Mixed-Signal Circuit Timing Analysis via Register Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for Static Timing Analysis (STA) in mixed-signal circuit systems are inefficient and inaccurate, as they require simulating the entire circuit system, ignore load effects from other paths, and fail to consider electrical drift, leading to lengthy and unreliable results.
Innovation Solution
A simulation method that detects register and clock signal locations in mixed-signal circuits, converts circuit blocks between registers into combinational logic gate-level circuits, and performs STA on the converted system, allowing for accurate timing analysis by treating the circuit as a digital system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the whole circuit system is simulated to perform STA on mixed-signal circuits, then STA can be performed, but simulation time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The mixed-signal circuit system is segmented into multiple paths between register pairs. Each path is extracted and analyzed independently through timing analysis converting operations, allowing STA to be performed on individual paths rather than the entire system at once. This segmentation enables efficient timing verification while maintaining accuracy for each specific path.
2Loss of time
If only the path between two registers is extracted for simulation, then simulation time is reduced, but accuracy deteriorates due to ignoring load effects from other paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the circuit block parameters by converting analog circuit blocks into equivalent digital logic gate-level representations. This parameter transformation allows the extracted path to be analyzed using digital STA methods while incorporating the electrical characteristics and load effects that would otherwise require full-system simulation, thus maintaining accuracy without the time cost.
3Productivity
If conventional STA methods are applied to mixed-signal circuits, then digital timing analysis can be performed, but electrical drift effects are ignored leading to inaccurate results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a timing analysis converting operation as an intermediary process between the original mixed-signal circuit and the digital STA analysis. This converting operation transforms analog circuit blocks into equivalent digital logic representations, serving as a mediator that preserves electrical characteristics and drift effects while enabling efficient digital STA methods to be applied accurately.
Data Source
AI summary
A simulation method for a mixed-signal circuit system includes: detecting a plurality of registers and a clock signal included in the mixed-signal circuit system; performing a timing analysis converting operation upon a circuit block coupled between any two register of the plurality of registers to obtain a converted circuit system; and performing a Static Timing Analysis operation upon the converted circuit system; wherein when the circuit block is convertible into a combinational circuit block, the timing analysis converting operation includes: converting the circuit block to the combinational circuit block, wherein the combinational circuit block is logic gate-level.