Simulation and verifcation software for superconducting electronic Circuits

Date
2019-04
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The dissertation presents simulation and veri cation software for both high- and low-level de- signs with emphasis on superconducting integrated circuits. A static timing analysis tool called SuperSTA is introduced as a method of analysing high-level superconducting designs in terms of the longest delay from any input to any output. This method of analysis provides metrics with which a design can be scrutinized and judged based on prede ned criteria. A super- conducting circuit simulator, JoSIM, is also introduced as a modi ed nodal analysis transient simulator which uses trapezoidal integration to solve a circuit netlist. A SPICE syntax circuit netlist is analysed and a matrix constructed, whereafter the Ax = b linear algebra problem is solved using the KLU algorithm. JoSIM incorporates unique features such as a modi ed nodal phase analysis method, parametrization through expression parsing and alphanumeric node names. JoSIM includes a built-in graphical user interface for direct result veri cation. This is achieved using the cross-platform graphical library FLTK as well as Python's Matplotlib library. The design of the simulator and all the incorporated components are discussed in a step-by-step manner. JoSIM is compared to existing superconducting circuit simulators and judged in terms of accuracy and ability to simulate very large scale superconducting circuit designs. Results are investigated and recommendations for future improvements and optimizations to the simulator are discussed
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die dissertasie bied simulasie- en veri kasieprogrammatuur vir beide ho- en laevlakontwerpe, met die klem op supergeleidende gentegreerde stroombane. 'n Statiese tyd-analiese program genaamd SuperSTA word bekendgestel as 'n metode om hovlak supergeleidende ontwerpe te analiseer in terme van die langste vertraging van enige intree na enige uittree. Hierdie metode van analise verskaf maatstawwe waarteen 'n ontwerp ondersoek kan word en beoordeel word op grond van voorafbepaalde kriteria. 'n Supergeleidende stroombaan simuleerder, JoSIM, word ook bekendgestel as 'n aangepaste nodus tydsgebied analiese wat trapezoidal integrasie gebruik om 'n stroombaan op te los. 'n SPICE-sintaks stroombaan intree word geanaliseer en 'n matriks gebou, waarna die Ax = b linere algebra-probleem opgelos word met behulp van die KLU-algoritme. JoSIM bevat unieke eienskappe soos 'n aangepaste nodus fase analise metode, parametrisering deur uitdrukking ontleding en alfanumeriese nodus name. JoSIM sluit 'n ingeboude gra ese gebruikerskoppelvlak in vir direkte resultaatveri kasie. Dit word behaal deur die gra ese biblioteek FLTK sowel as Python se Matplotlib-biblioteek te gebruik. Die ontwerp van die simuleerder en al die ingeslote komponente word stap-vir-stap bespreek. JoSIM word vergelyk met bestaande supergeleidende stroombaansimuleerders en beoordeel in terme van akkuraatheid en vermo om supergeleidende kringontwerpe te kan simuleer. Resultate word ondersoek en aanbevelings vir toekomstige verbeteringe en optimalisering aan die simuleerder word bespreek
Description
Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2019.
Keywords
Simulation methods, UCTD, Electric lines -- Superconducting, Computer software -- Verification
Citation