Ansoft Corporation has announced the release of Q3D Extractor v8 3D parasitic extraction software. The company states that the product performs both 2D and 3D electromagnetic field simulation to extract RLCG parameters from an interconnect structure, and generates a SPICE circuit model for use in Nexxim and other Berkeley SPICE-compatible tools.

These models provide EM-based design for on-chip passives for design and optimization of high-performance structures to achieve claimed first-pass timing results.

According to the company, Q3D Extractor v8 includes a new capacitance solver capable of extracting the capacitance and conductance with lossy dielectrics. This feature uses available computer memory to perform multiple frequency evaluations, and allows users to model infinite ground planes.

Additionally, the Ansoft desktop architecture has been added to the 2D extractor tool. The company claims that this interface offers the ability to perform discrete and interpolating frequency sweeps, simplifies problem setup, and includes a scriptable report editor, enhanced post-processing and product coupling capability with Nexxim and Simplorer software.

www.ansoft.com