An automated EM-simulation procedure for generation of monolithic inductor library

An automated simulation environment for planar inductors is described. Based on an end-user defined dimension list, the device layout is generated and EM-simulation is carried out in repeated cycle for as many devices as defined in the input list. As a result, a complete inductor library is generated without repetitive human interaction. The paper also includes a comparison of measured vs. simulated inductor characteristics and brings forth the importance of modeling mutual coupling in symmetrical inductors. The proposed simulation method is used for modeling symmetrical inductors for quartz-based integrated passive device technology and a scalable model for them is developed. Flip-chip VCO circuits developed with the aid of this automated procedure are also presented.