Multi-Layer Circuit Model Order Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for converting multi-layer circuits into equivalent circuit models are limited by excessive complexity and lack of physical meaning, particularly in high-frequency applications, due to inadequate understanding of parasitic coupling mechanisms and excessive number of circuit elements in partial element equivalent circuit (PEEC) models.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that utilize electromagnetic field analysis and circuit model order reduction to simplify coupling networks, transforming Y-circuits to Δ-circuits and approximating these transformations to generate a physically expressive equivalent circuit model, reducing the number of internal nodes and retaining significant attributes for clear physical meaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a partial element equivalent circuit (PEEC) model is used to represent multi-layer circuits, then the circuit model can be generated systematically from physical layout, but the number of circuit elements becomes excessive and the model complexity becomes overwhelming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystematic generation from physical layoutVSAvoidnumber of circuit elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the significant circuit elements from the complete PEEC model by identifying and removing redundant or negligible elements. This selective extraction process retains the essential electrical characteristics while dramatically reducing the total number of circuit elements, making the model manageable for practical analysis and design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different levels of modeling detail to different regions of the circuit based on their electrical significance. Critical areas with strong coupling or resonant behavior are modeled with high detail, while less significant areas are represented with simplified models or lumped elements, optimizing the balance between accuracy and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If circuit models are simplified to reduce complexity, then the model becomes easier to handle, but the physical meaning and accuracy of parasitic coupling mechanisms are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel simplicityVSAvoidaccuracy of parasitic coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the circuit model parameters through frequency-dependent transformations and equivalence transformations. By changing the representation of circuit elements (e.g., converting between impedance and admittance, applying frequency scaling), the model maintains physical meaning across different frequency ranges while remaining computationally tractable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces asymmetric modeling approaches where different simplification strategies are applied to different types of coupling (e.g., electric vs. magnetic coupling, near-field vs. far-field interactions). This asymmetric treatment preserves the unique physical characteristics of each coupling mechanism while reducing overall model complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of manufacture

If a predefined circuit topology is used for equivalent circuit modeling, then the model construction is straightforward, but the model cannot capture complex parasitic coupling mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel construction simplicityVSAvoidcapability to model parasitic coupling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex multi-layer circuit into distinct functional regions and coupling paths, modeling each segment with appropriate circuit elements. This segmentation approach allows systematic construction from physical layout while capturing the unique parasitic coupling characteristics of each region, bridging the gap between simplicity and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS7788079B2Methods for producing equivalent circuit models of multi-layer circuits and apparatus using the same
Publication Date: 2010.08.31 THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
  • US7788079B2 patent drawing
  • US7788079B2 patent drawing
  • US7788079B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method and an apparatus for obtaining an equivalent circuit model of a multi-layer circuit are disclosed. The method includes simulating the multi-layer circuit using an electromagnetic field analysis to provide a coupling network; and simplifying the coupling network using a circuit model order reduction method to generate the equivalent circuit model. The method is very simple to implement and the equivalent circuit model obtained has an apparent physical meaning.