Page 20 - Issue 1 2023

ELECTRONICS

Figure 8: An X-Microwave probe, available as 2.92 mm or 1.85 mm
(2.92 mm shown).

right, where you can also find an Export CSV button. The .csv file
contains a BOM that you can send to X-Microwave for a formal
Figure 6: An example of an X-Microwave library within Genesys’s part quote when you’re ready to move on to ordering.
selector, with parts searchable by RF IC part number. In addition to the RF blocks, bias, and control boards
needed to make up the signal chain, you will notice a few
the RF X-Microwave blocks from launch to launch without additional parts on your BOM that are required to electrically
de-embedding the traces, improving the simulation accuracy connect and mechanically mount the blocks. First, the
of the X-Microwave board compared with de-embedded IC protoplate – these are sold in two sizes, 32 × 32 and 16 × 16,
simulations. The extensive X-Microwave library provides models with the 32 and 16 referring to X-Microwave grid units or
for many parts that don’t have Genesys models, directly from the spacing between the screw holes on the board. You will
the IC’s manufacturer. also need GSG jumpers and anchors. GSG jumpers are small,
After running simulations and reaching a performance you’re flexible, rectangular circuits that are placed across the launches
satisfied with in Genesys, it’s time to move on to X-Microwave’s of bordering RF blocks to form an RF connection. Anchors are
layout tool – where you can complete an entire RF layout screwed in across the GSG jumpers to secure them to the RF
(including adding power!) in under an hour. The layout tool can blocks and ensure a continuous electrical connection.
be accessed online through X-Microwave. RF engineers can use Connecting an external RF signal source into the signal
the layout tool to plan a placement map of the X-Microwave chain requires an X-Microwave probe. There are two different
blocks in the signal chain on the protoplate. Once you place the probes available, 2.92 mm and 1.85 mm, depending on the
RF blocks, add the bias and control boards automatically with frequency being used. The 2.92 mm is advertised as good
the single click of a button. All components used in the signal through 50 GHz, while the 1.85 mm is advertised as performing
chain update live in the bill of materials (BOM) in the upper above and beyond X-Microwave’s 67 GHz testing ceiling. You
will also need screws to attach everything to the protoplate. Up
to seven different screw lengths may be used in total, from the

Figure 7: An example design in X-Microwave’s layout tool showing
a planned signal chain and highlighting the part selector and BOM
functionality. Figure 9: A GSG placement procedure (top). GSG and anchor (bottom).

EngineerIT | Issue 1 2023 | 20