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Limitations

Known constraints and assumptions of the analysis engine.


Analysis assumptions

Frequency independence All gains, noise figures, and intercept points are assumed constant across the RF band. There is no frequency-dependent (dispersive) analysis. The tool does not model gain rolloff with frequency.

Small-signal, weakly nonlinear The cascade formulas (Friis, OIP3) assume memoryless, weakly nonlinear stages operating in the small-signal regime. Results may be inaccurate for highly compressed or strongly nonlinear operating points.

IP3 approximation The approximation IIP3 ≈ IP1dB + 9.6 dB applies strictly to a purely third-order nonlinearity. Real devices may deviate by 1–3 dB or more.

No intermodulation simulation The tool computes intercept points but does not simulate intermodulation products or their frequencies. SFDR is estimated from OIP3, not from a direct IM simulation.


Impedance assumptions

System-wide 50 Ω A global system impedance of 50 Ω is assumed. There is no per-block VSWR or impedance mismatch loss calculation. If a stage has significant mismatch, its insertion loss should be manually accounted for in the gain parameter.


Graph constraints

ConstraintLimit
Blocks per chain200
Connections per chain500

Component library

  • Datasheet parsing uses OCR and AI extraction; accuracy depends on PDF quality and table formatting
  • No live integration with distributor APIs (Digi-Key, Mouser, etc.)
  • Component availability, pricing, and lead time are not tracked

What the tool does not do

CapabilityStatus
EM simulationNot supported
Physical layoutNot supported
Thermal / power dissipation analysisNot supported
Phase noise cascadeRoadmap
Group delay / dispersionNot supported
Automatic optimization to hit targetsNot supported
Multi-tone intermodulation simulationNot supported
VSWR / mismatch lossNot supported