SCALC: low-cost microwave network analysis and optimisation

SCALC is low-cost analysis and optimisation package for linear (small-signal) RF networks. It makes extensive use of S-parameters, and thus SCALC is particularly suitable for applications in the VHF to microwave region. SCALC can analyse networks of up to 20 circuit elements, comprising passive components (with parasitic reactances and finite Q) and active components that are characterised by files of frequency-dependent S-parameter data. The results of an SCALC analysis are also S-parameters, which can be saved to similar datafiles, and can later be recalled into a higher-level system analysis. Unlike most low-cost analysis packages, SCALC includes a powerful optimiser. This paper will introduce the main features of SCALC and present some simple examples of its use