Simulation, modeling, and testing embedded RF capacitors in low temperature cofired ceramic

Accurate circuit simulation models for embedded RF passive components in low temperature cofired ceramic (LTCC) provide a way to efficiently design high performance RF modules. This paper compares EM simulation results with lab measurement data for a set of embedded LTCC capacitors. Equivalent circuits based on EM simulation and measurement data describe all the important component properties including primary capacitance value, port parasitic capacitances, Q values as a function of frequency, and resonant frequencies. Models built from equivalent circuits accurately represent the performance of embedded RF module passive components when used with circuit simulation tools during RF module design. These models can also be used during IC design to simulate circuit operation in the RF module environment.