Variation-Aware Circuit Simulation Using Behavioral Models

The patent segments the simulation process into multiple simulation runs, each targeting specific design corners (e.g., slow-slow, fast-fast, typical-typical). This segmentation allows the simulation to focus computational resources on critical variation scenarios rather than attempting to simulate all possible variations simultaneously, thereby improving accuracy for each corner while maintaining overall simulation efficiency through targeted analysis.

The patent applies partial action by simulating only the most critical design corners rather than all possible process variations. By identifying and focusing on key corners (such as slow-slow, fast-fast, and typical-typical), the simulation achieves sufficient accuracy for design verification without the exponential computational burden of exhaustive simulation, thus reducing computational complexity while maintaining practical accuracy.

The patent performs preliminary identification and prioritization of critical design corners before executing simulations. By pre-determining which corners (e.g., slow-slow, fast-fast, typical-typical) are most relevant to the specific circuit design and its performance requirements, the system can focus simulation efforts on these high-impact scenarios, thereby achieving reliable verification with reduced total simulation time compared to exhaustive corner analysis.