Fast simulation algorithms for RF circuits

RF integrated circuit designers make extensive use of simulation tools which perform nonlinear periodic steady-state analysis and its extensions. However, the computational costs of these simulation tools have restricted users from examining the detailed behavior of complete RF subsystems. Recent algorithmic developments, based on matrix-implicit iterative methods, is rapidly changing this situation and providing new faster tools which can easily analyze circuits with hundreds of devices. In this paper we present these new methods by describing how they can be used to accelerate finite-difference, shooting-Newton, and harmonic-balance based algorithms for periodic steady-state analysis.