AWR Microwave Office
Understanding AWR Microwave Office
Microwave Office was originally developed by Applied Wave Research, Inc. in the late 1990s as an alternative to the dominant Keysight (then Agilent/HP) Advanced Design System. Its key differentiator was an intuitive Windows-native interface with real-time tuning capability: engineers could adjust component values with sliders and see S-parameter responses update instantly. This interactive design approach made it particularly popular for filter synthesis, matching network design, and amplifier optimization where rapid iteration is essential.
The platform's architecture is built around project-based design with hierarchical schematics, global variables for parametric sweeps, and a unified data display environment. The simulation flow is flexible: a designer can run a linear S-parameter simulation for initial matching network design, then switch to harmonic balance for compression and intermodulation analysis, then extract electromagnetic models of critical layout geometries using AXIEM or Analyst, and finally substitute the EM-extracted models back into the circuit simulation for co-simulation verification.
Simulation Engine Capabilities
Computes S, Y, Z parameters using nodal matrix analysis
Applications: matching networks, filters, passive circuits
Harmonic Balance (APLAC engine):
Nonlinear steady-state analysis: gain compression, IP3, harmonics
Solves: F(V) = Iexcitation in frequency domain
Applications: PAs, mixers, oscillators, frequency multipliers
AXIEM (Planar EM):
Method of Moments for microstrip, stripline, CPW structures
Extracts multi-port S-parameters for layout verification
Analyst (3D FEM EM):
Finite Element Method for waveguide, cavity, and 3D structures
Applications: waveguide filters, transitions, package modeling
RF EDA Platform Comparison
| Feature | AWR Microwave Office | Keysight ADS | Ansys HFSS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit Simulation | Linear + HB (APLAC) | Linear + HB (native) | Limited (transient) |
| Planar EM | AXIEM (MoM) | Momentum (MoM) | Planar MoM (add-on) |
| 3D EM | Analyst (FEM) | EMPro (FEM/FDTD) | HFSS (FEM, gold standard) |
| User Interface | Intuitive, fast learning | Comprehensive, steeper curve | EM-focused |
| MMIC PDK Support | Good (growing) | Extensive (most foundries) | Limited |
| Best For | PCB RF design, rapid prototyping | MMIC design, system co-sim | 3D EM analysis, antennas |
Frequently Asked Questions
What simulation engines does AWR Microwave Office include?
Four primary engines: Linear simulator for S-parameter analysis of passive and small-signal circuits. APLAC harmonic balance for nonlinear steady-state analysis (compression, IP3, harmonics). AXIEM planar MoM for microstrip, stripline, and CPW EM simulation. Analyst 3D FEM for waveguide, cavity, and package structures. These engines co-simulate with EM-extracted models automatically substituted into circuit-level analysis.
How does AWR Microwave Office compare to Keysight ADS?
Both target RF/microwave design with linear, harmonic balance, and EM simulation. AWR is generally considered more intuitive with a faster learning curve, popular in smaller teams and academia. Keysight ADS offers deeper test equipment integration, broader MMIC foundry PDK support, and more advanced system-level simulation (Ptolemy, SystemVue). The choice depends on organizational preference, foundry requirements, and test equipment ecosystem.
Can AWR simulate waveguide components?
Yes. The Analyst 3D FEM solver handles rectangular and circular waveguide, waveguide-to-coax transitions, iris-coupled filters, horns, and discontinuities. AXIEM handles planar structures in waveguide housing. Circuit-level analytical models provide fast initial design before full-wave EM verification. RF Essentials uses electromagnetic simulation to validate waveguide component designs before CNC machining production.