Computer-aided circuit analysis tools for RFIC simulation:algorithms, features, and limitations

摘要

The design of the radio frequency (RF) section in a communicationnintegrated circuit (IC) is a challenging problem. Although severalncomputer-aided analysis tools are available for RFIC design, they arennot effectively used, because there is a lack of understanding aboutntheir features and limitations. These tools provide fast simulation ofnRFICs. However, no single tool delivers a complete solution for RFICndesign. This paper describes the shortcomings of conventional SPICE-likensimulators and the analyses required for RF applications with annemphasis on accurate and efficient simulation of distortion and noise.nVarious analysis methods, such as harmonic balance, shooting method,nmixed frequency-time methods, and envelope methods, that are currentlynavailable for RFIC simulation are presented. Commercial simulators arencompared in terms of their functionalities and limitations. The keynalgorithmic features and the simulator-specific terminology arendescribed