Algorithms for Analysis of Nonlinear High-Frequency Circuits

Abstract

The most efficient simulation solvers use composite procedures that adaptively rearrange computation algorithms to maximize simulation performance. Fast and stable processing optimized for given simulation problem is essential for any modern simulator. It is characteristic for electronic circuit analysis that complexity of simulation is affected by circuit size and used device models. Implementation of electronic device models in program SPICE uses traditional implementation allowing fast computation but further modification of model can be questionable. The first fundamental thesis aim is scalability of the simulation based on the adaptive internal solver composing different algorithms according to properties of simulation problem to maximize simulation performance. In a case of the small circuit as faster solution prove simple, straightforward methods that utilize arithmetic operations without unnecessary condition jumping and memory rearrangements that can not be effectively optimized by a compiler. The limit of small size simulation problems is related to computation machine capabilities. The present day PC sets this limit to fifty independent voltage nodes where inefficiency of calculation procedure does not play any role in overall processor performance. The scalable solver must also be able to handle correctly simulation of large-scale circuits that requires entirely different approach apart to standard size circuits. The unique properties of simulation of the electronic circuits that played until this time only the minor role suddenly gain on significance for circuits with several thousand voltage nodes. In those particular cases, iterative algorithms based on Krylov subspace methods provide better results from the aspect of performance than standard direct methods. This thesis also proposes unique techniques of indexation of the large-scale sparse matrix system. The primary purpose is to reduce memory requirements for storing sparse matrices during simulation computation. The second fundamental thesis aim is automatic adaptivity of device models definition respecting current simulation state and settings. This principle is denoted as Functional Chaining mechanism that is based on the principle of the automatic self-modifying procedure utilizing state-of-the-art functional computation layer during the simulation process. It can significantly improve mapping performance of circuit variables to device models; it also allows autonomous redefinition of simulation algorithms during analysis with an intention to reduce computation time. The core idea is based on utilization of programming principles related to functional programming languages. It is also presents possibilites of reimplementation to the modern object-oriented languages. The third fundamental thesis aim focuses on simulation accuracy and reliability. Arbitrary precision variable types can directly lead to increased simulation accuracy but on the other hand; they can significantly decrease simulation performance. In last chapters, there are several algorithms provided with the claim to provide better simulation accuracy and suppress computation errors of floating point data types.