20 / 84
High-speed PCBs vary greatly in
size, layer count, routing density,
signaling speed, types of silicon used,
power-delivery challenges, and other
factors. Some designers resort to
multiple analysis tools, for example
trying a batch-mode SI simulator for
slower signals and a 3D-EM solver for
very-high-speed SERDES channels.
But even a set of tools offered by a
single EDA vendor typically require
changing applications and user
interfaces for different types of
analysis (e.g., signal versus power
versus 3D).
In contrast, HyperLynx now offers
all types of analysis in a single
application, with one GUI. A user
can literally be simulating a critical
SERDES channel one minute, and by
selecting a single new menu item,
switch to analysis of a large power
net’s decoupling.
Many designers perform analysis
using a variety of tools, often with
disparate user interfaces, and not all
share data in a friendly way. Now,
HyperLynx from Mentor Graphics has
merged an entire set of simulation
tools into a single application, and
of course, with one unified GUI.
Switching between, say, a power
integrity analysis to looking at a
SERDES channel is just a click of a
button.
But such convenience is valuable
only if underlying simulation engines
and algorithms are strong. Mentor
has invested heavily in HyperLynx
analysis technology in recent years.
Much research and development has
gone into interconnect modeling:
HyperLynx now combines a super-
fast computational geometry engine
and advanced materials modeling
(for wideband dielectrics, copper
roughness, etc.) to produce highly
accurate simulation netlists.
Crosstalk can be modeled in great
detail; aggressor nets can be
identified quickly in even the largest
layout databases, based on geometric
or electrical thresholds. For higher
signaling speeds, the HyperLynx
simulators have been upgraded to
efficiently handle S-parameter models
of virtually any size, and S-parameter
extractions are now handled by a
unique, dedicated engine.
Faster and Faster
The frequencies at which SERDES
circuitry operates can generate a
substantial amount of unwanted
electromagnetic radiation. The
result of this could be failing EMC
requirements. But 3D EM simulation
can be complex to understand and
set up. To simplify, HyperLynx deeply
Run All Simulations from a Single
Environment
Steve Kaufer, Mentor Graphics Corp.
20 l New-Tech Magazine Europe