iCD Power Distribution Network (PDN) Planner
"Analyze multiple power supplies to maintain low impedance over the entire frequency range dramatically improving product performance and reliability".
The iCD PDN Planner builds on the familiar ease of use of the popular iCD Stackup Planner software that has been used by over 15,000 PCB Designers and Engineers globally since 1996.
The iCD PDN Planner has the ability to analyze an unlimited number of power supply configurations. A typical high speed multilayer PCB has ten or more individual power supplies that all serve a different purpose and must be regulated to maintain power integrity during high current switching up to the maximum frequency.
iCD PDN Planner On-line Videos:
iCD PDN Planner Introduction (11 mins)
iCD Design Integrity Training (Includes both Stackup and PDN Planner training - 42:23 mins)
Nine Dot Connects - iCD Design Integrity Suite Demo (45:23)
PDN EMI Plots (11:30 mins)
Scattering Parameter Import (6:25 mins)
Request a free 14-day evaluation.
The EMI plot represents the projected maximum radiated noise if a high-speed signal excites the plane resonance at a particular frequency. Plus the applicable EMC standard can be selected from the EMC Limit pull-down menu. In Europe and Australia, the applicable EMC standard is CISPR. The United States complies to the FCC and in Japan the VCCI standard applies.
The user may add an unlimited number of bulk bypass and decoupling capacitors. Instantly analyse the Voltage Regulator Module, PCB Substrate - include plane resonance, bulk bypass and decoupling capacitors simultaneously to solve parameters for the desired effective impedance of the Power Distribution Network.
A comprehensive Capacitor Library with over 5,650 readily available SMD capacitors is included listing Value, ESR, ESL, Voltage, Tolerance, Dielectric Material and SMD Package Type ready for insertion into the iCD PDN Planner. Also, capacitors can be entered into the library with the new S-Param Importer.
S-Parameter Capacitor Import to iCD PDN Planner
The Scattering Parameter (S-Param) import to the iCD PDN Planner is via the Touchstone 2-Port (s2p) format. Unfortunately, capacitor manufacturers have quite different styles, of these files, that represent a 2-port model which must be converted to the reflected input impedance S11. The latest trend is for manufacturers to use Touchstone S-Param files to provide capacitor data to their customers. Therefore the S-Param Importer allows iCD software customers to import virtually an unlimited number of capacitors directly from the manufacturer's web site as they are made available.
Alternatively, S-Param capacitors can be imported into the Dielectric Materials Library (DML). It makes sense that if you wish to reuse the S-Param imported capacitors then it is best to import them straight into the library. This is done by opening the DML and selecting 'Import S-Param' from the 'Add capacitor' drop-down menu. There is also a 'Manual Entry' option.
Please see the short video Scattering Parameter Import (6:25 mins)
List of Features in the 2013-17 Release of the iCD PDN Planner
AC Analysis of an unlimited number of power supply configurations
Definition of planes, dielectric constant and plane separation for each on-board power supply
Definition of each Voltage Regulator Mode including Voltage, I max, I transient, V ripple and the selection of switch mode or linear power supplies
PDN EMI Plot with FCC, CISPR and VCCI EMC limits
Capacitance of die
Via loop inductance and via Spreading
Package and Fanout style Inductance
Frequency range F min and F max settings up to 100 GHz
F target setting - set fundamental frequency
Z Target - automatically determined by the VRM settings
Mouse-over Effective Impedance and Frequency readout on display
Undo/Redo - to enhance what-if analysis
Setup -> Configuration dialog
Units - Metric and Imperial (also ability to save in both units)
Export to CSV or View Data to further analyze
Copy to Clipboard - contains the Effective Impedance Analysis Graph
On-line Design Rule Checker (DRC)
Capacitor Library Editor - Including a starter set of over 5,635 readily available components
Scattering Parameter (S-Param) import via the Touchstone 2-Port (s2p) format.
