CMRF Workshop (at BCTM)

CMRF Workshop (at BCTM)
Wednesday October 3, 2012, in Portland, Oregon, USA

Session Chair: Colin McAndrew

As with previous years the Workshop on Compact Modeling for RF/Microwave Applications (CMRF) is being held in conjunction with BCTM. The workshop has an interactive dynamic, and this year includes a Forum of experts who will assess the present major needs in modeling.

1:00–1:30 PM – Advanced SiGe HBT Modeling with HICUM Level 0 (v1.3) for RF and mmW Applications
D. Celi and N. Derrier

This presentation deals with advanced bipolar modeling using the latest revision of HICUM/L0 (1.3). Following an overview of test structures and measurement setup used for bipolar transistors, the new HICUM/L0 formulations are described. Subsequently a workflow for parameter extraction is detailed that is suitable for advanced SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistors for mmW applications. As a last point the possibilities and limitations of the model and the parameter extraction are discussed.

1:30–2:00 PM – Dynamic Ageing Modeling for Reliability Simulation
B. Ardouin

Semiconductor device behavior is not static but changes over time, and the amount of change depends on details of the voltages and currents a device experiences. This presentation will review recent development of a dynamic ageing model for HiCuM 2.3 and provides details of Verilog-A implementation and pragmatic modeling issues related to self-consistent integration of transistor degradation in accelerated time based on realistic transient circuit operation.

2:00–2:30 PM – End-to-End Modeling for Handset Power Amplifiers – It’s Not Just Two Transistors!
P. Zampardi, Y. Yang, K. Kwok, B. Li, A. Metzger, C. Cismaru, H. Shao, W. Sun, and M. Fredriksson

The short design cycle for handset power amplifiers relies on accurate models for ALL components used in the design, not just the “two HBTs” used for the power transistors. As the complexity of these amplifiers (usually used in front-end modules) has increased, so has the required accuracy for simulating the package, control circuitry, and the RF chain itself. This presentation will show some of the challenges and solutions developed to address the development of high-yield commercial power amplifiers and the design flow for their realization.

2:50–3:20 PM – Practical Modeling: When Less is More
A. DiVergilio

The primary goal of compact modeling is to allow designs to be carried out quickly and efficiently. Therefore, model accuracy is not the only metric of model effectiveness. No matter what the circuit, significant portions of the design cycle can benefit more from rapid iteration than from absolute accuracy. Overly-complicated models slow down simulation and, at worst, prevent convergence all-together, especially for large designs. This presentation discusses trade-offs that can be made between speed and accuracy, emphasizing the flexibility that can be achieved through high-level modeling languages, such as Verilog-A, when applied to device-level model development.

3:20–4:20 PM – Forum: “Grand Challenges in Modeling”
Queen Marie Ballroom

Models are by definition imperfect, but what are the biggest opportunities for improvement that will have the biggest bang-for-the-buck in design? This forum will attempt to answer that question, and formulate a prioritized list of items that will be published on the BCTM web site.

Participants:

• Bertrand Ardouin (XMOD technologies)
• Adam DiVergilio (Tektronix)
• Mikhail Shirokov (Triquint Semiconductor)
• Peter Zampardi (Skyworks Solutions)
• Colin McAndrew (Moderator; Freescale)