New Simulation Methods for Accelerated Mixed-Signal Simulation

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Erich Barke
• Subject Area: Electronic Semiconductors, Components and Circuits, Integrated Systems, Sensor Technology, Theoretical Electrical Engineering
• Term: from 2013 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 247945085

Its continuous development in microelectronics enables an increasing integration of multi components on a single chip. In order to reliably verify the interaction between analog and digital circuit, the verification of mixed-signal circuits requires special methods. Today the performance of traditional simulation methods are insufficient to meet the increasing demands of the present mixed-signal system-level simulation. This research project is based on an approach for the automated model generation for accelerated mixed-signal simulation of analog circuit models and the associated simulation methodology for a transient analysis. Studies have shown good results, which make a significant acceleration in the simulation of mixed analog/digital-systems.Up to now, the current approach is limited to piecewise-constant input stimuli. One of the fundamental goals of this project is an extension of the novel simulation methodology that enables additional input signal types. A further aim of the project is to integrate the novel simulation methodology into conventional simulation environments. Thus, a significant acceleration in verification of integrated mixed-signal-systems can be achieved.At present, merely small-sized mixed-signal circuits at a relatively low level of abstraction of the analog part are evaluated for this approach. Due to the support and integration of conventional simulation environments an acceleration of a system-verification can be reached. Subsequent to this, the performance of the simulator properties should be analyzed. These examinations should be performed within and outside of other simulationenvironments.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants