Physical Integration of a 28 GHz 5G Beamformer Module in ADS

Using PathWave Advanced Design System (ADS), learn how to integrate a multi-technology module for mm-Wave 5G applications, comprising of 17 MMICs and integrated antenna with packages and 3D-components. The whole design and integration are done in one workspace, without requiring any imports, exports, or database translations to preserve design integrity. The database is always intact, and any change is automatically traced and reflected in the simulation results enabling you to dynamically see the effect in the results. Pay attention to “Smart-Mount” technology and “RFPro”; both play a big role in making this complex multi-technology integration easy.
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[@johnparker4538]

Many thanks. I am an experienced traditional microwave engineer now just starting to work with ADS in high speed multilayer digital analysis. Binging on UA-cam videos like this is a big help, and this one is very well done.

[@rfengr00]

What purpose does this really serve, as even the bond wires don’t couple sufficiently to the fields of the antenna, much less the MMIC artwork? You certainly wouldn’t try to mesh that.

[@KeysightEEsofEDA]

Good question Louis,
The MMICs, packages, and Bond wires must be meshed and EM-Simulated separately since their output response will naturally be altered and shifted in frequency due to proximity and parasitic effects at mm-Wave frequencies. The Board and packaged MMICs must also be EM simulated to evaluate the coupling effects from the RF and DC lines and Vias. Now, the antenna by itself is EM-Simulated separately with FEM and its Far Field plots display the Beam, but ADS has something unique, called “Circuit Excitation” from the Transmit-chain simulation results and brought in to be included with the Antenna Far field to steer the beam with the swept phase-shifter angles. So, the Transmit chain simulation (with swept phase angle) is driving the Antenna (simulated separately with EM). This would allow us to steer the beam and measure the field intensities and lobes, etc.
This UA-cam video shows the “Circuit Excitation” feature in ADS: ua-cam.com/video/nvS7J3DQQ0Y/v-deo.html
Thank you for your feedback. We’ll definitely consider adding all of this and more in detail in a future Simulation video.