Unlike the current mixed-mode simulators on the market, Stanford has taken the approach of a loosely coupled algorithm. As a result, any device simulator may be added into the mixed-mode environment with the addition of a few routines and a couple of small changes to the device simulator. In addition, each numerical device in the circuit may be simulated with a different simulator which leads to more robust solutions since the most accurate simulator for the device may be used. Hence, the main advantage of the loosely coupled algorithm at Stanford is the modularity. This same modularity leads to an increases in simulation time since the circuit and device responses are solved with two separate sets of iterations.
For more information on mixed-mode, please examine the pages from a computer demonstration at the 1994 IEDM conference or contact Francis.
Francis Rotella (rotella@gloworm.Stanford.EDU)