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Research Page for Francis Rotella
BY: Francis M. Rotella
The purpose of the mixed-mode simulation work at Stanford is to provide a mechanism to include complex devices or complex physical events in a SPICE circuit simulation. Compact models may be inadequate or difficult to obtain for devices such as GaAs MESFET's, heterostructure devices, short channel MOSFET's, and optical devices. On the other hand, mixed-mode allows for a quick analysis with a circuit simulation especially during the device design stages. In addition, device physical events, such as an alpha particle strike, can be incorporated in a circuit simulation environment. Hence, clues to the device design may lead to a more failure resistant design.
SPICE provides an industry standard for circuit simulation upon which the numerical device model is added. Given the versatility of SPICE, mixed-mode provides a means to consolidate other projects in the TCAD group at Stanford. Parasitic/interconnect extractions from layout can be coupled with device cross sections created in the virtual factory and simulated in a mixed-mode environment before committing to the manufacturing line.
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. This ability leads to more robust solutions since the most accurate simulator for the specific device may be used. Hence, the main advantage of the loosely coupled algorithm is the modularity; however, some computational cost is incurred.
Please peruse the more detailed description for more information.