SIWave vs Xpedition

[kato01]

Hello,

I am a new to the PCB industry, so please forgive my ignorance.
I am looking for a software package that is based on full-wave solution (such as FEM and FDTD).
I know HFSS Layout is based on MOM with analytical Green's function, as well as former IE3D and SONNET.
I am looking now at SiWave and Mentor Graphics.

Q: what is the difference between SiWave and Mentor Graphics Xpedition?
Does any of them have the FEM capability?

Thank you

 

[BigBoss]

But the software packages which you mentioned are not same. They serve for different purposes.
For instance while SONNET and HFSS target High Frequency/Microwave Devices, SiWave and Siemens Hyperlynx target Signal Integrity applications such as High Speed PCBs. So, their targets are different.
So, when you choose a software package, you have to know what target you would use for.

 

[kato01]

I was referring to the "HFSS Layout" (former Ansoft Designer) not the FEM HFSS

 

[BigBoss]

I was referring to the "HFSS Layout" (former Ansoft Designer) not the FEM HFSS

HFSS Layout is not an appropriate for PCB layout Design.
If your purpose is to draw RF/Microwave Layouts, it's OK. But it's so expensive to draw a PCB layout.
Siemens Expedition is also too expensive because it's not a simple PCB Layout package. It's a very complicated package including many sub packages.
If you say something about your purpose, I can say something more precise.

If I'm not wrong, you would draw a PCB layout then simulate it in à FEM software, right ? And you want to use a single package for that.
If these layouts are precise so the dimensions are critical, I would use AutoCAD (or similar one) software then transfer my layout onto EM simulator such as SONNET or HFSS.

If you target is to draw a Layout then simulate for High Speed purpose, Cadence Allegro is another option with some valuable features. Even OrCAD has same features.

 

[kato01]

BigBoss,

Thank you for your response. I am wondering which one is more accurate and reliable. Strictly from the electromagnetic modeling point of view.

 

[BigBoss]

BigBoss,

Thank you for your response. I am wondering which one is more accurate and reliable. Strictly from the electromagnetic modeling point of view.

If its accuracy and reliability is important, I recommend you to go with Industry Standard HFSS.
But..
It's so expensive and source eater. Especially memory requirement of a relatively large problems reach to undesirable levels.
If you're looking for a budget limited solution, SONNET is a very good choice. SONNET Pro is less than 30K $. There are other packages that are much less expensive.

There are also very effective packages such as EMPIRE, Cadence EMX, Cadence AWR.
But if you say " I have lot of money" Go with Keysight ADS. MoM and FDTD solutions are available in a single package.

For EMPIRE, contact to Dr. Volker Muehlhaus in forum.

volker@muehlhaus

www.edaboard.com

 

[kato01]

Thank you

 

[FvM]

Mentor/Siemens Expedition has no signal integrity or wave solver features. It's cooperating with Hyperlynx for this purpose.