S-Parameters Simulation

What S-Parameters Analysis Does in EMWORKS

The S-parameters solver in EMWORKS computes scattering parameters for multi-port RF and high-speed structures. It works on 3D models defined in the RF & MICROWAVES module to describe how signals are transmitted, reflected and coupled between ports over frequency.

Typical uses include characterizing antennas, filters, connectors, transitions, transmission lines and PCB interconnects where geometry and materials strongly influence matching and loss.

Key Capabilities

• Multi-port network characterization
  Compute the full S-parameter matrix for 2-port and multi-port devices across a defined frequency sweep.

• Frequency-dependent behaviour
  Study how insertion loss, return loss and coupling vary with frequency to confirm bandwidth and matching requirements.

• Flexible port definition
  Set up wave ports, lumped ports or other supported port types to represent coaxial feeds, microstrip launches, stripline, waveguides and similar terminations.

• Support for complex geometries
  Use the EMWORKS built-in CAD environment or imported models to include connectors, packages, cut-outs and housing details in the analysis when needed.

Devices and Structures Commonly Analyzed

S-parameters analysis in EMWORKS is typically applied to:

• Connectors and transitions – Coax launches, board-to-board connectors, coax-to-microstrip or stripline transitions

• Filters – Waveguide, cavity and planar filters where passband, stopband and matching must be confirmed

• Transmission lines – Microstrip, stripline and other controlled-impedance structures on PCBs or in packages

• Chip-package-board paths – Signal paths spanning IC package, vias and PCB traces

• Waveguide and cavity components – Junctions, couplers and other passive structures

• Passive RF components – Couplers and related structures where S-parameters describe the intended function

• Antennas -Antennas used in wireless communication systems benefit from S-parameters analysis to assess impedance matching, radiation patterns, and gain characteristics.

Output of EMWORKS' S-Parameters Analysis

S-parameters analysis in EMWORKS provides numerical and field-level results commonly used in RF and signal-integrity work, including:

• Generalized S-parameters matrix over the specified frequency range

• Derived quantities such as insertion loss, return loss, isolation and VSWR

• Re-normalized S-parameters matrix when a different reference impedance is needed

• Impedance and admittance matrices

• Propagation parameters at each port

• Impedances at each port

• Electric field distribution around ports and critical features

• Magnetic field distribution around ports and critical features

These results can be exported for use in circuit simulators or for further post-processing alongside measurements.