  SuperSpec is a pathfinder for future lithographic spectrometer cameras, which
promise to energize extra-galactic astrophysics at (sub)millimeter wavelengths:
delivering 200--500 km/s spectral velocity resolution over an octave bandwidth
for every pixel in a telescope's field of view. We present circuit simulations
that prove the concept, which enables complete millimeter-band spectrometer
devices in just a few square-millimeter footprint. We evaluate both
single-stage and two-stage channelizing filter designs, which separate channels
into an array of broad-band detectors, such as bolometers or kinetic inductance
detector (KID) devices. We discuss to what degree losses (by radiation or by
absorption in the dielectric) and fabrication tolerances affect the resolution
or performance of such devices, and what steps we can take to mitigate the
degradation. Such design studies help us formulate critical requirements on the
materials and fabrication process, and help understand what practical limits
currently exist to the capabilities these devices can deliver today or over the
next few years.
