OptEM Connector is a software tool for the electromagnetic analysis and SPICE modeling of high-speed connectors and related interconnect media.

OptEM Connector is used by engineers developing connectors for systems with high-speed data transmission. Critical concerns for connector designers include lossy and frequency-dependent characteristics of the connector, and impedance control. To minimize reflections designers must compensate for sections with lower impedance while keeping in mind the requirements for signal speed and frequency range. Using OptEM Connector a designer can model cross sections and observe L, R, C, G, and characteristic impedance (Zo) results, as well as create transmission line models for analyses like TDR, ground bounce and near/far end crosstalk simulation. OptEM Connector also assists with the detailed analysis of conductor and shield losses resulting from skin effect and proximity effect.

OptEM Connector reads DXF CAD files from which multiple cross-section regions are captured and extracted in a matter of seconds. The material properties and conductors within each cross section are assigned using object definitions. An object definition includes the type of material, on-screen color, naming rule, plating, and conductor type (signal or ground). Modeling efficiency and flexibility is enhanced through editing features.

Often the profile of a connector is also drawn on the same design sheet as the cross sections. A complete model of a connector is created by assigning each extracted cross section to a position within the profile. OptEM Connector then concatenates each cross section within the profile and is able to automatically model the non-uniform geometry located between cross sections. The SPICE model generated by the software is an accurate representation ready for circuit simulation and system modeling.

OptEM Connector provides a schematic capture facility which allows connectors, cables, and other interconnect media to be assembled into a system model. A circuit analysis of the entire system is performed and results are calculated for TDR, characteristic impedance, S-parameters, and crosstalk.

minimum 64 MB RAM, 128 MB swap, 30 MB disk, and

Sun SPARC workstation running Solaris 7 or 8, or

HP 9000 Series 700 workstation running HP-UX 10.x

DXF interface

loads entire connector drawing

uses profile to create complete connector model

automatic pin naming

supports conductor plating

object definitions for faster modeling capability

performs frequency-dependent electromagnetic analysis and generates L, R, C, G and SPICE models

calculates time domain reflectometry (TDR), characteristic impedance values, S-parameters, and crosstalk effects

batch analysis

uses standard manufacturing files

models entire connector usually within one day

extracts cross sections quickly and efficiently

creates complete connector model with minimal effort

allows simulation of connectors and cables within a system environment

concurrent modeling and analysis

models lossy connectors

generates complex multi-port S-parameters

transient simulation of reflections and crosstalk

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OptEM is a registered trademark of OptEM Engineering Inc.