Where Did EM Simulation Tools Go?: A Comparison of How EM Tools Were Used in Circuit Simulators 25 Years Ago to Today

Electromagnetic (EM) simulation has become commonplace for radio-frequency (RF) and microwave circuit designers. Interconnect discontinuities, for example, board-module-chip transitions, high-speed interconnect design, and circuit performance with compacted layout, all rely on EM simulators giving answers to predict the performance more accurately than traditional models. This article examines current trends with regard to how designers use EM tools in circuit simulators. The conclusion is that traditional stand-alone tools are disappearing. This does not mean that EM will not be used; rather, EM will be so highly integrated into the design software that much of it will be hidden from the average designer.