After adding a design to a project, the next step is to create the design’s dielectric and signal layers using the Layout Editor. Layers are defined and modified in the Edit Layers window; you can use the window to import a stackup defined in an XML file. The XML file that defines the stackup is typically created using a third party text editor such as Microsoft Notepad or VI on Linux. For more information see Importing a Stackup.
Embedded Dielectric Layers
A signal layer can be assigned a dielectric material. And since signal layers are permitted to overlap other layers, you can create a stackup with dielectric materials embedded within other layers.
Planar EM Analysis
Planar EM ignores all geometry on both dielectric layers and on signal layers with dielectric materials. A warning is issued during validation. Note: “Layer <layer name>” with a dielectric material is ignored by the Planar EM solver.
HFSS Analysis
Meshes correct modeling, and the dielectric materials are sent to the HFSS solver.
To configure a stackup:
- Use the window to modify the stackup. Functionality available includes:
- Import a new stackup from an xml control file.
- Add a layer.
- Remove a layer.
- Specify whether or not a layer in the project is editable or visible. Select the color, pattern, and position of each layer in the project. Click on column headings to configure which columns to display.
- Specify the name, material attributes, thickness, elevation, and roughness of each layer in the project. Click on column headings to configure which columns to display.
Click Apply in the Edit Layers window to apply the changes you make; click Close to close the window.