TestimonialA review of Microwave Software & comments by: Kenneth D. Wyatt, Project Regulations Supervisor, Hewlett-Packard Co.,in an article published by Microwaves & RF Magazine in November, 1988.
"Computer-aided design (CAD) programs are indispensable for realizing complex RF and microwave circuits. Some of the well known CAD programs, however, are too expensive for most engineers to access, and many design tasks do not require the extensive capabilities of the more expensive CAD packages. Fortunately, less expensive programs offer a number of basic design tools and leave engineers the freedom to make more decisions."
"Sceptre, a relatively low cost RF CAD program, analyzes both active and passive circuits, with tabular output data that includes S-parameters, stability data, impedance, reflection coefficient, and VSWR." The program's 'tweak' feature allows manual optimization, and its library of circuit elements contains 18 configurations of lumped and distributed components. Two-port elements may also be defined from S-parameters."
"The Input Reflection option of Sceptre creates and stores the input impedance file for use by the matching routines, SmithMatch and OptiMatch. SmithMatch initially plots the amplifier input impedance on a Smith Chart, and the user then creates potential matching circuit topologies. As each component is added, the resulting input impedance is plotted along with the original impedance. As components are added, the input impedance is 'pulled' within the desired VSWR circle. Using SmithMatch component values were found..."
"These values were then entered into OptiMatch to minimize input VSWR over the 100 to 1500 MHz operating bandwidth. The final input matching circuit values were..."
"Parasitic capacitance of bonding pads (calculated using the Utilities+ program) were added to the circuit model."
"Inductance was calculated using the Utilities+ program, and microstrip widths were determined using MStrip+."
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"As a package, the programs provide successful designs for a variety of RF and microwave circuits, including broadband amplifiers."