Drawing a Cross-Section for W-element Analysis (HFSS 3D Layout)

The Export W-Element window allows you to set up aggressor traces around a victim trace and export the corresponding w-element. Begin by drawing a line in the design area across which the chosen cross-section of trace lines are extracted.

To draw the cross-section:

1. Click Draw > Cross Section for W-element Analysis to open the Export W-Element window. The cursor turns into a crosshair.

   

2. Click the location in the design where you want the line to begin. Move the cursor and click again to end the line. The Export W-element window updates.

   

3. Click an element in the visualizer or select it on the list in the W-Element Settings area. The following options are available:
   • Add – Enter the number of aggressors to add, and use the drop-down menu to select whether to add them on the right, left, or on both sides. Then click Add.
     Note:

     If you previously enabled CPW settings during trace width, impedance, or differential impedance calculation, your options are limited.

     • If you selected Left plane spacing, aggressors may only be added to the right of a victim trace.
     • If you selected Right plane spacing, aggressors may only be added to the left of a victim trace.

   • Delete Element – Click to remove an element.
   • Single Frequency / Tabular Model – Select Single frequency and enter the frequency in Hz, or select Tabular and click Set frequency range to set up a range of frequencies.
   • Redraw cross-section – click this button to clear all information. The cursor transforms into a crosshair again, and you can redraw the line.
   • Export to 2D Extractor – generates a VB script to export the selected layer’s cross-section to 2D Extractor. Microstrips, stripline and conformal coats are supported. Generating this script launches a prompt asking if you want to run the script. Consult the Q3D Extractor/2D Extractor help for instructions on running an analysis in 2D Extractor.

   Also double-click in the W-Element Settings area to change width and pitch.

4. Click IL/RL/FEXT/NEXT to compute insertion/return loss and time domain crosstalk.
5. Make your chosen selections, then click Export to open the Select Spice File to Export window.
   Note:

   Selecting Tabular W-element model without specifying a frequency range will cause the Frequency Sweep window to open. You must specify the frequency range before you can save.

6. Browse to a save location, name your file, and click Save. The file is saved in Spice (*.sp) format.