Image-Based Waveform Extraction for Circuit Simulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current circuit simulators lack the ability to utilize image-based inputs, which can effectively capture behavioral characteristics of circuit stimuli, limiting their capability to model complex and non-idealistic effects in circuit simulations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves extracting a waveform from an image and using it as an input for circuit simulations by scaling image values into time and stimulus values, which are then provided as an input waveform for simulating the circuit, allowing for image-based stimulus in circuit simulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image-based inputs are used to capture behavioral characteristics of circuit stimuli, then the simulation accuracy for modeling complex and non-idealistic effects is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for image processing and waveform extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image-based representations as copies of waveform data to capture behavioral characteristics of circuit stimuli. Instead of requiring complex mathematical models or extensive measurement equipment, the system captures visual representations of waveforms that can be directly processed to extract stimulus profiles, thereby improving simulation accuracy while avoiding the complexity of traditional characterization methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing intermediary that converts image-based inputs into usable waveform data for circuit simulation. This intermediary layer includes operations such as reading image data, converting to grayscale, detecting edges, and extracting waveform characteristics, which bridges the gap between visual image data and circuit simulation requirements without requiring direct complex modeling
2Ease of operation
If traditional netlist code inputs are used for circuit simulations, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the ability to model complex stimuli and non-idealistic effects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the circuit simulation system to accept multiple input types - both traditional netlist code and image-based inputs. This multi-functionality allows users to choose the most appropriate input method for their specific needs: netlist code for standard cases and image-based inputs for complex stimuli characterization, thereby maintaining ease of operation while enhancing modeling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows users to capture real-world waveform behavior through image-based representations (such as oscilloscope screenshots) and use these as direct inputs for simulation. This copying approach enables realistic modeling of complex stimuli and non-idealistic effects without requiring users to manually create complex netlist models, thus improving modeling capability while keeping the interface accessible
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments enable image-based stimulus for circuit simulations by extracting a waveform from an image and using that waveform to simulate a circuit. Image-processing aspects may include edge-detection processes to identify a boundary of the waveform in the image.