MS, University of Cincinnati, 2004, Engineering : Computer Engineering

The issue of performance of compile-driven mixed-signal simulation is a challenging problem with optimization techniques researched to speed-up the various phases of simulation. The matrix load phase of the analog simulation kernel has been found to consume the largest percentage of the total simulation time. It is also known that in the worst case, the matrix load time is a cubic function of the number of equations in the system. Therefore, efforts have been directed towards reducing the matrix load time in a mixed-signal simulation paradigm. The elaborated set of Characteristic Expressions (CEs) forms the input to the matrix load phase of the analog kernel. The CEs are formed either as a result of elaborating simultaneous statements or because of the association of the quantities and terminals. A reduction in the elaborated set of CEs would result in the reduction of both the matrix load and matrix solve times. The current data structures do not support the reduction of the elaborated set of CEs. This thesis presents the design of a new Information Structure (IS) to support the modification and reduction of CEs and sets of CEs respectively. We exploit this design to improve the performance of compile-driven mixed-signal simulation. A proof of concept has been provided to demonstrate the viability of the designed Information Structure.