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Pratul Nijhawan
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Small-Signal Analyses Using HB and Shooting Newton Methods in SpectreRF Option

9 Nov 2025 • 4 minute read

In the world of RF and analog design, understanding how circuits behave under periodic steady-state conditions is essential—especially when dealing with mixers, oscillators, LNAs, and power amplifiers. These circuits often operate in nonlinear regimes and involve frequency translation, making traditional transient analysis inefficient or even impractical.

The SpectreRF option, Cadence’s industry-standard RF simulation engine, offers two powerful simulation methods/techniques:

  • Harmonic Balance – a frequency-domain technique.
  • Shooting Newton – a time-domain technique.

These methods allow engineers to simulate and analyze circuits under periodic conditions. Just as a dc, quiescent, operating point enables accurate predictions of gain, noise, distortion, transfer function, stability, and s-parameters. The periodic steady-state can be used to calculate the small signal response of the circuit.

What Are Harmonic Balance and Shooting Newton Methods?

Method

Domain

Best for

Use case scenarios

Harmonic Balance (HB)

Frequency

RF and millimeter wave circuits

·         Amplifiers (PA, LNA)

·         Frequency translation (mixers)

·         Distributed elements (transmission lines)

·         Phase noise and jitter analysis for LC oscillators and crystal oscillators

Shooting Newton (SN)

Time

Analog and digital circuits

·         Phase noise and jitter analysis for LC oscillators and ring oscillators

·         Switching circuits: dynamic comparators, sample & ,

·         Frequency dividers

 

Key Small-Signal RF Analyses in the SpectreRF Option

Analysis

Purpose

HBAC, Harmonic Balance AC

PAC, Shooting Newton AC

Analyze small-signal response around a periodic operating point.

HBNOISE, Harmonic Balance Noise

PNOISE, Periodic Noise

Measure time-average noise, phase noise, and jitter.

HBXF, Harmonic Balance Transfer Function

PXF, Shooting Newton Transfer Function

Evaluate conversion gain, FM sensitivity, and power supply rejection.

HBSTB, Harmonic Balance Stability

PSTB, Shooting Newton Stability

Assess loop stability in oscillators, amplifiers, node impedance, and directional impedance.

HBSP, Harmonic Balance S-Parameters

PSP, Shooting Newton S-Parameters

Characterize input/output reflection and transfer coefficients.

Introducing the Comprehensive Training on Small-Signal RF Analyses Using Harmonic Balance and Shooting Newton

This training provides a hands-on understanding of Small-Signal analyses using both Harmonic Balance and Shooting Newton methods within the SpectreRF Option. You’ll learn:

  • How to choose between HB and Shooting Newton based on circuit behavior.
  • How to simulate and interpret key RF metrics like conversion gain, LO leakage, phase noise, and jitter.
  • Practical workflows for analyzing mixers, VCOs, LNAs, and power amplifiers.
  • Real-world examples and demo simulations that reinforce each concept.

By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped to confidently apply these techniques in your own RF design projects—bridging the gap between simulation and silicon.

For more details, kindly navigate to the training: Small-Signal RF Analyses Using Harmonic Balance and Shooting Newton

How to Enroll

This link gives you more information regarding this course, and the link to enroll: Small-Signal RF Analyses Using Harmonic Balance and Shooting Newton

This course includes slides, audio instruction, and downloadable lab exercises, in line with the lecture content.

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