Unique Number 14500, Spring, 1996; T-Th 11:00-12:30, RLM 5.122
Instructor: Dean P. Neikirk, office ENS 635, phone 471-4669; MERB 1.606F, 471-8549
e-mail: neikirk@uts.cc.utexas.edu
Office Hours: T-Th 10-11; M-W 3:30-4:30
Prerequisites: This will be an introductory level graduate class, assuming basic familiarity with circuit analysis and linear algebra.
Objectives:
A significant amount of the circuit work done today is based on our ability to accurately, reliably, and quickly simulate circuits whose complexity defies "by hand" analysis. In order to perform computer aided DESIGN, we must first be able to perform computer aided analysis (otherwise, how do you verify your design will work?). In many cases "design" is actually performed by iteratively applying an analysis procedure. In this course we will discuss the basic techniques used to perform circuit simulation, particularly those techniques used in SPICE (which stands for Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis, one of many acronyms we will have to deal with). This will include (I hope):
1. Nodal analysis and "matrix stamps"
2. Solutions to linear equations
Gaussian elimination and LU factorization
3. Linear dc and transient analysis
4. Sparse matrix behavior
5. Sensitivity analysis
6. Nonlinear circuit simulation
7. Timing simulation
We will follow closely the book Electronic Circuit and System Simulation Methods by L. T. Pillage, R. A. Rohrer, and C. Visweswariah (McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1995).
Class Projects: You must complete a class project, which will count for 30% of your grade. The project will consist of the identification of a critical, CAD-related roadblock in high speed/frequency circuit design/simulation, and the detailed, critical examination of relevant literature. You will then prepare a written discussion of your findings, as well as presenting a DETAILED, BUT UNDERSTANDABLE, oral talk to the class. You will be expected to explain your findings in language we can all understand; I will not accept "conventional" explanations which consist primarily of fancy jargon. Expect to spend at least one hour with me prior to your class presentation, with a return visit to clarify any problems (and I guarantee I will find something to object to) identified in your presentation. Presentations should begin April 1. Your class presentation will be fifteen minutes long, with five minutes for questions, given after practicing your presentation with me. If you have other suggestions for projects (such as code/model development), let me know, and I will consider them.
Text Book: L. T. Pillage, R. A. Rohrer, and C. Visweswariah, Electronic Circuit and System Simulation Methods. New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1995.
Other possibly related books with some interconnect related material:
H. W. Johnson and M. Graham, High-Speed Digital Design: a Handbook of Black Magic. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey: PTR Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1993.
C. R. Paul, Introduction to Electromagnetic Compatibility. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1992.
Electronic References: In today's world, there are many avenues to gather information. The electronics CAD community tends to be pretty active electronically. Here are a few locations/links I have found. I invite you to add to this list as you find useful sites:
BABEL: a list of many computer-related acronyms when you get confused
Grades
Your grades will be based upon performance on homework, exams (some in take-home format), and the class project. Homework will be assigned approximately weekly; credit for late homework will be reduced at a rate of 10% per class the work is late.
The weighting for different areas is:
Homework 15%
Mid term exam 25%
Class project 30%
Final [May 11, 2-5 pm] 30%
100%
The worst-case grades will be based on:
A 100-90% of total points available
B 80-89%
C 70-79%
D 55-70%
F 0-55%
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN PROVIDES UPON REQUEST APPROPRIATE ACADEMIC ADJUSTMENTS FOR QUALIFIED STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE OFFICE OF THE DEAN OF STUDENTS AT 471-6259, 471-4241 TDD OR THE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES AT 471-4382.
LAST DAY TO DROP: 4TH DAY OF CLASSES (Jan. 19); BETWEEN THEN AND Feb. 12 MUST GO TO DEAN'S OFFICE; AFTER Feb. 12 THERE MAY BE AN ACADEMIC PENALTY
Course Evaluation: University and optional in-house survey during last week of class.
Policy on CHEATING:
You are expected to do your own work at ALL times. I expect you will often discuss assignments, but you MUST do your own ORIGINAL written work. Any evidence of cheating or plagiarism* will be treated as grounds for FAILURE in the class.
The following is extracted from the document "On Being A Scientist: Responsible Conduct In Research" by the COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, ENG, NATIONAL ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING, INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE, NATIONAL ACADEMY PRESS, Washington, D.C. 1995.
Copyright (c) 1994 by the National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved. This document may be reproduced solely for educational purposes without the written permission of the National Academy of Sciences. Internet Access: This report is available on the National Academy of Sciences' Internet host. It may be accessed via World Wide Web at http://www.nas.edu, via Gopher at gopher.nas.edu, or via FTP at ftp.nas.edu.
*"A CASE OF PLAGIARISM
"May is a second-year graduate student preparing the written portion of her qualifying exam. She incorporates whole sentences and paragraphs verbatim from several published papers. She does not use quotation marks, but the sources are suggested by statements like '(see . . . for more details).' The faculty on the qualifying exam committee note inconsistencies in the writing styles of different paragraphs of the text and check the sources, uncovering May's plagiarism.
"After discussion with the faculty, May's plagiarism is brought to the attention of the dean of the graduate school, whose responsibility it is to review such incidents. The graduate school regulations state that 'plagiarism, that is, the failure in a dissertation, essay, or other written exercise to acknowledge ideas, research or language taken from others' is specifically prohibited. The dean expels May from the program with the stipulation that she can reapply for the next academic year." [ URL: http://www.nas.edu/nap/online/obas/contents/misconduct.html#Plagiarism ]
"A broad spectrum of misconduct falls into the category of plagiarism, ranging from obvious theft to uncredited paraphrasing that some might not consider dishonest at all. In a lifetime of reading, theorizing, and experimenting, a person's work will inevitably incorporate and overlap with that of others. However, occasional overlap is one thing; systematic use of the techniques, data, words, or ideas of others without appropriate acknowledgment is another." [ URL: http://www.nas.edu/nap/online/obas/contents/appendix.html#Plagiarism ]