What simulation types does AWR support?

AWR Microwave Office supports multiple simulation engines. Linear: S-parameter analysis using nodal or modified nodal analysis, computing gain, return loss, stability, noise figure, and group delay across frequency. Harmonic Balance: nonlinear steady-state analysis for power amplifiers, mixers, and oscillators, computing output power, harmonics, intermodulation products, compression, and large-signal S-parameters. Transient: time-domain analysis for switched circuits, PLL acquisition, and digital modulation. Load Pull: contour mapping of output power, efficiency, and ACLR vs. load impedance, essential for PA matching network design. Yield Analysis: Monte Carlo simulation with component tolerances to predict manufacturing yield.

How does AXIEM EM simulation work?

AXIEM is a planar Method of Moments (MoM) electromagnetic solver integrated into Microwave Office. It solves Maxwell's equations for arbitrary planar metallic structures on layered dielectric substrates. The solver meshes the metal traces into small triangular elements, computes the Green's function for the layer stackup, and solves for the current distribution on each element. From the current solution, it extracts a multi-port S-parameter model that can be used directly in the circuit simulator. AXIEM is used for microstrip filters, coupled lines, spiral inductors, MIM capacitors, and any planar structure where parasitic coupling between elements is significant. Typical solve time: 30 seconds to 5 minutes for a 10-port structure.

AWR vs ADS vs Sonnet?

AWR Microwave Office, Keysight ADS, and Sonnet are the three dominant RF EDA platforms. AWR strengths: intuitive schematic-driven workflow, fast circuit-EM co-simulation, excellent for MMIC and module design, strong in defense and space. ADS strengths: largest model library (foundry PDKs), best signal integrity tools, Ptolemy system simulation, strongest in 5G and commercial wireless. Sonnet strengths: highest-accuracy planar EM solver (true MoM with no approximations), best for filter and passive component design, lower cost. Market share: ADS leads in commercial wireless, AWR leads in defense MMIC, Sonnet leads in filter design. All support Touchstone S-parameter import and export for interoperability.

EDA Platform

AWR

/ay-dub-yoo-ahr/ — Cadence AWR Design Environment

RF/microwave EDA platform. Microwave Office: circuit simulation (linear, HB, transient, load-pull, yield). AXIEM: planar MoM EM solver (microstrip, coupled lines, inductors). Analyst: 3D FEM EM. VSS: system-level simulator. Schematic-driven layout, circuit-EM co-simulation. Industry standard for MMIC, filter, PA design. Acquired by Cadence (2020). Competes with Keysight ADS and Sonnet.

Circuit: MWO

EM: AXIEM/Analyst

Owner: Cadence

Understanding AWR

AWR Microwave Office has been a cornerstone of RF design since its founding in 1994. Its strength lies in the tight integration between circuit simulation and electromagnetic analysis, enabling designers to start with ideal circuit models and progressively replace them with EM-simulated structures without leaving the design environment. This schematic-driven workflow accelerates the design cycle for MMICs, RF modules, and microwave assemblies.

The 2020 acquisition by Cadence brought AWR into the largest EDA ecosystem, enabling integration with Cadence's digital, analog, and package design tools. For RF designers working on 5G modules and SoCs where RF meets digital, this integration is increasingly critical.

AWR Simulation Capabilities

Linear simulation:
S-parameter analysis: S₁₁, S₂₁, NF, K, MSG/MAG
Noise analysis: NF_min, Γ_opt, R_n
Stability: K > 1 and |Δ| < 1

Harmonic balance:
V(t) = Σ V_ne^jnωt
Solves nonlinear: P_out, PAE, harmonics
IM3, ACPR, EVM from HB tones

AXIEM (planar MoM):
∇ × E = −jωμH
Green's function for layered media
Mesh: triangular, λ/20 min
Output: N-port S-parameters

RF EDA Platform Comparison

Platform	Owner	Strength	EM Solver	Market
AWR MWO	Cadence	MMIC, defense	AXIEM/Analyst	Defense, space
ADS	Keysight	5G, PDKs	Momentum/EMPro	Commercial
Sonnet	Cadence	Filter, passive	True MoM	Filter design
HFSS	Ansys	3D antenna	FEM	Antenna, pkg
CST	Dassault	EMC, antenna	FIT/FDTD	EMC, auto

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Simulation types?

Linear: S-params, NF, stability, group delay. Harmonic Balance: PA output power, PAE, harmonics, compression, load-pull contours. Transient: PLL, switched circuits. AXIEM: planar EM (MoM), 30s-5min solve. Analyst: 3D FEM. VSS: system-level cascaded NF, gain, IP3. Yield: Monte Carlo with tolerances.

AXIEM?

Planar Method of Moments EM solver. Meshes metal into triangular elements, computes Green's function for layer stackup, solves current distribution. Extracts multi-port S-params for circuit co-simulation. Microstrip, coupled lines, spiral inductors, MIM caps. Captures parasitic coupling. 30s-5min typical.

AWR vs ADS?

AWR: intuitive, fast co-sim, strong defense/MMIC market. ADS: largest PDK library, best signal integrity, leads 5G commercial. Sonnet: highest-accuracy planar EM, best filters. HFSS: 3D FEM leader for antennas. All support Touchstone S2P interoperability. Choice depends on application domain.

Related Terms

← Average Power AWR Netlist →

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