EDN Product fEEd

Jun 21 2007 1:09PM | Permalink | Email this | Comments (0) |
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The Virtuoso MMsim (multimode-simulation) platform Version 6.2 provides custom-designed simulators with a common kernel and database of netlists and models, assisting designers in effectively simulating analog, RF, memory, or mixed-signal designs. The upgrades of the MMsim tools extend to the Virtuoso Spectre circuit simulator, UltraSim full-chip simulator, and AMS Designer. Improvements to the engine in the Spectre XL circuit simulator make the simulator three times faster than traditional SPICE simulators and provide 10-times-faster enhanced Monte Carlo analysis than the previous version. Integrating analog-, RF-, and high-speed-IC-simulation capabilities, Spectre XL features an enhanced frequency-domain, multirate, harmonic-balance engine; high-dynamic range; and weakly nonlinear-RF circuits. Suiting highly nonlinear circuits, the simulator features a time-domain algorithm and a flow for analysis of analog noise and jitter in PLLs (phase-looked loops). The UltraSim XL full-chip simulator runs custom designs 10 times faster than the previous version. The EM and IR features now support electrical verification of memories and large analog- and mixed-signal devices. Improving the link between the AMS Designer and its custom simulator provides enhanced mixed-signal RF with integration to Spectre XL and an improved performance with UltraSim XL for SOC (system-on-chip) verification. The Virtuoso MMsim version 6.2 costs $24,000 for a one-year license.