Learning Forum

[Stefano R]

I have 2 two ground planes at different heights, one above the substrate and another below. In real life, these would be wire-bonded to each other. Is there a simple way in HFSS to "connect" the two ground planes so they are at the same potential? Thanks

[CB]

Hi Stefano,

The best way to "short" the top and bottom ground planes, above and below your substrate is to assign the sides of your substrate  with a PEC boundary condition , essentially providing a wrap around ground in simulation. 

Regards,

Charlotte

[Stefano R]

Charlotte,

 

Thank you for the response. I think your solution works if the ground planes share an edge. What if I wish to connect them internally in the model? Would a lumped port work? For example, attached is a picture of an internal plane in red touching the top ground and bottom ground. 

Thanks.

 

[CB]

Hi Stefano,

An internal surface with a PEC or finite conductivity boundary shorting the two ground planes will work as shown in red in your image. The simulation and the actual device has to have the same electrical grounding scheme. 

Regards,

Charlotte