Hierarchical sensitivity analysis of circuits

The author shows how to calculate the sensitivity of the performance of electrical circuits using a hierarchical analysis method. The underlying principles of the sensitivity analysis are similar to those of the well-known incremental network and of the adjoint network methods of L.O. Chua and P. M. Lin (1975). The theoretical derivation given is quite different. It enables a different view of the sensitivity analysis. The hierarchical circuit analysis method is described. Sensitivity and partial derivatives are considered. The derivation of AC, DC, and transient hierarchical sensitivity analysis is outlined