Jump-Start Filter Design with Sophisticated Simulation Techniques (.PDF Download)

Designing RF/microwave filters generally involves utilizing software tools to create simulation models. One factor that designers must be mindful of when modeling a filter is the amount of time needed for a simulation to execute. This length of time can be quite substantial in some cases.

Of course, when simulating a filter design, simulation data is acquired over a user-specified frequency range. Data is obtained across this frequency range at an interval that is also specified by the user. By decreasing the frequency interval, or step size, designers can essentially model filters more precisely. However, decreasing the step size generally comes at the expense of increasing the time needed for the simulation to execute.