Ansoft updates 3-D parasitic extraction software

Version 8 of Q3D Extractor, Ansoft’s 3-D parasitic extraction program, includes a new capacitance solver that extracts the capacitance and conductance of lossy dielectrics. The solver is optimized to exploit available computer memory and perform multiple frequency evaluations.

Used in the design of multilayer boards, complex IC packages, and on-chip passive components, Q3D Extractor performs the 3-D and 2-D electromagnetic-field simulation required for the extraction of RLCG parameters from an interconnect structure and automatically generates an equivalent SPICE subcircuit model. The model can then be used to perform signal-integrity analysis to study electromagnetic phenomena, such as crosstalk, ground bounce, interconnect delays, and ringing.

Version 8 of Q3D Extractor also adds infinite ground plane capability, multiprocessing and distributed analysis options, a frequency-dependent dielectric loss model (Djordjevic-Sarkar), GDSII export, and a revised user interface for the 2-D extractor that improves 2-D modeling and lets you perform discrete and interpolating frequency sweeps. Q3D Extractor is available for Windows, Linux, and Solaris.

Ansoft, www.ansoft.com.