Mixed-signal circuit simulation system with behavioral modeling capability

Abstract

In this paper, the development of a mixed-signal circuit simulation system with behavioral modeling capability is discussed. In this context, mixed-signal simulation refers to the simulation of circuits and systems containing both analog and digital cells excited with signals of either an analog or digital nature. The background information regarding circuit simulation is given along with a discussion of device and system modeling for analog and digital cells. In addition, the numerical methods and programming techniques along with how these relate to the internal data structure are analyzed. Finally, the scenarios used for testing the simulator are discussed and the results compared to results obtained from the SPICE simulator using device based models. The development of this simulation system has provided a seamless method for developing behavioral models given a cell which has been well characterized. These behavioral models are developed utilizing object-oriented programming techniques and are capable of providing highly accurate results. Behavioral cells, once developed, can then be simulated with signals and cells of an analog or digital nature to provide significant improvements in simulation times of large systems.