IVCAD

What is the IVCAD Suite?

IVCAD Suite is a complete suite of software modules designed to manage Radio-Frequency (RF) measurement, modeling and simulation workflows, enabling circuit or system design success right from the start.

The solution was originally developed by AMCAD Engineering, a company specializing in the development of innovative measurement methodologies for extracting accurate models of components and circuits. In May 2024, AMCAD Engineering was acquired by Dassault Systèmes (3DS). This acquisition fits in perfectly with Dassault Systèmes’ SIMULIA brand, offering the opportunity to complement the functionalities offered by CST Studio Suite to meet the needs of a complete simulation of active RF circuits and systems located upstream or downstream of the antenna.

Key Benefits of IVCAD Suite

Profitable

Radio frequency (RF) test instruments are expensive and difficult to use. Use IVCAD to maximize your return on investment now! Keep your team of highly skilled RF engineers focused on important issues.

Accurate

Converting test data into equivalent models is challenging. IVCAD modeling wizards fully leverage the value of measurements. Use these models to improve the accuracy of your circuit/system simulations.

Collaborative

Aligning measurement data and simulation results is no easy task. Whether you're responsible for tests or simulations, IVCAD breaks down silos. Use a unified software environment to facilitate information sharing and use.

Powerful

Our models, combined with IVCAD's specific equation solvers, enable realistic and fast simulations, even with wideband modulated signals. Data flow simulations are precise, even for unmatched cascaded circuits.

Secure Time and Money Invested in RF Test Instruments

With 20 years of research and development in this field, IVCAD integrates the expertise of a team of several dozen engineers and PhDs specialized in radio frequency testing. Orchestrating a test bench composed of several dozen instruments of all brands can be complex. More than a thousand instrument drivers are connected to a powerful test bench schematic editor. Comprehensive calibration and measurement wizards then support engineering concepts without boundaries within a company, so that the generated measurement data provides a reliable basis for all subsequent modeling and simulation work.

Extract Accurate Models of RF Transistors or Circuits such as Power Amplifiers

Extracting models of transistors or RF circuits is a challenging task, due to the complexity and sensitivity of multiple RF behaviors. Various phenomena such as high-frequency response, non-linearities, memory effects, and thermal or bias dependencies can make the modeling process long and complex to follow.
IVCAD offers a comprehensive modeling path that guides model engineers step by step to reveal the value of measurement data and transform this one into equivalent models for reliable simulation work

Streamline Measurement and Simulation Workflows

Different ways of working can exist between engineers in charge of measurement and those in charge of simulation work, potentially creating sources of error or misalignment within a team.
IVCAD offers a common user interface that can bridge the gap between these two worlds to define and manage consistent measurement or simulation jobs based on thousands of parameters (power/frequency/impedance sweeps, etc.), thus enabling safe and efficient data cross-checking.

Unique Component and Circuit Models for Insightful Simulations

Accurate modeling of RF components (e.g., antennas, filters, amplifiers, mixers, and transmission lines) is crucial. Many RF components exhibit nonlinear behavior, parasitic effects, or frequency-dependent characteristics that must be modeled precisely. Simplified or inaccurate models can lead to erroneous simulation results.
Thanks to IVCAD specific equation solvers, it’s possible to simulate true system performances, even if circuits are not perfectly matched, and even when using large bandwidth modulated signals.