Efficient Static-Driven Integration for Step-Function Transient Simulation

Abstract

Step-function excitations are convenient abstractions for circuit turn on/off and for switching activities in general. However, they are ill-handled by SPICE-derived circuit simulators that employ implicit integration approximations and substitute steep ramps for steps. An ACES-derived explicit integration method efficiently handles step-functions, manages potential instability, and converges to the steady state. The resulting circuit simulator can be employed to find an initial state size and excursion-limited accuracy control. It also is able to accommodate resistance, capacitance, inductance, and nonlinear elements efficiently and accurately.