Calculation for Strength of Signal Flow and Its Application in Circuit Simulation Algorithm

Abstract

In the circuit simulation subject, Relaxation-based algorithms have been proven to be faster and more flexible than the standard direct approach used in SPICE. Signal flow of the simulated circuit is very important in using Relaxation-based algorithm. However, there is no specific research undertaken for it. This paper gives a formal definition for the strength of signal flow (SSF), discusses how to calculate SSF, and devises techniques to utilize SSF in one of the Relaxation-base algorithms, ITA (Iterated Timing Analysis). Experimental results are given to prove the value of exploiting SSF in circuit simulation.