Phase Determination for RLGC Extraction from S Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining phase in semiconductor circuit design introduce inaccuracies in RLGC parameters due to inadequate accounting for phase, leading to errors in signal propagation modeling, particularly in high-frequency circuits where parasitic elements like inductance and conductance become significant.
Innovation Solution
The use of zero-crossing information in a Smith-chart representation to improve the accuracy of extracting a propagation function from scattering parameters, allowing for precise calculation of resistance, inductance, capacitance, and conductance, thereby reducing errors in time-domain simulators like SPICE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional phase determination methods are used to extract propagation function from S parameters, then the extraction process is simple, but the accuracy of RLGC parameters deteriorates due to inadequate accounting for phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary variable representing phase information that mediates between the S parameters and the propagation function. By explicitly tracking phase as a separate intermediary quantity during the extraction process, the method achieves accurate RLGC parameters without requiring complex iterative optimization, thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation by explicitly incorporating phase information as a distinct parameter in the propagation function extraction. Instead of treating phase as an implicit component of the complex S parameters, the method separates and tracks phase independently, enabling accurate derivation of RLGC parameters while maintaining a relatively simple extraction procedure.
2Reliability
If phase information is not adequately accounted for in propagation function extraction, then the extraction process is simpler, but the reliability of signal propagation modeling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing phase as an intermediary variable that explicitly connects the S parameters to the propagation function, the method ensures reliable signal propagation modeling. This intermediary approach allows the extraction process to maintain simplicity while achieving high reliability, as the phase information serves as a direct bridge between measurement data and model parameters.
3Measurement precision
If inaccurate propagation function is used due to phase neglect, then the modeling process is faster, but the accuracy of time-domain simulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by explicitly determining phase information during the propagation function extraction stage, before time-domain simulation is performed. This preliminary inclusion of phase data ensures that accurate RLGC parameters are obtained upfront, eliminating the need for time-consuming iterative corrections during subsequent simulation, thus achieving both high accuracy and efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Scattering (S) parameters can be evaluated for a plurality of conductors on a semiconductor device to determine phase based on traversal around a Smith chart type representation. A propagation function for the plurality of conductors can be derived from S parameters, which in turn, can be used to derive resistance, inductance, capacitance, and/or conductance parameters. A Smith chart representation is used to obtain zero crossing information for determination of accurate phase information.