to achieve first-pass timing closure.
Q3D Extractor V8 includes a new capacitance solver that is capable of extracting the capacitance and conductance with lossy dielectrics. This new solver is optimized to exploit available computer memory and perform multiple frequency evaluations and allows users to model infinite ground planes. Additionally, the Ansoft desktop architecture has been added to the 2-D extractor tool. This interface offers many new usability enhancements, including the ability to perform discrete and interpolating frequency sweeps, simplified problem setup, fully scriptable report editor, enhanced post-processing and advanced product coupling capability with Nexxim and Simplorer, Ansoft's multi-domain system simulation software.
Engineers use Q3D Extractor to understand the performance of high-speed electronic designs and perform signal integrity analysis, including crosstalk, ground bounce, interconnect delays and ringing analyses. Additionally, Q3D Extractor is combined with Simplorer in high-power applications where users extract parasitics from cables and bus bars to predict EMI in electric drive systems.