Software for simulating microwave systems?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the search for affordable software to simulate microwave systems, specifically focusing on the ability to build systems with components like mixers, circulators, amplifiers, and waveguides, while plotting parameters such as S11 and S21. The participants explore the need for time-domain data handling and the potential for importing s2p data, distinguishing this from electromagnetic (EM) simulation packages.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a need for free or inexpensive software to simulate microwave systems, highlighting specific functionalities like plotting S-parameters and handling time-domain data.
  • Another participant suggests that the requirements may demand significant computing power and mentions Agilent's ADS as a capable but expensive option.
  • A different participant recalls that many researchers experimented with the "transmission line matrix" method in the 1990s and suggests searching for TLM freeware as a potential solution.
  • One participant reiterates the complexity of the request, noting that while ADS is a full EM solver, they are looking for software more akin to SPICE for microwave components, which could be less accurate but sufficient for their needs.
  • The same participant observes a lack of available software for system simulation compared to the abundance of free EM modeling tools, questioning why this disparity exists.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the availability of suitable software, with some expressing skepticism about finding free or cheap options that meet the specified requirements. There are differing views on the complexity of the simulation needs and the capabilities of existing software.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in available software options, particularly regarding the specific functionalities desired for microwave system simulation, and the potential computational demands associated with these requirements.

f95toli
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I have been trying to find a free (or cheap) software package that can be used to simulate microwave systems (i.e. NOT an EM simulation package) but so far I haven't had much luck.
Essentially I would like to be able to "build" systems with mixers, circulators, amplifiers, waveguides etc and then be able to plot parameters like S11 and S21. It would be great if it could also handle time-domain data (e.g. pulse propagation). It would also be a plus if it can import s2p data.

I know there are commercial software packages that can do this, e.g. Microwave Office and the RF Toolbox for Matlab but they are VERY expensive so -at least at the moment- they are not really an option.

Any suggestions?
 
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I think what you are asking is quite a lot of computing power. I don't know of any free/cheap software that can handle all that. Agilent's ADS can do exactly what your asking for. But it isn't cheap at all.
 
For what it's worth, many PhD students and researchers were experimenting with the "transmission line matrix" method in the mid-90s, someone must have come up with a commercial product out of it. Maybe even freeware. I would try something like 'TLM freeware' in google.
 
Corneo said:
I think what you are asking is quite a lot of computing power. I don't know of any free/cheap software that can handle all that. Agilent's ADS can do exactly what your asking for. But it isn't cheap at all.

I don't think it is THAT complicated. ADS is as far as I remember a full EM solver which I don't need. What I am looking for is more akin to SPICE but for microwave components; software where is possible to build systems by combining (mainly cascading) 2- or 3-port models of components. This is obviously not as accurate as a "real" solver, but should be good enough for what I want to do.

The weird thing is that there seem to be quite a few free EM modellers (I use Sonnet Lite from time to time) out there; but nothing for systems despite the fact that the latter should be much simpler.
 

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