AWRDE 13 Update Log

v13.
02
What's New
in AWRDE 13
ni.com/awr
What's New in AWRDE 13
NI AWR Design Environment v13.02 Edition
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Patents
For patents covering NI AWR software products/technology, refer to ni.com/patents.
The information in this guide is believed to be accurate. However, no responsibility or liability is assumed by National Instruments for its
use.
Table of Contents
NI AWR Design Environment (NI AWRDE) 13 What's New ...................................................................... 11
What's New Organization ............................................................................................................. 11
Major Feature Overview .............................................................................................................. 11
NI AWR Design Environment (NI AWRDE) ............................................................................ 11
Microwave Office and Analog Office ..................................................................................... 11
Visual System Simulator (VSS) ............................................................................................. 12
Analyst 3D Editor ............................................................................................................... 13
NI AWR Design Environment (NI AWRDE) Features ................................................................................ 21
Knowledge Base ......................................................................................................................... 21
Enhanced Graph Markers ............................................................................................................. 21
Minor Improvements ................................................................................................................... 21
API .................................................................................................................................. 21
Data Files .......................................................................................................................... 21
Data Sets ........................................................................................................................... 21
Graphs .............................................................................................................................. 21
Libraries ........................................................................................................................... 22
Licensing .......................................................................................................................... 22
Output Equations ................................................................................................................ 22
Project Archive .................................................................................................................. 22
User Interface .................................................................................................................... 22
Microwave Office (MWO) and Analog Office (AO) Features ...................................................................... 31
APLAC Time Domain Modeling ................................................................................................... 31
APLAC Transient Analysis ........................................................................................................... 31
APLAC Transient Assisted Harmonic Balance ................................................................................. 31
APLAC Marching Waveforms ....................................................................................................... 31
Load Pull .................................................................................................................................. 32
APLAC Circuit Envelope Simulation .............................................................................................. 32
HSPICE Upgrade ........................................................................................................................ 34
New Optimization Methods .......................................................................................................... 34
Updated Yield Optimization Dialog Box ......................................................................................... 34
New Layout Editor Commands ...................................................................................................... 34
Shape Preprocessor Modifier ......................................................................................................... 35
Line Types Window Pane ............................................................................................................. 36
Multi-Technology Projects ............................................................................................................ 37
Simulation Window ..................................................................................................................... 38
EM Ports on Subcircuits ............................................................................................................... 39
EM Clip Region ........................................................................................................................ 311
AXIEM Advanced Frequency Sweep (AFS) ................................................................................... 312
AXIEM Iterative Solver ............................................................................................................. 312
Analyst Solver .......................................................................................................................... 312
Analyst Frequency Sweep Type ................................................................................................... 312
Analyst Port ............................................................................................................................. 312
Analyst Antenna Analysis ........................................................................................................... 314
Analyst Options ................................................................................................................ 314
Approx Open Boundary Condition ....................................................................................... 314
Spherical PML Boundary Condition ..................................................................................... 314
Analyst Surface Roughness Model ............................................................................................... 315
Analyst AMR Convergence Plot .................................................................................................. 315
Analyst 3D Editor ..................................................................................................................... 316
What's New in NI AWR Design Environment iii

Contents
AWR Connected Partners ........................................................................................................... 316

PCB Import Wizard ................................................................................................................... 316
OpenAccess Import/Export Wizard ............................................................................................... 317
Synthesis Wizards ..................................................................................................................... 318
iFilter Wizard ........................................................................................................................... 320
AWR RF Board Libraries Updates ................................................................................................ 321
Minor Improvements ................................................................................................................. 322
New/Updated Examples ..................................................................................................... 322
New Circuit Models ........................................................................................................... 322
New 3D EM Parts ............................................................................................................. 322
New Circuit Measurements ................................................................................................. 323
Nonlinear Power Measurements ................................................................................... 323
Nonlinear Envelope Measurements ............................................................................... 323
Linear Measurements ................................................................................................. 323
Output File Measurements .......................................................................................... 323
Load Pull Measurements ............................................................................................ 323
Analyst ........................................................................................................................... 323
Geometry Simplification Rules ............................................................................................ 323
HSPICE .......................................................................................................................... 324
Layout ............................................................................................................................ 324
Layout - EM ..................................................................................................................... 324
Load Pull ......................................................................................................................... 324
Measurements .................................................................................................................. 325
Models ............................................................................................................................ 325
Output Files ..................................................................................................................... 325
Remote Computing ............................................................................................................ 325
Schematic Editor ............................................................................................................... 325
Scripts ............................................................................................................................ 325
Shape Modifiers ................................................................................................................ 326
Simulation - Nonlinear ....................................................................................................... 326
Simulation - APLAC ......................................................................................................... 326
Simulation - Analyst .......................................................................................................... 326
Simulation - AXIEM ......................................................................................................... 326
Symbols .......................................................................................................................... 326
Tuning, Yield Analysis and Optimization ............................................................................... 326
User Interface ................................................................................................................... 326
Wizard - IFF .................................................................................................................... 327
Wizard - Stability Analysis using STAN ................................................................................ 327
Visual System Simulator (VSS) Features ................................................................................................. 41
VSS Output File ......................................................................................................................... 41
RFI Spurs Output File .................................................................................................................. 41
TDMS File Support ..................................................................................................................... 43
System Load Pull ........................................................................................................................ 43
LTE-A Library Improvements ....................................................................................................... 44
Expanded Radar Library .............................................................................................................. 44
Improved Phased Array Models ..................................................................................................... 44
5G Library ................................................................................................................................ 46
Minor Improvements ................................................................................................................... 47
New/Updated Examples ....................................................................................................... 47
New System Blocks ............................................................................................................ 47
Coding-Mapping Blocks .............................................................................................. 47
iv NI AWR Design Environment

Contents
5G Modulation Blocks ................................................................................................. 47

TDMS File Blocks ...................................................................................................... 48
RF Blocks ................................................................................................................. 48
New System Output File Measurements .................................................................................. 48
Data Sets ........................................................................................................................... 48
Measurements .................................................................................................................... 48
Simulation ......................................................................................................................... 48
System Block Updates ......................................................................................................... 48
User Interface .................................................................................................................... 49
Analyst 3D Editor Features .................................................................................................................. 51
Environment .............................................................................................................................. 51
Units ................................................................................................................................ 51
Foreign Characters in Projects ............................................................................................... 51
Structure and Annotation View Keyboard Camera Interaction ..................................................... 51
Variables ........................................................................................................................... 51
Auto-Complete ........................................................................................................... 51
Grouping ................................................................................................................... 51
Sorting ...................................................................................................................... 52
Value Set Management Dialog Box ................................................................................ 52
New Functions ........................................................................................................... 52
Geometry .................................................................................................................................. 53
Solid/Element Browser Organization ...................................................................................... 53
Shaded Without Edges View Style ......................................................................................... 53
Swept Solid Type Conversion ................................................................................................ 54
Box Type .......................................................................................................................... 54
Excluding Operations .......................................................................................................... 54
STL Export ........................................................................................................................ 54
Face/Edge Extrusions .......................................................................................................... 54
Importing Multiple Files ...................................................................................................... 54
New Import File Formats ..................................................................................................... 54
Simplify Parameter for Extrusions and Revolutions ................................................................... 55
Sketched-Based Solid Type Conversion .................................................................................. 55
Solid, Element and Operation Order ....................................................................................... 55
Sketcher Improvements ........................................................................................................ 55
Polyline Blends .......................................................................................................... 55
Construction Elements ................................................................................................. 55
Joining of Lines and Polylines ....................................................................................... 55
Elliptical Tangent Arc Element ...................................................................................... 56
Point Element ............................................................................................................ 56
Center-based Circle Element ......................................................................................... 56
Calculations and Query Dialog Box Improvements .................................................................... 56
Length Unit ............................................................................................................... 56
Vector Component Clipboard Copy ................................................................................ 57
Attributes .................................................................................................................................. 57
Application Count Indicator .................................................................................................. 57
Folder Visibility ................................................................................................................. 58
Attribute Propagation Through Booleans, Lofts, or Other ........................................................... 58
Attribute and Material Order ................................................................................................. 58
Version 13.02 Updates ......................................................................................................................... 61
API .......................................................................................................................................... 61
Geometry Simplification (SPP) Rules ............................................................................................. 61
What's New in NI AWR Design Environment v

Contents
Graphs ...................................................................................................................................... 61
Import/Export ............................................................................................................................ 61
Job Scheduler ............................................................................................................................. 61
Layout ...................................................................................................................................... 61
Layout - EM .............................................................................................................................. 62
Layout - Shape Modifiers ............................................................................................................. 62
Libraries ................................................................................................................................... 62
Load Pull .................................................................................................................................. 62
Measurements - Circuit ................................................................................................................ 63
Measurements - Electromagnetic ................................................................................................... 63
Models - Circuit ......................................................................................................................... 63
Models - System ......................................................................................................................... 63
Schematic Editor ........................................................................................................................ 63
Scripts ...................................................................................................................................... 63
Simulation - APLAC ................................................................................................................... 63
Simulation - AXIEM ................................................................................................................... 64
Simulation - System .................................................................................................................... 64
Tuning, Yield Analysis and Optimization ........................................................................................ 64
User Interface ............................................................................................................................ 65
Wizards - Component Synthesis ..................................................................................................... 65
Wizards - IFF Import and Export ................................................................................................... 65
Wizards - PCB Import ................................................................................................................. 65
Version 13.01 Updates ......................................................................................................................... 71
Security Risk in V13 Addressed .................................................................................................... 71
New Examples ........................................................................................................................... 71
API .......................................................................................................................................... 71
Connectivity Checker .................................................................................................................. 71
Geometry Simplification (SPP) Rules ............................................................................................. 71
Import/Export ............................................................................................................................ 71
Layout ...................................................................................................................................... 71
Layout - EM .............................................................................................................................. 72
Load Pull .................................................................................................................................. 72
Measurements - Circuit ................................................................................................................ 72
Measurements - Electromagnetic ................................................................................................... 73
Models - System ......................................................................................................................... 73
Scripts ...................................................................................................................................... 73
Shape Modifiers ......................................................................................................................... 73
Simulation - Analyst .................................................................................................................... 73
Simulation - APLAC ................................................................................................................... 73
Simulation - AXIEM ................................................................................................................... 74
Simulation - Systems ................................................................................................................... 74
Tuning, Yield Analysis and Optimization ........................................................................................ 74
User Interface ............................................................................................................................ 74
Wizards - PCB Import ................................................................................................................. 74
Migration Issues ................................................................................................................................. 81
NI AWRDE V13 Specific Migration Issues ...................................................................................... 81
Licensing .......................................................................................................................... 81
Remote Computing ............................................................................................................. 81
AXIEM Multiple RHS Solver Option ..................................................................................... 81
AXIEM Advanced Frequency Sweep (AFS) ............................................................................ 81
Analyst Antenna Measurements ............................................................................................. 81
vi NI AWR Design Environment

Contents
Negation Elements .............................................................................................................. 81

HSPICE Upgrade ................................................................................................................ 82
Unit Type on Subcircuit Passed Parameters .............................................................................. 82
AWR RF Board Libraries ..................................................................................................... 82
Version Independent Migration Issues ............................................................................................. 83
Files Automatically Migrated ............................................................................................... 83
Files in Appdatacommon .............................................................................................. 83
Files in Appdatauser .................................................................................................... 83
Files NOT Automatically Migrated ........................................................................................ 84
License File ............................................................................................................... 84
User-Defined XML Libraries ........................................................................................ 84
Other Concerns .................................................................................................................. 84
Model Compatibility ................................................................................................... 84
Multiple NI AWRDE Versions ...................................................................................... 85
Redirection ............................................................................................................... 85
What's New in NI AWR Design Environment vii

Contents
viii NI AWR Design Environment

NI AWR Design Environment (NI AWRDE) 13 What's New
What's New Organization
The NI AWR Design EnvironmentTM (NI AWRDE) 13 What's New document is organized into several sections including:
NI AWR Design Environment (NI AWRDE) Features - Common improvements to all products.
Microwave Office (MWO) and Analog Office (AO) Features - Microwave Office (MWO) and Analog Office
(AO)-specific improvements.
Visual System Simulator (VSS) Features - Visual System SimulatorTM (VSS)-specific improvements.
Analyst 3D Editor Features - Analyst 3D Editor-specific improvements.
Migration Issues - Migration issues from previous versions to the current version.
Features listed in this document may also include links to videos or reference examples included in the NI AWRDE
installation. Examples are listed by file name, for example: filename.emp. To find an example in the NI AWRDE, choose
File > Open Example and type the example name.
The following are updates for minor versions:
Version 13.01 Updates - Updates for the 13.01 minor version.

Version 13.02 Updates - Updates for the 13.02 minor version.
Major Feature Overview

A video or new example is available for many major new features in this release. A list of these features follows. Feature
details are presented in the corresponding section of this document.
Notes:
New FLEX tools and vendor daemon are required for Floating licensing. See Licensing for details.
NI AWRDE V13 is the last version that will support HASP4 hardware dongles. See the HASP4 No Longer Supported
After V13 KB article for more details.
NI AWR Design Environment (NI AWRDE)

Knowledge Base: New interactive Knowledge Base.
Enhanced Graph Markers: New auto-search markers, offset markers, and rich-text marker notes.
Microwave Office and Analog Office

APLAC Time Domain Modeling: Improved time domain extraction of S-parameters and models.
APLAC Transient Analysis: Improved transient analysis.
APLAC Transient Assisted Harmonic Balance: Improved TAHB analysis.
APLAC Marching Waveforms: Real-time plotting of APLAC simulation results.
Load Pull: Harmonic Load and Source Pull improvements.
APLAC Circuit Envelope Simulation: New APLAC Circuit Envelope simulator.
What's New in NI AWR Design Environment 11

HSPICE Upgrade: Upgrade to 64-bit HSPICE.

New Optimization Methods: Advanced Genetic Algorithm and Particle Swarm.
Updated Yield Optimization Dialog Box: New Yield dialog box.
New Layout Editor Commands: Commands to edit layout more efficiently.
Shape Preprocessor Modifier: Layer modifier that allows geometry simplification rules to be applied to schematic
layouts.
Line Types Window Pane: New Line Types pane in the Layout Manager that allows selection of a line type for
drawing line type shapes.
Multi-Technology Projects: Ease-of-use improvements that facilitate working with multiple PDKs in the same
project.
Simulation Window: New job Pause button and additional remote computing job states.
EM Ports on Subcircuits: Faster method to add ports in hierarchical EM structures.
EM Clip Region: Trim layout to create EM structures.
AXIEM Advanced Frequency Sweep (AFS): Faster and more accurate simulations.
AXIEM Iterative Solver: Simultaneous port solves.
Analyst Solver: Faster simulations.
Analyst Frequency Sweep Type: Improved "Automatic" sweep type.
Analyst Port: Additional Analyst port definitions including custom sized wave ports.
Analyst Antenna Analysis: Improved options and boundary conditions for antenna analysis.
Analyst Surface Roughness Model: Modeling loss effects of surface roughness.
Analyst AMR Convergence Plot: Real-time convergence plot.
AWR Connected Partners: Ability to simulate EM structures with AWR Connected partner simulators.
PCB Import Wizard: Expanded wizard for importing 3Di, IPC-2581, and ODB++ board files.
OpenAccess Import/Export Wizard: Import and export individual schematics and project symbols from/to ADS and
Virtuoso OpenAccess databases.
Synthesis Wizards: Wizards that aid in designing passive components such as power dividers, and mixers and
doublers.
iFilter Wizard: Enhanced version of iFilter that allows manual placement, and distribution, of transmission zeros.
AWR RF Board Libraries Updates: Improvements to the example AWR RF Board Library.
Visual System Simulator (VSS)

VSS Output File: Export VSS RF Link characteristics to text data file.
RFI Spurs Output File: Export VSS RFI signal heritage information to an .xml file.
TDMS File Support: Support for TDMS files.
System Load Pull: Load Pull VSS measurements.
LTE-A Library Improvements: Support for carrier aggregation, with intraband and interband component carriers.
Expanded Radar Library: Support for multiple and variable PRF radar sources.
Improved Phased Array Models: Modeling of RF link for each array element.
12 NI AWR Design Environment

5G Library: Implemented a number of 5G candidate modulation waveforms.
Analyst 3D Editor
Variables: Enhanced Variable Control editing, grouping, sorting, and comparison operations.
Geometry: Geometry improvements in Browser operations, with new options, views, conversions, parameters, file
formats and more.
Attributes: Improved attribute organization and views in the Browser.


NI AWR Design Environment (NI AWRDE) Features
The NI AWR Design EnvironmentTM (NI AWRDE) version 13 software includes the following new features, enhancements,
and user interface. These changes are common to the Microwave Office (MWO), Visual System SimulatorTM (VSS),
and Analog Office (AO) products.
Knowledge Base
The new NI AWR Knowledge Base is easier to navigate and contains interactive content. With the NI AWRDE open,
you can directly open examples from the KB by clicking the Open Example button. You can also import test benches
with a click and view a Tip of the Day on the KB.
Enhanced Graph Markers

Two new marker types, auto-search markers and offset markers, are now available. Auto-search markers automatically
search for a user-specified feature such as trace maximum, and shift along the x-axis to stay aligned with the feature as
the trace is updated due to tuning or optimization, or other. Offset markers maintain a specified x or y offset from another
marker on the trace. In addition, rich-text notes can now be attached to markers.
Additional Information:
Documentation: Auto-search Markers.

Example: Autosearch_Marker_Example.emp
Watch Video
Minor Improvements
NI AWRDE V13 includes the following minor new features, enhancements, and user interface changes:
API
New Project.Import method which imports the contents of a specified project into the current project.
Added an API Update() method to the Equations collection. Also fixed API command
InvokeCommand("SimulateUpdateEquations"), which performs the same action.
Data Files
Touchstone version 2.0 file format is now supported.
Added support for port names in Touchstone data files.
File format options for Raw Data files can now be specified at the document level.
Data Sets
Data sets greater than 2 GB are now supported.
Graphs
Histogram graphs now support general markers and horizontal line markers.
Auto-Search markers with "X Index" search type now functions for time domain graphs.

Minor Improvements
Libraries
PDKs can now specify a set of toolbars that are loaded and unloaded along with the PDK itself.
Partial device extraction is supported for libraries with compatible models.
When available, PDK-specific wizards are loaded with the PDK and unloaded when the project is closed.
Elements defined in XML can be aliased into the regular part of the Element Browser (not under "Libraries") using
the new XML "<ALIAS>".
When browsing for elements defined as "Libraries", you can now right-click on the "Models" or "Description" columns
to access the Help for those parts.
Licensing
NI AWRDE license features are now served on a "first-come, first-served" basis.
Output Equations
When adding an output equation measurement, you can now search the available measurements.
Project Archive
Archived project (.emz) files can be renamed outside of, and re-opened directly in the NI AWRDE without manual
navigation to the unzipped folder.
User Interface
Filtering on the Statistics columns in the Variable Browser now supports the common set of Boolean filter keys: you
can now use "1" or "0", "c" or "u", or "t" or "f" to filter true/false.

Microwave Office (MWO) and Analog Office (AO) Features
Microwave Office and Analog Office version 13 includes the following new features, enhancements, and user interface
changes. The NI AWR Design EnvironmentTM (NI AWRDE) changes also apply to these specific products.
APLAC Time Domain Modeling

With time domain simulations such as transient and envelope simulations, it is necessary to extract a time domain model.
Time domain extraction improvements include:
Better speed-to-accuracy ratio in the extraction of S-parameter data, more robust handling of poor quality data, and
more robust passivity enforcement.
New method of handling aggregate models such that extraction is done on the lowest level possible instead of top
level.
Bug fixes on extraction of various models.
APLAC Transient Analysis

The new transient analysis algorithm includes:
Improved time step algorithm and error control.

Transient Preset option that can be set to Accurate, Moderate, or Fast.
APLAC Transient Assisted Harmonic Balance

The new TAHB algorithm includes:
Transient Assisted HB option that can be set to Disabled, Convergence aid, or Initial guess.
Separated time-domain and frequency domain netlists for the transient and harmonic balance simulations so that the
harmonic balance analysis is not affected by netlist modifications required by the transient analysis.
TAHB can now be used for oscillator analysis.
APLAC Marching Waveforms

For supported measurements, APLAC simulation results on graphs update in real-time as the simulation progresses. You
no longer need to wait until the simulation is complete for results to display.

Load Pull
Example: QPSK_receiver.emp
Load Pull
Load Pull improvements include:
Support for source pull.

Improved align measurement accuracy.
Significant speed improvement of Load_Pull script.
Significant increase in the number of simulated load pull points that can be supported.
Simulated load pull support for controlling impedances other than fundamental (for example, low frequency two-tone
offset impedance).
Ability to define simulated load pull points around impedances other than 50 ohms.
Limited (expert mode) 4th and 5th harmonic load/source pull support.
Support for SPL file load harmonic gamma sweeps.
Support for CST power sweep only (no gamma sweep) files.
APLAC Circuit Envelope Simulation

APLAC now includes a Circuit Envelope simulator capable of simulating non-periodic signal sources, or modulated RF
signals. The associated measurements allow measurement of the time-varying voltage or current of a particular carrier
or viewing of the spectrum around a carrier. With the added capability of Circuit Envelope to simulate modulated
waveforms, new sources are added for describing modulated waveforms, such as specifying the IQ data of a modulated
signal.

APLAC Circuit Envelope Simulation
2 GHz BW Around 10 GHz Carrier

-20
-30 Power Spectrum(dBm)
-40
Power (dBm)
-50
-60
-70
-80
9 9.5 10 10.5 10.999
Frequency (GHz)
New Circuit Envelope sources:
PORTMOD_ENV
PORTIQ_ENV
New Spectrum measurements:
Ispectrum_ENV
Pspectrum_ENV
Vspectrum_ENV
New Total Time Waveform measurements:
Itime_ENV
Ptime_ENV
Vtime_ENV
New Time Varying Complex Envelope around a Specific Carrier measurements:
Itime_f_ENV
Ptime_f_ENV
Vtime_f_ENV
New Output File measurement:

HSPICE Upgrade
ENVELOPEF
Documentation: Circuit Envelope Simulation

Example: Circuit_Envelope_APLAC.emp
HSPICE Upgrade
The HSPICE simulator is upgraded to 64-bit HSPICE 2016.06.
New Optimization Methods

Two new optimization methods, Advanced Genetic Algorithm and Particle Swarm, are introduced. Both of these optimizers
are suitable for optimization problems with a large number of variables and for problems in which the initial guess is
unknown. They can also be combined with a local optimizer such as Simplex to efficiently solve large optimization
problems.
Documentation: Advanced Genetic Algorithm, Particle Swarm
Updated Yield Optimization Dialog Box

The Yield Analysis dialog box is updated in a similar manner to the Optimizer dialog box, including a Goals tab for quick
editing of yield optimization goals.
New Layout Editor Commands

The following are new Edit menu commands:

Shape Preprocessor Modifier
Move: A two-point move command where the first mouse click establishes a reference point for the move, and the
second mouse clicks determines distance of the move (dx and dy) relative to the first point.
Copy with Reference: Two-point copy command similar to the Move command.
Expanded the Rotate submenu to include: Rotate, Rotate Right, and Rotate Left.
Auto Repeat: Automatically repeat a layout command. Press Esc to end the repeat mode. This command is also mapped
to a toolbar button next to the Redo button:
Documentation: Layout Shapes Editing
Shape Preprocessor Modifier

The Shape Preprocessor modifier uses a set of rules to specify the types of editing operations to perform on the shapes
of each layer and on shapes between layers. The modifier extends the advantages of EM geometry simplification rules
to schematic layout and provides a clean and flexible method to apply layer-based shape editing operations in layout.
To use the modifier, choose Draw > Parameterized Modifiers > Shape Preprocessor to add the modifier to a schematic
layout. To add or edit rules, select the modifier, right-click and choose Shape Properties, then click the Rules tab. Like
all layer modifiers, the Shape Preprocessor modifier does not modify the schematic in which it is placed. Instead, the
schematic must be placed as a subcircuit in a parent schematic, and the effects of the modifier are seen in the parent
layout.
For example, the corners on this rectangular inductor can be rounded using the Shape Preprocessor modifier.
By applying the following rule:

Line Types Window Pane
the corners are now rounded.
Documentation: Properties Dialog Box: Shape Preprocessor (SPP) Modifier

Example: SPP_Modifier_Manufacturing_View.emp
Line Types Window Pane

The Line Types pane is added to the Layout Manager. This pane offers a fast method to draw line type shapes, which
draw with all the layers and layer offsets set in the Line Type definition in the LPF. To draw using a line type, simply
select a line type in the pane and begin drawing.

Multi-Technology Projects
Watch Video
Multi-Technology Projects
Several improvements facilitate working in a multi-technology project:
The Select Process Library dialog box now shows a list of installed PDKs for easier PDK addition.
LPFs, Global Definitions documents, and Artwork Cell Libraries from newly added PDKs are now imported into the
project.
When creating a new schematic in a project with multiple LPFs, you are prompted to choose an LPF to associate with
the schematic. If there is a Global Definitions document with the same name as the selected LPF, the Global Definitions
document is now automatically set for the Equations option of the new schematic.

Simulation Window
When adding a new STACKUP in a schematic, the STACKUP now automatically uses the schematic's LPF.
Simulation Window
Simulation Window improvements include the addition of a Pause button and the addition of remote computing Sending
and Receiving job states.

EM Ports on Subcircuits
Documentation: EM: Job Scheduler
Ports can now be automatically added to EM subcircuits to greatly simplify creating EM layout with documents that
have high port counts. Select the EM subcircuits,

then choose Draw > Create Ports from Subckt
and ports are automatically added at all possible locations.

EM Clip Region
Watch Video
EM Clip Region
The EM Clip Region can be used to create an EM structure from a schematic layout. It can also be used to trim down
complex EM layout, and reduce the simulation problem size.
To access this feature, select layout shapes then choose Draw > Create EM Clip Region.
In the Create EM Clip Region dialog box, select the Clip Region Style.

AXIEM Advanced Frequency Sweep (AFS)
To create an EM structure, select the EM clip region and choose Layout > Copy to EM Structure.
For more information, see Trimming with EM Clip Region .

The AXIEM AFS algorithm automatically selects a set of frequency points to simulate, then uses these simulated points
to interpolate the S-parameter response for the whole band. AFS is now faster and more accurate, and generally converges
on a solution with fewer frequency points.
AXIEM Iterative Solver

AXIEM simulations using the iterative matrix solver are faster due to simultaneous solution of multiple ports (right-hand
sides), assuming there is enough memory for the parallel solves. Structures with large port counts benefit the most from
this improvement.
Analyst Solver
Improvements to the Analyst solver result in up to a 50% reduction in simulation time compared with the V12 solver.
Analyst Frequency Sweep Type

When the Automatic sweep type is selected, the solver now uses either a Discrete sweep or a GAWE sweep depending
on which is likely to be faster for the given frequency count, port count, and parallel configuration.
Analyst Port
Analyst port definitions are expanded to provide greater control over port specifications.

Analyst Port
The new Lumped As In Child port type is used when the lumped port strap is already defined in the child arbitrary 3D EM
subcircuit (in the 3D editor). The new Wave Custom Size port type allows specification of the wave port extent. This port
type may improve mode extraction when there are multiple conductors touching the enclosure side.

Analyst Antenna Analysis
Documentation: Adding Ports
Analyst Antenna Analysis

Analyst Options
The solver option Field Output Frequency can now be set to "None" for antenna far field measurements. Setting "None"
may decrease simulation time, and will decrease data set size.
The only option required for antenna analysis is the Antenna Far Fields option Output Frequency.
Approx Open Boundary Condition

Approx Open can now be used as a radiating boundary condition for antenna far field calculations. Using Approx Open
instead of a Perfectly Matched Layer (PML) boundary results in a faster simulation.
Spherical PML Boundary Condition

Specifying a spherical Perfectly Matched Layer (PML) boundary condition may result in a faster simulation than using
PML on a rectangular boundary, because the extrusion usually adds fewer elements to the mesh than it would in the
rectangular case.

Analyst Surface Roughness Model
Analyst Surface Roughness Model

Analyst now models the effects of surface roughness if a roughness parameter is specified.
Documentation: Loss Model for Conductor Surface Roughness
Analyst AMR Convergence Plot

Real-time AMR convergence is now plotted in the Simulation window.

Analyst 3D Editor
Analyst 3D Editor
See Analyst 3D Editor Features for details on new features specific to the 3D Editor.
AWR Connected Partners

The AWR Connected program enables the automated flow of layout data from NI AWR Design Environment (NI
AWRDE)/Microwave Office (MWO) software into partner simulators. Supported partners include ANSYS HFSS, Sonnet,
and CST.
Documentation: EM: AWR Connected Partners
PCB Import Wizard

The 3Di Import Wizard is renamed to the PCB Import Wizard and now additionally supports importing IPC-2581 and
ODB++ files without any reliance on third-party tools. This wizard allows you to import IPC-2581 (A and B) and ODB++
(V7 and V8) files that are produced by most enterprise board tools. Importing these files produces a schematic layout
representing the board geometry along with a STACKUP element representing the board cross-section. This tool is
intended for importing PCB designs and preparing them for EM simulation. In addition to the Import wizard, several

OpenAccess Import/Export Wizard
features are added to the MWO Layout Editor to ease the selection of pieces of the board to create an EM structure and
set up EM ports.
Documentation: PCB Import Wizard
OpenAccess Import/Export Wizard

This wizard allows importing and exporting individual schematics and project symbols from/to ADS and Virtuoso
OpenAccess databases.

Synthesis Wizards
Documentation: OpenAccess Import/Export Wizard
Synthesis Wizards
The Component Synthesis Wizard and Mixer and Multiplier Synthesis Wizard are new in V13. The Component Synthesis
wizard designs transformers, power dividers, and hybrids given a set of input specifications. Likewise, the Mixer and
Multiplier Synthesis Wizard designs various mixers and doubles given a set of input specifications.

Synthesis Wizards

iFilter Wizard
iFilter Wizard
iFilter now allows manual placement and distribution of transmission zeros. For a standard bandpass filter implementation,
zeros can be weighted on the low side or the high side of the passband, allowing for extra emphasis on filter rejection
for the selected side. In addition, transmission zeros can be added manually at any desired frequency. iFilter allows for
automated extraction of zeros and automated implementation of producibility transforms, or these functions can be
performed in full manual mode. As always, the completed filter may be implemented in Microwave Office with a single
click for further refinement and optimization.

AWR RF Board Libraries Updates
Watch Video
AWR RF Board Libraries Updates

The AWR RF Board libraries AWR_RFBoard_2layer_FR4, AWR_RFBoard_2layer_RO4003, and
AWR_RFBoard_2layer_RO4350 are replaced with the AWR_RFBoard_2layer library. See AWR RF Board Libraries
for migration issues.
This new library includes:
Additional global variables for all substrate and solder mask parameters except for substrate conductivity. STACKUPs,
VIAs, and MSUBs to point to these variables where applicable.
Renamed MSUBs for Line Type for synchronization.
Negative thickness definitions in STACKUPs.

Minor Improvements
Additional user attributes for resistors, inductors, and capacitors to indicate mounting layer and case size as well as
layer attributes for vias and DC headers.
Additional static EM cells for QFN and MMIC structures for use with Analyst simulations.
An additional 3D EM Elements library, with end launch connectors for use with Analyst simulations.
Minor Improvements
MWO V13 includes the following minor new features, enhancements, and user interface changes.
New/Updated Examples
The following are new or updated NI AWRDE examples for V13. To find an example, choose File > Open Example and
type the example name.
Amplifier_Phase_Noise.emp
Coax_Fed_Patch_Antenna.emp
CoffeeCanRadar_SMT_Redesign.emp
Inverted_F_Antenna.emp
TESTBENCH_PA_Two_Tone_Sweep_Freq_and_Spacing.emp
New Circuit Models

The following new circuit models are included in MWO V13.
N Port Negation Element (Closed Form): NEG

Port with Modulated Signal (Data File-based): PORTIQ_ENV
Port with Modulated Signal (Data File-based): PORTMOD_ENV
New 3D EM Parts
The following new 3D EM parts are included in MWO V13 for use with the Analyst 3D simulator.
Copper Pillar Bump with Tin Cap: CU_PILLAR

MMIC Substrate with Bond Pads: MMIC_3D
Solder Trace: SOLDER_BLOB
Solder Joint Fillet: SOLDER_FILLET

Minor Improvements
New Circuit Measurements

The following new circuit measurements/annotations are included in MWO V13.
Nonlinear Power Measurements
Available Power: PAvail
Nonlinear Envelope Measurements
Envelope Current Spectrum at Specified Carrier: Ispectrum_ENV

Time Domain Current: Itime_ENV
Time Domain Current Envelope at Specified Carrier: Itime_f_ENV
Envelope Voltage Spectrum at Specified Carrier: Vspectrum_ENV
Time Domain Voltage: Vtime_ENV
Time Domain Voltage Envelope at Specified Carrier: Vtime_f_ENV
Envelope Power Spectrum at Specified Carrier: Pspectrum_ENV
Time Domain Power: Ptime_ENV
Time Domain Power Envelope at Specified Carrier: Ptime_f_ENV
Linear Measurements
Compute Network Terminated S-parameters: S_TERM
Output File Measurements
Write Envelope Data to File: ENVELOPEF
Load Pull Measurements
Minimum Value for Generalized Load Pull Data: G_LPCMMIN_EX

Generalized Load Pull Contours Aligned to a Value Over Any Sweep: G_LPCM_EX_A
Plot Load Pull Gamma Points from Aligned Measured Load Pull File: G_LPGPM_A
Generalized Interpolated Load Pull Data Points (Reversed Data File Definition): G_LPINT2
Plot Dynamic Load Line for Load Pull Data: G_LP_IVDLL
Analyst
For ports-only simulation, set the new Solve Type option to Ports Only.
Analyst arbitrary 3D parts now remain the same size when project units are changed. This change only applies to
newly instantiated 3D parts.
Various issues with foreign characters in project names and paths are resolved.
Geometry Simplification Rules

A new rule, SET_RESIZE_CORNER_STYLE <round|sharp>, specifies how the RESIZE operation rounds acute
corners.

Minor Improvements
HSPICE
Corrected the terminal current direction for IVCURVEI netlisted to HSPICE or Spectre.
Corrected the current direction when using current annotations for some components netlisted to HSPICE or Spectre.
The RLGC_TX model now works with the HSPICE transient simulator.
Layout
You can now use Edit in Place with subcircuits containing parameterized layout.
A new Draw > Modify Shapes > Modify Corners command performs the same operations as the Corner Modifier but on
selected shapes.
The Drawing Layer Options dialog box now supports multi-selection.
The Layout Options dialog box has a new Boolean tab. New options include Cutout processing and Resize acute corners.
2D layout now supports translucency like the 3D layout view.
Parameterized subcircuits used in multi-technology hierarchy now display on their own drawing layers.
The GDS Compare command allows you to choose the export mapping to use when multiple mappings exist, and
functions better under those conditions.
Bondwires and other EM 3D pCells used in an Analyst EM structure that is placed as a subcircuit in a schematic now
display in the schematic layout 3D view.
Parameterized subcircuits where the parameter is passed up through hierarchy now display properly in the 3D view.
Previously the subcircuit did not display.
The Connectivity Highlighter now displays properly in a 3D view with multiple technologies.
Updated the Slice command to function better when holding down the Ctrl key to access gravity snap points.
Non-orthogonal iNet routes now support rounded and chamfered end styles.
Fixed schematic 3D layout so that EM subcircuits with parameterized STACKUP parameters now display with correct
parameter values in the schematic 3D layout view.
Layout - EM
When you change a "Material" name in an EM STACKUP, the name change now synchronizes with any "EM Mapping"
entries that used that original name.
Parameterized length variables for newly created arbitrary 3D EM subcircuits and 3D EM elements are now assigned
length units, so that length values scale appropriately with project unit changes.
Updated the Draw menu for EM layout to add the Add Shapes command for via fills and via fences.
Improved the processing time of geometry simplification rules.
Load Pull
Fixed bugs with Import_Loadpull_Files script.
Fixed "No contours were found" Load Pull measurement error.
PLoad_Total is now included as a calculated value for Load Pull measurements.
The Load Pull Import script now supports source pull format for LPC and CST file types.

Minor Improvements
Measurements
Two-port measurements NF, NFMin, GMN, YMN, ZMN, RN, TE, NMEAS, TN, GMax, GU, K, B1, MU1, MU2,
MSG, GA, GP, GT, GM1, GM2, YM1, YM2, ZM1, ZM2,SCIR1, SCIR2, GACIR, GAC_MAX, GPCIR, GPC_MAX,
NFCIR now function with n-port documents.
Modified the Q_IN and Q_IN2 measurements to provide positive values for both inductive and capacitive networks.
Models
A new IsSubInf secondary parameter for CPWTAPER controls whether it is modeled with a closed form or quasi-static
EM model.
Improved accuracy for physical transmission line models TLINP, TLOCP, TLOCP2, TLSCP, TLSCP2, TLINP4,
TLINP4T, TLINP4NL, and CLINP. A new LossModel secondary parameter can be set to "Full" to model multiple
sources of loss including frequency-dependent dielectric parameters, which can improve time domain causality.
VIAM Top_Cap and Bot_Cap parameters have additional options "Inside Antipad with Pad" and "Inside Board &
Antipad with Pad".
The PORTSIG_F, PORTSIGF_F, and PORTMOD_F models now support drop-down options to change the "Net"
parameter for any text files loaded into the project.
Improved the UCSD HBT model with ADS compatibility set.
A secondary parameter, GAIN_BACKOFF, is added to the XDB block to control linear gain input power backoff
from nominal input power.
Output Files
The AntPat_TPwrF and AntPat_EF output file measurements can now write to MATLAB files.
The NPORTF Output File measurement has a new Write Noise for Active 2-Port Source option which allows you to omit
noise data from the file. Also, the reference impedance setting can be made zero to have the normalizing impedance
automatically set from the port 1 termination impedance.
The NPORTF Output File measurement now generates a valid default file name extension based on the number of
ports (for example, *.s4p) when clicking the browse button (...).
Remote Computing
Analyst and AXIEM documents that are set to simulate remotely now mesh locally.
Remote simulation Status updates are now available over VPN.
Schematic Editor
The schematic symbols for elements with vector instance specifications are now drawn in bold, with the line weight
matching that used for buses and bundles.
Scripts
The Generate_MDIF_Files script is updated to better handle files with > 10 ports. Efficiency improvements result in
approximately 10x speed improvement (mostly evident on large port count files).

Minor Improvements
Shape Modifiers
Interactive shape modifier debugger: (Debug Cell Instance Dialog Box)
Simulation - Nonlinear
The simulation Status Window now displays Time Domain simulation updates.
Simulation - APLAC
Added support for nested frequency sweeps for tones 2 and higher. See example:
TESTBENCH_PA_Two_Tone_Sweep_Freq_and_Spacing.emp.
A new option permits storage of simulation results only for active measurements.
APLAC linear simulation when optimizing is now significantly faster.
APLAC simulators can now handle MDIF files with blocks that have different frequency ranges.
APLAC simulation of MDIF files is now significantly faster.
Simulation - Analyst
Analyst can now simulate with wide characters in the project path. Wide characters are typical of non-English language
settings on the operating system.
The "Sphere X" and "Sphere Z" options for Antenna Far Fields are removed. You can make the Analyst structure as
a subcircuit and rotate it to obtain the pattern at an appropriate coordinate system.
Mesh connectivity annotation in Analyst now properly displays the mesh and connectivity of a swept geometry EM
structure.
Simulation - AXIEM
The AFS convergence measure in the Simulation log now reports the maximum convergence error of the AFS sub-bands
rather than the convergence measure of the entire band. This is a better measure since the simulation can complete
when all of the sub-bands converge.
The AXIEM direct solver now predicts memory requirements and stops with an informative error message if there is
not enough available RAM, rather than crash or use the impractically slow virtual memory.
Symbols
The Symbol Editor now supports a smaller minimum text size and the ability to rotate text.
Tuning, Yield Analysis and Optimization

The Cost column on the Goals tab of the Optimizer window now updates in real-time during optimization.
Fixed several issues with in-situ annotations EM_CKT_CURR and ANTENNA_CKT_3D. Annotations now update
correctly in the 3D view when tuning.
User Interface
EM structures now support use of the Shift + F2 keys for editing the document name in the Project Browser.

Minor Improvements
Added support for the CTRL+A Select All shortcut to the Rules tab editor for the STACKUP and the Shape Preprocessor
modifier.
Wizard - IFF
Added support for importing ADS XFERTAP, STATZ, and TERMG components.
Equations are now automatically rearranged on the schematic, so that variables are defined before use.
Added support in the IFF Import Wizard for the TanD, Mur, TanM, and Sigma parameters in ADS TLINP/TLINP4
components.
Wizard - Stability Analysis using STAN

STAN now supports power sweep.
STAN now functions correctly with schematics that have Touchstone data file subcircuits.

Minor Improvements

Visual System Simulator (VSS) Features
The NI AWR Visual System SimulatorTM (VSS) version 13 software includes the following new features, enhancements,
and user interface changes. The NI AWR Design EnvironmentTM (NI AWRDE) changes also apply to these specific
products.
VSS Output File

A new Output File measurement is added to export VSS RF link characteristics. The Write VSS RF Link Characteristics
to Text Data File: RFA_TDF output file measurement writes a Nonlinear Behavioral Model (File-Based): NL_F
compatible text file that included information on fundamental input, fundamental output, IM products (for 2-tone
simulations), harmonics (for 1-tone simulations), S11, S22, characteristic input and output impedances, and noise figure.
RFI Spurs Output File

RFI signal heritage information can be exported to an .xml file. From the Signal Heritage dialog box, click on the Export
button:

RFI Spurs Output File
to open the Export Options dialog box.

TDMS File Support
TDMS File Support

These new block are used to support TDMS files in VSS Time Domain simulations:
TDMS File Source: TDMS_SRC provides direct access to channels for analog data and to channel groups for digital
data. TDMS_SRC blocks may be configured with multiple output ports, with each port representing a different channel
or channel group.
TDMS File Independent Variable Source: TDMS_IVARSRC , which only works with analog waveforms, supports
independent variables. Common properties of channels within a channel group are identified as independent variables.
These variables then appear as parameters of the block and are used to select a channel at simulation time. An
example-independent variable is the signal power level.
TDMS File Sink: TDMS_SNK is used to create a TDMS file containing the samples from one or more input ports.
Samples from real or complex input ports are written to channels, while samples from digital input ports are written
as a group of channels within a channel group.
System Load Pull

System Load Pull for VSS measurements such as ACPR and EVM is now supported.

LTE-A Library Improvements
Example: System_Load_Pull.emp
LTE-A Library Improvements

Carrier aggregation, with intraband and interband component carriers are now supported. Throughput measurement of
combined component carriers is now supported.
Expanded Radar Library

Multiple and variable RF radar sources are now supported.
Improved Phased Array Models

The new VSS Phased Array Assembly, Data-file based: PHARRAY_F block allows you to simulate phased arrays
and model specific RF links and antenna patterns for individual elements in the array. In addition, the model can account
for mutual coupling between elements, allowing further insight into the array performance. PHARRAY_F makes it easy
to configure very large phased arrays, with standard or user-defined geometries or gain tapers, for example. The unique
NI AWRDE capabilities allow you to measure the phased array response and investigate effects of RF link nonlinearities,
gain and phase errors, element failure, and also perform yield analysis based on the tolerances of individual element
parameters.

Improved Phased Array Models

5G Library
Yield Analysis
30
Effect of random gain variation
on phased array response
10
GAIN(dB)
-10
-30
-50
-90 -60 -30 0 30 60 90
THETA (deg) (Deg)
Phased Array with Patch Antenna Elements Failure Analysis

Mag Max Mag Max
0
0
10
10
-10
-10
20
20
30 dB 30 dB
-20
-20
30
30
-3
-3
0
0
40
40
-4
-4
0
0
50 50
-5 -5
0 0
60 60
-6 -6
0 0
70 70
-70 -70
80 80
-80 -80
90 90
-90 -90
100 100
-100 -100
110 110
0 0
-11 -11
12 12
0 0
-1
2 0 Isotropic Elements -1
20 Perfect Array
13 13
0 0
-1
30
Patch Antenna Elements - 13
0
Array with Failed Elements
14
14
40
40
0
0
-1
-1
15
15
50
50
0
0
-1
-1
160
160
0
0
-16
-16
-170
13.3333 dB Mag Min

-170
13.3333 dB Mag Min

170
170
180
180
Per Div -50 dB Per Div -50 dB
Example: Phased_Array_PHARRAY_F.emp
5G Library
Implemented a number of 5G candidate modulation waveforms, such as FBMC, GFDM, and filtered-OFDM. Added
functionality includes signal generation and demodulation to allow for full system simulation and BER measurements.
Examples: 5G_BER_Analysis_FBMC.emp, 5G_EVM_ACPR_Analysis_FBMC.emp,

5G_PA_Analysis_FBMC_GFDM_OFDM.emp

Minor Improvements
Minor Improvements
AWR Visual System Simulator (VSS) V13 includes the following minor new features, enhancements, and user interface
changes:
New/Updated Examples
The following are new or updated NI AWRDE examples for V13. To find an example, choose File > Open Example and
type the example name.
16APSK_Modulation.emp demonstrates how to simulate 16APSK modulation.

Circuit_Envelope_Cosimulation_with_VSS.emp demonstrates circuit envelope co-simulation with VSS.
CoffeeCanRadar_SMT_Redesign.emp shows the design and simulation of a FMCW radar.
LMS_Multipath.emp performs better in most configurations and is easier to integrate into other systems.
LTE_NBIoT_UL_Coexistence_TestBench.emp demonstrates operation of NB-IoT in the guardband of an LTE signal.
NBIoT_Guardband_UL_RX_TestBench.emp demonstrates performance of LTE UL coexisting with NB-IoT uplink
signal.
NBIoT_Inband_UL_RX_TestBench.emp demonstrates operation of NB-IoT inside an LTE signal band.
NBIoT_UL_RX_TestBench.emp demonstrates NB-IoT uplink signal.
NL_F_Freq_Dependent.emp shows how NL_F can be used to accommodate frequency-dependent AM/AM and
AM/PM characteristics.
Phased_Array_PHARRAY_F.emp shows how to use PHARRAY_F to simulate phased arrays and model specific RF
links and antenna patterns for individual elements in the array.
RFI_Spur_Identification_Script.emp contains a spur finder script that identifies all the spurs above a pre-defined
level for specified ranges of RF and multiple LO frequencies.
VSS_TI_TRF370417_Quadrature_Modulator.emp models TI's TRF370417 Quadrature Modulator.
New System Blocks

The following new system blocks are included in VSS V13.
Coding-Mapping Blocks
Barker Code Generator: BARKER

Zadoff-Chu Sequence Generator: ZADOFF_CHU
5G Modulation Blocks
FBMC Modulation Block: FBMC_MOD

FBMC Demodulation Block: FBMC_DMOD
GFDM Modulation Block: GFDM_MOD
GFDM Demodulation Block: GFDM_DMOD
Subcarrier Mapper: SC_MAP
Subcarrier Demapper: SC_DMAP

Minor Improvements
TDMS File Blocks
TDMS File Independent Variable Source: TDMS_IVARSRC

TDMS File Sink: TDMS_SNK
TDMS File Source: TDMS_SRC
RF Blocks
IQ Imbalance: IMBAL_IQ
Lossless Tuner: LTUNER
n Port S Parameter Block: SnP_BLK
n Port Y Parameter Block: YnP_BLK
n Port Z Parameter Block: ZnP_BLK
Phased Array Assembly, Data-file based: PHARRAY_F
New System Output File Measurements

The following new system Output File measurements are included in VSS V13.
Write VSS RF Link Characteristics to Text Data File: RFA_TDF
Data Sets
VSS data sets may now be pinned to the document.
Measurements
Added LTE RFmx measurements as a result of integration with NI RFmx/Toolkits.
The RF Budget Analysis measurements C_SNR and SPWR_node now account for correlated signals at combiners,
similar to P_node.
Simulation
VSS Time Domain simulations now support simulation filters.
Eliminated NL_S redundant co-simulations when there are SWPVAR blocks in MWO schematics.
Improved VSS memory performance with large sweeps.
System Block Updates

VSS ANTENNA and PHARRAY_ANT blocks now support specifying the signal direction using U/V coordinates as
well as THETA/PHI angles.
VSS blocks that support multiple data groups, such as NL_F with independent variable support, now support an
INCLUDE property for including other text data files.
FREQS_OUT and FREQS_LO parameters are added to the mixer blocks to simplify the specification of
frequency-dependent output and LO related parameters. These parameters allow frequencies for those settings to be
specified separately from the frequencies for the input settings.

Minor Improvements
The 2nd order and 4th order products generated by nonlinear amplifiers are adjusted to properly account for phase
shifts due to impedance mismatch effects. Previously the phase shifts were ignored.
The Mixer blocks now properly account for the signal delay introduced by internal filters when frequency-dependency
is specified.
MIXER_B and MIXER_B2 are updated so that when LOMULT is specified as something other than 1, the P1dB and
IP3 settings apply to the final IF signal for RFB/RFI simulations (the settings were already applied to the final IF
signal for TD simulations). You can still select the previous behavior (to apply the P1dB and IP3 settings to the 1,1
or 1,-1 output) via the new LOMULTMODE secondary parameter.
When using NL_F with behavioral parameters such as P1dB or IP3, NL_F would use a measurement reference level
(MEASREF) of the operating point if input levels were not specified. This did not match the behavior of
AMP_B/AMP_B2. NL_F now does not set a measurement reference level in this case to more closely match the
behavior of AMP_B/AMP_B2.
NL_F now chooses "Data set closest to simulation frequency" for FRQDEP if FRQDEP is set to "Auto" and the data
file contains two tone data. This allows modeling of differing lower and upper IM products. Previously "Frequency
independent" was selected if there was only one set of two tone data.
Added pre- and post-filters for AM/AM-AM/PM model to NL_F and NL_MDIF which include a new AMPMFRQDEP
parameter for controlling how filtering is to be applied.
Support for passing parameter values to the schematic via parameterized equations is added to NL_S_ENV.
The RF dynamic switches RFSW_1nDYN and RFSW_n1DYN support for primitive blocks on their control signal
inputs in RF Budget Analysis and RF Inspector simulations is improved.
Improved frequency-dependent parameter calculations for AMP_B2 model.
In the VSS behavioral amplifiers AMP_B, AMP_B2, etc., when the amp was configured with frequency-dependent
settings and the center frequency to sampling frequency ratio was high (the amp decided it was narrowband), the
results would be poor when ALIAS = "Auto" because the AM/AM-AM/PM implementation was chosen. This is
changed so when AALIAS = "Auto" and the signal is narrowband, it is still treated as if it were broadband. The typical
net result is that a polynomial implementation is chosen, which models frequency-dependencies better than the
AM/AM-AM/PM implementation.
NL_S now allows you to control whether RFB, RFI and TD simulations utilize the S11 from the co-simulation. This
is done via the new S11USERFB, S11USERFI, and S11USETD parameters. Previously, the S11 from the co-simulation
was used by RF Inspector simulations, but not RF Budget Analysis nor Time Domain simulations. Now by default
RFI and RFB simulations use the S11, while TD simulations ignore the S11.
User Interface
The VSS Simulation Status dialog box now displays total sweep progress.

Minor Improvements

Analyst 3D Editor Features
The AnalystTM 3D Editor version 13 software includes the following new features, enhancements, and user interface
changes. Open Help from within the 3D Editor for more documentation specific to the 3D Editor.
Environment
Units
Both "microns" and "micron" can be used as an alternative to "um" in expressions.
Foreign Characters in Projects

Analyst now supports the use of foreign characters in project file names and paths.
Structure and Annotation View Keyboard Camera Interaction

These views now support using the keyboard for camera rotation, panning, and so on. See the Analyst User Guide for
details.
Variables
Auto-Complete
When editing an expression in a property grid, or in the Variable Control or Value Set Management dialog box, a list of
available variables, built-in constants, and functions is presented in a list box. This list is dynamically filtered as you
type to show items that match the content being typed. Items from the list can be selected with the up/down arrow keys
or by clicking on them. The selected item can be used to replace the word under the cursor by pressing the Tab or Enter
keys or by double-clicking. As functions are selected in the list, a tooltip displays to the right of the item to provide an
item description. For variables, the expression is shown, and for constants, the numeric value is shown.
Grouping
The Variable Control now includes a "Group" column that can be used to specify which group a variable belongs to.

Environment
You can type a new group name directly into the drop-down box and click the Edit Groups button to control group
visibility and rename and delete groups. See the Analyst User Guide for details.
Sorting
The contents of the Variable Control can be sorted by variable name or group by clicking the table column header.
Value Set Management Dialog Box
The Value Set Management dialog box is redesigned to make it easier to observe differences between value sets. It also
supports editing, duplication, and renaming of value sets.
New Functions
An overload of the cellvalue function is added in which the row and column are specified by header name instead of
index.
A round function is added to support rounding a number to the specified number of significant figures.

Geometry
Geometry
Solid/Element Browser Organization
Solids and elements can now be organized in several ways in the Browser, including in User folders. This functionality
is accessed by right-clicking the Geometry node in the Browser and choosing Solid/Element Organization and an organization
option. that allows you to perform various actions on all solids included in the folder. See the Analyst User Guide for
details.
Creation Order - Solids and elements are displayed in the order in which the solids or elements were created. User
folders are visible. This is the default ordering.
Alphabetical - Solids and elements are displayed in alphabetical order. User folders are visible.
By Material - Solids are displayed within folders that represent used Materials. This has no impact on sketch elements.
Shaded Without Edges View Style

In addition to Shaded and Wireframe styles, you can now display faces without edges to help in face picking in geometries
with large edge counts.

Geometry
Swept Solid Type Conversion

Transitioning from 2D to 3D is now easier by switching between a sketched Sheet (2D), extrusion, and revolution by
choosing Convert To XXX from the solid's Browser context menu.
Box Type
The box solid now includes a Type parameter that allows for a Start and End Corner definition as an alternative to the
default Corner and Extent definition. This addition can make certain parameterizations easier.
Excluding Operations
All non-creation solid and element operations now expose an Include parameter that allows for the operation to be
excluded from the regeneration process. This can be used to parametrically exclude an operation such as a rotation from
a solid or element.
STL Export
Geometry can now be exported in STL format for use in 3D printing.
Face/Edge Extrusions
This command now supports extrusion of an edge into a face. The default direction of an edge extrusion is normally to
the largest face that contains the edge. This has a variety of uses, but a primary use is to create patches for lumped ports
as shown in the following figure.
Importing Multiple Files

The dialog box used to import SAT, IGES, STEP and other file types now supports multiple file selection so that several
files can be imported in a single operation.
New Import File Formats

Import of binary ACIS (.SAB) files is now supported.

Geometry
Simplify Parameter for Extrusions and Revolutions

Sketch-based and face/edge-based extrusions and revolutions now provide a Simplify parameter. If "True", adjacent
colinear element/edges produce a single face; otherwise they produce adjacent coplanar faces. This is useful if you need
to apply separate attributes to such adjacent faces.
Sketched-Based Solid Type Conversion

Sketch-based solids can now be converted from one type to another using Browser context menu options. For example,
you can convert a Sketched Sheet (2D) to a Sketched Revolution. This conversion maintains the contents of the sketch,
however, you must revisit attributes.
Solid, Element and Operation Order

Solids, elements, solid operations and element operations can be reordered in the Browser by dragging the node
above/below another node. The order can also be changed by right-clicking a node and choosing Move Up or Move Down.
Sketcher Improvements
Polyline Blends
Interior points of polylines can now be blended (fillet/chamfer). This feature is accessed on the Sketch ribbon in the
Element Modification group by clicking Blend. See the Analyst User Guide for details.
Construction Elements
All sketch elements now include a Construction Only parameter. If this value is "True", the element is ignored during
covering although it can be used for snapping, and related operations. Such element lines are rendered using a dashed
line.
Joining of Lines and Polylines
Adjoining lines and polylines can be combined into a single polyline. This is particularly useful if you then need to apply
blends to the resulting polyline. This feature is accessed on the Sketch ribbon in the Element Modification group by clicking
Join.

Geometry
Elliptical Tangent Arc Element
You can now draw an elliptical arc specified by 2 tangent lines and a start and end point. The axes orientation can
additionally be chosen from a list of options.
Point Element
You can now draw a point element. By definition, this is a construction-only element and exists strictly for snapping,
and other related operations.
Center-based Circle Element
You can now draw a circle defined by a center and radius.
Calculations and Query Dialog Box Improvements

Length Unit
You can now override the working length unit in this dialog box.

Attributes
Vector Component Clipboard Copy
You can now copy a specific component of a vector cell to the Clipboard.
Attributes
Application Count Indicator
Browser nodes for attributes include a suffix that indicates how many bodies, faces, and edges the attribute is applied
to, as shown in the following figure. To turn off this feature, on the Home tab in the Settings group, click Environment
and choose Properties from the drop-down menu to display the Environment Properties dialog box. Under Browser set
the Show Attribute Application Information (Structure Browser) property to "False".

Attributes
Folder Visibility
Like the Geometry folder in the Browser, the Materials and attribute folders now display a light bulb icon that can be
toggled on/off to show or hide the contained items. This option is useful if, for example, you want to hide all faces with
mesh constraints.
Attribute Propagation Through Booleans, Lofts, or Other

When creating a Boolean, loft, or other, attributes on the stocks and tools are now automatically propagated to the resulting
solid whenever possible. In earlier versions, these attributes were removed automatically.
Attribute and Material Order

Attributes and materials can be reordered in the Browser by dragging the attribute/material node above/below another
node. The order can also be changed by right-clicking a node and choosing Move Up or Move Down.

Version 13.02 Updates
The NI AWR Design EnvironmentTM (NI AWRDE) version 13.02 includes the following new features, enhancements,
and user interface changes.
API
Querying an API measurement object for a trace with an out-of-range index no longer causes a crash.
Attempting to add a marker via the API to a measurement that is in error no longer causes a crash.
Using the API to get the count of the number of items in an empty TreeNodes collection now functions correctly.
Using the API to import a process library with a reference to an LPF file with the same name as the default LPF now
replaces the default LPF, and no longer results in merged values when the project is later saved and reopened.
Adding an EM port through the API no longer ignores the specified port number and uses the next available.
Using the API to add an EM port to an Analyst structure no longer places an invalid port type.
Geometry Simplification (SPP) Rules

In SPP rules, operations which accept layer lists now process correctly if the specified list has no shapes. Previously,
the operation would be run on all shapes in the layout rather than no shapes.
Graphs
Using an auto-search marker to find peaks/valleys on a graph of data from VSS no longer causes a crash.
Import/Export
Import Project now correctly imports EM structures containing parameterized arbitrary 3D EM subcircuits. Previously,
parameters on the arbitrary 3D EM subcircuit were reset to default values upon import.
Job Scheduler
Remote computing file transfer protocol is switched from using pipe IPC to OS command file copy. The result is
significant speed improvements in transferring simulation files from the user computer to the scheduler node, and in
transferring data sets from the remote computers back to the user.
Analyst mesh jobs now run in parallel with local and remote simulation jobs.
Improved the detection of circular remote host connections, in which a remote computer lists itself as remote host.
Previously this resulted in the remote computer crashing.
Improved the reliability of remote simulation Status returning to the user computer in cases of network drop or server
restart.
Layout
Subcircuits implemented as artwork cells are now consistently selectable in layout.
Modified drag handle selectability to be consistent with layer visibility. This allows easier editing of multi-level
structures by turning off upper layers to access edit handles of the deeper layers.

Layout - EM
The layout dimension line and layout ruler objects are no longer erroneously selected by Select All when the dimension
line layer is not visible.
Copying to the Clipboard a design that uses multiple process technologies no longer results in layers mapped to the
top-level technology when the design is pasted into other applications or printed.
Layout display is corrected and no longer appears slightly shifted from the origin markers instead of lining up.
Parameterized subcircuit instances which contains a complex polygon with overlapping cutouts no longer draw the
overlapped cutout incorrectly in the instance placement.
The cursor now snaps to gravity points along the closing edge of generalized polygons with cutouts.
Generalized polygons with cutouts no longer sometimes show line artifacts in polygon fill.
When an instance is flipped, text no longer sometimes rotates when descending into a subcircuit layout or cell instance
using "Edit in Place".
Cells besides the edit-in-place cell are no longer sometimes drawn with full intensity instead of dimmed.
Non-orthogonal route segments are no longer sometimes pulled to a different angle by gravity when aligning with a
pin.
Multi-layer routes with overlapping matching segments and vias no longer lose curve bend style when Minimal Vias
2 mode or Manual Via mode is used.
Highlights on a sub-object (such as a route via) of a standalone route now consistently display when selected without
requiring a window refresh.
The 3D layout view rendering of positive and negative layers in different levels of hierarchy now functions correctly.
Drawing layers display in the schematic 3D Layout View now match V12 behavior. Layer thickness and position in
the 3D view is now dependent only on LPF settings.
Layout - EM
Fixed regression with displaying polygons in the 3D EM Layout View when cut planes are in use.
Editing multiple points of a path simultaneously in EM layout no longer causes the EM port to sometimes move to an
incorrect location.
The Copy To Arbitrary 3D EM Structure command no longer issues an error when the original EM structure contains no
ports.
Layout - Shape Modifiers

Eliminated a false warning issued for possible point stretch modifier conflict when modifiers were stretching in
orthogonal directions and were not in conflict.
LAYSPPMOD can now perform Boolean operations on complex polygons.
Libraries
Added a Replace default LPF check box to the Select Process Library dialog box which displays when clicking the Add
button in the Add/Remove Process Library dialog box.
Load Pull
A new Edit Load Pull Measurements script improves the handling of projects with large numbers of load pull
measurements.

Measurements - Circuit
The Generate Gamma Points File script now exports a file in a format supported by the LPGPT measurement.
The Create Load Pull Template and Create System Load Pull Template scripts now work correctly when project
options are set to use Schematic dependent parameters use base units.
Improved the import of *.cst swept load pull files.
Linear Gain and Noise measurements are now correct when Port 2 is the "from" port, and Port 1 is the "to" port (ex:
GP(1,2)).
The PlotVs measurement no longer crashes when plotting Output Equations on VSS measurements.
Measurements - Electromagnetic
Antenna and In-situ antenna radiation pattern measurements now function correctly when swept variables (SWPVAR)
are used.
Models - Circuit
Added IBVL and NBVL parameters to support modeling of reverse leakage current. IFF import of SDIODE model
now maps IBVL, NBVL, NR, and ISR parameters properly.
Models - System
The RFATTEN block now includes a secondary parameter for specifying phase shift.
The default value for the T_ANT parameter of the ANTENNA, PHARRAY_ANT, PHARRAY_F, and RX_ANTENNA
blocks is now 290 K, previously it was empty.
Schematic Editor
Schematic wire editing that overlaps multiple segments no longer sometimes leaves disconnected segments on undo/redo
Scripts
The Export_PCB_Drill_Gerber script no longer causes a blank project pane after canceling the script.
Simulation - APLAC
Creating an APLAC operating-point measurement with switch lists is no longer a problem.
APLAC no longer issues an error with simulation sweeps of elements using multiplicity, where "M" is defined as an
expression, such as "2*5".
An "Unknown object or incorrect object type (powDB)" simulation error with the CONSTPOUT block is no longer
generated.
Corrected APLAC multiplicity (MULT) scaling for the collector, base and emitter inductors (LPC, LPB, LPE) of the
UCSD_HBT model.
Fixed APLAC simulation of NPORT_F when the file is located on a network drive. The network path is now resolved
correctly.

Simulation - AXIEM
APLAC now accounts for the FORCEPASSIVE parameter on the NPORT_F element. Previously that parameter was
ignored.
APLAC simulations no longer sometimes fail if an element has long vector parameters which exceed the netlist line
length.
XDB - Gain compression from the linear gain point works more reliably when the device has a lot of gain expansion.
XDB and CONSTPOUT no longer report answers if the simulation fails to find the specified solution.
BSIM3 no longer has compatibility issues.
MTL is now more accurate in envelope analysis.
FDD element evaluation during multi-threaded simulation now functions correctly.
Swept variables with Pass Down Mode set to Strong now simulate correctly with Switch Views.
Simulation - AXIEM
Corrected a v13 regression in AXIEM which improved accuracy, but significantly reduced speed and memory. The
improvement in accuracy is retained while recovering v12 speed and memory.
Significantly improved the speed when using the Multiple RHS solver when the number of iterations required to
converge is significantly different between ports.
Improved AXIEM DC convergence of the Multiple RHS solver.
An error message is now issued instead of crashing when overlapping ports sharing the same ground are detected.
Simulation - System
VSS transient co-simulation with the terminals of a voltage or current source shorted together no longer causes a crash.
Fixed an issue with IMBAL_IQ that would cause a spectral flip, which was visible when partial-band signals are used.
When operating at DC for ZIF configurations, the operating point used to compute the noise gain in nonlinear amps
in RF Budget Analysis simulations now treats the noise level as rms. Prior to this treatment, there was a somewhat
lower than expected noise when operating near the compression level.
The VSS mixers now properly compute RF Budget Analysis noise when there is a phase shift on the LO. Prior to the
fix the LSB gain computed for the noise calculations was not conjugated correctly.
In RF Budget Analysis simulations, when a VSS nonlinear amp is connected upstream of a mixer, the mixer's MODE
is set to 'DIFF', and the signal frequency at the amp is less than the frequency of the LO. The noise generated by this
amp is now correctly output-referred noise rather than the previous input-referred noise.
The algorithm used to identify the LO signal for RF Inspector simulations when there are multiple tones on the LO
input is adjusted. It now looks for the frequency components whose heritage contains the most levels of being marked
as a signal, and if there is more than one, the strongest one is chosen. Previously it only looked at the categorization
of the frequency component at the LO input, not at the heritage of the components.

Optimization is corrected where the goals are APLAC-based simulations that also use EM extraction which depends
on an optimization variable. Correct costs are now reported during optimization, and the final cost is now correct and
does not change with subsequent simulations.

User Interface
User Interface
In the Project Browser you can now right-click the Optimizer Goals node and choose Edit All Goals to open the Optimizer
window Goals tab. You can also right-click the Yield Goals node and choose Edit All Goals to open the Yield Analysis
window Goals tab.
Enabled multi-row editing in the Optimizer window Goals tab.
Fixed a regression when directly editing cell values of a table in a dialog box. The next cell is correctly selected for
editing when the cursor focus is moved using arrow keys.
Different multi-selected cells are no longer erroneously selected after sorting a table by clicking on a column name in
a dialog box.
Table redraws are corrected when scrolling a dialog box while editing a cell.
Wizards - Component Synthesis

In the Component Synthesis Wizard, rat lines now correctly display in the layout of the synthesized circuit.
Wizards - IFF Import and Export

The IFF Export Wizard no longer omits the last character in symbol names when exporting to Mentor.
When the IFF Export Wizard is used to export to Mentor, it now takes advantage of relevant User Attributes on the
elements.
Added support to the IFF Import Wizard for using the element map file to convert the values of enumerated parameters.
Updated the IFF Import Wizard to take advantage of new parameters in the SDIODE model.
Importing ADS INDQ components from IFF files now functions correctly.
The IFF Import Wizard is updated to map the Rg, Rd, and Rs parameters of the ADS Statz model to the corresponding
parameters of the AWRDE Statz model. Previously the RG, RD, and RS parameters were always set to 0.
The map file for the IFF Import Wizard can now indicate that the component identifier from the IFF file should be
ignored for specific component types.
Wizards - PCB Import

Importing IPC-2581 files which use CONTOURs as a standard dictionary shape for pads now honors any transformation
(for example, rotation) that is present.
Fixed rendering of overlapping path outlines that can occur in imported PCB files that have paths defined with segments
that track back upon itself.
Fixed PCB import of overlapping holes with offset centers that are defined as arcs with different centers and segments
that track back upon itself.
Fixed ODB++ import when dielectric layers are defined with multiple materials. Each layer is now assigned the correct
material.


Version 13.01 Updates
The NI AWR Design EnvironmentTM (NI AWRDE) version 13.01 includes the following new features, enhancements,
and user interface changes.
Security Risk in V13 Addressed

The Guided Help feature added in V13 runs automatically in the background. Guided Help assists users of the NI AWR
Knowledge Base to seamlessly download projects and run AWRDE scripts. Its conceivable that a user could be given
a URL to visit that contains malicious script code that would be executed by the AWRDE. To mitigate this possibility,
Guided Help no longer runs by default. Instead, you must now enable it by choosing Help > Enable Guided Help.
New Examples
Analyst_Custom_Port_Size.emp
API
Added API support for issuing an object properties command for objects selected in the project view tree.
Added API support for passing arguments to a Wizard when starting it programmatically from the AWR Development
Environment.
Added Close() method to the API Windows collection to close all the top level windows.
Added check for missing file extension when importing LPF files through the API, and added code to try importing
with the extension added.
Connectivity Checker
Highlight Connectivity Probe now works with multi-technology projects that contain multiple LPFs.
Connectivity Checker now supports polygons with holes.
Highlight Connectivity now renders polygons with holes correctly.
Geometry Simplification (SPP) Rules

The Shape Pre-Processor no longer generates an error when working with shapes a large distance (for instance, half
a meter or more) from the origin.
The SPP engine no longer occasionally crashes when running the PRE_MERGE_VIA_ARRAYS rule.
Results of the RESIZE rule are now identical to the BOOLEAN_OPS RESIZE rule.
The SPP Region Statement now works correctly with layers that have a space in the name (for example, "Metal 1").
Import/Export
Fixed DXF import of arc segments defined by LWPOLYLINE.
Layout
Copying shapes from one instance of NI AWRDE to another instance no longer loses net names associated with pasted
shapes.

Layout - EM
Improved net name handling when reading older projects that do not have net names registered in the project.
iNet associated shapes now export correctly when a design does not use the default LPF file.
The Merge Shapes command no longer loses cutout shapes in complex polygons when merging shapes with +/- layers.
Added alignment guides between cutout center points when dragging holes on a complex polygon.
Improved Via Fence functionality with negative offset.
The program no longer hangs when saving projects that contain layout polygons with overlapping holes as V12.
Improved 2D Layout View of translucent shapes with holes.
Changing the database units on a design which contains generalized polygons with many arc segments no longer
results in rendering problems for some of the arc segments.
Selecting and deleting a cutout in a network associated polygon now deletes the cutout rather than the polygon.
Modified the Edit Arc Segments command to ensure that an edited object is taken out of standard segment edit mode
before entering arc segment edit mode.
Editing the arc segments of a generalized polygon and then undoing the edits now correctly restores the shape to its
pre-edited shape and bounding box size.
Drawing generalized polygons with cutouts on a linetype with multiple translucent layers no longer results in a crash.
Fixed some rendering issues for paths with rounded bends and rounded ends with very short segments.
Very short orthogonal path segments with curved ends can no longer cause malformed path shapes to be drawn in
layout.
Descending into Edit in Place from a document on one LPF to a subcircuit with a master document on a different LPF
no longer displays the incorrect layers for the top-level context document.
Deleting the primary port element on a subcircuit master no longer causes movement in the subcircuit placements.
Create EM Clip Region now works with a zero resize offset.
Layout - EM
A default Global STACKUP can now be designated by adding a user attribute named "Default" to the STACKUP.
The default STACKUP is selected by default when creating a new EM document.
New EM structures created with Initialization Options set as Default are now correctly created with the Enclosure options
defined in the "Default" LPF.
Load Pull
Load pull contour markers now display parameter values in the case when there is only a single contour.
Load pull contours are now more robust for cases where the sampled data is concentrated in a very small area.
Fixed incorrect Harmonic Index frequency in the Add/Modify Measurement dialog box when using _FREQH1 for
tone spacing.

The in-situ antenna measurement, SF_TPwr_CKT, is improved for cases including resistive or reflection/coupling
losses, and the driving circuit has multiple termination ports (for example, for power sampling).
Models - System
The ZRAD statement in PHARRAY_F data files is now properly implemented.
Added support for MIMO operation to PHARRAY_ANT.
Scripts
Fixed STACKUP element file parse errors with the Archive Project and Clean Project scripts.
Fixed Load Pull scripts to work with non-English Windows regional settings.
In order to prevent memory issues, the Generate_MDIF_Files script now only supports files with a maximum of 20
ports.
Shape Modifiers
Fixed issue where modifiers with Boolean operations that resulted in blank subcircuit instance would remain blank
when edited until the project was reopened.
Boolean modifiers now update to reflect new settings when the project layout Boolean options for handling polygon
holes are changed.
Creating a parameterized instance of a design with a Boolean layer modifier no longer causes a snap-together to occur
in the parent design.
Temporary layers created by the Shape Preprocessor (SPP) Modifier are now automatically deleted.
A spacing modifier associated with the cutouts of a complex polygon now tracks with the polygon when the polygon
is rotated or flipped.
There is no longer a selection issue for subcircuits that contain both a complex polygon and a Boolean layer modifier.
The A-Touches-B Layer Boolean modifier now correctly retains holes in complex polygons.
Fixed inconsistent results when using the SMALL_CORRECTIONS_SNAP rule with the Shape Preprocessor (SPP)
modifier.
Simulation - Analyst
Analyst mesher no longer crashes, and the EM3D_SURF_CONCERNS annotation can be used to visually locate the
problem geometry.
Simulation - APLAC
APLAC simulator options now display with a linear license.
APLAC simulation results now update correctly when editing a subcircuit.
Using a function of _FREQ as the value of the "Freq" parameter of a tone source like PORTF, which is invalid, now
prompts an error message rather than a crash.
Improved model compatibility for BSIM3, Hicum and Sdiode models.

Simulation - AXIEM
Simulation - AXIEM
Meshing is now faster for AXIEM structures with a large number of bad facets.
Fixed a potential math error in the AXIEM Low Frequency Iterative solver.
Fixed a mesh error where the top mesh is missing.
Switching from EM document frequency to "Use project defaults" no longer results in a bad mesh.
The mesher no longer wrongly assigns a small edge from a nearby shape as part of a port on a different shape.
Improved AXIEM iterative solver passivity.
Simulation - Systems
In RF Inspector simulations with mixers or frequency multipliers, feedthrough terms that are near DC are now
consistently passed through when the RF frequency is less than 2 LO.
RF Inspector simulations now always limit generated spectral components to the minimum floor levels specified on
the System Simulator Options dialog box RFI/RFB Settings tab, especially when the signal is a modulated signal.
Fixed RFI Spur File Export crash.
When running multiple VSS Time Domain simulations, if one simulation finishes, and you pause the system simulators,
continuing the simulations no longer restarts the finished simulation.
When RF_CNTRLR or RF_PID blocks have impedance mismatches at their input port and impedance mismatch
modeling is enabled, the Time Domain simulation output now properly accounts for the impedance mismatch, as RF
Inspector and RF Budget Analysis simulations do.
The PWR_MTR block can now be used in AGC style control loops in RF Budget Analysis and RF Inspector simulations,
similar to RF_CNTRLR and RF_PID.
Multiple FMULT_B2 elements on separate LOs no longer share the same frequency vectors, resulting in erroneous
noise results.

Fixed tuning with APLAC simulations when the schematic contains a PORT2 element.
User Interface
The EM Port Properties dialog box now supports multi-select editing, filtering and sorting.

ODB++ import now handles surfaces with multiple islands.
Fixed ODB++ import of user-defined shapes that do not have numeric characters in the name.
IPC-2581 import of non-orthogonal rotated circles or ellipses now displays correctly in the resulting layout.

Migration Issues
The following are issues you need to address when migrating from an NI AWR Design EnvironmentTM (NI AWRDE)
V12 release to an NI AWRDE V13 release. Not all topics apply to every user. If you are not familiar with a topic or
program feature included here, it probably does not apply to your use of the software. You should read about all of the
issues before developing your migration strategy. You can contact <awr.support@ni.com> with any questions.
The path to the <Appdatauser> files referenced in this document is operating system dependent. To view the directory
path to your <Appdatauser> files, choose Help > Show Files/Directories to display the Directories dialog box, then
double-click the Appdatauser folder.
NI AWRDE V13 Specific Migration Issues

Licensing
NI AWRDE V13 requires FLEXlm version 11.14.0 or later for floating licensing. New FLEX tools and the vendor
daemon are available from the Downloads page at www.ni.com/awr.
Remote Computing
In order to submit NI AWRDE V13 remote jobs from a user computer, the scheduler and compute nodes must be upgraded
to a V13 service. See Upgrade Installations for details.
AXIEM Multiple RHS Solver Option

A new AXIEM secondary Iterative Solver option, Multiple RHS Solver, is introduced in V13. By default, this option is
enabled. Older projects will also have this option enabled when opened in V13. This option potentially speeds up
simulation time, at the expense of memory. AXIEM detects how much memory is available to prevent the simulation
from running out of memory and resorting to disk swapping. In the unlikely case that AXIEM does run out of memory
on a very large design, clear the Multiple RHS Solver option to reduce memory requirement.

Due to an improved algorithm, AXIEM simulations using AFS may converge with fewer simulated frequencies when
compared to previous versions. EM annotations in older projects may need to be deleted and re-added if the annotation
does not display, because the number of frequency points (FSAMP) stored in the newly simulated data set is different
from what the old annotation was saved with.
Analyst Antenna Measurements

In NI AWRDE V13, if only antenna patterns are desired (not field patterns), in the EM Options dialog box (or Options
dialog box for specific projects) on the Analyst tab, set the Field Output Frequency to "None" to decrease data set size and
improve simulation time.
Negation Elements
In V13, a new general N-port negation element, NEG, is added as a replacement for NEG2, NEG4, and NEG4_DEMB.
NEG2 and NEG4 models are now obsolete, but may continue to be used. The NEG4_DEMB model is eliminated, and
any NEG4_DEM models in projects are converted to the obsolete NEG4 model.

NI AWRDE V13 Specific Migration Issues
HSPICE Upgrade
In V13, HSPICE simulation of the EEHEMT model is no longer supported.
Unit Type on Subcircuit Passed Parameters

Subcircuit passed parameters (i.e. equations defined with syntax "VariableName << DefaultValue") are by default
unitless, but can be assigned units by setting the Unit Type option. Also by default, the subcircuit schematic option
Dependent parameters use base units is not enabled. A double scaling issue occurs when both Unit Type is used, and
Dependent parameters use base units is not enabled. The work-around in previous versions of NI AWRDE was to enter
parameters values on subcircuit instances that canceled double scaling. In the following example, a project is set up with
length units set to microns (um). In a subcircuit, the passed parameter L << 100 has Unit Type set to Length. In the parent
document, in order to correctly set L = 100um on the subcircuit instance, you need to enter 100e6 (which is then scaled
by 1e-6 from the um unit so that the value 100 is passed down) to work around the double scaling.
In V13, a new schematic option is introduced that eliminates the double scaling issue. For new schematics, the new
schematic option Scale exported parameters with units to user unit values is selected by default. With this option enabled,
you do not need to account for double scaling when entering values on subcircuit parameters that have Unit Type set. In
the previous example, if this new option is selected, you no longer needed to multiple subcircuit parameter values by
1e6. In migrating older projects to V13, if Unit Type was previously set on a schematic, this new option will not be enabled
when the project is opened in V13 in order to retain the double scaling behavior since parameter values were previously
adjusted to account for double scaling.
AWR RF Board Libraries

AWR Example Libraries AWR_RFBoard_2layer_FR4, AWR_RFBoard_2layer_RO4003, and
AWR_RFBoard_2layer_RO4350 are replaced with the AWR_RFBoard_2layer library. You should remove links to the
old libraries by choosing File > New With Library > Purge.
Opening older projects that use the older libraries causes this message to display:
Click Yes and browse to the AWR_RFboard_2layer.ini file and click Open. The default location for this file is C:\Program
Files (x86)\AWR\AWRDE\13\Library\example_pdks\rfboard_2layer\AWR_RFboard_2layer.ini. Click Yes in the next
window to continue to use 'AWR_RFBoard_2layer'. Save the project to retain the new library.
Likewise, when opening projects using the new AWR_RFBoard_2_layer library, if a AWR - Library Load Error message
displays to indicate that Library 'AWR_RFBoard_2_layer' was not found, follow the previous steps to browse to and
select the new library.

Version Independent Migration Issues

The items in this section address moving files and settings from one software version to another. Beginning in NI AWRDE
V11, some of these files and settings are automatically migrated from a previous version of the software to the current
version. If the previous software version is not found, up to three major versions back are searched. For example, if
migrating to NI AWRDE V13, NI AWRDE 12, NI AWRDE V11, and NI AWRDE V10 are searched.
NOTE: Ensure that your Windows Explorer program is set to show hidden and system files.
Files Automatically Migrated

If the Appdatauser or Appdatacommon folders are redirected to non-default locations, no files or directories are
automatically migrated. This is not common; you would have to create a redirect.ini file in the program directory to
accomplish this.
Files in Appdatacommon
The migration of Appdatacommon is triggered based on the existence of the mwoffice.ini file in the Appdatacommon
folder for the newly installed version.
If there is an existing mwoffice.ini file, no files or folders are migrated.

If the mwoffice.ini file does not exist, it is copied from the previous location if found.
If the mwoffice.ini file does not exist and an older version is not found, a new file is created.
The path to each PDK is stored in the mwoffice.ini file and is available for any user of that computer. The installation
location of foundry libraries is typically version-independent; the default installation locations are not dependent on the
NI AWRDE version. These paths are used when opening a project using a PDK or by choosing File > New with Library.
All additional files and directories at this location are not copied since they should not be used with the new version of
the software.
Files in Appdatauser
The migration of Appdatauser is triggered based on the existence of the user.ini file in the Appdatauser folder for the
newly installed version. If there is an existing user.ini file, no files/folder are migrated. No existing files or folders are
overwritten.
The following files/folders are migrated:
All .ini files located at the top level directory of Appdatauser, including user.ini. The user.ini file contains environment
settings, custom layout modes, and other environment defaults.
All XML files located at the top level directory of Appdatauser. This includes:
customizations.xml - contains your hotkey settings.
UICustomizations.xml - contains your menu settings. You can always reset the menus to the NI AWRDE V13
defaults.
UIDockingLayout.xml - contains settings for how different windows are docked in the NI AWRDE.
UIToolBarLayout.xml - contains your toolbar settings. You can always reset the toolbars to the NI AWRDE V13
defaults.

materialdefs.xml - There are several preset materials such as FR4, alumina, and GaAs available in the EM interface.
If you modify these settings, the changes are stored in materialdefs.xml.
These directories:
scripts - Global (available in any project) Visual Basic scripts.
models/model64 - Custom models used in the NI AWRDE.
cells/cells64 - Custom cells used in the NI AWRDE.
symbols - Custom symbol files created in the NI AWRDE.
em_models - User-filled X-Model tables.
XML - XML libraries installed in the default location.
All additional files and directories in this location are not copied since they should not be used with the new version of
the software.
Files NOT Automatically Migrated

License File
TARGET: License Administrators
NI AWRDE V13 requires a new license file. You can request an updated license file by sending an email to
<awr.license@ni.com> with your company name and a copy of your current license file.
Your NI AWRDE V13 license file is also backwards-compatible to AWR 2006. If you use a floating license server,
your lmgrd.exe must be version 11.14.0 or later.
User-Defined XML Libraries
TARGET: Users who have local XML libraries (anything outside of the NI AWR web library)
Many users either choose to install a local copy of the XML libraries or add to the default installation with other
vendor-specific XML libraries. The default location is the <Appdatauser> folder. If your XML is in this location it
can be migrated automatically (see Files Automatically Migrated ).
Starting in V11, the correct location for these libraries is :\Users\UserName\AppData\Local\AWR\Design
Environment\V11.0\XML. There are top level folders for 3D EM Elements, Circuit Elements and System Blocks. Any
XML file located in these top level directories is automatically used in the NI AWRDE WITHOUT the need to edit
files in the installation folders.
The best way to migrate these libraries is to open your current lib.xml and sys_lib.xml files in the Library folder of
your old installation and search for any paths you added to this library (perhaps compare with v12). Find those libraries
and move the top level XML file to the directory listed above to break the cycle of needing to edit these install XML
files.
Other Concerns
Model Compatibility
TARGET: Designers
When model changes are identified, the project can use a model compatibility flag. When you open an old project in
a newer version of the NI AWRDE, the simulation results from the previous version do not change. You can change

the model compatibility setting to see simulation results with the old and new model implementation. A dialog box
similar to the following displays when you open your design in a newer version if there are models with a compatibility
setting in your design.
You can switch between model versions in the Circuit Options dialog box by choosing Options > Default Circuit Options,
then clicking the AWR Sim tab, clicking the Show Secondary button, and then selecting the desired modeling version
from Model compatibility version.
Multiple NI AWRDE Versions
TARGET: NI AWR software installers
Most users keep NI AWRDE V12 installed when upgrading to NI AWRDE V13 to ensure their designs upgrade
properly before converting permanently to NI AWRDE V13.
When you install NI AWRDE V13, both versions will run. Uninstalling any version may result in registry problems;
therefore, when you uninstall, NI AWR recommends that you also repair your active installation. One way to repair
your installation is to open the Control Panel and double-click Add or Remove Programs. In the Add or Remove Programs
dialog box, find your NI AWRDE installation and click on the Click here for support information link to open the Support
Info dialog box, then click the Repair button.
Redirection
TARGET: Users of any type of file redirection (changing the default locations for any of the folders used by the NI
AWRDE)
In networked environments, some users may choose to change the default location for certain files.
Complete information on redirection is available in the Installation Guide under "Configuring Program File Locations".
If you use this capability, ensure that you make the same changes in NI AWRDE V13 that you set up for NI AWRDE
V12.


AWRDE 13 Update Log

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v13.

1960 E. Grand Avenue, Suite 430

2017 National Instruments. All rights reserved.

For patents covering NI AWR software products/technology, refer to ni.com/patents.

What's New in NI AWR Design Environment iii

AWR Connected Partners ........................................................................................................... 316

iv NI AWR Design Environment

5G Modulation Blocks ................................................................................................. 47

What's New in NI AWR Design Environment v

vi NI AWR Design Environment

Negation Elements .............................................................................................................. 81

What's New in NI AWR Design Environment vii

viii NI AWR Design Environment

The following are updates for minor versions:

Version 13.01 Updates - Updates for the 13.01 minor version.

Major Feature Overview

NI AWR Design Environment (NI AWRDE)

Microwave Office and Analog Office

What's New in NI AWR Design Environment 11

HSPICE Upgrade: Upgrade to 64-bit HSPICE.

Visual System Simulator (VSS)

12 NI AWR Design Environment

5G Library: Implemented a number of 5G candidate modulation waveforms.

What's New in NI AWR Design Environment 13

14 NI AWR Design Environment

Enhanced Graph Markers

Documentation: Auto-search Markers.

What's New in NI AWR Design Environment 21

22 NI AWR Design Environment

APLAC Time Domain Modeling

APLAC Transient Analysis

Improved time step algorithm and error control.

APLAC Transient Assisted Harmonic Balance

APLAC Marching Waveforms

What's New in NI AWR Design Environment 31

Support for source pull.

APLAC Circuit Envelope Simulation

32 NI AWR Design Environment

2 GHz BW Around 10 GHz Carrier

-30 Power Spectrum(dBm)

New Circuit Envelope sources:

New Spectrum measurements:

New Total Time Waveform measurements:

New Time Varying Complex Envelope around a Specific Carrier measurements:

New Output File measurement:

What's New in NI AWR Design Environment 33

Documentation: Circuit Envelope Simulation

New Optimization Methods

Documentation: Advanced Genetic Algorithm, Particle Swarm

Updated Yield Optimization Dialog Box

New Layout Editor Commands

34 NI AWR Design Environment

Documentation: Layout Shapes Editing

Shape Preprocessor Modifier

By applying the following rule:

What's New in NI AWR Design Environment 35

the corners are now rounded.

Documentation: Properties Dialog Box: Shape Preprocessor (SPP) Modifier

Line Types Window Pane

36 NI AWR Design Environment

What's New in NI AWR Design Environment 37

38 NI AWR Design Environment

Documentation: EM: Job Scheduler

What's New in NI AWR Design Environment 39