Rohde & Schwarz launches R&S VSESIM-VSS, combining EDA simulation and hardware testing

New wireless and satellite technologies require wider frequency ranges and increasingly demanding requirements. Simulation with realistic signals in the early stages of RF system design is more important than ever. Using the same signal creation methods and analysis algorithms as for subsequent hardware testing allows for direct correlation of results from early design stages to implementation verification, enabling conclusive and consistent analysis of widely used key performance indicators such as Error Vector Magnitude (EVM ) .

To this end, Rohde & Schwarz has collaborated with Cadence Design Systems, Inc. to develop the VSESIM-VSS signal creation and analysis tool, which supports all major standards, such as 5G and the latest Wi-Fi evolution. This joint solution combines signal generation, design simulation and signal analysis, giving full play to the advantages of the two companies' popular and mature solutions. As a result, development and design engineers get a set of optimized tools to help them solve design problems earlier in the development process.

The VSESIM-VSS signal creation and analysis tool complements the Cadence® Visual System Simulator™ (VSS) software, a proven system simulation and modeling solution that is particularly suitable for RF devices and components in wireless communications and radar design . R&S 's VSESIM-VSS is specifically designed to extend the functionality of VSS software by adding real signals to the signal chain, improving simulation accuracy and simplifying the design process.

R&S VSESIM-VSS benefits from two mature softwares from R&S for testing working circuits, modules and devices, namely the signal generation function of R&S WinIQSIM2 software and the signal analysis function of R&S VSE software. VSESIM-VSS combines these functions and adds plug-ins for Cadence electronic design automation (EDA) tools.

The data acquisition plug-in of Rohde & Schwarz allows access to any node signal during the design process, and can send the signal to the vector signal generator and apply it to the available hardware, thus realizing system-level analysis of mixed hardware / simulation implementation. An important feature of VSESIM-VSS is the support of direct digital pre-distortion (DPD) technology, which can verify the linearization effect in the simulation stage of power amplifier development.

Another benefit of combining these solutions is the increased compatibility between Rohde & Schwarz and Cadence tools. Signal generation and analysis provided by Rohde & Schwarz solutions can also be used in other connected Cadence products, such as Cadence Microwave Office® circuit design software or Cadence Virtuoso® RF solutions for radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) and RF modules .

“ Connecting EDA design simulation with test and measurement helps our customers achieve first-time design success and accelerate time to market. Using real signals to derive common measurements such as EVM gives our customers a competitive advantage by knowing linearization performance before tapeout. We look forward to bringing the results of this collaboration with Cadence to market. ”

“ Customers need access to the latest communications standards when developing RF front-end communications ICs and systems. Our joint solutions can help our mutual customers accurately analyze standards-compliant signals throughout the design phase, including final test verification. ”