Signal Integrity Simulation for Encrypted Chip Models
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current signal integrity simulation methods for high-speed systems face challenges due to encrypted chip models, leading to reduced simulation accuracy and increased design risks, especially when the link margin is small, making it difficult to effectively evaluate link characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A signal integrity simulation method for an encryption hybrid model involves extracting step response data from a SPICE model through transient simulation, generating an external random code signal, and using an ADS channel simulator to calculate and measure the eye diagram at the RX end, ensuring accurate simulation by accounting for chip characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a universal chip model is used to approximately replace the encrypted chip model, then link simulation can be performed, but the simulation accuracy cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary process: extracting step response characteristics from the encrypted SPICE model through transient simulation, and using these extracted characteristics as input for the ADS channel simulator. This intermediary approach allows the simulation to proceed without requiring the actual encrypted model while maintaining high accuracy by using real measured data from the physical chip.
2Measurement precision
If the encrypted chip model is directly used in the simulation, then the actual chip characteristics can be represented, but the simulation cannot be performed normally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential step response characteristics from the encrypted SPICE model through transient simulation. By taking out only the necessary input data (step response) rather than attempting to use the entire encrypted model, the method enables simulation while preserving accuracy.
3Reliability
If the 'wiring-simulation-rewiring' method is adopted to meet design requirements, then design feasibility can be assessed, but much time is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by conducting transient simulation on the SPICE model beforehand to extract step response characteristics. This pre-extraction allows the ADS channel simulation to proceed efficiently without requiring iterative wiring and re-simulation, significantly reducing the design cycle while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A signal integrity simulation method for an encryption hybrid model is provided. A step response data of a SPICE model is extracted through a transient simulation. An external random code signal is generated. The extracted step response data is imported as an input source for an ADS channel simulator. An eye diagram at a RX end is calculated by the ADS channel simulator based on an algorithm and the external random code signal, to perform measurement on the eye diagram. With the signal integrity simulation method for an encryption hybrid model such as an IBIS AMI model, the problem that signal integration simulation cannot be accurately performed or cannot be performed because models provided by the manufacturer are encrypted or the types of models provided by the manufacturer are not consistent can be effectively solved.