TACS-RF preprint demonstrates AI-assisted design of a 240-251 GHz transmitter

Researchers report that an AI coding agent directly operated industry-standard circuit design tools to semi-autonomously design a 240-251 GHz transmitter in a 90 nm SiGe BiCMOS process. Their TACS-RF framework uses Claude Opus 4.8 to drive tools including Cadence Virtuoso/Spectre, Calibre, Cadence EMX and Ansys HFSS. The agent designed transmitter components including an oscillator, power drivers, a frequency doubler, an antenna and matching networks. The reported design delivers +5.1 to +6.3 dBm while consuming 361 mW. Those results use parasitic-extracted devices and electromagnetically verified passive components; the preprint describes a division of work between humans and the agent.