Numerical Considerations in the Transient Analysis and Optimal Design of Nonlinear Circuits

摘要

Although the formulation of equations for nonlinear electrical circuits has received a great deal of attention, it is only recently that a corresponding concern with the solution phase has been evidenced. As this interest has developed, so too has a realization of the intimate numerical relationship between the formulation and solution. This concern extends to both analysis and (automatic) iterative design, for there are numerical problems which are peculiar to the generation of gradients necessary in slope-following optimization methods. This paper is a summary of this research area. To be precise, it is a survey of current progress made in solving numerical problems which arise in the formulation and solution phases of the transient analysis and iterative design of nonlinear electrical circuits. The truly remarkable progress that has been made in this field is illustrated by design of a gate-sized switching circuit. (Author)