Circuit Simulation Data Compression via Signal Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit simulators export all simulated values or waveforms to external files, resulting in large file sizes that adversely impact performance and increase simulation costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that store primary signals independent of gate outputs and secondary signals driven by gates during the first mode of simulation, and dynamic changes in signal relationships during the second mode, reducing file size and facilitating faster simulations by generating secondary signals post-simulation using priority queuing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all simulated values or waveforms are exported to external files, then complete simulation data is available for post-processing and debugging, but the file size becomes very large which adversely impacts performance and increases simulation costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential information needed for post-processing and debugging from the complete simulation data. Specifically, it exports primary signals (independent of gate outputs) and circuit relationships, while eliminating redundant secondary signal data that can be regenerated later. This extraction principle directly reduces file size while preserving the reliability needed for effective debugging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments simulation signals into two categories: primary signals that are independent of gate outputs and must be exported, and secondary signals that are driven by gates and can be regenerated. By segmenting the data this way, the system exports only the necessary primary signals and circuit relationships, reducing file size while maintaining data completeness for debugging purposes.
2Reliability
If all simulated values or waveforms are stored in external files, then comprehensive debugging information is available, but simulation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes redundant data export operations from the simulation process. By extracting only primary signals and circuit relationships for export, and eliminating the export of secondary signals that can be regenerated post-simulation, the system reduces I/O operations and file processing time, thereby reducing overall simulation time while preserving debugging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification of primary signals versus secondary signals before the simulation export phase. By pre-determining which signals need to be exported (primary signals and circuit relationships) and which can be regenerated (secondary signals), the system avoids unnecessary processing during simulation, reducing simulation time while maintaining comprehensive debugging information availability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a computer system for simulating a circuit are described. During a first mode of the simulation, the computer system stores primary signals and circuit relationships between primary signals and secondary signals associated with a portion of the circuit in a file, where the primary signals are independent of gate outputs in the portion of the circuit, and the secondary signals are driven by gates in the portion of the circuit. Moreover, during a second mode of the simulation, the computer system stores dynamic changes in additional relationships between signals to the file, where the signals can include primary signals, secondary signals, or both.