Efficient extraction of the worst sample in Monte Carlo simulation

摘要

A system, method, and computer program product for reducing the number of Monte Carlo simulation samples required to determine if a design meets design specifications. The worst sample for each specification acts as a design corner to substitute for a full design verification. Embodiments determine the maximum number of samples needed, perform an initial performance modeling using an initial set of samples, and estimate the failure probability of each of the remaining samples based on the performance model. Embodiments then simulate remaining samples with a computer-operated Monte Carlo circuit simulation tool in decreasing design specification model accuracy order, wherein the sample predicted most likely to fail each specification is simulated first. Re-use of simulation results progressively improves models. Probability based stop criteria end the simulation early when the worst samples have been confidently found. A potential ten-fold reduction in overall specification verification time may result.