Efficient Design of Multilayer Microwave Modules using an Element-Wise Simulation Technique

A technique for the fast and efficient modeling of complex microwave modules is investigated. In order to reduce simulation and optimisation time of spatially extended transmission line structures, a library of basic microwave components together with an approach for the decomposition and cascaded simulation of extended microwave circuits is proposed. To verify the design method, simple test structures as well as constituents of challenging low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) modules from an ongoing R& D project are analysed and evaluated. The promising results encourage further efforts to exploit the discussed method for automated design approaches.