Initial Sizing of Analog Integrated Circuits by Centering Within Topology-Given Implicit Specification

ABSTRACT

We present a novel technique to automatically calculate an initialsizing of analog circuits that conforms to good design practice.The method is purely (DC) simulation-based and does not needsymbolic design equations or user design knowledge. It identifiesthe space of feasible design parameters based on implicit specifications, which arise from the circuit topology. A sizing centeredwithin this space is obtained by iteratively solving a maximum volume ellipsoid problem on approximations to the feasible parameter space. The result is well-suited as initial sizing because it safely satisfies all implicit specifications. Experimental results demonstrate the efficiency and reliability of our method.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  B. Hardware
  B.7 INTEGRATED CIRCUITS
      B.7.2 Design Aids
          Subjects: Simulation

Additional Classification:
  B. Hardware
  B.8 Performance and Reliability
      B.8.2 Performance Analysis and Design Aids

  G. Mathematics of Computing
  G.1 NUMERICAL ANALYSIS
      G.1.6 Optimization
          Subjects: Constrained optimization

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design, Performance