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In the latest version of its Q3D Extractor, Ansoft gives designers a window into the capacitance and conductance issues prevalent in lossy dielectrics. Version 8 of the parasitic extraction tool features a capacitance solver that is optimized to exploit available computer memory and perform multiple frequency evaluations and allows users to model infinite ground planes.

Q3D Extractor efficiently performs both the 2D and 3D electromagnetic field simulation required to extract RLCG parameters from an interconnect structure and automatically generates an equivalent Spice model for use in Nexxim, the company's high-capacity circuit simulator, or other Berkeley Spice-compatible tools. These models provide an EM-based design synthesis solution for on-chip passives and speed the design and optimization of high-performance structures in order to achieve first-pass timing closure.

Additionally, the 2D side of the tool features Ansoft’s revamped user interface with numerous usability enhancements. The interface enables users to perform discrete and interpolating frequency sweeps with a simplified problem setup. Further, it offers a fully scriptable report editor, enhanced post-processing, and advanced product coupling capability with Nexxim and Simplorer, Ansoft's multi-domain system simulation software.

Engineers use Q3D Extractor to understand the performance of high-speed electronic designs and perform signal integrity analysis, including crosstalk, ground bounce, interconnect delays, and ringing analyses. Additionally, Q3D Extractor is combined with Ansoft’s Simplorer in high-power applications where users extract parasitics from cables and bus bars to predict EMI in electric-drive systems.

Q3D Extractor v8 is available for Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Server 2003 Standard Edition, XP Professional x64 Edition, Server 2003 Standard x64 Edition, Red Hat Enterprise Linux v3 (32 and 64 bit) and v4 (32 and 64 bit), SuSE Linux Enterprise Server v9 (32 and 64 bit) and Solaris versions 8, 9 and 10. For pricing information, contact Ansoft directly.

Ansoft Corp.
www.ansoft.com