After the loops: measured hardware against simulation
Loop 1 · Concept
Schematic with realistic models and finite-Q passives
Steps 1–3Loop 2 · Implementation
Layout with RC extraction and cascaded EM blocks
Steps 4–5Loop 3 · Sign-off
Top-level EM and top-level RC simulations, final optimisations
Step 6, before tape-out
Design review at the end of each loop
Held with your engineers, so you keep full visibility and can steer the design before each step.
Simulation examples
What our design work looks like — GaN PA examples (simulated)
Simulated results, shown to illustrate the design flow. Select a figure to enlarge it.
Load-pull: output power and efficiency contoursSimulatedSource-pull: gain and efficiency contoursSimulatedPower sweep: output power, gain and efficiencySimulatedBack-off efficiency: envelope tracking and fixed supplySimulatedLinearity: EVM with and without digital predistortionSimulatedUnconditional stability: K and B1Simulated · Ku-band GaN PA MMIC example, 0.5 to 40 GHz
Verification shaped by the circuit.
The checks below are selected according to the architecture, application, available models and agreed scope.
Stability: K/µ, loop gain and odd-mode analysis as applicable
Robustness: load mismatch (VSWR), power handling and ESD
Electro-thermal behaviour: junction temperature, gradients and thermal time constants
Linearity: P1dB, IP3, EVM, ACLR and NPR as applicable
Process corners, Monte Carlo and physical verification
For space projects: project-specific derating and radiation considerations
Block-specific metrics
PA
Pout, PAE at peak and back-off, load modulation, envelope tracking and linearity with DPD.
LNA
Noise figure, gain, input match and linearity.
Switch
Insertion loss, isolation and power handling.
Phase shifter / attenuator
RMS phase and amplitude errors.
Beamformer / front-end
RF path matching, calibration and control logic.
From method to implementation
Tools matched to the engineering task.
This is a workflow reference, not a list of licences held by SkyBand. Specific modules, PDKs and client-environment access are agreed for each project. View tools and technology access.
Applicable tools and deliverables by design step
Step
Work
Applicable tools
Deliverable
Requirements & architecture
System line-up and budgets
AWR VSS; MATLAB / Python
Architecture and budget report
Technology & device selection
Device models and initial trade-offs
AWR Microwave Office; ADS; Virtuoso with an appropriate circuit simulator
Technology assessment
Circuit design
Matching, bias and nonlinear circuit analysis
AWR Microwave Office; ADS; Virtuoso / Spectre RF
Schematic and simulations
Layout & EM
Interconnects and passive structures
AXIEM / Analyst; EMX; ADS Momentum
EM models and extracted circuit
Verification
Electrical and electro-thermal checks
Circuit simulators; Celsius where enabled by the process and models
Verification evidence
Sign-off & tape-out
Foundry rule checks and extraction
Foundry-qualified DRC / LVS / PEX flow, such as Calibre
Sign-off records and GDS
Test & validation
Measurement-to-simulation correlation
Measurement setup and MATLAB / Python analysis
Characterisation report
Reported in use at SkyBand
AWR and Virtuoso, as stated by SkyBand; the modules available are confirmed for each project.
In your environment
Any tool in this table can be used on your licences and PDKs when this is agreed.
Other tools named
ADS, Spectre RF, EMX, Celsius, Calibre and MATLAB / Python are applicable to the step shown; access is confirmed for each project.
An initial discussion of your application and engineering needs, with no obligation and no transfer of intellectual property. Do not submit confidential, proprietary or controlled data. Select the review in the subject list to request a meeting.
