On the importance of electromagnetic models in RFIC design

Proper inclusion of EM analysis in the design flow of RF integrated circuits (RFIC) proves to be essential in avoiding costly re-spins, reducing both design cost and time-to-market. However, EM modeling and simulation is not straight-forward, due to the nature and complexity of the EM analysis, as well as the relative immaturity of the methodology and integration of appropriate tools in traditional IC design flow. The aim of this paper is to assist the RFIC designer in the area of EM simulation, first with presenting some modeling and simulation issues that are of importance for successful design, followed by a set of design examples presented from an EM perspective, illustrating problems, possible solution, and emphasizing the importance of EM modeling and simulation in modern RFIC design.