Mar 22, 2011

Build accurate Spice models for low-noise, low-power precision amplifiers

Build accurate Spice models for low-noise, low-power precision amplifiers: "
System engineers require accurate models for all types of ICs, and they require Spice models to run comprehensive circuit simulations. Early Spice models had few nonlinear elements, minimizing simulation time at the cost of accuracy, but new methods let you increase the number of nonlinear elements and improve accuracy. You can create a multistage model for low-noise, low-power operational amplifiers. The model employs work from Analog Devices (Reference 1) and requires several architectural changes to model a low-noise, low-power precision amplifier. The model architecture processes the input signal through eight stages. You can easily calculate the parameters for the eight stages with a handheld calculator. To understand the model creation, you must have experience using Spice.

Although higher-speed amplifiers have multiple poles and zeros, this model is for a single-pole, 10-MHz amplifier. It lets you simulate the amplifier’s key ac and dc parameters. The model includes ac parameters for flicker and flatband noise, slew rate, CMRR (common-mode rejection ratio), gain, and phase. The model’s dc parameters are VOS (input offset voltage), IOS (input offset current), quiescent supply current, and output-voltage swing. The model uses the 25°C typical parameters (Reference 2). The closer you model the input stage to the actual amplifier, the more accurate your results will be. You can achieve an accurate ac representation of the amplifier’s performance using a few of the process parameters of the input-stage transistors or MOSFETs. This model’s architecture lets you model amplifiers with split supplies. There is no ground reference in any of the signal-processing blocks. After the differential-to-single-ended conversion, all internally generated node voltages are referenced to the midpoint of the power supplies, much like the actual operation of an amplifier."

Complete IC simulation requires a full toolbox of hardware and software

Complete IC simulation requires a full toolbox of hardware and software: "Discovering a design error after you send youraverage chip to manufacturing c..."

Mar 16, 2011

[mos-ak] Final Program MOS-AK/GSA Workshop in Paris

Please visit the MOS-AK/GSA Paris web site with the final workshop
program:
http://www.mos-ak.org/paris/

* Free On-line Registration Form:
http://www.mos-ak.org/paris/registration.php

* Venue:
Université Pierre et Marie Curie
LIP6 (UPMC)
4 Place Jussieu; Paris
Bâtiment ESCLANGON; Amphithéâtre ASTIER

* Agenda: 7-8 April 2011 MOS-AK/GSA Workshop
"Frontiers of the Compact Modeling for Advanced Analog/RF
Applications"

April 7 (13:00-16:00)
* half day/afternoon MOS-AK modeling session
* poster session introduction
* COMON Network meeting/session (members only)
* informal MOS-AK/COMON "modeling" dinner (individual selfpaid)

April 8 (9:00-16:00)
* morning MOS-AK Session
* poster session
* afternoon MOS-AK Session

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "mos-ak" group.
To post to this group, send email to mos-ak@googlegroups.com.
To unsubscribe from this group, send email to mos-ak+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/mos-ak?hl=en.

Mar 14, 2011

I've found this offer, which I'm sharing with you:

Looking for Modeling & Characterization Engineer. Please send resume to Goldie.Homan@onsemi.com or apply Job 10536 at http://www.onsemi.com/PowerSolutions/content.do?id=16367

Position Description As a Modeling Engineer in the Corporate R&D department, you will:

- Perform and analyze electrical measurements on various devices.
- Design test structures.
- Extract device SPICE models using ICCAP, UTMOST, MQA, and other in-house software packages.
- Support transfer methodology for models from TRD to Design Methodology.
- Document characterization and modeling work according to established procedures.
- Evaluate and support implementation of new characterization, modeling and methods.
- Provide performance assessment and feedbacks for device development engineering.
- Interface with Design Methodology, Design, Foundry and external customers to resolve characterization/modeling issues and improve characterization/modeling methods.
- Work jointly with modeling groups in CZ to perform characterization/modeling tasks.
- Perform other tasks as may be from time to time assigned.

Position Requirements Successful candidates for this position will have:

- A BS/MS/PhD in Electrical Engineering/Physics/Material Science/Chemical Engineering/Chemistry. MS/PhD preferred.
- In-depth understanding of semiconductor device physics and proficiency in DC, AC, and RF characterization.
- Previous Design/Device fabrication/Process integration experience desired.
- Ability to utilize statistical techniques is required.
- UNIX/LINIX shell, PERL programming experience is desired.
- Previous experience with BiPolar device design/simulation/modeling is a plus.
- Previous experience in RF parasitic extraction is a plus
- Demonstrated ability to work successfully with external groups is required.
Expiring in 11 days(March 25th, 2011)

Mar 13, 2011

NASA To Host Open Source Summit

NASA will host a summit about open source software development on March 29-30 at the agency's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, Calif. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT on both days.
NASA's first Open Source Summit will bring together engineers, policy makers and members of the open source community. Participants will discuss the challenges within the existing open source policy framework and propose modifications to facilitate NASA's development, release and use of software. [more]

Mar 2, 2011

SPICE: a 40-year old open-source success story

From EDN:

SPICE: a 40-year old open-source success story
SPICE, the Simulation Program with Integrated Circuits Emphasis, has turned 40 years old. The IEEE has marked the occasion by designating the development of SPICE as a Milestone in Electrical Engineering and Computing. On February 23rd, the Computer History Museum hosted a celebration with a roundtable discussion by the individuals most responsible for bringing SPICE from its origin as a UC Berkeley student project to the huge commercial success it has achieved as the most widely used tool in the semiconductor industry.
spice-panel-copy.jpg
The panel (from left to right) consisted of:
  • Ron Rohrer - 2002 Kaufman Award recipient, who taught the class at UCB that developed the progenitor of SPICE, CANCER (Computer Analysis of Nonlinear Circuits, Excluding Radiation)
  • Larry Nagel - as a student in Ron’s class, Larry took on CANCER as his Master’s degree project, and eventually developed the 1st successful implementation - SPICE2 - as his doctoral thesis.
  • Kim Hailey - co-founder (with Shawn Hailey) of Meta-Software, where HSPICE was created.
  • Ken Kundert - who led the development of Cadence’s Spectre simulator.
  • David Hodges - Distinguished Professor Emeritus at UCB, the panel moderator, who is well known for leading the development of analog IC design in CMOS and for the original (Level-1) Shichman-Hodges MOS device model.

Read more.... in EDN