Analysis of tight Circuit-Package coupling by using the Lumped-Element FDTD Method

The Lumped-Element FDTD simulation scheme allows for comprehensive analysis of complex electromag-netic propagation problems. In this summary, the application of LE-FDTD algorithm to the analysis of a simple oscillator is described: the circuit has been realized and enclosed in a compact package, so that the oscillator performances critically depends on the package itself. By exploiting the inherent versatility of the LE-FDTD method, circuit-package interactions can be reliably investigated. Both the peculiarities of such an approach are therefore profitably exploited: treatment of non-linear components (which are essential for the oscillator behavior) and full-wave account of electromagnetic propagation (needed to accurately describe the tight coupling between package and circuit). Simulation results are compared with actual measurements, highlighting the LE-FDTD ability of correctly predicting the oscillator behavior, even in operating conditions which falls outside the applications range of conventional circuit simulators.