Single-Objective Optimization Methodology for the Design of RF Integrated Inductors

Designing integrated inductors for RF applications is quite a challenging task due to the necessity of minimizing the parasitic effects arising from using today’s technologies. The multiplicity of non-ideal effects to be minimized makes imperious the use of optimization-based design methodologies. In this paper a model-based optimization methodology is considered as a way of offering the designer the possibility to obtain inductors with maximum quality factor. The inductor model accounts for square, hexagonal or octagonal topologies. Furthermore tapered inductors are also accounted for in the proposed model. The use of the inductor model reduces the optimization time significantly. The validity of the results obtained is checked against electromagnetic (EM) simulations. As an application example, the particular case for the design of inductors for 2.4 GHz is illustrated.