Models for integrated components coupled with their EM environment Daniel Ioan Polytechnic University, Bucharest, Romania Wil Schilders NXP, Eindhoven, The Netherlands Gabriela Ciuprina Polytechnic University, Bucharest, Romania Nick van der Meijs Technical University, Delft, The Netherlands, and Wim Schoenmaker MAGWEL, Leuven, Belgium Abstract Purpose – The main aim of the research is the modelling of the interaction of on-chip components with their electromagnetic environment. Design/methodology/approach – The integrated circuit is decomposed in passive and active components interconnected by means of terminals and connectors which represent intentional and parasitic couplings of capacitive and inductive nature. Reduced order models are extracted independently for each component. For the first time, the concept of magnetic terminals was used to describe interactions in RF integrated circuits. These EM “hooks” are defined in mathematical terms, as proper boundary conditions. Findings – The paper shows that one of the main theoretical problems encountered in the modelling of RF components is the difficulty to define a unique terminal voltage, independent of the integration path (this independence being a condition to allow the connection of the component in an electric circuit, where the voltage does not depend of the path shape). The concept of electromagnetic circuit element that allows the interconnection between IC models is proposed as solution for this drawback. The system is described either with EM field models, or by electric/magnetic circuits. By using new concept of hooks, the EM interaction is described effectively with a reduced number of quantities. Research limitations/implications – Since hooks have a virtual character, their identification is the result of an optimization procedure. Increasing their number, the model accuracy is improved, but it is increased also the computational effort. The optimal automatic identification of electric and magnetic hooks is subject of further research. Currently, the hooks are placed manually. Practical implications – The modelling of IC components with hooks is part of a new methodology that take a layout description of typical RF functional blocks that will operate at RF frequencies up to 60 GHz and transform them into sufficiently accurate, reliable electrical simulation models taking EM coupling and variability into account. This will decrease extra design iterations, over-dimensioning or complete failures in the design cycle of RF-IC. Originality/value – The concept of hooks is new. The proposed modeling methodology for EM coupling is new. The paper is useful for nEDA designers. Keywords Design, Electromagnetism, Circuits Paper type Research paper The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at www.emeraldinsight.com/0332-1649.htm COMPEL 104816—14/4/2008—RAGHAVAN—298284 COMPEL 27,4 820 COMPEL: The International Journal for Computation and Mathematics in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Vol. 27 No. 4, 2008 pp. 820-829 q Emerald Group Publishing Limited 0332-1649 DOI 10.1108/03321640810878225