Extended behavioural device modelling and circuit simulation with Qucs-S. Issue 3 (4th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brinson, M. E.; Kuznetsov, V.
• Is Part Of: International journal of electronics. Volume 105:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 412
• Page End: 425
• Publication Date: 2018-03-04
• Subjects: Qucs-S -- SPICE -- Ngspice -- Xyce -- behavioural modelling -- XSPICE code models -- Verilog-A; Electronics -- Periodicals; Electronic control -- Periodicals; 621.381
• DOI: 10.1080/00207217.2017.1357764
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7217

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Current trends in circuit simulation suggest a growing interest in open source software that allows access to more than one simulation engine while simultaneously supporting schematic drawing tools, behavioural Verilog-A and XSPICE component modelling, and output data post-processing. This article introduces a number of new features recently implemented in the 'Quite universal circuit simulator – SPICE variant' (Qucs-S), including structure and fundamental schematic capture algorithms, at the same time highlighting their use in behavioural semiconductor device modelling. Particular importance is placed on the interaction between Qucs-S schematics, equation-defined devices, SPICE B behavioural sources and hardware description language (HDL) scripts. The multi-simulator version of Qucs is a freely available tool that offers extended modelling and simulation features compared to those provided by legacy circuit simulators. The performance of a number of Qucs-S modelling extensions are demonstrated with a GaN HEMT compact device model and data obtained from tests using the Qucs-S/Ngspice/Xyce  © /SPICE OPUS multi-engine circuit simulator.