Using a 3D Layout Component in Maxwell

HFSS 3D Layout designs can be imported into Maxwell as a component for simulation in a Maxwell 3D transient or AC magnetic A-Phi analysis. You can have a complex layout component interact with the surrounding 3D geometries without the burden of using a 3D geometry exported from HFSS 3D Layout. This feature allows great scalability in having a complex layout geometry sit in an EMI/EMC 3D environment.

The layout component can be imported from EDB to a Maxwell 3D design with a terminal solution type.

Supported functionalities for Layout Component in Maxwell 3D include

• Normal simulation workflow: Run simulation and view matrix and field overlay
• Layout geometry visualization and option to change object visualization attributes.
• Flex PCB Component support
• Visualize RLC elements in layout components the same way as they do in 3D layout, including RLC boundaries and components that are categorized as circuit elements.
• Parametric Analysis: Using design variable to control component
• Import of custom coordinate systems from layout component design to Maxwell 3D.
• Intersection Validation
  • Between MCAD geometry and layout component
  • Between different layout components
• Show Nets for Layout Components
  • Only MCAD nets are shown now, which may connect through ECAD conductors
  • Net attributes can be view through component object attributes
• Port Display
• Mesh Link
• Can use non-model sheet or cut plane to plot in layout component

Limitations:

• Single top-design EDB only

• No Derivative support
• No Encryption

When a layout component is selected in the Project Manager tree or history tree, the Components/Nets/Layers tabs will display the information about the component in the same way as they do in a 3D layout design for that component.