Analog behavioral models for simulation and synthesis of mixed-signal systems

A behavioral simulator is shown to be an essential part of a performance-driven hierarchical top-down design strategy for analog blocks within mixed-signal integrated systems. It is used to accurately estimate the performance of the system while down-mapping the specifications over the hierarchy, in order to avoid time-consuming design iterations. It is also indispensable for the final bottom-up verification after completion of the design, as well as for testing purposes. The authors describe the set-up of the generic behavioral models for this simulator, which describe the functional behavior of the analog blocks, independent of the internal architecture. In addition to the nominal behavior, the models also include the important second-order effects (nonidealities, noise, distortion . . .) as well as the statistical variations of most parameters. This is then illustrated in detail for the statistical minimum-rank model of a Nyquist-rate A/D converter. System-level applications show the effectiveness and accuracy of this model