Development of an integrated system for device modeling for RF/microwave CAD applications

In the field of RF/microwave communication technologies, computer-aided design is employed at every level of the microwave system engineering process. Fabrication of microwave communication systems is complex and costly. By simulating these systems before they are fabricated, microwave engineers can save time and money by predicting the performance of these systems ahead of time. Of primary importance to the institution of computer-aided design is the development of semiconductor device models. These models must be developed to behave in the computer-aided design environment as close to the behavior of their real-world counterparts as possible. Semiconductor device models can be developed for use in several computer-aided design environments, one of which is the circuit simulator. Circuit simulators give engineers the ability to perform simulation of microwave systems under specified external electrical stimuli. Development of computer-aided design semiconductor device models for use in circuit simulators is one of the primary focuses of this dissertation.; The development of elegant CAD semiconductor device models is a lengthy process that requires the skills and expertise of three primary areas. These areas are device measurement, data characterization, and model implementation. In order to achieve an accurate CAD model, the measured data from the device being modeled needs to be as true-to-life as possible. Taking measurements of microwave devices is not a trivial task, particularly those measurements needed to develop a robust, accurate CAD model. In addition to accurate measurements, the characterization of the data acquired by said measurement should be as robust as possible, especially as applied to the design environment for which the model is to be used.; This dissertation presents the development and implementation of software designed to produce accurate and robust device models for use in a popular computer-aided design environment. It is asserted that the development of software that integrates the major functions of CAD device modeling will greatly enhance the RF/microwave design capabilities of COMSARE. Ultimately, such software will prove to be of great benefit to microwave model developers and designers alike as it affords engineers the ability to create customized device models quickly and with confidence.