Transition Region RL Analysis

For RL frequency sweeps, Q3D Extractor calculates RL values at a DC point and at an AC point (very high frequency), and uses the blending method to obtain the frequency sweep between DC and AC values. The method is fast and provides satisfying results for most applications. However, for some applications (such as power electronics), the transition region (between DC and AC) RL values are of more value.

For these scenarios, Q3D Extractor has an option to enable enhanced accuracy in the DC to AC transition region. With this option enabled, Q3D Extractor computes RL values at some points in the transition region (between KHz and MHz), and combines these values with the values at DC and AC points for an accurate frequency sweep. Q3D Extractor solves the field inside and outside a conductor and enforces the boundary condition on the conductor surface to provide accurate RL values at the transition region frequencies.

To perform transition region analysis:

1. From the Solve Setup window, enable both AC RL and DC RL simulations, and select Enhanced Accuracy in DC-to-AC Transition Region.
2. The Relative Error in R/L field determines accuracy. In most cases, the default value (0.1) is sufficient. If a more accurate frequency sweep is desired, 0.01 or 0.001 can be used and Q3D Extractor will solve more points in the transition region. However, using a smaller error percentage can cause the transition region solver to consume a great deal of time and memory.
3. Run the AC and DC simulations.

   Q3D Extractor collects the DC, AC and transition region RL values and uses the transition region interpolator to plot R/L.

4. Generate reports or export s-parameter data.