Agnostic Semiconductor Device Model Using Universal Source Operators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor simulators lack universal models for time-based derivatives like dQ/dt, requiring model designers to write simulator-specific code, increasing the complexity and variability of model creation across different simulators.
Innovation Solution
Implementing universal source operators, such as arbitrary voltage and current sources, capacitances, and dummy voltage sources, to define dQ/dt in a way that is agnostic to all simulators, allowing models to be used with minimal syntactical changes across different simulator systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If simulator-specific code is written for each simulator platform, then the model can be accurately tested in each specific simulator environment, but the work required to create models is multiplied and the complexity of model creation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal model interface that can be used across multiple simulator platforms (SPICE2, SPICE3, PSPICE, LTSPICE, HSPICE, ELDO, MicroCAP, Simetrix, Spectre, ADS, SABER, and Simplorer). The model uses standard SPICE commands and syntax that are recognized by all these simulators, eliminating the need to write simulator-specific code for each platform while maintaining model accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the model into distinct functional components with clear interfaces. The model is divided into subcircuits with well-defined ports and parameters, allowing the same model structure to be adapted to different simulator environments without rewriting the entire model, thus reducing creation complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If different input code commands and tools are used for each simulator, then the model can be optimized for each specific simulator's capabilities, but the work required to create models is multiplied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal model that works across all major simulator platforms using standard SPICE syntax. This eliminates the need to develop and maintain separate optimized versions of models for each simulator, significantly reducing the time required to create and update models while still allowing each simulator to process the model according to its native capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter-based model definitions that can be adjusted without changing the fundamental model structure. This allows the same model to be efficiently simulated across different platforms by simply adjusting simulator-specific parameters rather than rewriting code, reducing model creation and modification time while maintaining optimization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If simulator-specific modeling approaches are used, then the model can leverage each simulator's native features and commands, but the variability of model creation across different simulators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal modeling approach using standard SPICE commands and syntax that maintains consistency across all simulator platforms. The model structure, component definitions, and analysis procedures remain stable and unchanged across different simulators, eliminating syntax variability while still allowing each simulator to execute the model using its native feature set.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a standardized SPICE model interface as an intermediary between the model logic and simulator-specific execution environments. This intermediary layer ensures syntax consistency and stability in model composition, while the underlying simulator-specific features are accessed through standardized commands, resolving the conflict between adaptability and stability.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed embodiments include systems and methods of building an agnostic model of a physically-based semiconductor device. The embodiments may include implementing, in the agnostic model, an arbitrary voltage source in series between a node voltage and a zero value voltage source, implementing, in the agnostic model, a reference capacitor in series between the node voltage and a dummy voltage source, implementing, in the agnostic model, an arbitrary current source between a first node and a second node. The arbitrary current source may include the dummy voltage source divided by the reference capacitor, and the arbitrary current source may model the change in the any property, such as charge, over time within the semiconductor device.