View source for User friendly workflow for RFIC EM simulation using openEMS

    Speaker: Volker Muehlhaus
    email: volker (@) muehlhaus.com

== Abstract ==
In this talk, a user friendly workflow is presented for RFIC analysis with openEMS. The workflow is based on Python and adds another layer of abstraction around standard openEMS [1] to simplify model creation and re-use of model code. Model geometries are read directly from GDSII, with no need for prior conversion, and geometry preprocessing such as via array merging is supported. The layer stack and materials for IHP SG13G2 [2] are read from an XML technology template, no need to define that in the model code. An optimized mesh can be generated automatically from geometries, which makes this workflow suitable even for users with little EM experience. Overall, the entire model code is much cleaner and easier to navigate than standard openEMS code, and it is much easier to re-use existing models with different layouts.

== Downloads ==
Presentation: https://wiki.f-si.org/index.php?title=File:OpenEMS_RFIC_EM_flow.pptx

PDF: https://wiki.f-si.org/index.php?title=File:OpenEMS_RFIC_EM_flow_FSiC_2025.pdf

Repository including examples: https://github.com/VolkerMuehlhaus/openems_ihp_sg13g2

Documentation: https://github.com/VolkerMuehlhaus/openems_ihp_sg13g2/tree/main/doc

== Roadmap ==
Today, layouts are imported from GDSII files and simulation results are stored to Touchstone *.snp files. GUI-level integration into the SG13G2 design flow with KLayout and Qucs-S will be investigated.

Today, the outline of the dielectric stackup is calculated from the bounding box of all geometries drawn in GDSII. Support for multi-chip module simulation is planned, with optional boundary layer specification for dielectrics/substrates.

== References ==

[1] https://www.openems.de/

[2] https://github.com/IHP-GmbH/IHP-Open-PDK