Part 1: Logic circuit simulation

As digital integrated-circuits become more complex, the designer cannot rely on breadboarding but must use a digital computer for circuit simulation to verify correctness of the design. Top-down design, using many simulation levels in a hierarchical structure, is needed for complex systems. Simulation can be used at the Circuit, Logic, RTL, ISP, or Systems Analysis level. To verify the design of a circuit, True-Value Simulation is used. Fault Simulation must be used to determine the proper sequence of test signals used in circuit acceptance after fabrication. A general overview of simulation is given in this first part. A subsequent article will contain a description of a general purpose logic simulation with circuit examples.