Modelithics has released a dedicated component model library for SIMULIA CST Studio Suite, bringing its well‑known RF and microwave component models into a full‑wave 3D EM environment.
The move is relevant for engineers who want to close the gap between circuit‑level simulation and system‑level electromagnetic analysis, while keeping access to accurate, measurement‑based models for real‑world passive components and active devices.
Overview of the new Modelithics Library for CST Studio Suite
The new Modelithics Library for CST Studio Suite provides an extensive collection of RF and microwave device and component models, including Modelithics Microwave Global Models. These models represent nearly 28,000 components from more than 30 component suppliers, including Amotech, Coilcraft, Dalicap, International Manufacturing Services, Johanson, Kemet YAGEO, Kyocera‑AVX, Murata, Passive Plus, Presidio and Vishay. The library is integrated into the CST Studio Suite environment, which supports multiple solver technologies such as finite element method, finite integration technique and method of moments for electromagnetic analysis from DC up to optical frequencies.
For design engineers already using Modelithics in traditional circuit simulators, this release extends the same measurement‑driven models into the CST platform. For CST users, it provides access to vendor‑correlated component behavior beyond generic lumped models or simple S‑parameter blocks.
Key features and benefits
The library builds on Modelithics Microwave Global Models, which are designed to capture realistic component behavior over a wide range of operating and layout conditions. Key technical features include:
- Substrate scaling to account for different PCB materials and thicknesses compared to the original characterization substrate.
- Part value scalability that allows a single model to cover an entire component family across different values.
- Solder pad‑size scaling and de‑embedding, so engineers can adjust the model to their own pad geometry and still maintain accuracy.
- Coverage of nearly 28,000 components from over 30 suppliers, simplifying cross‑vendor evaluation at the simulation stage.
- Support for integration with multiple CST solvers, enabling use in antenna feed networks, filters, matching networks and complex 3D structures.
Compared to simple S‑parameter files, these models are tuned to be more flexible with respect to substrate and pad conditions, which in practice are often different from the original test fixture. This helps reduce the need for ad‑hoc re‑characterization or conservative over‑design margins and supports more confident first‑time‑pass designs.
Typical applications
The combination of a detailed component library with CST’s full‑wave EM capabilities is particularly relevant in the following application areas:
- RF and microwave filters where discrete capacitors and inductors are tightly coupled to the surrounding layout and housing.
- Antenna feed networks, matching networks and baluns where parasitics from passives and interconnects influence overall radiation performance.
- High‑frequency connectors and transitions where discontinuities, pads and component parasitics must be co‑simulated.
- Complex microwave circuits and modules that combine distributed structures, packaged passives and active devices on the same substrate.
- mmWave and high‑speed designs where layout‑dependent parasitics of chip components can materially affect insertion loss, return loss and group delay.
In these scenarios, the ability to use measurement‑based models inside a 3D EM solver helps bridge the gap between schematic‑level optimization and final layout verification. It can also assist purchasing and component engineering teams in assessing whether alternative suppliers or series will meet RF performance requirements without extensive re‑prototyping.
Technical highlights
CST Studio Suite, part of Dassault Systèmes’ SIMULIA brand, supports several numerical methods including FEM, FIT and MoM, providing coverage from low frequencies up to optical regimes. The new library leverages this environment while bringing in the following model‑related aspects:
- Well‑documented circuit simulation models, typically accompanied by detailed release notes that describe supported parts and parameter ranges.
- Advanced behavioral models for passive component families, non‑linear diode models, non‑linear transistor models and system‑level components via the broader Modelithics COMPLETE Library product line.
- Extension path towards 3D EM component models, which Modelithics indicates as a future step for even deeper full‑wave component representation.
For teams working at mmWave or in broadband RF systems, the availability of the Modelithics mmWave Library and COMPLETE+3D Library on other EDA platforms suggests a roadmap toward similar high‑frequency depth within CST over time. Exact coverage details for specific components and frequency ranges should be confirmed in the official release notes and related datasheets according to the manufacturer datasheet.
Availability and licensing
The new Modelithics Library for CST Studio Suite is released in version v25.9, with release notes available for engineers needing a detailed list of supported components and features. Interested users can request a free trial of the library by contacting Modelithics sales.
Through the Modelithics Vendor Partner (MVP) program, free use of selected Modelithics models is available for supported manufacturers. Under this program, certain component vendors sponsor access to their models for design engineers, which can simplify evaluation and design‑in of their parts. For specific access conditions, included suppliers and license details, engineers should refer to the current MVP program information and v25.9 release documentation according to the manufacturer datasheet and program description.
Design‑in notes for engineers
For practical design‑in, engineers can consider the following points when adopting the Modelithics Library in CST Studio Suite:
- Use substrate scaling to match your actual PCB stackup as closely as possible to the model settings (dielectric constant, thickness, copper weight). Small deviations can significantly impact impedance and Q at high frequencies.
- Adjust pad geometries in the models to reflect your actual land pattern and solder mask, especially in sensitive RF filter or matching network designs where added series inductance or shunt capacitance can detune the response.
- Where available, exploit part value scalability to sweep component values across a series when optimizing performance, then narrow down candidates for BOM selection and purchasing.
- Validate critical designs by combining circuit‑level optimization using Microwave Global Models with 3D EM analysis of the final layout, including housings, connectors and packaging features.
- Coordinate with purchasing and component engineering teams early, using the list of supported suppliers and series as a guide to select parts that are both technically suitable and available in your supply chain.
For organizations standardizing on CST Studio Suite as a primary EM platform, this library can be a way to align RF design, simulation and procurement around components that are already characterized and supported by detailed models. This may reduce the number of physical prototypes and design spins needed to reach production‑ready performance.
Source
The information in this article is based on an official press release and product documentation from Modelithics, combined with general engineering context for RF and microwave design workflows.
