Microwave Journal
www.microwavejournal.com/articles/2979-software

Software

May 1, 2000

Software

Smart Bidirectional Translator
The AnsoftLinks™ for Cadence® Analog Artist® series bidirectional translator allows design sharing between Cadence’s Analog Artist and Ansoft’s Serenade® design environments. High frequency IC designers of today’s communication modulation formats can now utilize each tool to reduce time-to-market pressures. AnsoftLinks, coupled with Serenade version 8.5, allows manufacturers of MMIC, RFIC and wireless communication devices to use the company’s Harmonica and Symphony software. AnsoftLinks or Cadence Analog Artist offers bidirectional active translation to/from Virtuoso® Composer and Serenade, support for Artist extensions to Composer, seamless operation between RF/microwave tools from both companies, compatibility with custom libraries and standards for symbols and parts, fast translation times, the ability to delete components and the ability to add standard Harmonica components as well as custom components.
Ansoft Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (412) 261-3200.

RF and DC Parameter Testing Software
The GPTS general-purpose RF and DC parameter testing software is designed for measuring de-embedded RF and DC parameters of transistors and other RF components under constant or swept input power, frequency and DC bias. GPTS processes CW as well as modulated and pulsed signals; it includes 3T and TRL characterization of test fixtures and wafer probes. An “Adapter Removal" module allows measurement of S parameters of mixed-connector-type structures, such as networks of amplifiers. All measured data can be processed to cartesian plots and spreadsheet listings and prepared for transfer to optimization software.
Focus Microwaves Inc., St-Laurent, Quebec, Canada (514) 335-6227.

Software Interface
This interface can be used between the company’s Pantheon series PCB/hybrid/multichip module design software and Viewlogic’s XTK™ series Crosstalk tool kit. The interface allows designers to transfer data between Pantheon and XTK, solving signal integrity problems through analysis and simulation. The interface also allows Pantheon users to benefit from XTK’s prelayout analysis, which provides good choices in system topology, line termination and driver/receiver selection. The Pantheon design software can export information directly into the XTK format without the need of a translator. By directly transferring the PCB database information from Pantheon to XTK, designers can quickly analyze signal quality, predict preroute delay and system level noise, calculate the electrical parameters of multiconductor configurations and simulate transmission lines and interconduction coupling. The XTK interface is available currently as an option to new and existing customers of Pantheon. The interface is supported on HP-UX, Linux, Solaris and PC (Windows ‘98/’00/NT) platforms.
Intercept Technology Inc., Atlanta, GA (404) 352-0111.