Introduction

Sonnet allows you to assign variables and equations to many properties in order to parameterize your project. Below are some of the reasons you might wish to parameterize your project:

• Avoid creating multiple projects
• Parameter Sweep of a project - allows you to vary a circuit property during an analysis
• Optimization of a project
• Easier construction and maintenance of a project
• Using equations to establish relationships between circuit properties

Variables may be used for the following properties in your project:

• Geometry dimensions
• Metal Properties
• Dielectric Properties
• Ideal Component Values
• Layer Thicknesses

The value of a variable may be changed either by you or by the analysis engine during a parameter sweep or optimization. During a parameter sweep, em sweeps the variable values through a user defined range, therefore changing the properties of your circuit. In an optimization, the analysis engine controls the variable value, within a user defined range, in an attempt to reach a user defined goal. Both parameter sweeps and optimization of a project may be performed over a range of analysis frequencies.

For most circuit properties, you simply define a variable and enter that variable in a property field. However, if you wish to vary the size of your geometry--for example, changing the width of a feedline or the length of a polygon--you define a dimension parameter which identifies the dimension you wish to change. Once the dimension parameter is defined, you assign a variable to the dimension parameter.

The first step in performing a parameter sweep or optimization is defining the variables and dimension parameters in the project editor.