Analysis and Verification

R2026b

EM solvers, analysis functions, mesh configuration, utility functions

Each element in the RF PCB Toolbox™ library has a set of analysis functions. Use these functions to analyze:

All the components in PCB Components Catalog.
Printed circuit board (PCB) components designed using design function.
Custom PCB components created using functions and objects in Custom Geometry and PCB Fabrication.

Use this category also to mesh the PCBs into discretized triangles and tetrahedrons for solving analysis equations. You can also compare RF PCB Toolbox simulations with fabricated PCBs, measured results, and technical articles.

Objects

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Analysis

frequencySweep Create frequency sweep object (Since R2025a)

Functions

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Analysis

`current`	Calculate and plot current distribution
`charge`	Calculate and plot charge distribution
`capacitance`	Calculate capacitance
`coupling`	Calculate coupling factor of coupler (Since R2022a)
`design`	Design PCB component around particular frequency
`dgs`	Create defected ground structure of PCB element (Since R2023a)
`directivity`	Calculate directivity of coupler (Since R2022a)
`EHfields`	Electric and magnetic fields of PCB components (Since R2025a)
`feedCurrent`	Calculate current at feed port
`getZ0`	Calculate characteristic impedance of transmission line
`getZEven`	Calculate even mode impedance of differential PCB transmission line (Since R2022b)
`getZOdd`	Calculate odd mode impedance of differential PCB transmission line (Since R2022b)
`getRationalModel`	Read rational fitting parameters (Since R2025a)
`inductance`	Calculate inductance
`isolation`	Calculate isolation of coupler (Since R2022a)
`propagationDelay`	Compute propagation delay of transmission line (Since R2022b)
`rlgc`	Compute resistances, inductances, conductances, and capacitances (Since R2022b)
`sparameters`	Calculate S-parameters for RF PCB objects
`optimize`	Optimize pcb catalog object (Since R2025a)
`slice`	Create cross section 2-D slice of PCB (Since R2026a)

Meshing

`mesh`	Change and view mesh properties of metal or dielectric in PCB component
`meshconfig`	Change mesh mode of PCB component or shape structure
`MeshReader`	Read properties of mesh (Since R2026b)

Utility

`cylinder2strip`	Cylinder equivalent width approximation
`dielectric`	Dielectric material for use as substrate
`DielectricCatalog`	Catalog of dielectric materials
`metal`	Conductor material
`MetalCatalog`	Catalog of metals
`voltagePort`	Create voltage source with N-ports
`RFConnector`	Create RF connector (Since R2023b)

Topics

Fundamental RF PCB Analysis

Scattering Parameters or S-Parameters
Basics of S-parameters, how to analyze PCB components using S-parameters.
Behavioral Models
Accelerate circuit level analysis, behavioral s-parameter calculations, optimize layout and performance.
Characteristic Impedance of Transmission Lines
Characteristic impedance of transmission lines; even and odd mode impedances of coupled transmission lines.

Solvers

Method of Moments Solver for Metal and Dielectric Structures
Method of Moments computation technique for metal and dielectrics in a PCB.
2-D Field Solver
The 2-D field solver in RF PCB Toolbox™ allows you to model and analyze the cross-sections of multi-conductor transmission lines in a multi-layered dielectric above a ground plane like a microstrip line.
Eigenmode-Based Solver for PCB Vias
Wave generation and propagation in vias, circuit model, equations.
FEM-based Solver for RF Structures
This topic explains the use of a Finite-Element-Method-based solver to complex RF structures.

Featured Examples

Single Ended Via Analysis with Placement of Ground Return Vias for 40+ Gbps Signaling

Model the return path of single ended printed circuit board vias using the viaSingleEnded object.

Open Live Script

Surrogate Based Optimization of a Planar Spiral Inductor

Use an optimization based approach for designing a planar PCB spiral inductor. A surrogate optimization technique available in Global Optimization Toolbox™ is used as the optimizer. The spiral inductor material parameters and geometry gives rise to an effective inductance across the input and output ports. A rectangular spiral on a silicon substrate is chosen based on [1]. The target inductance to be achieved is 10 nH at a frequency of 3 GHz.