Case Study: Altum RF achieves first-time-right prototype and 30% shorter design time with Keysight PathWave ADS

Altum RF Gets Its Prototype Right the First Time, Shortens Design Process by 30%

Altum RF, a startup MMIC developer, faced a tight timeline to deliver a high‑power GaN HEMT SMT amplifier (1–20 GHz) using a prerelease foundry process lacking nonlinear models and with complex package and wire‑bond parasitics. To meet aggressive specs for power, efficiency and bandwidth while minimizing design iterations, Altum RF turned to Keysight and its PathWave Advanced Design System (ADS) and PathWave EM Design tools, including integrated Momentum and FEM EM solvers.

Keysight’s ADS ecosystem enabled rapid model extraction, tightly integrated 3D layout and EM simulation, and direct DRC integration, producing close agreement between simulation and measurement. The result was a first‑time‑right prototype and a 30% reduction in project time, accelerating Altum RF’s path to production and market demonstrations.

Altum RF

Tony Fattorini

Vice President of Engineering