E-raamat: Circuit Simulation

Najm (electrical and computer engineering, U. of Toronto, Canada) describes the numerical techniques and algorithms used in modern electric circuit simulators, focusing on the most commonly used simulation modes: DC analysis and transient analysis. Following the introduction, he examines network equation formulation, emphasizing modified nodal analysis, but also covering the network cycle space and bond space, element stamps, and the question of unique solvability of the system. He then addresses solutions to linear resistive circuits, covering standard methods, as well as numerical error in floating point systems, pivoting for accuracy, sparse matrix methods, pivoting for sparsity, and indirect solution methods. Nonlinear resistive circuits are covered in the next chapter, with a focus on Newton's method and its links to the fixed point method and the conditions that govern its convergence. The final chapter addresses the simulation of linear and nonlinear dynamic circuits, providing treatment of methods for solving ordinary differential equations and covering issues of accuracy and stability of linear multistep methods, as well as advanced topics of time-step control, variable time-step, charge conservation, and the use of charge-based models in simulation. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Circuit simulators are used throughout the electronics industry to verify the performance of electronic components and systems prior to manufacturing. As such, these software systems are indispensable parts of the arsenal of design tools employed by thousands of design engineers across the industry. It is also a topic that is covered in many universities, typically in the area of computer-aided design. This text describes in detail the many numerical techniques and algorithms that are part of modern circuit simulation packages, with an emphasis on the most typically used simulation mode, namely transient analysis. The material is clearly presented, rigorously explained, and sufficient detail is presented to enable the reader to write his/her own circuit simulator. Given how few textbooks are in print on circuit simulation, this text should be a welcome addition to the shelves of many design engineers and computer-aided design practitioners. It is also an excellent text for delivery of a graduate course on the topic.