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In this section, we will learn how to design schematics using components in the library (Using Vendor Library Components in ADS (9)) . In previous experiments, we used lumped components, which are actually ideal components. The components in the circuit (such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc.) are regarded as independent, discrete, and have clear characteristics. Their physical size and electromagnetic wave propagation effects are ignored.

However, in practical applications, sooner or later we will use SMT components (Surface-Mount Technology components), BJT, FET, etc. in our designs, so we need to understand how to use the components provided by suppliers to carry out our designs .

First, we open the installation path of ADS (for example, the installation path of my ADS is “G:\Keysight\2024update”), and then select “oalibs – componentLib”. We can see many compressed packages, which are some component libraries provided by suppliers (some component libraries need to be downloaded from the company’s official website):

• Analog_Parts_vendor_kit.7z: May contain models and data for analog components, such as operational amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and so on.
• HFDiode_vendor_kit.7z: May contain models and data for high-frequency diodes, which are commonly used in high-frequency applications such as RF and microwave circuits.
• Meas_SMT_Passive_vendor_kit.7z: May contain models and data for SMT passive components such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors. These components are used for circuit measurement and testing.
• Microwave_Transistors_vendor_kit.7z: May contain models and data for microwave transistors, which are used in high-frequency and microwave circuits such as amplifiers and oscillators.
• RF_Passive_SMT_vendor_kit.7z: May contain models and data for RF passive components in SMT form used in RF circuits, such as filters and matching networks.
• RF_Transistors_vendor_kit.7z: May contain models and data for RF transistors used in RF amplifiers and other RF applications.
• S_Parameter_vendor_kit.7z: May contain models and data for S-parameters, which are used to describe the high-frequency performance of RF and microwave components.
• System_Lib_vendor_kit.7z: May contain system-level library files and data that may be used for system-level simulation and design.

For this experiment, we will take . Copy it to a separate folder and unzip it so that it is more convenient to access.

Then return to the main interface of ADS, where we can manage the component library:

We can unzip design component libraries (zip format) and import them into ADS; we can also manage commonly used design component libraries; we can also add new libraries, delete unnecessary libraries, or manage the settings of existing libraries.

Click “Manage Libraries”, then click , go back to the folder where we just saved the library, and select the .defs file:

Then click “Open”, we can see that the library file has been added:

Normally, we can find the library in the Library Palettes and use it, but it depends on how the vendor created the library, so sometimes we may not be able to find the imported library. At this time, we can click to open the Library Browser, and then we will find that the library we just imported is in the “Read-Only Libraries”:

In the Library Browser, we can search for the component we want to use. For example, in Packaged Power MOSFETs, we can search for MRF, then double-click the component name or right-click to select it, and then place the selected component in the schematic.

In subsequent tutorials, we will learn how to use components from libraries provided by these vendors.

Next: Circuit Design with Vendor Library Components (10)