The latest v25.8 release of the Modelithics COMPLETE Library for Keysight ADS brings new scalable models for RF and microwave capacitors, inductors, resistors and an attenuator, now representing more than 29,000 components from over 80 manufacturers.
The update targets design engineers who rely on accurate, measurement‑based models for first‑pass success in RF, microwave and mmWave designs, and it offers purchasing teams a clearer view of vendor coverage within a single, unified library.
Key features and benefits
Modelithics COMPLETE Library v25.8 is a measurement‑based model library for RF and microwave design in Keysight ADS, focusing on passive components (capacitors, inductors, resistors, attenuators) as well as selected active devices. It is compatible with Keysight ADS 2026 Update 1 and remains backwards compatible with older ADS versions, simplifying deployment into existing company workflows.
The new release expands coverage with scalable models for six vendors and now represents over 29,000 components from more than 80 manufacturers, which helps consolidate multiple vendor model sources into a single qualified library. The newly added Microwave Global Models include capacitors from Kyocera‑AVX and Murata, inductors from Coilcraft, Knowles and TDK, resistors from Susumu and an attenuator from Smiths Interconnect (TSXWB).
Microwave Global Models are parameterized equivalent‑circuit models that cover full component series and value ranges within a single model definition. This approach allows engineers to sweep value, substrate and pad geometry during simulation instead of swapping discrete S‑parameter files or ideal elements, which improves both accuracy and productivity in tuning and optimization.
These models include advanced features such as:
- Part‑value scaling for efficient value sweeps across a full manufacturer series without changing model type.
- Substrate scaling to reflect different PCB materials and stackups, accounting for dielectric properties and geometry in a controlled way.
- Pad‑geometry scaling and pad de‑embedding to better match actual land patterns, which is critical when correlating EM simulations with measured results.
All of the newly added Microwave Global Models have been validated up to 67 GHz, making them suitable for modern mmWave and 5G‑class applications where component parasitics dominate behaviour well above conventional RF frequencies.
Typical applications
Because the COMPLETE Library covers a wide range of commercial capacitors, inductors, resistors and attenuators, it targets RF and microwave designers working from low GHz up to mmWave. The new models validated to 67 GHz are particularly relevant for:
- Front‑end modules and RF filters in 5G FR1/FR2, Wi‑Fi 6/7 and other broadband wireless systems.
- Low‑noise amplifiers, power amplifiers and matching networks where parasitic control is critical.
- High‑frequency couplers, dividers and RF interconnect structures where pad and substrate effects must be captured.
For power‑aware RF and mixed‑signal designs, accurate resistor and attenuator models are important in:
- Gain‑setting and level‑control networks in transceiver chains.
- Terminations and calibration standards in measurement setups.
The broad vendor coverage (including Kyocera‑AVX, Murata, Coilcraft, Knowles, TDK, Susumu and Smiths Interconnect in this release) also supports purchasing and preferred‑supplier strategies: engineers can simulate with the actual series that purchasing is likely to source, reducing last‑minute re‑qualification of alternative parts.
Technical highlights
From a technical perspective, the key aspects of the v25.8 release are:
- New Microwave Global Models for:
- Capacitors from Kyocera‑AVX and Murata.
- Inductors from Coilcraft, Knowles and TDK.
- Resistors from Susumu.
- Smiths Interconnect TSXWB attenuator series.
- Validation of the new models up to 67 GHz, supporting mmWave and high‑order harmonic simulations.
- Full compatibility with Keysight ADS 2026 Update 1 plus backwards compatibility with earlier ADS versions, allowing gradual rollout in larger organizations.
Microwave Global Models typically incorporate:
- Measurement‑based parameter extraction from dedicated RF fixtures rather than purely theoretical SPICE macros.
- Defined model validity ranges (frequency, bias, value ranges) as specified in individual model datasheets available from Modelithics.
- Behaviour tuned for EM/circuit co‑simulation flows using pad de‑embedding and pad‑geometry scaling, which is particularly valuable when moving from schematic‑only to EM‑driven layouts.
The COMPLETE Library itself includes both passive and active device models as part of Modelithics’ broader offering, and is complemented by other libraries such as the mmWave Library, System Components Library and COMPLETE+3D Library for EM‑encrypted components according to Modelithics’ corporate overview.
Availability and part numbers
The v25.8 release is offered as the current version of the Modelithics COMPLETE Library for Keysight ADS. It can be used with ADS 2026 Update 1 and earlier supported releases, so no special ADS upgrade is required beyond the stated compatibility.
Highlights of availability:
- The COMPLETE Library now covers over 29,000 components from more than 80 different manufacturers.
- The newly introduced models include passive series from Kyocera‑AVX, Murata, Coilcraft, Knowles, TDK, Susumu and Smiths Interconnect (TSXWB attenuator).
For exact series designations, value ranges and detailed electrical limits (frequency, current, power handling), engineers should refer to the specific model datasheets and manufacturer datasheets linked from the Modelithics website. Access models and documentation via:
- Modelithics website pages for ADS libraries and release notes.
- Vendor landing pages under the Modelithics Vendor Partner (MVP) program (for example, Kyocera‑AVX, Murata, Coilcraft, Knowles, Susumu and others).
Through the MVP Program, Modelithics offers free 90‑day use of models for many manufacturer components, including the newly added Coilcraft, Knowles, Kyocera‑AVX and Susumu component models. Interested engineers can request this evaluation through the Modelithics MVP/ADS request page.
Design‑in notes for engineers
When designing with high‑frequency passives, the main benefit of the Modelithics COMPLETE Library is the reduction of risk between schematic‑level simulations and real‑world hardware. To make best use of v25.8 in Keysight ADS:
- Prefer Microwave Global Models over ideal lumped elements when simulating critical RF paths (filters, matching networks, bias tees, couplers). This captures self‑resonance, Q‑factor variation and frequency‑dependent parasitics that simple L/C/R symbols ignore.
- Use part‑value scaling to sweep across a manufacturer’s available values while keeping the same model, which is useful during tuning and optimization of matching networks or filters. The final selected value can then be mapped directly to a purchasable part.
- Apply substrate scaling to reflect the actual PCB material and dielectric height in production, not just the evaluation board. This is important when porting a design from a reference board to a custom system‑level PCB.
- Take advantage of pad‑geometry scaling and pad de‑embedding when moving from generic evaluation footprints to dense production layouts, so that parasitics of smaller or non‑standard pads are properly represented.
For mmWave designs up to 67 GHz, designers should especially:
- Verify that the chosen Microwave Global Model is validated over the intended frequency range according to the Modelithics model datasheet.
- Combine these models with EM simulations of complex layout structures in ADS RFPro or similar tools, using co‑simulation flows that leverage pad de‑embedding and substrate scaling.
Finally, purchasing and component engineering teams can use the COMPLETE Library coverage (over 29,000 components, 80+ manufacturers) as an additional factor when selecting preferred vendors and series. If a vendor’s passives are represented in Modelithics, it becomes easier for design teams to perform accurate risk assessments and schedule‑friendly design cycles without ad‑hoc model development.
Source
The information in this article is based on a Modelithics press release announcing the v25.8 update of the Modelithics COMPLETE Library for Keysight ADS, complemented by publicly available overview information from the Modelithics website and related library documentation.
