What are the limitations of a static field solver? Why do I need an electromagnetic field solver?
There are some effects that static and quasi-static tools do not take into account. Such effects can significantly affect the parameters of interconnects. For instance, inhomogeneous dielectrics cause dispersion of transmission line parameters at high frequencies (starting from 5-10 GHz for typical PCB applications). It is visible as changes in phase and group velocities with frequency and can not be accounted for with a static solution. Dispersion can cause considerable degradation of a digital signal in multi-gigabit channels. Effects of metal surface roughness and conductor surface plating are also not accounted for by static tools that can also significantly increase attenuation and degrade signal. Static solvers do not capture effects of current redistribution in planes and conductors when skin depth is comparable with thickness or width of the conductors. It takes place in typical PCB interconnects at frequencies from 10 MHz to 100 MHz and in different IC technologies at frequenc
