Interconnect simulation with asymptotic waveform evaluation (AWE)

The interconnect analysis problem is treated in a general fashion, exploiting the efficiency and accuracy of asymptotic waveform evaluation (AWE) for the linear interconnect portion of the circuit while using the SPICE simulator for the nonlinear portions. An algorithm that allows the use of partitioned circuit solution techniques in conjunction with AWE is described. A special technique for determining the moments of a partition comprising distributed elements is presented. Moment-computation algorithms for AWE are combined with the method of characteristics to form another type of macromodel for systems of coupled lossy lines. The AWESpice algorithm, which combines the linear multiport macromodels of interconnect with general nonlinearities in a time domain simulation, is described. Results of using the techniques are provided