GUI for IC Model Intermediate Calculations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current simulation tools for integrated circuit design, such as SPICE, aggregate output results and do not provide intermediate calculations or parameter value changes, making it difficult for designers to debug or optimize circuit designs effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that displays intermediate calculations and parameter changes in a graphical user interface (GUI), allowing users to assign and modify parameter values in real-time, using a mathematical device model and netlist inputs, with a simulation engine like SPICE to calculate output voltages or currents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simulation tools aggregate output results, then the output is simplified and easier to interpret, but intermediate calculations and parameter changes are hidden making debugging difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aggregated simulation output into individual component contributions. Each term in the mathematical model is calculated separately and displayed with its specific contribution to the final result, allowing users to see which parameters and terms have the most impact on the output while maintaining the simplified view of the total result.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If detailed intermediate calculations are displayed, then debugging capability is improved, but the interface complexity and information overload increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of detail in different parts of the interface. The summary view provides high-level aggregated results for quick interpretation, while detailed views of individual terms and parameter contributions are available on-demand or in separate sections, allowing users to access comprehensive debugging information without being overwhelmed in the primary view.
3Manufacturing precision
If parameter extraction is performed with many parameters, then modeling accuracy is improved, but the time and complexity of parameter extraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual, time-consuming mechanical process of extracting and adjusting numerous parameters with an automated computational system. The simulation engine automatically calculates the contribution of each parameter and term, identifying which parameters have the most impact on the output, thereby reducing the time and effort required for parameter extraction while maintaining or improving modeling accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
In an example embodiment, the system receives user inputs including: (1) a netlist that describes the circuit elements and connections of an integrated circuit; (2) a mathematical device model that corresponds to the integrated circuit and that includes an equation with a number of parameters and decision variables grouped into terms; and (3) a description of an input voltage. Based on these inputs, the system calculates an output such as a voltage or current. The system displays a GUI that includes a view which shows each of the terms of the equation after a value has been assigned to each parameter and to each decision variable and a view which shows each of the terms of the equation after reduction of the values assigned to each parameter and each decision variable. Upon receipt of a user's change to the value of a parameter, the system promptly updates the views.