An efficient PEEC algorithm for modeling of LTCC RF circuits with finite metal strip thickness

Abstract

In this letter, a simple but effective method is introduced to facilitate the partial element equivalent circuit (PEEC) algorithm to model multilayered low-temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) embedded RF circuits with finite metal thickness. The method makes use of the quasistatic assumption that charges only reside on the surfaces of a conductor. In the calculation of the coefficient of potential matrix, one thick conductor plate is treated as two inter-connected zero-thickness plates. Recombining the two plates analytically can correctly account for the increase of plate-to-plate capacitance without adding extra elements to the resultant equivalent circuit model. Experimental results have verified the validation of the proposed method.