Transient Circuit Simulation Debugging for Non-Convergence Fault Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Debugging transient non-convergence failures in circuit simulations is a challenging and time-consuming process for circuit designers, often leading to redesigns without identifying the exact cause, as existing methods are inefficient and manual, requiring extensive trial and error.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that automatically analyze failed transient simulations, identifying the exact cause of non-convergence by dynamically modifying or replacing base parametric device models with simpler functions to ensure convergence, and implementing an automatic debug mode to restart simulations from a last good time point.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual debugging methods are used to analyze transient non-convergence failures, then designers can identify circuit issues, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebugging accuracyVSAvoiddebugging time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The simulation system automatically performs debugging operations without human intervention. The system self-analyzes non-convergence failures by examining log files, identifying problematic time points, and determining root causes automatically, eliminating the need for manual debugging efforts while maintaining high accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical debugging processes are replaced with automated computational analysis. The system uses algorithms to process simulation data, detect convergence failures, and identify design faults or modeling errors, substituting human manual analysis with automated computational methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If complex base parametric device models are used in transient simulation, then model accuracy is improved, but numerical stability and convergence become difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodel accuracyVSAvoidsimulation convergence

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts simulation parameters and model complexity based on convergence behavior. When non-convergence is detected, the system automatically modifies simulation settings or simplifies device models at problematic time points, allowing the simulation to adapt and converge while preserving accuracy where possible

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes simulation parameters such as time step size, convergence criteria, or model parameters when non-convergence occurs. By dynamically adjusting these parameters based on simulation progress and detected issues, the system maintains both accuracy and convergence reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If designers redesign circuits without identifying exact non-convergence causes, then circuit functionality may be improved, but the root design faults or modeling errors remain undetected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign iteration speedVSAvoiddesign correctness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides automated feedback about the root causes of non-convergence failures. By analyzing simulation logs and identifying specific design faults or modeling errors, the system gives designers actionable information about what is wrong, enabling targeted corrections rather than trial-and-error redesigns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of potential failure modes before they cause complete simulation failure. By detecting convergence issues early and identifying their causes, the system allows designers to correct problems before committing to full redesign iterations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12493072B2System and method for identifying design faults or semiconductor modeling errors by analyzing failed transient simulation of an integrated circuit

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 BAYES ELECTRONICS TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A method for detecting non-convergence error in a transient circuit simulation wherein a circuit netlist and control statements associated with a circuit for the transient circuit simulation are received. A transient circuit simulation is performed responsive to a time point. Whether a non-convergence error has occurred during transient circuit simulation is determined. A transient debug mode is actuated responsive to determination of occurrence of the non-convergence error. The steps of performing the transient circuit simulation and determining whether a non-convergence error has occurred are repeated after actuation of the transient debug mode. Results of the transient circuit simulation are provided responsive to a determination of non-occurrence of a non-convergence error.