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Agilent 85190A
IC-CAP 2008
Reference
Agilent Technologies
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Edition
March 2008
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Errata
The IC-CAP product may contain references
to “HP” or “HPEESOF” such as in file names
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2
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CAU TI O N
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IC-CAP Reference
Contents
1
Supported Instruments
DC Analyzers 22
HP 4071A Semiconductor Parametric Tester 23
HP 4140 pA Meter/DC Voltage Source 33
HP 4141 DC Source/Monitor 35
HP/Agilent 4142 Modular DC Source/Monitor 36
HP 4145 Semiconductor Parameter Analyzer 41
HP/Agilent 4155 Semiconductor Parameter Analyzer 44
HP/Agilent 4156 Precision Semiconductor Parameter Analyzer
47
Agilent E5260 Series Parametric Measurement Solutions 49
Agilent E5270 Series Parametric Measurement Solutions 53
Agilent B1500A Semiconductor Device Analyzer 59
Capacitance-Voltage Meters 65
HP 4194 Impedance Analyzer 66
HP 4271 1 MHz Digital Capacitance Meter 68
HP 4275 Multi-Frequency LCR Meter 69
HP 4280 1 MHz Capacitance Meter 71
HP/Agilent 4284 Precision LCR Meter 73
HP/Agilent 4285 Precision LCR Meter 75
Agilent E4980A Precision LCR Meter 77
Agilent 4294A Precision Impedance Analyzer 80
Agilent E4991A RF Impedance/Material Analyzer 82
Network Analyzers 84
Agilent E5071C ENA Series Network Analyzer 88
Agilent PNA Series Vector Network Analyzer 93
HP 3577 Network Analyzer 100
IC-CAP Reference
3
HP/Agilent 8510 Network Analyzer
HP/Agilent 8702 Network Analyzer
HP/Agilent 8719 Network Analyzer
HP/Agilent 8720 Network Analyzer
HP/Agilent 8722 Network Analyzer
HP/Agilent 8753 Network Analyzer
Wiltron360 Network Analyzer 120
104
108
109
109
112
112
Oscilloscopes 124
HP 54120T Series Digitizing Oscilloscopes 124
HP 54510 Digitizing Oscilloscope 129
Agilent Infiniium Oscilloscope 133
HP 54750 Series Digitizing Oscilloscopes 138
Differential TDR/TDT Capability 142
Pulse Generators 147
HP 8130 Pulse Generator
HP 8131 Pulse Generator
147
148
Dynamic Signal Analyzer 151
HP/Agilent 35670A Dynamic Signal Analyzer
2
151
Drivers
Prober Drivers 154
External Prober User Functions 155
Internal Prober Functions 159
Prober Settings and Commands 160
Prober Driver Test Program
164
Matrix Drivers 166
External Matrix Driver User Functions 166
Internal Matrix Driver Functions 168
Using IC-CAP with B2200A/B2201 Low-Leakage Mainframe Driver
170
Utility Functions 170
4
IC-CAP Reference
Initialization and General Configuration 171
Transforms Governing the Bias Mode 172
Transforms Governing the Ground Mode 174
Transforms Governing the Couple Mode 176
Transforms Governing the Switching 177
Using IC-CAP with the HP 5250A Matrix Driver 178
Utility Functions 179
Initialization and General Configuration 181
Transforms Governing the Bias Mode 182
Transforms Governing the Couple Mode 183
Transforms Governing the Switching 184
Using IC-CAP with HP 4062UX and Prober/Matrix Drivers
Writing a Macro 185
Prober Control 187
Special Conditions 187
185
Adding Instrument Drivers to IC-CAP 189
Using the Open Measurement Interface 189
Driver Development Concepts 190
Adding a Driver 194
Debugging 203
Alternatives to Creating New Drivers 206
What Makes up an IC-CAP Driver 207
Programming with C++ 219
Class Hierarchy for User-Contributed Drivers
226
Order in Which User-Supplied Functions are Called
During Rebuild 229
During Calibrate 230
During Measure 231
Handling Signals and Exceptions
IC-CAP Reference
229
236
5
3
SPICE Simulators
SPICE Simulation Example
242
Piped and Non-Piped Simulations 244
Piped and Non-Piped SPICE Simulations
Non-Piped HSPICE Simulations 247
Non-Piped ELDO Simulations 248
Output Data Formats
244
250
SPICE Parameter Sweeps
252
Circuit Model Descriptions 254
Specifying Simulator Options 254
Describing the Device Model 255
Describing Subcircuits 257
Assigning Node Names 258
Test Circuits and Hierarchical Simulation
258
Circuit Description Syntax 261
SPICE Simulators 261
HSPICE Simulator 263
ELDO Simulator 263
SPICE Simulator Differences
265
Using the PRECISE Simulator with IC-CAP
Using the PSPICE Simulator with IC-CAP
4
270
SPECTRE Simulator
SPECTRE Interfaces 274
SPECTRE Interface 274
SPECTRE443 Interface 274
SPECTRE442 Interface 275
Open Simulator Interface (OSI)
Circuit Model Descriptions
6
267
275
276
IC-CAP Reference
Specifying Simulator Options 276
Valid SPECTRE Netlist Syntax for IC-CAP 277
Describing a Device 278
Describing the Model 279
Describing Subcircuits 279
Using a Device Statement and Model Card Configuration 281
Using a Single Subcircuit Block Configuration 281
Using a Device Statement Followed by a Subcircuit Block 282
Test Circuits and Hierarchical Simulation 283
Piped and Non-Piped SPECTRE Simulations 286
Using SPECTRE Simulator Templates with CANNOT_PIPE 286
Using SPECTRE Simulator Templates with CAN_PIPE 287
Using Template SPICE3 and the Open Simulator Interface
spectre3.c 288
5
Saber Simulator
Saber Simulation Example
293
Piped and Non-Piped Saber Simulations
Saber Parameter Sweeps
The Alter Command
295
297
299
Circuit Model Description 300
Selecting Simulator Options 300
Entering Circuit Descriptions 301
6
MNS Simulator
MNS Simulation Example 311
The Simulation Debugger 312
Piped MNS Simulations
314
Non-Piped MNS Simulations
MNS Parameter Sweeps
IC-CAP Reference
315
316
7
Example Circuit Simulation Parameter Sweep
319
Circuit Model Description 321
Selecting Simulator Options 321
Entering Circuit Descriptions 321
Device Model Descriptions 322
Subcircuit Model Descriptions 323
MNS Input Language
MNS Libraries
7
326
326
ADS Simulator
ADS Interfaces
330
Hardware and Operating System Requirements
Codewording and Security
331
331
Setting Environment Variables
332
ADS Simulation Example 333
The Simulation Debugger 334
Piped ADS Simulations
336
Non-Piped ADS Simulations
338
Circuit Model Description 338
Selecting Simulator Options 338
Entering Circuit Descriptions 338
Device Model Descriptions 340
Subcircuit Model Descriptions 341
ADS Parameter Sweeps 345
Example Circuit Simulation Parameter Sweep
Interpreting this Chapter
General Syntax
352
355
The ADS Simulator Syntax
8
347
356
IC-CAP Reference
Field Separators 356
Continuation Characters 356
Name Fields 356
Parameter Fields 357
Node Names 357
Lower/Upper Case 357
Units and Scale Factors 357
Booleans 360
Ground Nodes 361
Global Nodes 361
Comments 361
Statement Order 361
Naming Conventions 362
Currents 362
Instance Statements
Model Statements
364
365
Subcircuit Definitions
366
Expression Capability 368
Constants 368
Variables 369
Expressions 371
Functions 372
Conditional Expressions 387
VarEqn Data Types 390
Type conversion 390
“C-Preprocessor” 391
File Inclusion 391
Library Inclusion 391
Macro Definitions 392
Conditional Inclusion 392
IC-CAP Reference
9
Data Access Component
Reserved Words
8
IC-CAP Functions
9
Parameter Extraction Language
394
396
Fundamental Concepts 686
Keywords 686
Identifiers 686
Numeric Precision 687
Statements 691
Data Types 708
Built-in Functions 712
Built-In Constants 744
Expressions 745
Calls to the Function Library
10
749
File Structure and Format
File Structure 752
Example File 754
11
Variables
12
GPIB Analyzer
Menu Commands
784
Macro Files 784
Macro File Example 784
Macro Commands 785
Macro File Syntax Rules 787
10
IC-CAP Reference
A
OMI and C++ Glossary
B
Agilent EEBJT2 Model Equations
Constants
796
Base-Emitter and Base-Collector Current
Collector-Emitter Current
796
798
Base-Emitter and Base-Collector Capacitances
References
C
804
Agilent EEFET3 Model Equations
Drain-Source Current
806
Dispersion Current (Idb)
Gate Charge Model
812
816
Output Charge and Delay
822
Gate Forward Conduction and Breakdown
Scaling Relations
References
D
823
824
827
Agilent EEHEMT1 Model Equations
Drain-Source Current
830
Dispersion Current (Idb)
Gate Charge Model
838
842
Output Charge and Delay
848
Gate Forward Conduction and Breakdown
Scaling Relations
References
IC-CAP Reference
800
849
850
853
11
E
Controlling IC-CAP from Another Application
To Compile Using the Library
Solaris Examples 857
856
Details of Function Calls 858
launch_iccap 858
initialize_session() 859
terminate_session() 860
send_PEL 860
get_PEL_response 861
send_map 862
Details of the LinkReturnS Structure
F
864
ICCAP_FUNC Statement
Objects 868
IC-CAP 868
Variables 869
GUI Items 869
GUI Item 869
Simulation Debugger 870
Hardware 870
HPIB Analyzer 871
MODEL 872
Circuit 872
PlotOptimizer 873
PlotOptions 873
Parameter Set 875
MACRO 875
DUT 876
Test Circuit 877
Device Parameter Set 877
SETUP 878
Instrument Options 879
12
IC-CAP Reference
INPUT 879
OUTPUT 880
TRANSFORM 880
PLOT 881
Actions 883
Add Active Instr 893
Add Global Region 893
Add GUI 894
Add Interface File 894
Add Trace Region 895
Area Tools 895
Area Tools Off 895
Area Tools On 896
Autoconfigure or Autoconfigure And Enable 896
Autoscale 896
Auto Set Min Max 897
Auto Set Optimize or Auto Set And Optimize 897
Bus status 897
Calibrate 898
Change Address 898
Change Directory 899
Change Interface File 899
Check Active Address 900
Clear Active List 900
Clear Data/Simulated/Measured/Both 900
Clear Plot Optimizer 901
Clear Status Errors 901
Clear Status Output 901
Clear Table or Clear Parameter Table 901
Close 902
Close All 902
Close Branch 902
IC-CAP Reference
13
Close Error Log 903
Close GUI 903
Close Hardware 904
Close License Window 904
Close Output Log 904
Close Single GUI 904
Color 905
Copy 905
Copy to Clipboard 906
Copy to Variables 906
Create Variable Table Variable 906
Data Markers 907
Delete 907
Delete Active Instr 908
Delete Interface File 908
Delete Global Regions 909
Delete Trace Regions 909
Delete All User Regions 910
Delete User Region 910
Destroy GUI 910
Destroy Single GUI 911
Diagnostics 911
Diagnostics 912
Disable All 912
Disable All Traces 912
Disable Plot 913
Disable Supplies 913
Disable Trace 913
Display Found Instrs 914
Display Modal GUI 914
Display Modeless GUI 914
Display Plots 915
Display Single Modal GUI 915
14
IC-CAP Reference
Display Single Modeless GUI 916
Draw Diag Line 916
Dump To Plotter 916
Dump To Printer 917
Dump To Stdout 917
Dump Via Server 918
Dump Via Server UI 919
Edit 919
Enable All 920
Enable Plot 920
Exchange Black-White 920
Execute 921
Exit/Exit! 921
Export Data Measured 921
Export Dataset 922
Export Data Simulated 922
Extract 922
File Debug On 923
File/Screen Debug Off 923
Footer 924
Footer Off 924
Footer On 925
Full Page Plot 925
Header 925
Header Off 925
Header On 926
I-O_Lock 926
I-O_Reset 927
I-O_Screen Debug OFF 927
I-O_Screen Debug ON 927
I-O_Unlock 928
Import Create 928
Import Create Header Only 928
IC-CAP Reference
15
Import Create Measured 929
Import Create Measured or Simulated 929
Import Create Simulated 930
Import Create Simulated or Measured 930
Import Data 931
Import Delete 932
Import Measured Data 932
Import Measured or Simulated Data 933
Import Simulated Data 933
Import Simulated or Measured Data 934
Import Text 935
Legend 935
Legend Off 936
Legend On 936
License Status 936
Listen Active Address 937
Macro File Execute 937
Macro File Specify 939
Manual Rescale 940
Manual Simulation 940
Measure 940
Memory Recall 941
Memory Store 941
New DUT 941
New Input/Output/Transform/Plot 942
New Macro 942
New Model 942
New Setup 943
Open 943
Open Branch 944
Open DUT 944
Open Error Log 944
Open Hardware 944
16
IC-CAP Reference
Open Input/Output/Transform/Plot
Open Macro 945
Open Model 946
Open Output Log 946
Open Plot Optimizer 946
Open Setup 947
Optimize 947
Parse 947
Print Read Buffer 948
Print Via Server 948
Read from File 949
ReadOnlyValues 949
Read String 949
Read String for Experts 950
Rebuild Active List 950
Recall Parameters 951
Redisplay 951
Refresh Dataset 951
Release License 952
Rename 952
Replace Interface File 953
Replot 953
Rescale 953
Reset 953
Reset Global Region 954
Reset Min Max 954
Reset Option Table 954
Reset to Saved Options 955
Reset Trace Region 955
Run Self-Tests 956
Save All 956
Save All No Data 956
Save As 957
IC-CAP Reference
945
17
Save As No Data 957
Save Extracted Deck 958
Save Image 958
Save Input/Command/Output File 958
Scale Plot/Scale Plot Preview 959
Scale RI Plot/Scale RI Plot Preview 960
Screen Debug On 961
Search for Instruments 962
Select Error Region 962
Select Plot 963
Select Whole Plot 963
Send Command Byte 963
Send, Receive, and Print 965
Send String 965
Send To Printer 965
Serial Poll 966
Set Active Address 966
Set Algorithm 967
Set Error 967
Set GUI Callbacks 968
Set GUI Options 968
Set Instrument Option Value 969
Set Speed 969
Set Table Field Value 970
Set Target Vs Simulated 971
Set Timeout 971
Set Trace As Both 972
Set User Region 972
Set Variable Table Value 973
Show Absolute Error 973
Show Relative Error 974
Simulate 974
Simulate All 974
18
IC-CAP Reference
Simulate Plot Inputs 975
Simulation Debugger 975
Status Window 975
Stop Simulator 975
Store Parameters 976
Talk Active Address 976
Text Annotation 976
Text Annotation Off 977
Text Annotation On 977
Toggle Zoom 977
Tune Fast 978
Tune Slow 978
Undo Optim 978
Undo Zoom 979
Unselect All 979
Update Annotation 979
View 980
Who Are You 980
Write to File 980
Zoom Plot 981
G
54120 Demo
TDR Example 984
Measurement/Instrument Setup
Simulation 984
Setup specifics 985
984
Standard Time-Domain Example 987
Measurement/Instrument Setup 987
Simulation 988
Setup specifics 988
Controlled Pulse Generator Example
Measurement/Instrument Setup
IC-CAP Reference
991
991
19
Simulation 992
Setup specifics 992
Calibration
Tips
995
996
Aligning Measured and Simulated Data
H
997
User C Functions
Example 1
1000
Example 2
1001
Function Descriptions 1002
USERC_open 1002
USERC_close 1003
USERC_write 1003
USERC_readnum 1004
USERC_readstr 1005
USERC_seek 1005
USERC_tell 1006
USERC_read_reals 1006
Hints 1008
Hints for Instruments 1008
Hints for Timeouts 1008
Hints for Reading/Writing Same File 1009
Hints for Carriage Returns, Line Feeds, etc. 1009
I
icedil Functions
DIL-related Functions
Other Functions
1012
1013
Index
20
IC-CAP Reference
Agilent 85190A IC-CAP 2008
Reference
1
Supported Instruments
DC Analyzers 22
Capacitance-Voltage Meters 65
Network Analyzers 84
Oscilloscopes 124
Pulse Generators 147
Dynamic Signal Analyzer 151
This chapter discusses the instruments supported by IC-CAP
and describes the options for each instrument. The instruments
are divided into basic groups:
• DC analyzers
• Capacitance-Voltage meters
• Network analyzers
• Oscilloscopes
• Pulse generators
• Dynamic signal analyzers
Agilent Technologies
21
1
Supported Instruments
DC Analyzers
DC analyzers source and monitor voltages and currents and
return data representing DC characteristics. IC-CAP supports
the following DC analyzers:
• HP 4071A Semiconductor Parametric Tester
• HP 4140 pA Meter/DC Voltage Source
• HP 4141 DC Source/Monitor
• HP/Agilent 4142 Modular DC Source/Monitor
• HP 4145 Semiconductor Parameter Analyzer
• HP/Agilent 4155 Semiconductor Parameter Analyzer
• HP/Agilent 4156 Precision Semiconductor Parameter
Analyzer
• Agilent E5260 Series Parametric Measurement Solutions
• Agilent E5270 Series Parametric Measurement Solutions
• Agilent B1500A Semiconductor Device Analyzer
CAU TI O N
22
IC-CAP does not restrict bias magnitude. When using a DC analyzer as a
bias source for other instruments such as capacitance-voltage meters or
network analyzers, check the limit on external bias voltage or current for
each instrument. Excessive voltage or current may damage other
instruments.
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
HP 4071A Semiconductor Parametric Tester
The HP 4071A IC-CAP driver enables you to control the
HP 4071A Semiconductor Parametric Tester from within
IC-CAP.
NO TE
IC-CAP requires the Agilent 4070 System Software (also referred to as
TIS), version B.02.00, or higher, to drive the Agilent 4071 Semiconductor
Parametric Tester.
The Agilent 4071 Semiconductor Parametric Tester is only supported on
the HP-UX 11i platform.
For assistance using the Agilent 4070 System Software (TIS), please
contact your local Agilent Instrument Support Team.
GPIB Interface
The HP 4071A does not have a GPIB interface available by
which you can control measurements. However, in keeping
within the IC-CAP framework, an interface is required by the
hardware manager in IC-CAP. The interface choices for the
HP 4071 are limited to tis_offline, and tis_online. tis_offline
runs the HP 4071 driver in a mode that does not require that
the HP 4071 system be connected. tis_online runs the HP4071
driver in a mode that communicates with the HP 4071 system
when one is available. You can add an interface in the Hardware
Setup window using Tools > Hardware Setup in the IC-CAP/Main
window, then click on Rebuild to set up the tester.
IC-CAP will invoke the hp4070 executable if it is not already
running or is shutdown during an IC-CAP function. Therefore,
in the window where you start IC-CAP, you must set the PATH
environment variable to the directory where the hp4070
executable is located. The typical installation directory for the
hp4070 executable is /opt/hp4070/bin.
IC-CAP Reference
23
1
Supported Instruments
Pin Connections
The HP 4071A switch matrix is controlled by the values entered
for each of the Pins options in the Instrument Options Table.
You can view the instrument options in the Model window after
setting up the HP 4071 hardware, and creating an input for a
setup. Highlight the setup name, then click on the Instrument
Options tab. The values for the Pins option describes which
PORT is connected to the available test head pins. Generally,
each SMU has the same options implemented in the driver. One
exception is that the Guard Pins option available for SMU1 and
SMU2 are not available for SMU3. See the available instrument
options in Table 1.
The following table shows examples of valid entries for Pins and
the resulting connections:
Valid Pins Field Entry
Resulting Pin Connections
10
10
1,5,7,9
1, 5, 7, 9
2,4-7,9
2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9
2,4-7,9,0
Not connected
35,5,2-4
35, 5, 2, 3, 4
12-16
12, 13, 14, 15,16
Notice that valid entries include a series of numbers separated
by commas, and a range of numbers using a dash. A 0 appearing
anywhere in a Pins field disconnects the PORT from the switch
matrix. This is an easy way to disconnect the PORT without
having to erase the pin numbers. The Pins field also can be left
blank.
If the Pins field is left blank, then ICCAP will search for a
pre-defined IC-CAP variable. The string value of the pre-defined
IC-CAP variable becomes the Pins entry for the corresponding
PORT. You can view the pre-defined IC-CAP variables by
clicking on the Model Variables tab in the Model window.
24
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
You may use these pre-defined IC-CAP variables in PEL
programs and Macros, which enables you to programmatically
change the pin assignments of each PORT. The following
program listing is a PEL macro snippet that manipulates pin
assignments. Though pin values for variables SMU1-4 are
pre-defined, you can see that the variables are being assigned
new values before an iccap_func statement is executed.
n = 1
while (n <= 17)
HP4070_SMU1 = n
HP4070_SMU2 = n + 1
HP4070_SMU3 = n + 2
HP4070_SMU4 = n + 3
print “SMU1=”, HP4070_SMU1
print “SMU2=”, HP4070_SMU2
print “SMU3=”, HP4070_SMU3
print “SMU4=”, HP4070_SMU4
iccap_func(“/Test1/SMU/sweepOrder1”, “measure”)
n = n + 4
end while
Prober Functions
The HP 4071A driver incorporates the TIS prober control
functions as IC-CAP PEL functions. The TIS prober functions
are described briefly in this section. The tis_prober_init()
function is described in detail because its arguments differ
slightly from the TIS function prober_init(). The remaining
functions have the same arguments as their TIS counterparts.
Consult the TIS Function Reference for complete descriptions
of all prober commands. All prober functions return 0 when
successful, and -1 when they fail.
tis_prober_init (selectCode, busAddress, ProberType,
InterfaceName)
selectCode - Integer value, range 0 and 7-31. This is the GPIB
select code. Setting selectCode and busAddress to 0 retrieves
the GPIB select code and bus address from PCONFIG file.
busAddress - Integer value, range 0-30. This is the GPIB bus
address. Setting selectCode and busAddress to 0 retrieves the
GPIB select code and bus address from PCONFIG file.
ProberType - String value, 30 characters max. String that
specifies the type of prober. See TIS Function Reference for
prober types.
IC-CAP Reference
25
1
Supported Instruments
InterfaceName - String value. This is the interface name,
either TIS_OFFLINE or TIS_ONLINE.
tis_p_home ()
Used for loading a wafer onto the chuck and moving it to the
home position.
tis_p_up ()
Moves the chuck of the wafer prober up.
tis_p_down ()
Lowers the chuck of the wafer prober.
tis_p_scale (xIndex, yIndex)
Defines the X & Y stepping dimensions that are used by the
tis_p_move and tis_p_imove functions.
tis_p_move (xCoordinate, yCoordinate)
Moves the chuck to an absolute position.
tis_p_imove (xDisplacement, yDisplacement)
Moves the chuck a relative increment from its current
position.
tis_p_orig (xCoordinate, yCoordinate)
Defines the current X & Y position of the chuck. Must be
called before calling the tis_p_move or tis_p_imove
functions.
tis_p_pos (xPosition, yPosition)
Returns the current X & Y position of the chuck.
tis_p_ink (inkCode)
Calls the inker function of the prober if it is supported.
tis_prober_reset ()
Sends a device clear command to the prober.
tis_prober_status (isRemote, onWafer, lastWafer)
26
IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
1
Sends a query to the prober to obtain the Remote/Local
control state and the edge sensor contact state. The prober
should be initialized with tis_prober_init before this
function.
tis_prober_get_name (proberModeName)
Sends query to prober to read name of current mode.
tis_prober_get_ba (proberBusAddress)
Sends query to prober to read its bus address.
tis_prober_read_sysconfig (proberType, scba)
Sends query to prober to read its complete interface address
including instrument type, select code, and bus address.
The following PEL macro example uses the prober functions.
For the prober used in this example, notice that the operator
must manually place the prober into AUTO PROBE mode while
the program is actively querying the prober and it is in remote
mode. Also notice that isRemote, isOnWafer, and isLastWafer
must be parameters that appear in a variable list such as Model
Variables.
status = -1
busAddress = 0
selectCode = 0
proberType = “EG4080X”
interfaceName = “TIS_ONLINE”
stepSizeX = 500
stepSizeY = 300
isRemote = 0
isOnWafer = 0
isLastWafer = 0
dum = 1
! Prober Commands return 0 for success, -1 for failure
dum = tis_prober_reset()
status=tis_prober_init(selectCode,busAddress,proberType,inte
rfaceName)
if (status == 0) then
status = tis_p_scale(stepSizeX, stepSizeY)
print “status =”, status
end if
if (status == 0) then
status = tis_prober_status(isRemote, isOnWafer, isLastWafer)
print “status =”, status
print “isRemote =”, isRemote
end if
if (status == 0) then
IC-CAP Reference
27
1
Supported Instruments
linput “Align the wafer. Press OK, then press [AUTO PROBE]”,
ans
! EG4080X MUST be actively querying bus when AUTO PROBE is
commenced
while (isRemote == 0)
dum2 = tis_prober_status (isRemote, isOnWafer, isLastWafer)
end while
print “isRemote =”, isRemote
if (isRemote ==1) then
status = 0
end if
end if
if (status == 0) then
dum = tis_p_orig(5.0,5.0)
n = 1
while (n < 5)
dum = tis_p_move(n,n)
n = n + 1
end while
end if
Instrument Options for the HP 4071A
The following table describes the HP 4071A options and their
default values.
Table 1
28
HP 4071A Options
Option
Description
Use User Sweep
Yes = use user mode sweep. No = use system mode, when
all required conditions are met. Default = No.
Hold Time
Time to allow for DC settling before starting internal or user
sweep. Maximum 655 seconds. Default = 0.
Delay Time
Time the instrument waits before taking a measurement at
each step of an internal or user sweep. Maximum 65
seconds. Default = 100 msec.
Fast ADC
Integration Mode
Sets the integration mode for fast A/D converter to 0 =
Manual, 1 = Short, 2 = Medium, 3 = Long. Default = 2.
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
Table 1
IC-CAP Reference
HP 4071A Options (continued)
Option
Description
Fast ADC
Integration Value
Sets the integration time in Power Line Cycles (PLC) or
number of samples to average for integration. Allowed
values depend on setting for Fast ADC Integration Mode:
If Integration Mode = 0 or 1, samples = 0, 1 to 4096. Default
= 1.
If Integration Mode = 2, values are ignored, time is fixed to 1
PLC.
If Integration Mode = 3, time = 0, 1 to 100 PLC. Default = 16.
If 0 is entered as the value, the default value is used.
Use Smart Fast
ADC Integ Mode
Yes/No, default = No. Specifying Yes will use Smart mode
integration for fast A/D converter for current
measurements. Fast ADC Integ Mode and Fast ADC Integ
Value will still be used for voltage measurements.
Smart Fast ADC
Integ Value
Sets the integration time in Power Line Cycles (PLC) for
integration on current measurements when Use Smart Fast
ADC Integ Mode is Yes. Values can be 0, or 1 to 100 PLC. If 0
is entered as the value, the default of 16 PLC will be used.
Slow ADC
Integration Mode
Sets the integration mode for high-resolution (slow) A/D
converter to
0 = Manual, 1 = Short, 2 = Medium, 3 = Long. Default = 2.
Slow ADC
Integration Value
Sets the integration time in Power Line Cycles (PLC) or
number of samples to average for integration. Allowed
values depend on setting for Slow ADC Integration Mode:
If Integration Mode = 0, time = 0, 80E-6 to 20E-3 seconds, or
1 to 100 PLC. Default = 240E-6
If Integration Mode = 1, time = 0, 80E-6 to 20E-3 seconds.
Default = 480E-6.
If Integration Mode = 2, values are ignored, time is fixed to 1
PLC.
If Integration Mode = 3, time = 0, 1 to 100 PLC. Default = 16.
If 0 is entered as the value, the default value is used.
Slow ADC
Auto Zero On
Sets SMU auto zero function to 0 = Off or 1= On. When
turned on, the offset error is canceled at each
measurement. Default = last valid value.
29
1
Supported Instruments
Table 1
30
HP 4071A Options (continued)
Option
Description
Use Smart Slow
ADC Integ Mode
Yes/No, default = No. Specifying Yes will use Smart mode
integration for high-resolution (slow) A/D converter for
current measurements. Slow ADC Integ Mode and Slow
ADC Integ Value will still be used for voltage
measurements.
Smart Fast ADC
Integ Value
Sets the integration time in Power Line Cycles (PLC) for
integration on current measurements when Use Smart
Slow ADC Integ Mode is Yes. Values can be 0, or 1 to 100
PLC. If 0 is entered as the value, the default of 16 PLC will
be used.
Ground Open
Guard Terminals
Connects guard terminals of unused measurement pins to
circuit common. 0 = Disconnects terminals, any other value
connects them.
Default = 0.
Pins
Sets the PORT that is connected to the test head pins.
Guard Pins
Sets the pins to use for guard terminal. Available only for
SMU1 and 2.
Fast/Slow ADC
Selects ADC. F = high speed (fast), S = high resolution
(slow).
Port Filter On
Sets the SMU output filter mode, 0 = Off, 1 = On. Higher
speed measurement is used when filter is off. Overshoot
voltage or current is reduced when filter is on. Default = 0.
V Range
(0.0 = Auto)
Sets the SMU voltage range. For MPSMU, allowed range is
-100 to 100, with recommended range of 0, 2, 20, 40, 100.
For HPSMU, allowed range is -200 to 200, with
recommended range of 0, 2, 20, 40, 100, 200.
Default = 0 (auto range).
I Range
(0.0 = Auto)
Sets the SMU current range. For MPSMU, allowed range is
-0.1 to 0.1, with recommended range of 0, 1E-9, 1E-8, 1E-7,
1E-6, 1E-5, 1E-4, 1E-3, 1E-2, 1E-1. For HPSMU, allowed
range is -1 to 1, with recommended range of 0, 1E-9, 1E-8,
1E-7, 1E-6, 1E-5, 1E-4, 1E-3, 1E-2, 1E-1, 1.
Default = 0 (auto range).
IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
Table 1
IC-CAP Reference
1
HP 4071A Options (continued)
Option
Description
Power
Compliance
Sets SMU power compliance in Watts. Allowed range for
MPSMU is 0, 0.001 to 2. Allowed range for HPSMU is 0,
0.001 to 14.
Pulse Mode On
Sets pulse mode. NO = off, YES = on.
Pulse Base
Sets level of waveform’s base for pulsed spot
measurements. For MPSMU, allowed range is -0.1 to 0.1.
For HPSMU, allowed range is -1 to 1. See Figure 1 for pulse
waveform characteristics.
Pulse Width
Sets width of pulse for pulsed spot measurements. Allowed
range is 0.0005 to 2.0000 seconds. Default = 0.005. See
Figure 1 for pulse waveform characteristics.
Pulse Period
Sets period of pulse for pulsed spot measurements.
Allowed range is 0, 0.0050 to 5.0000 seconds. Default = 0.2.
See Figure 1 for pulse waveform characteristics.
Perform Cal?
TRUE = IC-CAP invokes calibration routine if a calibration is
needed.
FALSE = IC-CAP does not invoke calibration routine if a
calibration is needed.
Cal Type
Sets the type of calibration routine to perform. Values are
OPEN, SHORT, BOTH. BOTH invokes the OPEN and SHORT
calibration routines.
High Pin
High voltage pin connection.
Low Pin
Low voltage pin connection.
Guard Pins
Guard pin connection.
Integ Time
Sets the CMU measurement’s integration time. Allowed
values are
1 = Short, 2 = Medium, 3 = Long.
Hold Time
Sets the sweep hold time for C-G-V measurement by the
CMU. Allowed range is 0 to 650.000 seconds. Default = 0.
Delay Time
Sets the sweep delay time for C-G-V measurement by the
CMU. Allowed range is 0 to 650.000 seconds. Default = 0.
Freq
Sets the CMU measurement frequency. Allowed values are
1E+3, 1E+4, 1E+5, 1E+6 Hz.
31
1
Supported Instruments
Table 1
HP 4071A Options (continued)
Option
Description
Signal Level
Sets the CMU measurement’s test signal level. Allowed
range is
0 to 2.0 volts (standard), and 0 to 20.0 volts (option 001).
Default = last valid setting, or 0.03.
High Pins
High voltage pin connection.
Low Pins
Low voltage pin connection.
Auto Zero On
Sets auto zero mode for DVM. 0 = disable, 1 = enable.
Default = last valid setting.
Integ Time
Sets integration time for DVM. Allowed range is 0, 0.5E-6 to
999999.9E-6 seconds; 1 to 10 PLC and 10 to 100 PLC. If set
to 0, integration time is set to default value. Default =
0.5E-6.
The following figure is a diagram of the pulse waveform used in
pulsed spot measurements showing Pulse Base, Pulse Width,
and Pulse Period.
Figure 1
32
Pulse Base, Width, and Period in Pulsed Spot Measurements
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
HP 4140 pA Meter/DC Voltage Source
The HP 4140 is equipped with 2 DC voltage source units and 1
low current measurement unit. The units take measurements in
either the internal system or user sweep mode.
IC-CAP assigns the following names to the units:
VA
DC Voltage Source Unit. VA supports internal linear sweeps using step
or ramp sweep mode. This unit can also be used in user sweep mode.
VB
DC Voltage Source Unit. VB only sources a constant voltage. If VB is
assigned to the main sweep, user sweep mode is required.
LCU
pA Current Monitor Unit.
The HP 4140 driver is an example of a driver created using the
Open Measurement Interface. The driver’s source code can be
found in the files user_meas2.h and user_meas2.C in the
directory $ICCAP_ROOT/src. For information, refer to
Chapter 2, “Drivers.”
To recognize which data delimiter (CR/LF or Comma) is used,
IC-CAP performs a spot I measurement only when an HP 4140
is first accessed (when the Measure command is issued). When
the data delimiter is changed, choose Rebuild in the Hardware
Setup window so that IC-CAP will note the change.
With a ramp sweep, measured current I can be translated into
quasi-static C by the following equation. Use a transform to
perform this calculation.
I
C = --------------------------- [ Farads ]
RampRate
The following table describes the HP 4140 options and their
default values, where applicable.
IC-CAP Reference
33
1
Supported Instruments
Table 2
34
HP 4140 Options
Option
Description
Use User Sweep
Yes = use user sweep.
No = use the instrument’s internal sweep. Default = No
Hold Time
Time the instrument waits before starting an internal or
user sweep. This option directly controls the instrument
firmware, and overrides similar delay/hold options set in
other instrument drivers running on the same test system.
The range is 0.1 to 1999 seconds in 100 msec steps.
Default = 0.1
Delay Time
Time the instrument waits before taking a measurement at
each step of an internal or user sweep. This option directly
controls the instrument firmware, and overrides similar
delay/hold options set in other instrument drivers running
on the same test system. The range is 0.01 to 100 seconds
in 10 msec steps. Default = 0.01 seconds
Integ Time
Instrument integration time:
S (short), M (medium), or L (long). Default = L
Range
Specifies the measurement range. 0 is auto range; 1 is
range hold;
2 to 12 denotes a current range of 1E-2 to1 E-12. For a faster
ramp rate, use a fixed range. Default = 0
Use Ramp Sweep
Yes = use ramp sweep. No = use step sweep.
With a ramp sweep, both start and stop values are
expanded by 1 point to have the same number of
measurement points with a step sweep. Default = No
Ramp Rate
The dV/dt value of a ramp sweep. Minimum is 0.001V/s;
maximum is 1V/s. Default = 0.5
Init Command
This command field is used to set the instrument to a mode
not supported by the option table. This command is sent at
the end of instrument initialization for each measurement.
Normal C escape characters such as \n (new line) are
available. Default = none
IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
1
HP 4141 DC Source/Monitor
The HP 4141 is equipped with 4 stimulus/measurement units
(SMU), 2 programmable voltage source units (VS), 2 voltage
monitor units (VM) and 1 non-programmable ground unit. Use a
16059A Adaptor when measuring a device with a 16058A Test
Fixture.
IC-CAP assigns the following names to the units:
SMUn
Stimulus/Measurement Unit n (1, 2, 3, 4)
VSn
Voltage Source Unit n (1, 2)
VMn
Voltage Monitor Unit n (1, 2)
The following table describes the HP 4141 options and their
default values, where applicable.
Table 3
IC-CAP Reference
HP 4141 Options
Option
Description
Use User Sweep
Yes = use user sweep. No = use the instrument’s internal
sweep.
Default = No
Hold Time
Time the instrument waits before starting internal or user
sweep. This option directly controls the instrument
firmware, and overrides similar delay/hold options set in
other instrument drivers running on the same test system.
Range is 0 to 650 seconds in 10 msec steps. Default = 0
Delay Time
Time the instrument waits before taking a measurement at
each step of an internal or user sweep. This option directly
controls the instrument firmware, and overrides similar
delay/hold options set in other instrument drivers running
on the same test system. Range is 0 to 6.5 seconds in
1 msec steps. Default = 0
Integ Time
Instrument integration time; set to S (short), M (medium),
or L (long). Default = S
35
1
Supported Instruments
Table 3
HP 4141 Options (continued)
Option
Description
Init Command
Command field to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. This command is sent at the
end of instrument initialization for each measurement.
Normal C escape characters such as \n (new line) are
available. Default = none
HP/Agilent 4142 Modular DC Source/Monitor
The 4142 contains 8 configurable plug-in slots for:
• High-power stimulus/measurement units (HPSMU)
• Medium-power stimulus/measurement units (MPSMU)
• High current unit (HCU), high voltage unit (HVU)
• Voltage source units (VS)
• Voltage monitor units (VM)
• Analog Feedback units (AFU—not supported by IC-CAP)
The 4142 ground unit (GND) provides a means for connecting
device terminals to a ground reference and can sink current up
to 1.6A. This ground unit cannot be programmed or monitored.
Unit names are dependent on the slot they occupy. An SMU
(except MPSMU) uses 2 slots in the mainframe; the value of slot
number n is the higher of the 2 slots. IC-CAP assigns the
following names to the units:
36
MPSMUn
Medium Powered Stimulus/Measurement Unit in slot n
HPSMUn
High Powered Stimulus/Measurement Unit in slot n
HCUn
High Current Stimulus/Measurement Unit in slot n
HVUn
High Voltage Stimulus/Measurement Unit in slot n
VSmn
Voltage Source Unit m (1 or 2) in slot n
VMmn
Voltage Monitor Unit m (1 or 2) in slot n
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
The 4142 has a total maximum power consumption of 32W for
HPSMU, MPSMU, HCU, HVU and VS/VM. If a measurement is
performed and the 32W limit is exceeded, the measurement will
not be attempted and IC-CAP will issue an error message. Power
consumed by the VS/VM unit (HP/Agilent 41424A) is 2.2W at
the 20V range and 0.88W at the 40V range. When using SMUs to
source either voltage or current, refer to the Agilent 4142
Operation Manual for the actual SMU power calculations.
NO TE
To save power, IC-CAP disconnects output switches of unused HCUs and
HVUs when they are not used with the current Setup.
In the user and the internal system mode, voltage and current
pulsed measurements are supported. Quasi-pulsed spot
measurement is not supported by IC-CAP. For information on
how to set up a pulsed measurement, refer to the Pulse entries
in Table 5.
HCU and 2-channel pulsed measurements are supported with
ROM version 3.0 and later; HVU is supported with version 4.0
and later; Module Selector requires version 4.1.
SMU
Current-forced SMUs of the same type can be connected in
parallel to increase the output current. Use SYNC sweep if you
want double current at each sweep point. System Sweep can be
used for 2 HPSMUs; however, User Sweep must be used for 2
HCUs. To avoid a warning message, set the system variable
PARALLEL_INPUT_UNITS_OK to True.
HCU
An HCU can force up to 10A with 10V in the pulse mode only.
Its pulse base is fixed to zero and it cannot force a constant
value. Both 1- and 2-channel measurements are supported with
an HCU.
IC-CAP Reference
37
1
Supported Instruments
1-Channel Pulse Because an HCU can force only a pulse, an
HCU can be used without placing its name in the pulse unit field
in the Instrument Options folder. This is called an implicit pulse
channel and its pulse width and period are taken from the
Instrument Options folder. The pulse base is always set to zero
for an implicit pulse channel (HCU). The pulse width and pulse
period of an HCU have a different specification from other
units. The pulse width must be 0.1 to 1 msec; the pulse period
must be 10 to 500 msec; the pulse duty must be 10 percent or
less when its output or compliance current is 1A or less, and
must be 1 percent or less when its current is more than 1A.
If an HCU is specified as the pulse unit explicitly in the
Instrument Options folder, this is called an explicit pulse
channel and the pulse base in the Instrument Options folder
must be set to zero.
2-Channel Pulse When 2 pulsed channels are used, the primary
channel must be an HCU; the secondary channel can be an HCU,
SMU, or VS—it cannot be an HVU. For information on the
2-channel configuration, refer to the following table.
Table 4
2-Channel Options
Channel
Primary
Secondary
Pulse Unit
HCU only
HCU/SMU/VS
Pulse Width
0.1 to 0.8 msec;
approximately 1 msec
from Instrument Options folder
Pulse Period
from Instrument Options folder from Instrument Options folder
Pulse Base
0 only
from Instrument Options folder
Declared
implicit
from Instrument Options folder
HVU
An HVU can force up to 1000V with 10 mA in either the
constant or the pulsed mode. This unit has the same
specification about the pulse width, pulse period, and pulse
duty as other SMUs.
38
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
An HVU is a unipolar source that requires the output polarity be
set before you set its output value. An internal sweep from the
minus-to-plus or from the plus-to-minus region is impossible;
set the Use User Sweep option to Yes, if such a sweep range is
necessary.
To perform the self test and calibration, the INTLK switch must
be closed for an HVU. At the start and end of each
measurement, IC-CAP instructs all used units to force zero for
safety reasons. The shock hazard lamp of the
HP/Agilent 16088B test fixture remains on after each
measurement because the output switch of the used HVU has
been closed to force zero.
VM
A differential voltage measurement of a VM unit is supported by
supplying a command string to the Init Command field in the
Instrument Options folder. If a VM unit is in slot 8, add the
command string “VM 8,2;” to the Init Command field. This sets
the VM unit at slot 8 to a differential mode where it measures
the differential voltage of VM18 versus VM28. Then add an
output for VM18 (not VM28) to the Setup. When simulating this
differential mode VM, VM18 should correspond to the + Node to
have the same polarity between measurement and simulation.
The following table describes the HP/Agilent 4142 options and
their default values, where applicable.
IC-CAP Reference
Table 5
HP/Agilent 4l42 Options
Option
Description
Use User Sweep
Yes = use user mode sweep. No = use system mode, when
all required conditions are met. Default = No
Hold Time
Time to allow for DC settling before starting internal or user
sweep. This option directly controls the instrument
firmware, and overrides similar delay/hold options set in
other instrument drivers running on the same test system.
Maximum 655 seconds. Default = 0
39
1
Supported Instruments
Table 5
40
HP/Agilent 4l42 Options (continued)
Option
Description
Delay Time
Time the instrument waits before taking a measurement at
each step of an internal or user sweep. This option directly
controls the instrument firmware, and overrides similar
delay/hold options set in other instrument drivers running
on the same test system. Maximum 65 seconds.
Default = 100 msec
Integ Time
Instrument’s integration time; can be set to S (short), M
(medium), or L (long). Default = S
Range
Specifies the measurement range. 0 specifies auto range.
Applies to all SMUs in this 4142. Refer to the Agilent 4142
Operation Manual for definitions of other ranges. Default =
0
SMU Filters ON
Yes = filters ON. No = filters OFF.
Applies to all SMUs in this 4142. A pulsed unit is
automatically set to filter off. Default = Yes
Pulse Unit
Enter name of a pulsed unit when taking pulsed
measurements.
Pulse Base
Enter value of pulse base.
Pulse Width
Enter value of pulse width.
Pulse Period
Enter value of pulse period.
Module Control
Enter SMU, HCU, or HVU for module selection with option
300. For user relays, enter an exact argument for the ERC
command (for example, 2,1,0). When blank, no unit is
connected by the module selector. Refer to the 4142 GPIB
Command Reference Manual for the ERC command.
Init Command
Command field used to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. Command is sent at the end
of instrument initialization for each measurement. Normal C
escape characters such as \n (new line) are available.
Default = none
Power
Compliance †
Specify power compliance in Watts with 1mW resolution.
Specifying 0 (zero) disables power compliance mode
(default).
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
Table 5
Option
HP/Agilent 4l42 Options (continued)
Description
†
Supported for internal sweep mode only (USE USER SWEEP = NO) and DC
only measurement setups.
This option applies to SMUs only. The allowable range of power compliance
depends on the sweep source (SMU type) and is not monitored by IC-CAP. Refer
to instrument's documentation for more details.
IC-CAP requires rectangular datasets, thus when a power compliance is
specified, the instrument concludes the measurement at the power compliance
limit, but IC-CAP fills the datasets with the last point measured below power
compliance.
HP 4145 Semiconductor Parameter Analyzer
The HP 4145 is equipped with the following units:
• Four programmable stimulus/measurement units (SMU)
• Two programmable voltage source units (VS)
• Two voltage monitor units (VM)
Time-domain measurement is not supported by IC-CAP.
NO TE
A user-defined function may cause an error E07 in the HP 4145 when the
function refers to non-existing source names. Clear any user-defined
functions in the HP 4145 before making a measurement with IC-CAP.
IC-CAP assigns the following names to the units:
SMUn
Stimulus/Measurement Unit n (1, 2, 3, 4)
VSn
Voltage Source Unit n (1, 2)
VMn
Voltage Monitor Unit n (1, 2)
To recognize which data delimiter (CR/LF or Comma) is used,
IC-CAP performs a 2-point VM measurement only when an
HP 4145 is first accessed (when the Measure command is
IC-CAP Reference
41
1
Supported Instruments
issued). When the data delimiter is changed, choose Rebuild in
the Hardware Setup window so that IC-CAP will note the
change.
NO TE
The HP 4145 performs an internal logarithmic sweep only if the number of
points per decade is 10, 25 or 50; otherwise IC-CAP will force the
measurement into User Sweep. If a Setup contains only a single Input with
a sweep order of 1, IC-CAP will force the measurement into User Sweep.
HP 4145 requires its test fixture lid be closed in User Sweep
mode for safety reasons, even though output is low. A Shorting
Connector (P/N 04145-61623) can be used to bypass this lid
closure check.
NO TE
The HP 4145 offers the internal secondary sweep capability known as
VAR2. However, the internal SYNC sweep always depends on the primary
sweep source VAR1. When a secondary SYNC sweep is desired, use User
Sweep.
NO TE
Always fill the Node Name field of each Input in a Setup because the
HP 4145 needs a channel name generated from a Node Name. The
channel names must be unique within a Setup for the HP 4145 internal
sweep mode.
The following table describes the HP 4145 options and their
default values, where applicable.
Table 6
42
HP 4145 Options
Option
Description
Use User Sweep
Yes = use user sweep. No = use the instrument’s internal
sweep.
Default = No
IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
Table 6
IC-CAP Reference
1
HP 4145 Options
Option
Description
Hold Time
Time the instrument waits before starting an internal or
user sweep. This option directly controls the instrument
firmware, and overrides similar delay/hold options set in
other instrument drivers running on the same test system.
Range is 0 to 650 sec in 10 msec steps. Default = 0
Delay Time
Time the instrument waits before taking a measurement at
each step of an internal or user sweep. This option directly
controls the instrument firmware, and overrides similar
delay/hold options set in other instrument drivers running
on the same test system. The range is 0 to 6.5 sec in 1 msec
steps. Default = 0
Integ Time
Instrument integration time; set to S (short), M (medium),
or L (long). Default = S
Init Command
This command field is used to set the instrument to a mode
not supported by the option table. This command is sent at
the end of instrument initialization for each measurement.
Normal C escape characters such as \n (new line) are
available. Default = none
43
1
Supported Instruments
HP/Agilent 4155 Semiconductor Parameter Analyzer
The HP/Agilent 4155 is equipped with the following units:
• Four programmable medium power stimulus/measurement
units (MPSMU)
• Two programmable voltage source units (VS)
• Two voltage monitor units (VM)
IC-CAP assigns the following names to the units:
MPSMUn
Medium Power Stimulus/Measurement Unit n (1, 2, 3, 4)
VSUx
Voltage Source Unit n (1, 2)
VMUx
Voltage Monitor Unit n (1, 2)
The HP 41501A is an optional SMU and pulse generator
expander box that can be attached to and controlled by the
4155. The HP 41501A can be equipped with a high power
stimulus/measurement unit (HPSMU), medium power
stimulus/measurement units (MPSMU), and pulse generator
units (PGU) (IC-CAP does not support PGUs). The availability
and combination of these units depends on the expander box
option.
NO TE
When making pulsed mode measurements, if you specify an SMU as the
unit for an Output, and there is no corresponding SMU unit for an Input,
compliance errors will result. The same problem occurs if you specify
Voltage Monitor units. To prevent this from happening, you should define a
compliance value for Output-only SMUs and a measurement range for
Voltage Monitor units (VMs) through system variables, as follows, using
the unit name:
HRSMUx_COMP HPSMUx_COMP MPSMUx_COMP
where x = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
VMU1_RANGE_VALUE VMU2_RANGE_VALUE
IC-CAP assigns the following names to the units of the optional
HP 41501A:
44
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
• MPSMUn
6)
Medium Power Stimulus/Measurement Unit n (5,
• HPSMU5
High Power Stimulus/Measurement Unit
A ground unit (GNDU) provides a means for connecting device
terminals to a ground reference and can sink up to 1.6A. The
ground unit is supported by IC-CAP but will not appear in the
Hardware Editor Configuration dialog box. For information on
how to use the ground unit, refer to the section “Adding a
Ground Unit" in the User’s Guide.
In both the user and internal sweep mode, voltage and current
pulsed measurements are supported. Only the SMUs can be
specified as pulse units because the PGUs are not currently
supported. For information on how to set up a pulsed
measurement, refer to the Pulse options in Table 7.
NO TE
The HP/Agilent 4155 offers the internal secondary sweep capability
known as VAR2. However, the internal SYNC sweep always depends on
the primary sweep source VAR1. When a secondary SYNC sweep is
desired, use User Sweep.
NO TE
To execute a user sweep measurement, IC-CAP sets the HP/Agilent 4155
to the Sampling mode with the number of samples equal to 1. The front
panel screen activity is turned off at the start of the measurement and is
turned back on after the measurement is completed.
Although the 4155 performs an internal logarithmic sweep if the number of
points per decade is 10, 25 or 50, IC-CAP will force the measurement into
the User Sweep for all specified logarithmic sweeps. If a Setup
specification contains a single Input with a sweep order of 1, IC-CAP will
force the measurement into User Sweep.
The following table describes the 4155 options and their default
values, where applicable.
IC-CAP Reference
45
1
Supported Instruments
Table 7
46
HP/Agilent 4155 (and HP/Agilent 4156) Option
Option
Description
Use User Sweep
Yes = use user mode sweep. No = use system mode, when
required conditions are met. Default = No
Hold Time
Time delay before starting an internal or user sweep to
allow for DC settling. This option directly controls the
instrument firmware, and overrides similar delay/hold
options set in other instrument drivers running on the same
test system. Maximum is 655 seconds. Default = 0
Delay Time
Time the instrument waits before taking a measurement at
each step of an internal or user sweep. This option directly
controls the instrument firmware, and overrides similar
delay/hold options set in other instrument drivers running
on the same test system. This value is not used for pulsed
sweeps. Maximum is 65 seconds. Default = 0
Delay for
Timeouts
For long-running measurements (that use a high number of
averages, for example) use this option to avoid
measurement timeouts. Default=0
Integ Time
Instrument integration time; set to S (short), M (medium), or
L (long). Default = S
Pulse Unit
Enter the name of a pulsed unit when taking pulsed
measurements.
Pulse Base
Enter the value of the pulse base.
Pulse Width
Enter the value of the pulse width.
Pulse Period
Enter the value of the pulse period.
Init Command
Command field to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. This command is sent at the
end of instrument initialization for each measurement.
Normal C escape characters such as \n (new line) are
available. Default = none
Power
Compliance †
Specify power compliance in Watts with 1mW resolution.
Specifying 0 (zero) disables power compliance mode
(default).
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
Table 7
Option
HP/Agilent 4155 (and HP/Agilent 4156) Option (continued)
Description
Notes:
† Supported for internal sweep mode only (USE USER SWEEP = NO) and DC
only measurement setups.
This option applies to SMUs only. The allowable range of power compliance
depends on the sweep source (SMU type) and is not monitored by IC-CAP. Refer
to instrument's documentation for more details.
IC-CAP requires rectangular datasets, thus when a power compliance is
specified, the instrument concludes the measurement at the power compliance
limit, but IC-CAP fills the datasets with the last point measured below power
compliance.
HP/Agilent 4156 Precision Semiconductor Parameter Analyzer
The HP/Agilent 4156 is equipped with the following units:
• Four programmable high-resolution stimulus/measurement
units (HRSMU)
• Two programmable voltage source units (VS)
• Two voltage monitor units (VM)
This instrument is designed for Kelvin connections and is
capable of low- resistance and low-current measurements.
IC-CAP assigns the following names to the units:
HRSMUn
High Resolution Stimulus/Measurement Unit n (1, 2, 3, 4)
VSUx
Voltage Source Unit n (1, 2)
VMUx
Voltage Monitor Unit n (1, 2)
The HP 41501A is an optional SMU and pulse generator
expander box that can be attached to and controlled by the
4156. The HP 41501A can be equipped with the following units:
• High-power stimulus/measurement unit (HPSMU)
• Medium power stimulus/measurement units (MPSMU)
• Pulse generator units (PGU—not supported by IC-CAP)
IC-CAP Reference
47
1
Supported Instruments
IC-CAP assigns the following names to the units of the optional
HP 41501A:
MPSMUn
Medium Power Stimulus/Measurement Unit n (5, 6)
HPSMU5
High Power Stimulus/Measurement Unit
A ground unit (GNDU) provides a means for connecting device
terminals to a ground reference and can sink up to 1.6A. The
ground unit is supported by IC-CAP but will not appear in the
Hardware Editor Configuration dialog box. For information on
how to use the ground unit, refer to the section “Adding a
Ground Unit" in the User’s Guide.
In both the user and internal sweep mode, voltage and current
pulsed measurements are supported. Only the SMUs can be
specified as pulse units because PGUs are not currently
supported. For information on how to set up a pulsed
measurement, refer to the Pulse options in Table 7.
48
NO TE
The HP/Agilent 4156 offers the internal secondary sweep capability
known as VAR2. However, the internal SYNC sweep always depends on
the primary sweep source VAR1. When a secondary SYNC sweep is
desired, use User Sweep.
NO TE
To execute a user sweep measurement, IC-CAP sets the HP/Agilent 4156
to the Sampling mode with the number of samples equal to 1. The front
panel screen activity is turned off at the start of the measurement and is
turned back on after the measurement is completed.
NO TE
Although the HP/Agilent 4156 performs an internal logarithmic sweep if
the number of points per decade is 10, 25 or 50, IC-CAP will force the
measurement into the user sweep for all specified logarithmic sweeps. If a
Setup specification contains a single Input with a sweep order of 1, IC-CAP
forces the measurement into user sweep.
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
Options for the HP 4156 are the same as for the HP 4155; refer
to Table 7.
Agilent E5260 Series Parametric Measurement Solutions
Agilent E5260 Series High Speed Measurement Solutions are
built around the following:
• E5260A 8-slot parametric measurement mainframe
• E5262A/3A 2-channel source/monitor units
Available Source/Monitor Units (SMUs):
• E5290A High Power source/monitor unit (HPSMU)
• E5291A Medium Power source/monitor unit (MPSMU)
The E5260A 8-slot parametric measurement mainframe holds
up to 8 single-slot modules, such as a medium power
source/monitor unit (MPSMU), or up to 4 dual-slot modules,
such as a high power source/monitor unit (HPSMU).
The E5262A 2-channel source/monitor unit contains 2 medium
power source/monitor units (SMUs).
The E5263A 2-channel source/monitor unit contains 1 high
power and 1 medium power SMU.
If you install 4 HPSMUs into the E5260A mainframe, you can
output 1 Amp of current from each of these units
simultaneously.
The E5260A/B mainframe's ground unit (GNDU) provides a
means for connecting device terminals to a ground reference.
The GNDU will sink 4 amps of current without having to worry
about any resistive ground rise issues. This ground unit cannot
be programmed or monitored.
Unit names are dependent on the slot they occupy. A high power
SMU occupies 2 slots in the mainframe, a medium or a high
resolution SMU occupies 1 slot; the value of slot number n is the
higher of the 2 slots. IC-CAP assigns the following names to the
units:
MPSMUn
IC-CAP Reference
Medium Powered Stimulus/Measurement Unit in slot n
49
1
Supported Instruments
HPSMUn
High Powered Stimulus/Measurement Unit in slot n
The E5260A 8-slot parametric measurement mainframe has a
total maximum power consumption of 80W for all plug-in
modules. The total maximum power consumption limits for the
E5262A and E5263A are 8W and 24W respectively. If a
measurement is performed and the power limitation is
exceeded, the measurement will not be attempted and IC-CAP
will issue an error message.
HPSMU
The high power source monitor units will provide up to 50
milliamps of current at ±200 volts and 1 amp of current at ±40
volts. Up to 4 HPSMUs can be used at one time in the E5260A
mainframe. See manual for complete measurement and force
ranges specifications such as resolution and measurement
accuracy.
MPSMU
The medium power source monitor units will provide up to 20
milliamps of current at ±200 volts and 200 milliamps of current
at ±20 volts. Up to 8 MPSMUs can be used at one time in the
E5260A. See manual for complete measurement and force
ranges specifications such as resolution and measurement
accuracy.
Instrument Options
The following table describes the Agilent E5260A options and
their default values, where applicable.
Table 8
50
Agilent E5260A Options
Option
Description
Use User Sweep
Yes = use user mode sweep. No = use internal sweep,
when all required conditions are met. Default = No
IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
Table 8
IC-CAP Reference
1
Agilent E5260A Options (continued)
Option
Description
Hold Time
Time to allow for DC settling before starting internal or user
sweep. This option directly controls the instrument
firmware, and overrides similar delay/hold options set in
other instrument drivers running on the same test system.
Maximum 655 seconds. Default = 0
Delay Time
Time the instrument waits before taking a measurement at
each step of an internal or user sweep. This option directly
controls the instrument firmware, and overrides similar
delay/hold options set in other instrument drivers running
on the same test system. Maximum 65 seconds.
Default = 100 msec
Integ Time
Instrument’s integration time; can be set to S (short), M
(medium), or L (long). Default = S
Power
Compliance †
Specify power compliance in Watts with 1mW resolution.
Specifying 0 (zero) disables power compliance mode
(default).
SMU Filters ON
Yes = filters ON, No = filters OFF.
Applies to all SMUs in this E5260. Default = No
Range Manager
Mode
Specify Range Manager mode: 1, 2, or 3.
1 = deactivate Range Manager (default)
2 = set Range Manager to mode 2
3 = set Range Manager to mode 3
The Range Manager command is used to avoid potential
voltage spikes during current range switching when using
autorange. See Instrument Programming Guide††† under
RM command for details.
Range Manager
Setting
Set the rate of the Range Manager command.
Allowed values are between 11 and 100.
This option is only active when Range Manager Mode is set
to 2 or 3.
Enable <SMU
name> Range
Manager
Enables Range Manager at the setting values entered
above for the named SMU. Default = No.
51
1
Supported Instruments
Table 8
Agilent E5260A Options (continued)
Option
Description
<SMU name>
In/Out Range
Specify force (Input Sweep) and Output measurement
ranges. Default is autorange (0 or 0/0) for both Input and
Output measurement ranges.
When an SMU is used in an IC-CAP input definition to force
voltage or current, a specific force range may be selected.
The force resolution†† will depend on the selected range.
When an SMU is used in an IC-CAP output definition to
monitor voltage or current, a specific measurement range
may be selected. The measurement resolution will depend
on the selected range. Both fixed (negative range number)
and limited auto (positive numbers) ranges are supported.
Allowed ranges are SMU dependent and are forced by
IC-CAP during initial measurement setup. See instrument
manual††† for allowed values for each SMU. When
instrument supports 2 values for setting the same range,
IC-CAP only supports the smaller of the 2. For example, to
select a 20 V range, the manual suggests using 12 or 200.
Use the value 12, to select that range.
Ranges must be in the format ForceRange/OutRange, e.g.,
13/15 for a voltage SMU monitoring current means Force
Voltage Range=13 (40 V, 2mV resolution), Output Current
Measurement Range=15 (10 uA limited autorange).
Pulse Unit
Enter name of a pulsed unit when taking pulsed
measurements.
Pulse Base
Enter value of pulse base.
Pulse Width
Enter value of pulse width.
Pulse Period
Enter value of pulse period.
Disable Self-Cal
Controls the status of the E5260A self-calibration routine
during measurements. Yes = self-cal disabled. No= self-cal
enabled. Default = No.
Output I/O Port
(ERC Command)
Send the user string with the ERC command
Output I/O Port
(ERM Command)
Send the user string with the ERM command
Delay for timeouts Sets the delay before a measurement attempt times out.
52
IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
Table 8
1
Agilent E5260A Options (continued)
Option
Description
Init Command
Command field used to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. Command is sent at the end
of instrument initialization for each measurement. Normal C
escape characters such as \n (new line) are available.
Default = none
†
Supported for internal sweep mode only (USE USER SWEEP = NO) and DC
only measurement setups.
The allowable range of power compliance depends on the sweep source (SMU
type) and is not monitored by IC-CAP. Refer to instrument's documentation for
more details.
IC-CAP requires rectangular datasets, thus when a power compliance is
specified, the instrument concludes the measurement at the power compliance
limit, but IC-CAP fills the datasets with the last point measured below power
compliance.
†† Agilent E5260A, E5262A, E5263A Technical Overview—see Medium and High
Power SMUs technical specifications.
††† Agilent E5260A series Programming Guide—Chapter 4 “Command
Reference”—Section “Command Parameters”
Agilent E5270 Series Parametric Measurement Solutions
Agilent E5270 Series Parametric Measurement Solutions are
built around the following:
• E5270A 8-slot parametric measurement mainframe
(obsolete)
• E5270B 8-slot parametric measurement mainframe
• E5272A/3A 2-channel source/monitor units (obsolete)
Available Source/Monitor Units (SMUs):
• E5280A High Power source/monitor unit (HPSMU) for
E5270A only
• E5280B High Power source/monitor unit (HPSMU) for
E5270B only
• E5281A Medium Power source/monitor unit (MPSMU) for
E5270A only
IC-CAP Reference
53
1
Supported Instruments
• E5281B Medium Power source/monitor unit (MPSMU) for
E5270B only
• E5287A High Resolution source/monitor unit (HRSMU) for
E5270B only
The E5270A 8-slot parametric measurement mainframe holds
up to 8 single-slot modules, such as a medium power
source/monitor unit (MPSMU), or up to 4 dual-slot modules,
such as a high power source/monitor unit (HPSMU).
The E5270B 8-slot parametric measurement mainframe holds
up to 8 single-slot modules, such as a medium power
source/monitor unit (MPSMU, HRSMU), or up to 4 dual-slot
modules, such as a high power source/monitor unit (HPSMU).
The E5272A 2-channel source/monitor unit contains 2 medium
power source/monitor units (SMUs).
The E5273A 2-channel source/monitor unit contains 1 high
power and 1 medium power SMU.
If you install 4 HPSMUs into E5270A/B mainframes, you can
output 1 Amp of current from each of these units
simultaneously.
The E5270A/B mainframe's ground unit (GNDU) provides a
means for connecting device terminals to a ground reference.
The GNDU will sink 4 amps of current without having to worry
about any resistive ground rise issues. This ground unit cannot
be programmed or monitored.
Unit names are dependent on the slot they occupy. A high power
SMU occupies 2 slots in the mainframe, a medium or a high
resolution occupies 1 slot; the value of slot number n is the
higher of the 2 slots. IC-CAP assigns the following names to the
units:
54
MPSMUn
Medium Powered Stimulus/Measurement Unit in slot n
HPSMUn
High Powered Stimulus/Measurement Unit in slot n
HRSMUn
High Resolution Source/Monitor Unit in slot n (E5270B only)
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
The E5270A and E5270B 8-slot parametric measurement
mainframes have a total maximum power consumption of 80W
for all plug-in modules. The total maximum power consumption
limits for the E5272A and E5273A are 8W and 24W respectively.
If a measurement is performed and the power limitation is
exceeded, the measurement will not be attempted and IC-CAP
will issue an error message.
HPSMU
The high power source monitor units will provide up to 50
milliamps of current at ±200 volts and 1 amp of current at ±40
volts. Up to 4 HPSMUs can be used at one time in the E5270A
mainframe. Since SMUs characteristic may vary with version,
see manual for complete measurement and force ranges
specifications such as resolution and measurement accuracy.
MPSMU
The medium power source monitor units will provide up to 20
milliamps of current at ±100 volts and 100 milliamps of current
at ±20 volts (200 mA for the E5281A). Up to 8 MPSMUs can be
used at one time in the E5270A and E5270B mainframes. Since
SMUs characteristic may vary with version, see manual for
complete measurement and force ranges specifications such as
resolution and measurement accuracy.
HRSMU
The medium power/high resolution source monitor units
provide up to 20 milliamps of current at ±100 volts and 100
milliamps of current at ±20 volts. Up to 8 HRSMUs can be used
at one time in the E5270B mainframe. In the lowest current
range, 10 pA, HRSMU's current force resolution can be as low as
5 fA with a measurement resolution as low as 1 fA.
Instrument Options
The following table describes the Agilent E5270A/B options and
their default values, where applicable.
IC-CAP Reference
55
1
56
Supported Instruments
Table 9
Agilent E5270A/B Options
Option
Description
Use User Sweep
Yes = use user mode sweep. No = use internal sweep,
when all required conditions are met. Default = No
Hold Time
Time to allow for DC settling before starting internal or user
sweep. This option directly controls the instrument
firmware, and overrides similar delay/hold options set in
other instrument drivers running on the same test system.
Maximum 655 seconds. Default = 0
Delay Time
Time the instrument waits before taking a measurement at
each step of an internal or user sweep. This option directly
controls the instrument firmware, and overrides similar
delay/hold options set in other instrument drivers running
on the same test system. Maximum 65 seconds.
Default = 100 msec
Integ Time
Instrument’s integration time; can be set to S (short), M
(medium), or L (long). Default = S
Power
Compliance †
Specify power compliance in Watts with 1mW resolution.
Specifying 0 (zero) disables power compliance mode
(default).
SMU Filters ON
Yes = filters ON, No = filters OFF.
Applies to all SMUs in this E5270. Default = No
Range Manager
Mode
Specify Range Manager mode: 1, 2, or 3.
1 = deactivate Range Manager (default)
2 = set Range Manager to mode 2
3 = set Range Manager to mode 3
The Range Manager command is used to avoid potential
voltage spikes during current range switching when using
autorange. See Instrument Programming Guide††† under
RM command for details.
Range Manager
Setting
Set the rate of the Range Manager command.
Allowed values are between 11 and 100.
This option is only active when Range Manager Mode is set
to 2 or 3.
<SMU name>
A/D converter
Sets A/D converter for higher resolution or higher speed.
S = higher speed
R = higher resolution (Default)
IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
Table 9
IC-CAP Reference
1
Agilent E5270A/B Options (continued)
Option
Description
Enable <SMU
name> Range
Manager
Enables Range Manager at the setting values entered
above for the named SMU. Default = No.
<SMU name>
In/Out Range
Specify force (Input Sweep) and Output measurement
ranges. Default is autorange (0 or 0/0) for both Input and
Output measurement ranges.
When an SMU is used in an IC-CAP input definition to force
voltage or current, a specific force range may be selected.
The force resolution†† will depend on the selected range.
When an SMU is used in an IC-CAP output definition to
monitor voltage or current, a specific measurement range
may be selected. The measurement resolution will depend
on the selected range. Both fixed (negative range number)
and limited auto (positive numbers) ranges are supported.
Allowed ranges are SMU dependent and are forced by
IC-CAP during initial measurement setup. See instrument
manual††† for allowed values for each SMU. When
instrument supports 2 values for setting the same range,
IC-CAP only supports the smaller of the 2. For example, to
select a 20 V range, the manual suggests using 12 or 200.
Use the value 12, to select that range.
Ranges must be in the format ForceRange/OutRange, e.g.,
13/15 for a voltage SMU monitoring current means Force
Voltage Range=13 (40 V, 2mV resolution), Output Current
Measurement Range=15 (10 uA limited autorange).
Pulse Unit
Enter name of a pulsed unit when taking pulsed
measurements.
Pulse Base
Enter value of pulse base.
Pulse Width
Enter value of pulse width.
Pulse Period
Enter value of pulse period.
Disable Self-Cal
Controls the status of the E5270A self-calibration routine
during measurements. Yes = self-cal disabled. No= self-cal
enabled. Default = No.
Output I/O Port
(ERC Command)
Send the user string with the ERC command
57
1
Supported Instruments
Table 9
Agilent E5270A/B Options (continued)
Option
Description
Output I/O Port
(ERM Command)
Send the user string with the ERM command
Delay for timeouts Sets the delay before a measurement attempt times out.
Init Command
Command field used to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. Command is sent at the end
of instrument initialization for each measurement. Normal C
escape characters such as \n (new line) are available.
Default = none
†
Supported for internal sweep mode only (USE USER SWEEP = NO) and DC
only measurement setups.
The allowable range of power compliance depends on the sweep source (SMU
type) and is not monitored by IC-CAP. Refer to instrument's documentation for
more details.
IC-CAP requires rectangular datasets, thus when a power compliance is
specified, the instrument concludes the measurement at the power compliance
limit, but IC-CAP fills the datasets with the last point measured below power
compliance.
†† Agilent E5270A, E5272A, E5273A Technical Overview—see Medium and High
Power SMUs technical specifications.
††† Agilent E5270A series Programming Guide—Chapter 4 “Command
Reference”—Section “Command Parameters”
58
IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
1
Agilent B1500A Semiconductor Device Analyzer
The Agilent B1500A Semiconductor Device Analyzer is a
modular instrument with a ten-slot configuration that supports
both IV and CV measurements.
The B1500A driver supports the following plug-in modules:
• B1510A High Power Source Monitor Unit Module (HPSMU)
for B1500
• B1511A Medium Power Source Monitor Unit Module
(MPSMU) for B1500
• B1517A High Resolution Source Monitor Unit Module
(HRSMU) for B1500
The B1500A driver does NOT support the following plug-in
modules:
• B1520A Multi-Frequency Capacitance Measurement Unit
Module for B1500 (combined DC-CV measurements not
supported)
• E5288A Auto Sense and Switch Unit for B1500
HPSMU
The high power source monitor units will provide up to 1 amp of
current at ±200 volts. Up to 4 HPSMUs can be used at one time
in the B1500A. Since SMUs characteristic may vary with
version, see manual for complete measurement and force ranges
specifications such as resolution and measurement accuracy.
MPSMU
The medium power source monitor units will provide up to 100
milliamps of current at ±100 volts. Up to 10 MPSMUs can be
used at one time in the B1500A. Since SMUs characteristic may
vary with version, see manual for complete measurement and
force ranges specifications such as resolution and measurement
accuracy.
IC-CAP Reference
59
1
Supported Instruments
HRSMU
The medium power/high resolution source monitor units
provide up to 100 milliamps of current at ±100 volts. Up to 10
HRSMUs can be used at one time in the B1500A. Since SMUs
characteristic may vary with version, see manual for complete
measurement and force ranges specifications such as resolution
and measurement accuracy.
Instrument Options
The following table describes the Agilent B1500A options and
their default values, where applicable.
Table 10
60
Agilent B1500A Options
Option
Description
Use User Sweep
Yes = use user mode sweep. No = use internal sweep,
when all required conditions are met. Default = No
Hold Time
Time to allow for DC settling before starting internal or user
sweep. This option directly controls the instrument
firmware, and overrides similar delay/hold options set in
other instrument drivers running on the same test system.
Maximum 655 seconds. Default = 0
Delay Time
Time the instrument waits before taking a measurement at
each step of an internal or user sweep. This option directly
controls the instrument firmware, and overrides similar
delay/hold options set in other instrument drivers running
on the same test system. Maximum 65 seconds.
Default = 100 msec
Integ Time
Instrument’s integration time; can be set to S (short), M
(medium), or L (long). Default = S
Power
Compliance †
Specify power compliance in Watts with 1mW resolution.
Specifying 0 (zero) disables power compliance mode
(default).
SMU Filters ON
Yes = filters ON, No = filters OFF.
Applies to all SMUs in this E5270. Default = No
IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
Table 10
IC-CAP Reference
1
Agilent B1500A Options (continued)
Option
Description
Range Manager
Mode
Specify Range Manager mode: 1, 2, or 3.
1 = deactivate Range Manager (default)
2 = set Range Manager to mode 2
3 = set Range Manager to mode 3
The Range Manager command is used to avoid potential
voltage spikes during current range switching when using
autorange. See Instrument Programming Guide††† under
RM command for details.
Range Manager
Setting
Set the rate of the Range Manager command.
Allowed values are between 11 and 100.
This option is only active when Range Manager Mode is set
to 2 or 3.
<SMU name>
A/D converter
Sets A/D converter for higher resolution or higher speed.
S = higher speed
R = higher resolution (Default)
Enable <SMU
name> Range
Manager
Enables Range Manager at the setting values entered
above for the named SMU. Default = No.
61
1
Supported Instruments
Table 10
Agilent B1500A Options (continued)
Option
Description
<SMU name>
In/Out Range
Specify force (Input Sweep) and Output measurement
ranges. Default is autorange (0 or 0/0) for both Input and
Output measurement ranges.
When an SMU is used in an IC-CAP input definition to force
voltage or current, a specific force range may be selected.
The force resolution†† will depend on the selected range.
When an SMU is used in an IC-CAP output definition to
monitor voltage or current, a specific measurement range
may be selected. The measurement resolution will depend
on the selected range. Both fixed (negative range number)
and limited auto (positive numbers) ranges are supported.
Allowed ranges are SMU dependent and are forced by
IC-CAP during initial measurement setup. See instrument
manual††† for allowed values for each SMU. When
instrument supports 2 values for setting the same range,
IC-CAP only supports the smaller of the 2. For example, to
select a 20 V range, the manual suggests using 12 or 200.
Use the value 12, to select that range.
Ranges must be in the format ForceRange/OutRange, e.g.,
13/15 for a voltage SMU monitoring current means Force
Voltage Range=13 (40 V, 2mV resolution), Output Current
Measurement Range=15 (10 uA limited autorange).
Pulse Unit
Enter name of a pulsed unit when taking pulsed
measurements.
Pulse Base
Enter value of pulse base.
Pulse Width
Enter value of pulse width.
Pulse Period
Enter value of pulse period.
Disable Self-Cal
Controls the status of the E5270A self-calibration routine
during measurements. Yes = self-cal disabled. No= self-cal
enabled. Default = No.
Output I/O Port
(ERC Command)
Send the user string with the ERC command
Output I/O Port
(ERM Command)
Send the user string with the ERM command
Delay for timeouts Sets the delay before a measurement attempt times out.
62
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
Table 10
Agilent B1500A Options (continued)
Option
Description
Init Command
Command field used to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. Command is sent at the end
of instrument initialization for each measurement. Normal C
escape characters such as \n (new line) are available.
Default = none
†
Supported for internal sweep mode only (USE USER SWEEP = NO) and DC
only measurement setups.
The allowable range of power compliance depends on the sweep source (SMU
type) and is not monitored by IC-CAP. Refer to instrument's documentation for
more details.
IC-CAP requires rectangular datasets, thus when a power compliance is
specified, the instrument concludes the measurement at the power compliance
limit, but IC-CAP fills the datasets with the last point measured below power
compliance.
†† Agilent B1500A Technical Overview—see Medium and High Power SMUs
technical specifications.
††† Agilent B1500A series Programming Guide—Chapter 4 “Command
Reference”—Section “Command Parameters”
Configuring the B1500A for IC-CAP Remote Contol
1 Turn on the B1500.
2 Login into Windows but do not start the EasyExpert
software.
3 Start the Agilent_Connection_Expert:
Select Start > Programs > Agilent_IO_Library_Suites >
Agilent_Connection_Expert.
4 Select GPIB0 > Change_Properties, then uncheck the following
checkboxes:
• System_Controller
• Auto-Discover_Instruments_Connected_To_The_Interface
Select OK and exit the dialog.
5 Reboot the B1500A when prompted.
6 Start the EasyExpert software:
IC-CAP Reference
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Supported Instruments
Select Start > Start_EasyExpert.
Do not press the B1500A Start button, but leave the B1500A
Start button on the screen.
NO TE
Fully starting the EasyExpert application would prevent IC-CAP from
controlling the B1500A.
7 Connect the B1500A instrument to the IC-CAP computer via
GPIB interface.
8 From IC-CAP, rebuild the active instrument list:
Select Tools > Hardware Setup > Rebuild.
9 After rebuild is completed, check that the B1500A is in the
Active Instrument List.
10 Select the instrument and configure its SMU names
according to the names used in your measurement setups.
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Supported Instruments
Capacitance-Voltage Meters
Capacitance-voltage meters supported by IC-CAP are:
• HP 4194 Impedance Analyzer
• HP 4271 1 MHz Digital Capacitance Meter
• HP 4275 Multi-Frequency LCR Meter
• HP 4280 1 MHz Capacitance Meter
• HP/Agilent 4284 Precision LCR Meter
• HP/Agilent 4285 Precision LCR Meter
• Agilent E4980A Precision LCR Meter
• Agilent 4294A Precision Impedance Analyzer
• Agilent E4991A RF Impedance/Material Analyzer
For all capacitance-voltage meters, issue the Calibrate
command before starting a measurement, otherwise calibration
is carried out automatically at the start of the measurement.
This option directly controls the instrument firmware, and
overrides similar delay/hold options set in other instruments’
drivers running on the same test system.
Defining the Reset State
Using the prepare_CV_meter.mdl example model file, you can
easily define the reset state for the following instruments:
• HP/Agilent 4284
• HP/Agilent 4285
• Agilent E4980
The IC-CAP drivers reset instruments to known states prior to
configuring them for the current measurement. For the 4284,
4285 and E4980, it sends the *RST command, which resets the
instruments to a known factory state. However, this default
state (1V, 1KHz signal) may cause damage to certain devices
between the time the $RST is requested and the time the
requested signal level is set.
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Supported Instruments
To avoid this problem, you can set the variable LCR_RST_MEM
or LCR_RST_MEM_<unit> (e.g., LCR_RST_MEM_CM). The 4284,
4285, and E4980A instruments will use the value of this
variable to set the instrument state. For example, if set to 1, the
driver will recall instrument state 1 instead of *RST.
Using the prepare_CV_meter.mdl example model file, you can
programatically set any state to be the *RST state with a zero
signal level. It will also set the variable for you such that when a
measurement is performed, this programatically set state is
recalled instead of sending *RST.
To prepare a memory location, open and Auto Execute
model_files/misc/prepare_CV_meter.mdl, then enter the 3
values below and click OK.
1 Name the unit associated with your instrument.
2 Identify the memory location (0-9 recommended, but you can
use any number from 0-19 that your instrument supports.)
3 Indicate if you want the unit number to apply to any 4284,
4284, or E4980A, or only to those with the specified unit
name. This selection essentially chooses between setting
LCR_RST_MEM or LCR_RST_MEM_<unit>.
HP 4194 Impedance Analyzer
The HP 4194 offers 2 measurement types: impedance analysis
and gain-phase measurement. These occupy different test
connectors on the test set. IC-CAP supports the impedance
analysis type, offering capacitance-voltage and
conductance-versus-voltage measurements.
The frequency range is 100 Hz to 40 MHz; to extend this to
100 MHz use the impedance probe kit. An internal DC bias unit
can deliver biases between −40V and +40V. An internal
oscillator can deliver between 10 mV and 1V rms.
The HP 4194 driver is an example of a driver created using the
Open Measurement Interface. The driver source code can be
found in the files user_meas.hxx and user_meas.cxx in the
directory $ICCAP_ROOT/src. For information, refer to
Chapter 2, “Drivers.”
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IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
1
IC-CAP assigns the following name to the unit:
CM Capacitance Meter Unit
NO TE
The short calibration of the HP 4194 driver is disabled by default because
the CV measurement rarely needs this compensation. However, the
SHORT_CAL4194 system variable may be defined and set to Yes to enable
the short calibration.
NO TE
After a CV measurement is finished, you may notice that a DC bias light on
the HP 4194 stays on. This indicates that a bias voltage is still being
applied to the test setup. However, the IC-CAP driver sets the DC sweep
mode’s bias voltage for the measurement so the DC bias is set to 0 V when
the sweep starts and stops.
There are 2 ways you can verify the bias voltage is set to zero. One way is
to measure the test setup with a DMM. Another way is to enable IC-CAP’s
Screen Debug (Tools > Options > Screen Debug) and see that the
following commands are being sent to the CV meter:
START=0.0;STOP=0.0;NOP=2;MANUAL=0.0;OSC=0.01
SWM3;TRGM2
TRIG
The following table describes the HP 4194 options and their
default values, where applicable.
Table 11
IC-CAP Reference
HP 4194 Options
Option
Description
Use User Sweep
Yes = use user sweep. No = use the instrument’s internal
sweep.
Default = No
Hold Time
Time the instrument waits before starting an internal or
user sweep.
Default = 0
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Supported Instruments
Table 11
HP 4194 Options (continued)
Option
Description
Delay Time
Time delay, in seconds, the instrument waits before taking a
measurement at each step of an internal or user sweep.
When biasing the device with an external DC source
(e.g., an Agilent 4142B or 4156C), the DC source’s
delay/hold options override this option.
Default = 0
Meas Freq
Oscillator frequency range 100 Hz to 40 MHz. The
41941A/B impedance probe kit extends this to 100 MHz. If
the CV_FREQ system variable is defined, it must be set
equal to this frequency, otherwise an error is reported.
Default = 1 MHz
Integ Time
Instrument integration time: S (short), M (medium), or L
(long).
Default = S
Osc Level
Test signal level. Allowable voltage levels and resolutions
are:
Minimum = 10 mV; Maximum = 1V. Default = 10mV
Averages
Number of averages. Maximum = 256. Default = 1
Delay for
Timeouts
For long-running measurements (that use a high number of
averages, for example) use this option to avoid
measurement timeouts. Default=0
Init Command
Command field to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. This command is sent at the
end of instrument initialization for each measurement.
Normal C escape characters such as \n (new line) are
available. Default = none
HP 4271 1 MHz Digital Capacitance Meter
IC-CAP supports only external bias sources when performing
measurements using the HP 4271. Both hardware and software
calibrations are available. The instrument makes measurements
in user sweep only. If the CV_FREQ system variable is defined,
it must be set equal to 1 MHz before making a measurement
with the HP 4271, otherwise an error is reported.
68
IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
1
IC-CAP assigns the following name to this unit:
CM Capacitance Meter Unit
The following table describes the HP 4271 options and their
default values, where applicable.
Table 12
HP 4271 Options
Option
Description
Hold Time
Time the instrument waits before starting an internal or
user sweep.
Default = 0
Delay Time
Time, in seconds, the instrument waits before taking a
measurement at each step of an internal or user sweep.
When biasing the device with an external DC source
(e.g., an Agilent 4142B or 4156C), the DC source’s
delay/hold options override this option.
Default = 0
Init Command
This is a command field to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. This command is sent at the
end of instrument initialization for each measurement.
Normal C escape characters such as \n (new line) are
available. Default = none
HP 4275 Multi-Frequency LCR Meter
The HP 4275 includes an optional internal DC bias source.
IC-CAP checks for this internal bias source when you issue the
Rebuild command in the Hardware Setup window. For the
internal DC bias to be recognized, the DC BIAS selector switch
must be set to Internal. Only hardware calibration is available
and the instrument makes measurements in user sweep only.
IC-CAP assigns the following name to this unit:
CM Capacitance Meter Unit
The test signal level on the HP 4275 can only be set manually
with the OSC LEVEL dial and MULTIPLIER switches. This
signal level must be set by the user to a reasonable value such as
10 mV to obtain accurate results, since a high signal level can
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Supported Instruments
modulate the DC operating point. The MULTIPLIER is set to 1
when the instrument is powered up; a different setting must be
selected manually.
When using the internal DC bias, the bias unit is also included
in the CM unit. Therefore, the unit name of this CM unit should
also be entered in the Unit fields of both the voltage bias Input
and the capacitance Output specifications of the Setup.
The following table describes the HP 4275 options and their
default values, where applicable.
Table 13
HP 4275 Options
Option
Description
Hold Time
Time the instrument waits before starting an internal or
user sweep. Range is 0 to 650 seconds in 10 msec steps.
Default = 0
Delay Time
Time the instrument waits before taking a measurement at
each step of an internal or user sweep. Range is 3 msec to
650 sec. Resolution is in 1 msec steps for the 3 to 65 msec
range; 10 msec for the 65.01 to 99.99 msec range; and,
100 msec for the 100 msec to 650 sec range. When biasing
the device with an external DC source (e.g., an
Agilent 4142B or 4156C), the DC source’s delay/hold
options override this option.
Default = 3 msec
70
Meas Freq
Measurement Frequencies. When the instrument is not
equipped with option 004, it accepts frequency
measurements at 10K, 20K, 40K, 100K, 200K, 400K, 1M, 2M,
4M, and 10M. When equipped with option 004, it accepts
measurements at 10K, 30K, 50K, 100K, 300K, 500K, 1M, 3M,
5M, and 10M. Enter valid frequencies only. If the CV_FREQ
system variable is defined, it must be set equal to this
frequency, otherwise an error is reported. Because the unit
of CV_FREQ is Hz, divide it by 1K for this field. Default =
1 MHz
High Res
Enables or disables high resolution mode. Yes = enabled;
No = disabled. Default = No
IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
Table 13
1
HP 4275 Options (continued)
Option
Description
Init Command
Command field to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. This command is sent at the
end of instrument initialization for each measurement.
Normal C escape characters such as \n (new line) are
available. Default = none
HP 4280 1 MHz Capacitance Meter
The HP 4280 measures the capacitance-voltage characteristics
of semiconductor devices. The test signal of the instrument is a
1 MHz sine wave. The HP 4280 also contains a built-in DC bias
source with an output capability of 0 to ±100V and a maximum
setting resolution of 1 mV. Capacitance-voltage measurements
can be taken using this internal voltage source or an external
bias unit. The HP 4280 includes an internal calibration
capability. Measurements can be made in either internal or user
sweep. If the CV_FREQ system variable is defined, it must be set
to 1 MHz before making a measurement with the HP 4280,
otherwise an error is reported.
IC-CAP assigns the following name to this unit:
CM Capacitance Meter Unit
When using the internal DC bias, this bias unit is also included
in the CM unit. Therefore, the unit name of this CM unit should
also be entered in the Unit fields of both the voltage bias Input
and the capacitance Output specifications of the Setup.
The following table describes the HP 4280 options and their
default values, where applicable.
Table 14
IC-CAP Reference
HP 4280 Options
Option
Description
Use User Sweep
Yes = use user sweep. No = use the instrument’s internal
sweep. Default = No
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Supported Instruments
Table 14
HP 4280 Options (continued)
Option
Description
Hold Time
Time the instrument waits before starting internal or user
sweep. Range is 0 to 650 seconds in 10 msec steps.
Default = 3 msec
Delay Time
Time delay before each measurement is taken when using
internal sweep. Range is 3 msec to 650 seconds. Resolution
is in 1 msec steps for the 3 to 65 msec range, 10 msec for
the 65.01 to 99.99 msec range, and 100 msec for the
100 msec to 650 second range. When biasing the device
with an external DC source (e.g., an Agilent 4142B or
4156C), the DC source’s delay/hold options override
this option.
Default = 3 msec
72
Delay for
Timeouts
For long-running measurements (that use a high number of
averages, for example) use this option to avoid
measurement timeouts. Default=0
Meas Speed
Measuring speed: S (slow), M (medium), or F (fast). Default
=S
Sig Level (10, 30)
Signal level: 10 or 30 mV rms. Default = 10
High Res
Enables or disables high resolution mode. Yes = enabled.
No = disabled. Default = No
Conn Mode
Connection mode. When using the HP 4280 internal bias
source, set to 10. When using an external bias source,
connect the source to the EXT-SLOW connector on the
HP 4280 rear panel and set the connection mode to 12.
Default = 10
Init Command
Command field to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. This command is sent at the
end of instrument initialization for each measurement.
Normal C escape characters such as \n (new line) are
available. Default = none
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
HP/Agilent 4284 Precision LCR Meter
The HP/Agilent 4284 is a general purpose LCR meter with a
frequency range of 20 Hz to 1 MHz. The instrument includes an
internal calibration. Options 001 and 006 are supported by
IC-CAP. Option 001 includes a built-in internal bias source.
Standard cable lengths are 0 and 1 meter; option 006 supports 2
and 4 meter lengths as well. Measurements can be made in user
sweep mode only.
IC-CAP assigns the following name to this unit:
CM Capacitance Meter Unit
When using the internal DC bias, the bias unit is also included
in the CM unit. Therefore, the unit name of this CM unit should
also be entered in the Unit fields of both the voltage bias Input
and the capacitance Output specifications of the Setup.
CAU TI O N
Prior to configuring the HP/Agilent 4284 for the current
measurement, the IC-CAP driver resets the 4284 to a known
state by sending the *RST command. The default reset state (1V,
1KHz signal) may cause damage to certain devices between the
time the $RST is requested and the time the requested signal
level is set. To avoid this problem, you can define the reset state.
See “Defining the Reset State” on page 65.
The following table describes the HP/Agilent 4284 options and
their default values, where applicable.
Table 15
IC-CAP Reference
HP/Agilent 4284 Options
Option
Description
Hold Time
Time the instrument waits before starting an internal or
user sweep. Range is 0 to 650 seconds in 10 msec steps.
Default = 0
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Supported Instruments
Table 15
HP/Agilent 4284 Options (continued)
Option
Description
Delay Time
Time the instrument waits before each sweep point is
measured. The range is 0 to 60 seconds. When biasing the
device with an external DC source (e.g., an Agilent
4142B or 4156C), the DC source’s delay/hold options
override this option.
Default = 0
Meas Freq
Measuring frequency. Only a set of frequencies are
available. The range is 20 Hz to 1 MHz. If the CV_FREQ
system variable is defined, it must be set equal to this
frequency, otherwise an error is reported.
Default = 1 MHz
Integ Time
Instrument integration time: S (short), M (medium), or L
(long).
Default = M
Osc Level
Test signal level in volts or amps.
Allowable voltage levels and resolutions are:
Minimum = 5 mV
Maximum = 20V with opt 001, 2V otherwise
Between 5 mV and 200 mV: resolution = 1 mV
Between 200 mV and 2V: resolution = 10 mV
Between 2V and 20V: resolution = 100 mV (Opt. 001 only)
Allowable current levels and resolutions are:
Minimum level = 50 µA rms
Maximum level = 200 mA rms with opt 001, 20 mA
otherwise
Between 50 µA and 2 mA: resolution = 10 µA
Between 2 mA and 20 mA: resolution = 100 µA
Between 20 mA and 200 mA: resolution = 1 mA (Opt. 001
only)
The Instrument Options folder accepts test signal levels
outside these ranges. However, if a measurement is
attempted, an error message is issued and the
measurement is not performed.
Default = 10m
Osc Mode [V,I]
74
Specify V (voltage) or I (current). Automatic Level Control
(ALC) is not supported. Default = V
IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
Table 15
1
HP/Agilent 4284 Options (continued)
Option
Description
Averaging
[1-256]
The averaging rate of the instrument. Default = 1
Cable Length
Cable length, in meters: 0, 1, 2, or 4. Default = 1M
Delay for
Timeouts
For long-running measurements (that use a high number of
averages, for example) use this option to avoid
measurement timeouts. Default=0
Init Command
Command field to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. This command is sent at the
end of instrument initialization for each measurement.
Normal C escape characters such as \n (new line) are
available. Default = none
HP/Agilent 4285 Precision LCR Meter
The HP/Agilent 4285 is a general purpose LCR meter with a
frequency range of 75 kHz to 30 MHz. The instrument includes
an internal calibration. Option 001, which adds a built-in
internal bias source, is supported by IC-CAP. Measurements can
be made in user sweep only.
IC-CAP assigns the following name to this unit:
CM Capacitance Meter Unit
When using the internal DC bias, the bias unit is also included
in the CM unit. Therefore, the unit name of this CM unit should
also be entered in the Unit fields of both the voltage bias Input
and the capacitance Output specifications of the Setup.
CAU TI O N
IC-CAP Reference
Prior to configuring the HP/Agilent 4285 for the current
measurement, the IC-CAP driver resets the 4285 to a known
state by sending the *RST command. The default reset state (1V,
1KHz signal) may cause damage to certain devices between the
time the $RST is requested and the time the requested signal
level is set. To avoid this problem, you can define the reset state.
See “Defining the Reset State” on page 65.
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Supported Instruments
The following table describes the HP/Agilent 4285 options and
their default values, where applicable.
Table 16
HP/Agilent 4285 Options
Option
Description
Hold Time
Time the instrument waits before starting an internal or
user sweep. Default = 0
Delay Time
Time the instrument waits before each sweep point is
measured. Range is 0 to 60 seconds in 1 msec steps. When
biasing the device with an external DC source (e.g.,
an Agilent 4142B or 4156C), the DC source’s
delay/hold options override this option.
Default = 0
Meas Freq
Measuring frequency. Range is 75 kHz to 30 MHz with
100 Hz resolution. If the CV_FREQ system variable is
defined, it must be set equal to this frequency, otherwise an
error is reported. Default = 1 MHz
Integ Time
Instrument integration time: S (short), M (medium), or L
(long).
Default = M
Osc Level
Test signal level in volts or amps.
The allowable voltage levels and resolutions are:
Minimum level = 5 mV rms
Maximum level = 2V rms
Between 5 mV and 200 mV: resolution = 1 mV
Between 200 mV and 2V: resolution = 10 mV
The allowable current levels and resolutions are:
Minimum level = 200 µA rms
Maximum level = 20 mA rms
Between 200 µA and 2 mA: resolution = 20 µA
Between 2 mA and 20 mA: resolution = 200 µA
The Instrument Options folder accepts test signal levels
outside these ranges. However, if a measurement is
attempted, an error message is issued and the
measurement is not performed.
Default = 10m
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IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
Table 16
1
HP/Agilent 4285 Options (continued)
Option
Description
Osc Mode [V,I]
Specify V (voltage) or I (current). Automatic Level Control
(ALC) is not supported. Default = V
Averaging
[1-256]
The averaging rate of the instrument. Default = 1
Cable Length
Cable length, in meters: 0, 1, or 2. Default = 1
Delay for
Timeouts
For long-running measurements (that use a high number of
averages, for example) use this option to avoid
measurement timeouts. Default=0
Init Command
Command field to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. This command is sent at the
end of instrument initialization for each measurement.
Normal C escape characters such as \n (new line) are
available. Default = none
Agilent E4980A Precision LCR Meter
The Agilent E4980A is a general-purpose LCR meter. The
Agilent E4980A is used for evaluating LCR components,
materials, and semiconductor devices over a wide range of
frequencies (20 Hz to 20 MHz) and test signal levels (0.1 mVrms
to 2 Vrms, 50 µA to 20 mArms). With Option 001, the E4980A’s
test signal level range spans 0.1 mV to 20 Vrms, and 50 µA to
200 mArms. Also, the E4980A with Option 001 enables up to
±40 Vrms DC bias measurements (without Option 001, up to ±2
Vrms), DCR measurements, and DC source measurements using
the internal voltage source.
IC-CAP assigns the following name to this unit:
CM Capacitance Meter Unit
When using the internal DC bias, the bias unit is also included
in the CM unit. Therefore, the unit name of this CM unit should
also be entered in the Unit fields of both the voltage bias Input
and the capacitance Output specifications of the Setup.
IC-CAP Reference
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Supported Instruments
CAU TI O N
Prior to configuring the Agilent E4980A for the current
measurement, the IC-CAP driver resets the E4980 to a known
state by sending the *RST command. The default reset state (1V,
1KHz signal) may cause damage to certain devices between the
time the $RST is requested and the time the requested signal
level is set. To avoid this problem, you can define the reset state.
See “Defining the Reset State” on page 65.
The following table describes the Agilent E4980A options and
their default values, where applicable.
Table 17
Agilent E4980A Options
Option
Description
Hold Time
Time the instrument waits before starting an internal or
user sweep. Range is 0 to 650 seconds in 10 msec steps.
Default = 0
Delay Time
Time the instrument waits before each sweep point is
measured. The range is 0 to 60 seconds. When biasing the
device with an external DC source (e.g., an Agilent
4142B or 4156C), the DC source’s delay/hold options
override this option.
Default = 0
78
Meas Freq
Measuring frequency. Only a set of frequencies are
available. The range is 20 Hz to 1 MHz. If the CV_FREQ
system variable is defined, it must be set equal to this
frequency, otherwise an error is reported.
Default = 1 MHz
Integ Time
Instrument integration time: S (short), M (medium), or L
(long).
Default = M
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
Table 17
Agilent E4980A Options (continued)
Option
Description
Osc Level
Test signal level in volts or amps.
Allowable voltage levels and resolutions are:
Minimum = 0 mVrms
Maximum = 20 Vrms with opt 001, 2Vrms otherwise
Between 0 mVrms and 200 mVrms: resolution = 100 µVrms
Between 200 mVrms and 500 mVrms:
resolution = 200 µVrms
Between 500mVrms and 1Vrms: resolution = 500 µVrms
Between 1 Vrms and 2 Vrms: resolution = 1 mVrms
Between 2 Vrms and 5 Vrms: resolution = 2 mVrms
(Opt. 001 only)
Between 5 Vrms and 10 Vrms: resolution = 5 mVrms
(Opt. 001 only)
Between 10 Vrms and 20 Vrms†: resolution = 10 mVrms
(Opt. 001 only)
† When the test frequency is more than 1 MHz, the
maximum oscillator voltage level that can be set is
15 Vrms.
Allowable current levels and resolutions are:
Minimum level = 0 Arms
Maximum level = 100 mArms with opt 001, 20 mA
otherwise
Between 0 µArms and 2 mArms: resolution = 1 µArms
Between 2 mArms and 5 mArms: resolution = 2 µArms
Between 5 mArms and 10 mArms: resolution = 5 µArms
Between 10 µArms and 20 mArms: resolution = 10 µArms
Between 20 mArms and 50 mArms: resolution = 20 µArms
(Opt. 001 only)
Between 50 mArms and 100 mArms:
resolution = 50 µArms (Opt. 001 only)
The Instrument Options folder accepts test signal levels
outside these ranges. However, if a measurement is
attempted, an error message is issued and the
measurement is not performed.
Default = 10m
Osc Mode [V,I]
IC-CAP Reference
Specify V (voltage) or I (current). Automatic Level Control
(ALC) is not supported. Default = V
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Supported Instruments
Table 17
Agilent E4980A Options (continued)
Option
Description
Averaging
[1-256]
The averaging rate of the instrument. Default = 1
Cable Length
Cable length, in meters: 0, 1, 2, or 4. Default = 1M
Delay for
Timeouts
For long-running measurements (that use a high number of
averages, for example) use this option to avoid
measurement timeouts. Default=0
Init Command
Command field to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. This command is sent at the
end of instrument initialization for each measurement.
Normal C escape characters such as \n (new line) are
available. Default = none
Agilent 4294A Precision Impedance Analyzer
The Agilent 4294A is a precision impedance analyzer designed
to measure impedance (inductance, capacitance, and
resistance) at frequencies between 40 Hz and 110 MHz. The
instrument includes an internal calibration.
IC-CAP assigns the following name to this unit:
CM Capacitance Meter Unit
When using the internal DC bias, the bias unit is also included
in the CM unit. Therefore, the unit name of this CM unit should
also be entered in the Unit fields of both the voltage bias Input
and the capacitance Output specifications of the Setup.
Frequency cannot be swept using IC-CAP.
The following table describes the Agilent 4294A options and
their default values, where applicable.
80
IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
Table 18
IC-CAP Reference
1
Agilent 4294A Options
Option
Description
Use User Sweep
Yes = use user sweep. No = use the instrument’s internal
sweep. Default = No.
Hold Time
Time the instrument waits before starting an internal or
user sweep. Default = 0.
Delay Time
Time the instrument waits before each sweep point is
measured. Range is 0 to 30 seconds. Resolution is 1 msec.
Default = 0.
Meas Freq
Measuring frequency. Only a set of frequencies are
available. Range is 40 Hz to 110 MHz. Resolution is 1 mHz at
40 Hz and 1 kHz at 110 MHz. If the CV_FREQ system
variable is defined, it must be set equal to this frequency,
otherwise an error is reported. Default = 1 MHz.
Bandwidth
Measurement bandwidth. 1 FAST (fastest measurement), 2,
3, 4, 5 PRECISE (highest accuracy measurement).
Default = 1.
Osc Level
Test signal level. Allowable voltage levels and resolutions
are: minimum = 5 mV, maximum = 1 V. Default = 500 mV.
Resolution = 1 mV.
Averages [1-256]
Point Averages, minimum 1, maximum = 256. Default = 1
Delay for
Timeouts
For long-running measurements (that use a high number of
averages, for example) use this option to avoid
measurement timeouts. Default=0.
Meas Range
Selects DC bias range. Three ranges: 1 mA, 10 mA, and
100 mA. Default = 1 mA.
Init Command
Command field to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. This command is sent at the
end of instrument initialization for each measurement.
Normal C escape characters such as \n (new line) are
available. Default = no entry.
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Supported Instruments
Agilent E4991A RF Impedance/Material Analyzer
The Agilent E4991A is an RF impedance/material analyzer
designed to measure impedance (inductance, capacitance, and
resistance) at frequencies between 1 MHz and 3 GHz.
Measurements can be made in internal sweep mode only.
IC-CAP assigns the following name to this unit:
CM Capacitance Meter Unit
When using the internal DC bias, the bias unit is also included
in the CM unit. Therefore, the unit name of this CM unit should
also be entered in the Unit fields of both the voltage bias Input
and the capacitance Output specifications of the Setup.
Frequency cannot be swept using IC-CAP.
The following table describes the Agilent E4991A options and
their default values, where applicable.
Table 19
82
Agilent E4991A Options
Option
Description
Use User Sweep
Yes = use user sweep, No = use the instrument’s internal
sweep, default = No.
Hold Time
Time the instrument waits before starting an internal or
user sweep, default = 0.
Delay Time
Time the instrument waits before each sweep point is
measured. Range is 0 to 20 seconds, default = 0.
Meas Freq
Measuring frequency. Only a set of frequencies are
available. Range is 1 MHz to 3 GHz with 1 kHz resolution. If
the CV_FREQ system variable is defined, it must be set
equal to this frequency, otherwise an error is reported,
default = 1 MHz.
Osc Level
Test signal level in volts. Allowable voltage levels and
resolutions are: minimum = 5 mV; maximum = 502 mV,
default = 100 mV, resolution = 1 mV. The Instrument
Options dialog accepts test signal levels outside these
ranges. However, if a measurement is attempted, an error
message is issued and the measurement is not performed.
IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
Table 19
1
Agilent E4991A Options (continued)
Option
Description
Averages [1-100]
Point Averages, minimum = 1, maximum = 256, default = 1.
Delay for
Timeouts
For long-running measurements (that use a high number of
averages, for example), use this option to avoid
measurement timeouts. Default=0.
Bias Current Limit Bias current limit, minimum 2 mA, maximum 50 mA,
resolution 10 µA, default 2 mA.
IC-CAP Reference
Cal Reference
Plane
Used to select the calibration reference plane, either
Coaxial (C) or Fixture (F).
Init Command
Command field to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. This command is sent at the
end of instrument initialization for each measurement.
Normal C escape characters such as \n (new line) are
available. Default = no entry.
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1
Supported Instruments
Network Analyzers
A network analyzer is an integrated stimulus/response test
system that measures the magnitude and phase characteristics
of a 1-port or multi-port network by comparing the incident
signal with the signal transmitted through the device or
reflected from its inputs. A network analyzer provides a
waveform with a specified attenuation and frequency as inputs
to the network or device under test. It then measures the
magnitude and the phase information of both the reflected and
transmitted waves.
The network analyzers supported by IC-CAP are:
• Agilent E5071C ENA Series Network Analyzer
• Agilent PNA Series Vector Network Analyzer
• HP 3577 Network Analyzer
• HP/Agilent 8510 Network Analyzer
• HP/Agilent 8702 Network Analyzer
• HP/Agilent 8719 Network Analyzer
• HP/Agilent 8720 Network Analyzer
• HP/Agilent 8722 Network Analyzer
• HP/Agilent 8753 Network Analyzer
• Wiltron360 Network Analyzer
A network analyzer contains an S-parameter test set that allows
automatic selection of S11, S21, S12, and S22 measurements.
S-parameters are used to quantify the signals involved in
microwave design. S, for scattering, describes the act of an
energy wave front entering, exiting, or reflecting off the 2-port
network being characterized. Physically, the wave is an
electromagnetic flow of energy, a traveling complex voltage
wave. Mathematically, the S-parameter is a voltage normalized
by the impedance of the environment so that its expression
relates all information about voltage, current, and impedance at
the same time.
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Supported Instruments
1
The primary advantage of characterization with S-parameters is
that they can be measured by terminating a network in its
characteristic impedance instead of a short or open. The
following figure mathematically illustrates how S-parameters
are defined.
Figure 2
Mathematical Description of S-parameters
Referring to the previous figure, when a network port is
terminated so that there is no reflected energy, it is said to be
terminated in its characteristic impedance Z0. If at port 2, a2 = 0
because b2 looked into a Z0 load and was not reflected, then
b1 = S11 • a1+S12 • 0
S
or
b
1
= -----11 a a = 0
1 2
This defines an input reflection coefficient with the output
terminated by a matched load (Z0). Similarly,
S
b
2
= -----22 a a = 0
2 1
defines an output reflection coefficient with the input
terminated by Z0.
IC-CAP Reference
85
1
Supported Instruments
S
b
2
= -----21 a a = 0
1 2
defines the forward transmission (insertion) gain with the
output port terminated in Z0.
S
b
1
= -----12 a a = 0
2 1
defines the reverse transmission (insertion) gain with the input
port terminated in Z0.
The following figure is a graphic description of how
S-parameters are defined.
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IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
The smaller S11, the less energy
is reflected (better source
match.
S21 is gain. Usually, the
larger the better.
The smaller S22, the less
energy is reflected
(better load match.
The smaller S12, the
more isolation the
source has from the
load.
Figure 3
IC-CAP Reference
Graphic Description of S-parameters
87
1
Supported Instruments
NO TE
The error terms saved to file during a network analyzer software
calibration are not identified by error code.
The order shown below represents the order in which they are saved and
displayed in IC-CAP:
0. EDF [directivity]
1. EDR [directivity]
2. EXF [isolation]
3. EXR [isolation]
4. ESF [source match]
5. ERF [ref freq response]
6. ESR [source match]
7. ERR [ref freq response]
8. ELF [load match]
9. ETF [trans freq response]
10. ELR [load match]
11. ETR [trans freq response]
Agilent E5071C ENA Series Network Analyzer
IC-CAP supports the Agilent E5071C ENA Series RF network
analyzer. The following table lists each analyzer and its
frequency range:
Table 20
Supported ENA Series Network Analyzers
Instrument Name
Low Frequency
High Frequency
Agilent E5071C-240/440
9 kHz
4.5 GHz
Agilent E5071C-245/445
100 kHz
4.5 GHz
Agilent E5071C-280/480
9 kHz
8.5 GHz
Agilent E5071C-285/485
100 kHz
8.5 GHz
IC-CAP assigns the following name to this unit:
NWA Network Analyzer Unit
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IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
NO TE
1
IC-CAP loads the Instrument Options parameters, including Source Power,
Sweep Time, and so on, during an ENA measurement. Since this involves
setting values critical to the calibration, an error or warning may be issued.
The ENA Series network analyzers are recognized when you
issue the Rebuild, Measure, or Calibrate command.
This driver only supports Frequency mode with sweep types of
Linear, List, Log, and Constant.
• Linear sweep mode allows you to specify the start/stop
frequencies, number of points, and step size.
• List sweep mode allows you to sweep up to 202 individual
frequencies.
• Log sweep mode allows you to specify start/stop frequencies,
number of decades, and points per decade. The points are log
spaced and you can specify a total of 202 points.
• Constant mode allows you to measure 1 individual
frequency.
Table 21 on page 90 describes the E5071C ENA options and
their default values, where applicable. For more information on
options, refer to the E5071C ENA Series Network Analyzer Help
file located in the analyzer.
A self-test function is not provided for this instrument.
Calibration
The IC-CAP Calibrate command loads Setup information into
the ENA prior to calibrating. When running a measurement
afterwards, the calibration set must match IC-CAP's Setup and
it must be valid.
Only hardware calibration is supported. The calibration must
be either manually executed or executed using dedicated
calibration software and saved in a directory in the ENA. The
calibration and state file must have extension .sta. To measure
calibrated data, set the instrument option Cal Type to H
(Hardware) and specify a file name with a .sta extension in the
Instrument Option field Cal/State File Name.
IC-CAP Reference
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1
Supported Instruments
On the ENA mainframe, the default directory for saving and
reading calibration and state files is D:\State. You can save the
calibration file in a different directory and still recall it from
IC-CAP by setting the system variable ENA_CAL_FILE_PATH to
the new directory (use full path such us D:\my_dir\).
When running a measurement recalling a calibration set, the
frequency sweep and the instrument options should be
consistent with the calibration set. Warnings will be issued in
the IC-CAP Status window when relevant ENA measurement
settings (such as IF Bandwidth or Port Power) differ from the
calibration settings.
NO TE
The .sta file type should be a save state file that includes the instrument
state and the calibration data. So when saving the .sta file inside the
instrument for further use, make sure to use the State & Cal save type in
the Save/Recall menu.
The ENA has the capability to interpolate between points. Therefore, you
can specify a different frequency range and number of points during a
measurement as long as the measured frequency range is within the
calibrated frequency range. However, be aware that a loss in accuracy
occurs due to interpolation.
Table 21
90
Agilent E5071C ENA Options
Option
Description
Use User Sweep
[Yes/No]
Yes = use user sweep. No = use instrument's internal
sweep.
Default = No
Hold Time (sec)
Time, in seconds, the instrument waits before each sweep
to allow for DC settling.
Default = 0
Delay Time (sec)
Time the instrument waits before setting each frequency in
user sweep mode.
Default = 0
Sweep Time (sec)
Time the instrument takes for each sweep. 0 = Auto
Default = 0
IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
Table 21
IC-CAP Reference
1
Agilent E5071C ENA Options (continued)
Option
Description
Sweep Type [SA]
S = Stepped mode. A = Analog (ramp) mode
Default = S
Port Power
Coupled [Yes/No]
Yes = Coupled mode. No = Non-Coupled mode.
Default = Yes.
When ports are coupled, the Port1 Src Power value is used
for both Port 1 and 2. Port2 Src Power is ignored.
Port1 Src Power
(dBm)
Defines the source Power for Port 1 and 2 when ports are
coupled or the source power for Port 1 when ports are
uncoupled. The power range depends on the ENA model
and options.
Port2 Src Power
(dBm)
Defines the source power for Port 2 when ports are
uncoupled. This option field is ignored when ports are
coupled. The power range depends on the ENA model and
options.
Power Slope
(db/GHz)
Can be any value between −2 and +2 dB/GHz
Default = 0
IF Bandwidth (Hz)
Range 10 Hz to 500 kHz
Nominal settings are: 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 70, 100, 150, 200,
300, 400, 500, 700, 1k, 1.5k, 2k, 3k, 4k, 5k, 7k, 10k, 15k, 20k,
30k, 40k, 50k, 70k, 100k, 150k, 200k, 300k, 400k, 500kHz
Default = 1000 Hz
Note: If a invalid value is specified, the ENA will not round it
to the nearest available value. It will round up to the next
higher value.
Avg Factor
[1-1024]
Number of averages per measurement. [1-1024]
Default = 1
Cal Type [HN]
H = Hardware calibration. N = No calibration
Default = N
Cal/State File
Name [ .sta only]
Name of .sta file (with stored calibration and instrument
state) to be used.
Default = none
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1
Supported Instruments
Table 21
Agilent E5071C ENA Options (continued)
Option
Description
Use ENA
Calibration
Settings [Yes/No]
This setting can be set to Yes only if a calibration file is
available and Calibration Type is set to H (Hardware).
Default = No
When set to Yes, IC-CAP loads the calibration and runs the
measurement without further initializing the instrument (i.e.
without downloading the current Instrument Table
settings). Although IC-CAP uses the calibration settings for
measurements, it still sets the sweep settings (e.g. Start,
Stop, Sweep Type, etc.). Therefore, make sure the requested
sweep setting is consistent with the calibration settings as
IC-CAP attempts to run the measurement without
performing any frequency range checking. Also note that
when this option is set to Yes, the driver responds as if
MEASURE_FAST=Yes (i.e., calibration is loaded only when
the measurement is first run or after errors or warnings
occur).
Delay for timeouts
(sec)
For long-running measurements (that use a high number of
averages, for example) use this option to avoid
measurement timeouts.
Default = 0
Init Command
Command field to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. Command is sent at the end
of instrument initialization for each measurement. Normal C
escape characters such as \n (new line) are available.
Default = none
Technical Notes
• You can perform averaging by increasing the number of
averages or decreasing the IF filter bandwidth. Both methods
result in more samples taken at each frequency point.
Decreasing the IF filter bandwidth not only increases the
number of samples but also the time at each frequency point
resulting in a longer sweep time. Increasing the number of
averages, increases the number of sweeps. Although the
driver supports both modes, using IF bandwidth for
averaging is generally more efficient.
92
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
• Coupled ports have the same source power connected to Port
1 and Port 2 for forward and reverse S-parameter
measurements.
• If you have significant insertion loss due to cables or bias
networks, use power slope. Using the appropriate power
slope can compensate for insertion loss as the frequency
increases. However, if the network's return loss is too high,
increasing the power slope will not compensate because the
power is reflected back.
• Step sweep mode is more accurate than analog (ramp) mode,
but analog mode is typically faster than step sweep mode. In
step sweep mode, RF phase locking is performed at each
frequency, which ensures that the frequency value is very
accurate. This results in a longer transition time from 1
frequency point to the next and a longer total sweep time. In
analog mode, the RF frequency is swept across the frequency
range and its frequency accuracy depends on the linearity of
the VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator).
• Sweep time is the total time to sweep from Start to Stop
frequency. Several factors contribute to sweep time. For
example at each point in step mode, sweep time is the
summation of transient time due to phase locking, settling
time, and measurement time, which depends on the IF
Bandwidth filter. Although you can specify a sweep time, you
should use auto mode (Sweep Time field = 0). This allows the
ENA to determine the fastest sweep time based on the other
settings. To view the actual sweep time, select Sweep
Setup/Sweep Time on the ENA application's main window.
For additional details on sweep time, see the E5071C ENA's
online help.
Agilent PNA Series Vector Network Analyzer
IC-CAP supports the Agilent PNA Series vector network
analyzers grouped as the Agilent PNA. The Table 22 lists each
analyzer and its frequency range:
IC-CAP Reference
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1
Supported Instruments
Table 22
Supported PNA Series Vector Network Analyzers
Instrument Name
Low Frequency
High Frequency
Agilent E8356A
300 kHz
3 GHz
Agilent E8357A
300 kHz
6 GHz
Agilent E8358A
300 kHz
9 GHz
Agilent E8361A
10 MHz
67 GHz
Agilent E8362A
45 MHz
20 GHz
Agilent E8362B
10 MHz
20 GHz
Agilent E8363A
45 MHz
40 GHz
Agilent E8363B
10 MHz
40 GHz
Agilent E8364A
45 MHz
50 GHz
Agilent E8364B
10 MHz
50 GHz
Agilent E8801A
300 kHz
3 GHz
Agilent E8802A
300 kHz
6 GHz
Agilent E8803A
300 kHz
9 GHz
Agilent N5250A
10 MHz
110 GHz
IC-CAP assigns the following name to this unit:
NWA Network Analyzer Unit
NO TE
IC-CAP loads the Instrument Options parameters, including Source Power,
Attenuation, and so on, during a PNA measurement. Since this involves
setting values critical to the calibration, an error or warning may be issued.
The PNA Series network analyzers are recognized when you
issue the Rebuild, Measure, or Calibrate command.
This driver only supports Frequency mode with sweep types of
Linear, List, Log, and Constant.
94
IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
1
• Linear sweep mode allows you to specify the start/stop
frequencies, number of points, and step size.
• List sweep mode allows you to sweep up to 202 individual
frequencies.
• Log sweep mode allows you to specify start/stop frequencies,
number of decades and points per decade. The points are log
spaced and you can specify a total of 202 points.
• Constant mode allows you to measure 1 individual
frequency.
Table 23 describes the PNA options and their default values,
where applicable. For more information on options, refer to the
PNA Series Network Analyzer Help file located in the analyzer.
A self-test function is not provided for this instrument.
Calibration
The IC-CAP Calibrate command loads Setup information into
the PNA prior to calibrating. When running a measurement
afterwards, the calibration set must match IC-CAP’s Setup and
it must be valid.
Only hardware calibration is supported. The calibration must
be either manually executed or executed using dedicated
calibration software and saved in a directory in the PNA. The
calibration file must have extension .cst.
NO TE
The .cst file type includes the instrument state and a pointer to the internal
calset. The .cst file does not save the calibration coefficients (the internal
calset). Do not delete the internal calset referenced by the .cst file
otherwise the IC-CAP measurement will issue an error.
If you wish to save the calibration coefficients, save the active calset using
a .cal file extension. If the internal calset is accidentally deleted, you can
reinstate it by loading the .cal file from the front panel. Do this BEFORE
running an IC-CAP measurement that uses the .cst file.
To measure calibrated data, set the instrument option Cal Type
to H (Hardware) and specify a file name with a .cst extension in
the Instrument Option field Cal/State File Name.
IC-CAP Reference
95
1
Supported Instruments
On the PNA mainframe, the default directory for saving and
reading calibration and state file is C:\Program Files\Agilent\
Network Analyzer\Documents. You can save the calibration file
in a different directory and still recall it from IC-CAP by setting
the System Variable PNA_CAL_FILE_PATH to the new directory
(use full path such us C:\my_dir\).
When running a measurement recalling a calibration set, the
frequency sweep and the instrument options should be
consistent with the calibration set. Warnings will be issued in
the IC-CAP Status Window when relevant PNA measurement
settings (such as IF Bandwidth or Port Power) differ from the
calibration settings.
NO TE
The PNA has the capability to interpolate between points. Therefore, you
can specify a different frequency range and number of points during a
measurement as long as the measured frequency range is within the
calibrated frequency range. However, be aware that a loss in accuracy
occurs due to interpolation.
Table 23
96
Agilent PNA Options
Option
Description
Use User Sweep
Yes = use user sweep. No = use instrument’s internal
sweep.
Default = No
Hold Time
Time, in seconds, the instrument waits before each sweep
to allow for DC settling.
Default = 0
Delay Time
Time the instrument waits before setting each frequency
in user sweep mode.
Default = 0
Sweep Time
Time the instrument takes for each sweep. 0 = Auto
Default = 0
Sweep Type[SA]
S = Stepped mode. A = Analog (ramp) mode
Default = S
IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
Table 23
1
Agilent PNA Options (continued)
Option
Description
Port Power Coupled Yes = Coupled mode. No = Non-Coupled mode.
Default = Yes.
When ports are coupled, the Port Src Power value is used
for both Port 1 and 2. Port 2 Src Power is ignored.
Attenuators are also coupled so that Port Src Atten is
used for both ports and Port 2 Src Atten is ignored.
IC-CAP Reference
Port Src Power
Defines the source Power for Port 1 and 2 when ports are
coupled or the source power for Port 1 when ports are
uncoupled. The power range depends on the attenuator
settings and the PNA model and options.
Port 2 Src Power
Defines the source power for Port 2 when ports are
uncoupled. This option field is ignored when ports are
coupled. The power range depends on the attenuator
settings and the PNA model and options.
Port Atten Auto
Yes = Auto mode. No = Non-Auto mode.
Default = No. When attenuators are in auto-mode, the
PNA will set the most efficient values for the attenuators
to obtain the requested output power at the port. In
auto-mode, the full power range is directly available at the
output port. In auto-mode, the instrument options Port Src
Atten and Port 2 Src Atten are ignored.
Port Src Atten
Possible Values: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 dB
Default = 0
The available range depends on the PNA model. For
example, the E8364A attenuator range is 0-60 dB.
This option is ignored when attenuators are in auto-mode.
Port 2 Src Atten
Possible Values: 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 dB
Default = 0
The available range depends on the PNA model. For
example, the E8364A attenuator range is 0-60 dB.
This option is ignored when attenuators are in auto-mode.
Power Slope
Can be any value between –2 and +2 dB/GHz
Default = 0
Dwell Time
Sets the dwell time, in seconds, between each sweep
point. Only available in Stepped sweep type.
Default = 0 (Auto - PNA will minimize dwell time)
97
1
Supported Instruments
Table 23
98
Agilent PNA Options (continued)
Option
Description
IF Bandwidth
Possible Values: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30, 50, 70, 100, 150,
200, 300, 500, 700, 1k, 1.5k, 2k, 3k, 5k, 7k, 10k, 15k, 20k,
30k, 35k, 40k
Default = 1000 Hz
Note: If a invalid value is specified, the PNA will not round
it to the nearest available value. It will round up to the next
higher value.
Avg Factor
Number of averages per measurement. [1-1024]
Default = 1
Cal Type[HN]
H = Hardware calibration. N = No calibration
Default = N
Cal/State File
Name
Name of .cst file (cal file and instrument state) to be used.
Default = none
Use PNA
Calibration Settings
[Yes/No]
This setting can be set to Yes only if a calibration file is
available and Calibration Type is set to H (Hardware).
Default = No
When set to Yes, IC-CAP loads the calibration and runs the
measurement without further initializing the instrument
(i.e., without downloading the current Instrument Table
settings). Although IC-CAP uses the calibration settings
for measurements, it still sets the sweep settings (e.g.,
Start, Stop, Sweep Type, e.t.c.). Therefore, make sure the
requested sweep setting is consistent with the calibration
settings as IC-CAP attempts to run the measurement
without performing any frequency range checking. Also
note that when this option is set to Yes, the driver
responds as if MEASURE_FAST=Yes (i.e., calibration is
loaded only when the measurement is first run or after
errors or warnings occur).
Delay for timeouts
For long-running measurements (that use a high number
of averages, for example) use this option to avoid
measurement timeouts.
Default = 0
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
Table 23
Agilent PNA Options (continued)
Option
Description
Init Command
Command field to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. Command is sent at the end
of instrument initialization for each measurement. Normal
C escape characters such as \n (new line) are available.
Default = none
Technical Notes
• You can perform averaging by increasing the number of
averages or decreasing the IF filter bandwidth. Both methods
result in more samples taken at each frequency point.
Decreasing the IF filter bandwidth not only increases the
number of samples but also the time at each frequency point
resulting in a longer sweep time. Increasing the number of
averages, increases the number of sweeps. Although the
driver supports both modes, using IF bandwidth for
averaging is generally more efficient.
• Coupled ports have the same source power connected to Port
1 and Port 2 for forward and reverse S-parameter
measurements. In addition, the attenuator settings are
coupled.
• When port attenuators are set to auto mode, the PNA
automatically chooses the attenuator value that provides the
requested power level at the output port. Accurate
S-parameter calibration requires that the attenuator settings
do not change during measurements or calibration, therefore
auto mode is not recommended.
• If you have significant insertion loss due to cables or bias
networks, use power slope. Using the appropriate power
slope can compensate for insertion loss as the frequency
increases. However, if the network’s return loss is too high,
increasing the power slope will not compensate because the
power is reflected back.
IC-CAP Reference
99
1
Supported Instruments
• Step sweep mode is more accurate than analog (ramp) mode,
but analog mode is typically faster than step sweep mode. In
step sweep mode, RF phase locking is performed at each
frequency, which ensures that the frequency value is very
accurate. This results in a longer transition time from 1
frequency point to the next and a longer total sweep time. In
analog mode, the RF frequency is swept across the frequency
range and its frequency accuracy depends on the linearity of
the VCO (Voltage Controlled Oscillator).
• Sweep time is the total time to sweep from Start to Stop
frequency. Several factors contribute to sweep time. For
example at each point in step mode, sweep time is the
summation of transient time due to phase locking, settling
time, dwell time, and measurement time, which depends on
the IF Bandwidth filter. Although you can specify a sweep
time, you should use auto mode (Sweep Time field = 0). This
allows the PNA to determine the fastest sweep time based on
the other settings. To view the actual sweep time, select
Sweep/Sweep Time on the PNA application’s main window.
For additional details on sweep time, see the PNA’s online
help.
• Dwell time is the time spent at each frequency point before
sampling starts. For most applications, you should set dwell
time to auto mode. In auto mode, the PNA increases the dwell
time as the sweep time increases to comply the total sweep
time. If long delays are present in the circuit and additional
settling time is needed, set the dwell time to an appropriate
value.
Dwell time is not active in analog mode—only in step mode. If
the sweep time in analog mode is increased significantly
(because of a setting), the PNA can internally switch to step
mode and set an optimum value for the dwell time.
HP 3577 Network Analyzer
The HP 3577 has a frequency range of 5 Hz to 200 MHz (100 kHz
to 200 MHz with HP 35677A/B S-Parameter Test Set). The RF
source is an integral part of this instrument; DC bias levels must
be supplied from external sources.
100
IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
1
IC-CAP assigns the following name to this unit:
NWA
Network Analyzer Unit
Because this instrument does not offer full 2-port calibration,
IC-CAP provides a popular 12-term correction for this
instrument that is widely used for 2-port measurements.
Manual operation is required to measure standards
interactively. Separate calibration data can be obtained for each
Setup; the data is saved and retrieved when Setups are written
to or read from files.
Though IC-CAP supports the HP 3577A and B models, the
Discrete Sweep capability of HP 3577B is not available with
IC-CAP. Therefore, the log and list frequency sweeps must be
performed as a User Sweep.
For most 2-port AC measurements, the network analyzer units
must be biased with a current or voltage source to supply DC
power to the DUT. A DC analyzer can be used for this.
Therefore, a typical S-parameter measurement Setup
specification would use the unit name of the network analyzer
unit (NWA) in the Unit field of the Output and the unit names of
the DC analyzer units in the Unit fields of the biasing Inputs.
NO TE
The HP 35677A/B S-Parameter Test Set has a maximum DC bias range of
±30V and ±20mA with some degradation of RF specifications; ±200mA
damage level.
The measurement methods, listed in the following table, are
selected by setting the Use User Sweep and Use Fast CW flags in
the HP 3577 Instrument Options folder.
Table 24
IC-CAP Reference
HP 3577 Measurement Modes
Mode
Description
Slow CW Sweep
Mode
Use User Sweep = Yes. Use Fast CW = No
The instrument sets each frequency then measures all 4
S-Parameters. Although somewhat slow, this method has
the advantage of gathering all of the parameters for a
frequency at approximately the same time.
101
1
Supported Instruments
Table 24
HP 3577 Measurement Modes (continued)
Mode
Description
Fast CW Sweep
Mode
Use User Sweep = Yes. Use Fast CW = Yes
This mode is faster than Slow CW Sweep because it
performs just 2 user sweeps. The instrument first measures
the forward parameters (S11 and S21), then changes the
test set direction and measures the reverse parameters (S12
and S22).
Single Freq CW
Mode
Use User Sweep = Yes. Use Fast CW = No
The instrument performs a spot frequency measurement.
Except for the number of frequencies, this mode is the same
as the Slow CW Sweep Mode.
Internal Sweep
Mode
Use User Sweep = No
Fastest available sweep type. Sweep must be linear. Values
for start, stop, and number of points are stored in the
instrument. The number of points in the linear sweep must
match 1 of the HP 3577’s allowed number of points choices.
When IC-CAP is unable to fit an internal sweep, it attempts
to use the Fast CW Mode.
The following table describes the HP 3577 options and their
default values, where applicable. For more information on
options, refer to the HP 3577 Operating and Programming
Manual.
Table 25
102
HP 3577 Options
Option
Description
Use User Sweep
Yes = use user sweep. No = use instrument’s internal
sweep.
Default = No
Hold Time
Time, in seconds, the instrument waits before each sweep
to allow for DC settling. Default = 0
Delay Time
Time the instrument waits before setting each frequency in
user sweep mode. Default = 100 msec
Input A Attn
Sets Input A attenuation. Choices are 0 or 20 dB. Default =
20 dB
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
Table 25
HP 3577 Options (continued)
Option
Description
Input B Attn
Sets Input B attenuation. Choices are 0 or 20 dB. Default =
20 dB
Input R Attn
Sets Input R attenuation: 0 or 20 dB. Default = 20 dB
Source Power
Source signal level. Range is −45 to 15 dBm. Default =
−10 dBm
Sweep Time [.05 16]
Instrument internal sweep time, in seconds.
Default = 100 msec.
IF Bandwidth
Instrument receiver resolution, in Hz. Default = 1000 Hz
Use Fast CW
Enables Fast CW mode. Default = Yes
Avg Factor
[1-256]
Number of averages per measurement.
Default = 1
Cal Type[SN]
S = Software calibration. N = No calibration. Default = S
Soft Cal Sequence Software calibration requires measurement of (L)oad,
(O)pen, (S)hort, (T)hru, and optionally (I)solation in a certain
order. This string defines the sequence of these standard
measurements by these letters (L, O, S, T, I). Default = LOST
Delay for
Timeouts
For long-running measurements (that use a high number of
averages, for example) use this option to avoid
measurement timeouts. Default=0
Init Command
Command field to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. This command is sent at the
end of instrument initialization for each measurement.
Normal C escape characters such as \n (new line) are
available.
Default = none
The system variables used by the 12-term software calibration
are listed in the following table. They primarily affect S11 and
S22 corrections at high frequencies. Load and Short standards
are assumed ideal in the calibration frequency range. These
variables can be defined at Setup or higher levels.
IC-CAP Reference
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Supported Instruments
Table 26
System variables
Variable
Description
CAL_OPEN_C0
CAL_OPEN_C1
CAL_OPEN_C2
Define a capacitance of an Open standard in Farads. This
value applied to port 1 and port 2. A second-order
polynomial is assumed for its frequency response. Copen =
C0 + C1 • F + C2 • F2.
Default = 0 (for C0, C1, and C2)
TWOPORT_Z0
Defines impedance of port 1 and port 2, in Ohms. This and
the open capacitance value are used to calculate open
gamma correction data. Also used by TwoPort function.
Default = 50 Ohms
Note: CAL_OPEN_C is replaced by CAL_OPEN_C0; CAL_Z0 is replaced by
TWOPORT_Z0. Use the new variables when possible; the old variables are
effective for the software calibration when the new variables are undefined.
HP/Agilent 8510 Network Analyzer
The HP/Agilent 8510 is identical to the HP 8753 except:
• The 8510A has a frequency range of 45 MHz to 26.5 GHz.
• The 8510B options can source frequencies up to 100 GHz.
• The RF source is a separate external instrument.
• The 8510A does not support frequency list mode—it cannot
run internal log and list sweeps.
IC-CAP assumes an A model if the instrument is manually
added to the Instrument List (in the Hardware Setup window)
by selecting it and clicking the Add button. For IC-CAP to
recognize a newer model, use the Rebuild command or perform
a dummy measurement: use a linear sweep with the Use Linear
List option set to No. Note that the 8510C is treated as the B
model.
IC-CAP assigns the following name to this unit:
NWA
104
Network Analyzer Unit
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
NO TE
IC-CAP loads the Instrument Options parameters, including Source Power,
Attenuation, and so on, during an 8510 measurement. Because this
involves setting values critical to the calibration, the following warning
may be issued: Calibration may be invalid.
If the IC-CAP Calibrate command is used to load Setup information to the
8510 prior to calibrating, the calibration set must match IC-CAP’s Setup
and be valid.
For information on the processes listed below, refer to the
section, “HP 3577 Network Analyzer” on page 100.
• Use of DC bias sources
• Available measurement modes
• System variables used in software calibration
NO TE
Use the 12-term software calibration carefully at very high frequencies
where accuracy of the Load termination generally degrades.
The following table describes the 8510 options and their default
values, where applicable. For more information on options,
refer to the HP 8510 Operating and Programming Manual.
Table 27
IC-CAP Reference
HP/Agilent 8510 Options
Option
Description
Use User Sweep
Yes = use user sweep. No = use instrument’s internal
sweep. Default = Yes
Hold Time
Time, in seconds, the instrument waits before each sweep
to allow for DC settling. Default = 0
Delay Time
Time the instrument waits before setting each frequency in
user sweep mode. Default = 100 msec
Port 1 Attn
Sets Port 1 attenuation. This option is ignored by the
8510XF. Range is 0 to 90 dB. Default = 20 dB
105
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Supported Instruments
Table 27
HP/Agilent 8510 Options (continued)
Option
Description
Port 2 Attn
Sets Port 2 attenuation. This option is ignored by the
8510XF. Range is 0 to 90 dB. Default = 20 dB
Source Power
Range is −90 to 30 dbm. Default = −10 dBm
Power Slope
Range is 0 to 1.5 dbm/GHz. Default = 0
Fast Sweep
(Ramp)
Enables ramp sweep. Default = No
Sweep Time
[.05 - 100]
Instrument sweep time. Default = 100 msec
Use Fast CW
Enables Fast CW mode. Default = Yes
Trim Sweep
Adjusts frequency at each band edge. Default = 0
Avg Factor
[1-4096]
Number of averages per measurement. Default = 1
Cal Type[SHN]
S = Software calibration. H = Hardware calibration.
N = No calibration. Default = H
Cal Set No. [1-8]
Specifies an instrument calibration set. Default = 1
Soft Cal Sequence Software calibration requires measurement of (L)oad,
(O)pen, (S)hort, (T)hru, and optionally (I)solation in a certain
order. This string defines the sequence of these standard
measurements by these letters (L, O, S, T, I). Default = LOST
106
Delay for
Timeouts
For long-running measurements (that use a high number of
averages, for example) use this option to avoid
measurement timeouts. Default=0
Use Linear List
Yes = load linear sweeps into the 8510’s frequency list
instead of 1 of the fixed point counts. (Not available on
8510A.) Default = Yes
Init Command
Command field to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. Command is sent at the end
of instrument initialization for each measurement. Normal C
escape characters such as \n (new line) are available.
Default = none
IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
1
When performing 2 sequential CW measurements that use
different CW cal subsets, the 8510 may report the error RF
UNLOCKED. A system variable is available in IC-CAP, in the
Measurement Options group, to ignore this error:
IGNORE_8510_RF_UNLOCK
When defined as Yes, IC-CAP ignores a temporary and benign
RF UNLOCKED error from the 8510.
Making Measurements with Uncoupled Ports
To calibrate using the 8510XF driver:
1 Set input sweeps and instrument options. To set port 1
power, set Source Power. To set port 1 power slope, set Power
Slope. Set averaging. Ignore the Port 1 and 2 Attenuators
fields as the 8510XF does not have attenuators.
2 In the Init Command field, type the following command
string to set port 2 power and slope:
PPCOUPLEOFF;POWP2 <power>SLPP2ON <slope>
Example:
PPCOUPLEOFF;POWP2 -20;SLPP2ON 0.05;
sets P2=-20 dB and Power slope 2 to 0.05 dB/GHz
3 Click Calibrate. This downloads the sweep settings, the
instrument option settings, and sets the 8510XF with
uncoupled ports.
4 Perform RF Calibration and save the results in one of the
Calsets.
When making a measurement using the 8510XF driver, the
driver recalls the calibration data and the setting used during
calibration. If you want to use the same power level and slope,
you do not need to make any changes. If you want to change the
port 2 power setting, use the Init Command field as in step 2
(you do not need PPCOUPLEOFF since the ports are already off
when calibration is recalled). Be aware that the 8510XF will
issue a warning if you set a different port power for the
measurements.
IC-CAP Reference
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Supported Instruments
HP/Agilent 8702 Network Analyzer
The HP/Agilent 8702 network analyzer has a frequency range of
300 kHz to 3 GHz (IC-CAP does not support the lightwave
analyzer features). Use Option 006 and turn on the frequency
doubler from the front panel if 6 GHz is desired. The RF source
is an integral part of this instrument. For other features, refer
to the section, “HP/Agilent 8753 Network Analyzer” on
page 112 because the HP/Agilent 8702 is almost identical to the
HP/Agilent 8753 in the E/E mode. IC-CAP supports both
HP/Agilent 85046A and HP/Agilent 85047A S-Parameter Test
Sets for the HP/Agilent 8702.
IC-CAP assigns the following name to this unit:
NWA
Network Analyzer Unit
For most 2-port AC measurements, the network analyzer units
must be biased with a current or voltage source to supply DC
power to the DUT. A DC analyzer can be used to supply this
current or voltage source. Therefore, a typical S-parameter
measurement Setup specification would use the unit name of
the network analyzer unit (NWA) in the Unit field of the Output
and the unit names of the DC analyzer units in the Unit fields of
the biasing Inputs.
For information on the topics listed below, refer to the section,
“HP/Agilent 8753 Network Analyzer” on page 112.
• Measurement modes
• Options
NO TE
108
The 8702 occupies 2 GPIB addresses, the instrument itself and the display.
The display address is derived from the instrument address by
complementing the least significant bit. Hence, if the instrument is at an
even address, the display occupies the next higher address; if the
instrument is at an odd address, the display occupies the next lower
address.
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
HP/Agilent 8719 Network Analyzer
The HP/Agilent 8719 is identical to the HP/Agilent 8720 except
the 8719 has a frequency range of 50 MHz to 13.5 GHz. For
information, refer to the next section, “HP/Agilent 8720
Network Analyzer.”
HP/Agilent 8720 Network Analyzer
The HP/Agilent 8720 network analyzer has a frequency range of
50 MHz to 20 GHz. The RF source and S-parameter test set are
an integral part of this instrument. IC-CAP supports the
HP/Agilent 8720 A, B, C, and D models. (The 8720 D is the only
model that supports uncoupled port power.)
IC-CAP assigns the following name to this unit:
NWA
NO TE
Network Analyzer Unit
The 8720 occupies 2 GPIB addresses, the instrument itself and the display.
The display address is derived from the instrument address by
complementing the least significant bit. Hence, if the instrument is at an
even address, the display occupies the next higher address; if the
instrument is at an odd address, the display occupies the next lower
address.
For most 2-port AC measurements, the network analyzer units
must be biased with a current or voltage source to supply DC
power to the DUT. A DC analyzer can be used to supply this
current or voltage source. Therefore, a typical S-parameter
measurement Setup specification would use the unit name of
the network analyzer unit (NWA) in the Unit field of the Output
and the unit names of the DC analyzer units in the Unit fields of
the biasing Inputs.
Measurement modes for the 8720 are the same as for the 8753;
refer to Table 29 for this information.
For system variables used in the software calibration, refer to
Table 26 in the HP 3577 section.
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Supported Instruments
The following table describes the 8720 options and their default
values, where applicable.
Table 28
110
HP/Agilent 8720 Options
Option
Description
Use User Sweep
Yes = use user sweep. No = use instrument’s internal
sweep
Default = No
Hold Time
Time, in seconds, that the instrument waits before each
sweep to allow for DC settling. Default = 0
Delay Time
Time the instrument waits before setting each frequency.
Default = 100 msec
Port 1 Source
Power
Range is −65 to 10 dBm. Default = −10.00 dBm
Port 1 Power
Range
Specifies which instrument power range to use. Range is 1
to 12 for models A, B, and C; range is 0 to 11 for model D.
(The Hardware calibration is turned off by the instrument
when calibrated Power Range and requested Power Range
don’t match.) Default = 1
Port 1 Auto Power
Range†
Enables auto power ranging on port 1. Default = Yes
Coupled Port
Power†
Enables/disables coupled test port power. When disabled,
Port 2 options are ignored. Default = Yes
Port 2 Source
Power†
Range is −65 to 10 dBm. Default = −10.00
Port 2 Power
Range†
Specifies which instrument power range to use. Range is 1
to 12 for models A, B, and C; range is 0 to 11 for model D.
(The Hardware calibration is turned off by the instrument
when calibrated Power Range and requested Power Range
don’t match.) Default = 1
Port 2 Auto Power
Range†
Enables auto power ranging on port 2. Default = Yes
Sweep Time
Instrument sweep time. A zero sweep time turns on the
Auto Sweep Time, which ensures the minimum sweep time.
Default = 100 msec
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
Table 28
HP/Agilent 8720 Options (continued)
Option
Description
IF Bandwidth
(Avg)
Instrument’s receiver IF bandwidth. Default = 1000 Hz
Use Fast CW
Enables Fast CW mode. Default = Yes
Avg Factor [1-999] Number of averages per measurement. Default = 1
Cal Type[SHN]
S = Software calibration. H = Hardware calibration.
N = No calibration. Default = H
Cal Set No.
Models A, B, and C: 1 through 5 specifies which instrument
calibration sets to use; 6 specifies the active instrument
state.
Model D: 1 through 32 specifies which instrument
calibration sets to use; 33 specifies the active instrument
state. Default = 1
Soft Cal Sequence Software calibration requires measurement of (L)oad,
(O)pen, (S)hort, (T)hru, and optionally (I)solation in a certain
order. This string defines the sequence of these standard
measurements by these letters (L, O, S, T, I). Default = LOST
Delay for
Timeouts
For long-running measurements (that use a high number of
averages, for example) use this option to avoid
measurement timeouts. Default=0
Use Linear List
Yes = load linear sweeps into the HP/Agilent 8720’s
frequency list instead of one of the fixed point counts. This
mode should be faster than using the instruments linear
frequency sweep. Default = Yes
Init Command
Command field to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. This command is sent at the
end of instrument initialization for each measurement.
Normal C escape characters such as \n (new line) are
available. Default = none
† These options apply only when using built-in test set (Model D).
IC-CAP Reference
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Supported Instruments
HP/Agilent 8722 Network Analyzer
The HP/Agilent 8722 is identical to the HP/Agilent 8720 except
for its frequency range—the HP/Agilent 8722 has a frequency
range of 50 MHz to 40 GHz.
HP/Agilent 8753 Network Analyzer
The HP/Agilent 8753 network analyzer has a frequency range of
300 kHz to 3 GHz (6 GHz with Option 006). The instrument
contains an RF source for frequency sweeps, but DC bias must
be supplied from external sources to acquire biased RF data.
IC-CAP assigns the following name to this unit:
NWA
Network Analyzer Unit
IC-CAP supports the HP/Agilent 8753 A, B, C, D, E, and D opt
011 models (D models must be firmware revision 6.14 or
higher). The standard D and E models have a built-in test set;
the A, B, C, and D opt 011 models are used in conjunction with
an external test set. IC-CAP supports both the
HP/Agilent 85046A and HP/Agilent 85047A S-Parameter Test
Sets.
112
NO TE
IC-CAP cannot differentiate between model D and D opt 011. When using
the 8753D with an external test set, alias it as an 8753C in the instraliases
file in the $ICCAP_ROOT/iccap/lib directory.
NO TE
The 8753 occupies 2 GPIB addresses, the instrument itself and the display.
The display address is derived from the instrument address by
complementing the least significant bit. Hence, if the instrument is at an
even address, the display occupies the next higher address; if the
instrument is at an odd address, the display occupies the next lower
address.
IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
1
The model is recognized when you issue the Rebuild, Measure,
or Calibrate command. If you manually add the instrument to
the active instrument list (by clicking the Add button), IC-CAP
assumes the instrument is an A model until one of the
previously described commands is issued.
NO TE
Some early models of the 8753C (ROM 4.00 and 4.01) have GPIB problems
that prevent IC-CAP from finding this instrument during Rebuild. Add the
instrument manually after PRESET when IC-CAP ignores this instrument.
The model is recognized when Measure or Calibrate is performed.
A self-test function is not provided for this instrument.
For most 2-port AC measurements, the network analyzer units
must be biased with a current or voltage source to supply DC
power to the DUT. A DC analyzer can be used to supply this
current or voltage source. Therefore, a typical S-parameter
measurement Setup specification would use the unit name of
the network analyzer unit (NWA) in the Unit field of the Output
and the unit names of the DC analyzer units in the Unit fields of
the biasing Inputs.
Hardware calibration is only supported when using Internal
Sweep mode or Single Freq CW mode. For measurement modes
that do not support internal instrument calibration, software
calibration is provided. When software calibration is set in the
instrument options, use the Calibrate command to initiate the
calibration. IC-CAP will load the frequency values and options
into the instrument and then direct you to connect the various
calibration standards required to perform the calibration.
The Calibrate command can also be used to download the
desired instrument state when requesting a hardware
calibration You must then calibrate the instrument manually
(refer to the instrument manual) and store the results in one of
the instrument’s state registers. With this method there is no
need to manually input the instrument state to match the
IC-CAP settings.
IC-CAP Reference
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Supported Instruments
The measurement modes listed in Table 29 are selected by
setting a combination of the following fields (details follow) in
the 8753 Instrument Options folder:
• Use User Sweep
• Use Fast CW
• Use Linear List
• Cal Type field
IC-CAP contains routines that compare its sweep values with
those stored in the 8753. In case of discrepancies, IC-CAP
prompts you to specify whether the sweeps should be modified
to match the instrument. This may not be practical when
variables are included in the sweep specifications.
Error checking ensures a valid measurement mode. When
discrepancies are found, the following changes are made:
• For CON frequency, Use User Sweep is set to Yes and Use Fast
CW is set to No.
• For internally calibrated sweeps, Use User Sweep is set to No.
• When frequency is not the main sweep, Use Fast CW is set to
No, Cal Type is set to N, and Use User Sweep is set to Yes.
Refer to “HP 3577 Network Analyzer” on page 100 for system
variables used in the software calibration.
Table 30 describes the 8753 options and their default values,
where applicable. Differences in options when using the 8753
with an external test set versus a built-in test set are noted.
For optimum performance of the HP/Agilent 85047 test set,
6 GHz mode requires Source Power to be +20dBm. The
Instrument Options folder should show 20 as the Source Power
level when the Freq Range is 6 GHz. Setting Source Power to
less than 20 can cause No IF Found errors in the 8753. Further
information on the power requirements for 6 GHz operation can
be found in the instrument’s operation manual.
When the test set switches between 3 and 6 GHz operation, the
8753 automatically changes Source Power level.
• 3 to 6 GHz Switching: 20 dBm.
• 6 to 3 GHz Switching: 0 dBm.
114
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
When Hardware calibration is used, a specified calibration set
recalls the original calibration power level. When Software or
no calibration is used, the Source Power will be forced to one of
the default levels if the test set has to switch modes. When a
Source Power level other than the above forced values is
required, perform one of the following:
• Make a dummy measurement first to switch the test set to the
desired frequency mode
• Manually switch the test set to the desired frequency mode
• Use the Calibrate command to download the desired
instrument state
NO TE
The 8753 may not reflect the power level specified in the Instrument
Options folder if the analyzer is in HOLD mode. When the 8753 is in HOLD
mode and receives a remote command to switch the frequency mode of
the test set, it postpones switching modes until an actual measurement
sweep is triggered. When the Measure or Calibrate command is issued,
IC-CAP initializes the state before triggering a measurement. Thus IC-CAP
will download the power level specified in the Instrument Options folder
and the analyzer will force it to its default value when the measurement is
triggered.
For descriptions of the variables used in software calibration,
refer to Table 26 in the HP 3577 Network Analyzer section.
IC-CAP Reference
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Supported Instruments
Table 29
116
Supported Measurement Modes
Mode
Description
Use
Use Use
User
Fast Linear
Sweep CW List
Cal
Type
Slow
CW
Sweep
IC-CAP performs a spot
measurement of 2-port data by
setting the instrument to each
frequency point individually and
measuring all 4 S-parameters.
Although slow, this method has the
advantage of gathering all of the
parameters for a frequency at
approximately the same time. Only
uncalibrated data can be obtained
from this type of measurement since
each frequency point is measured in
CW mode. Typically used when
frequency is not the primary sweep
(Sweep Order ≠ 1).
Yes
No
Ignored
S, N
Fast
CW
Sweep
Similar to Slow CW Sweep, this
mode is faster because it first
measures the forward parameters
(S11 and S21) with a single sweep,
then the reverse parameters (S12
and S22). This is accomplished by
using the dual channel feature of the
instrument. As with Slow CW
Sweep, instrument calibration is not
possible and only uncalibrated data
can be obtained.
Yes
Yes
Ignored
S, N
Single
Freq
CW
This is the only user sweep mode
capable of acquiring 2-port data
using hardware calibration. A CW
mode calibration can be performed
and saved in one of the state
registers to be recalled when a
measurement is executed.
Yes
No
Ignored
H,S,
N
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
Table 29
Mode
Supported Measurement Modes (continued)
Description
Internal Fastest available sweep type.
†
Sweep Sweeps can be linear, log, or list.
Since this is an internal sweep,
hardware calibration is possible.
IC-CAP expects that the calibration
over the appropriate frequencies has
been completed before the
measurement is performed.
Use
Use Use
User
Fast Linear
Sweep CW List
Cal
Type
No
H,S,
N
No
Yes or
No
Notes:
For linear sweeps, the number of points requested must fit one of the 8753's
predefined number of points. If the desired number of points is not one of the
legal set values, IC-CAP checks to see if it still can make a valid measurement by
increasing the number of points on the instrument such that data at the desired
frequencies can be acquired. For example, a 300 to 500 kHz sweep in 6 steps
internally requires IC-CAP to set the instrument to 11 points because 11 is a legal
value. When IC- CAP is unable to fit an internal sweep, it attempts to use the
Fast CW mode. If CW mode is not desired, set Use Linear List = Yes.
For log and list sweeps, set Use Linear List = Yes. This uses the instrument's
frequency list capability. Because the 8753 is limited to thirty sub-sweeps, it can
store no more than sixty frequencies.
Instrument options must match those for which the 8753 was calibrated.
†
Table 30
IC-CAP Reference
Options for the HP/Agilent 8753
Option
Description
Use User Sweep
Yes = use user sweep. No = use instrument's internal
sweep
Default = No
Hold Time
Time, in seconds, the instrument waits before each sweep
to allow for DC settling. Default = 0
Delay Time
Time the instrument waits before setting each frequency.
Default = 100 msec
Port 1 Atten†
Sets Port 1 attenuation. Range is 0 to 70 dB. Default =
20 dB
117
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Supported Instruments
Table 30
118
Options for the HP/Agilent 8753 (continued)
Option
Description
Port 2 Atten†
Sets Port 2 attenuation. Range is 0 to 70 dB. Default =
20 dB
Source Power†
Range is −10 to 25 dbm. Default = −10
Power Slope
Models A, B, C, and D opt 11: Range is 0 to 2 dbm/GHz.
Default = 0
Models D and E: Range is −2 to +2dBm/GHz. Default =
0 dBm/GHz
Port 1 Source
Power††
Sets Port 1 source power level. Range is −85 to +10 dBm.
Default = −10 dBm
Port 1 Power
Range[0-7]††
Sets Port 1 source power range. The valid range is 0 to 7.
Default = 0
Port 1 Auto Power
Range††
Enables auto power ranging on port 1. Default = No
Coupled Port
Power††
Enables/disables coupled test port power. When disabled,
Port 2 options are ignored. Default = Yes
Port 2
Source Power††
Sets Port 2 source power level. Range is −85 to +10 dBm.
Default = −10 dBm
Port 2 Power
Range[0-7]††
Sets Port 2 source power range. The valid range is 0 to 7.
Default = 0
Port 2 Auto Power
Range††
Enables auto power ranging on port 2. Default = No
Sweep Time
Instrument sweep time. Zero sweep time turns on the Auto
Sweep Time, which ensures the minimum sweep time.
Default = 100 msec
IF Bandwidth
(Avg)
Instrument receiver IF bandwidth setting in the Averaging
menu.
Default = 1000 Hz
Use Fast CW
Enables Fast CW mode. Default = Yes
Avg Factor
[1-999]
Number of averages per measurement. Default = 1
Cal Type [SHN]
S = Software calibration. H = Hardware calibration. N = No
calibration. Default = H
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
Table 30
Options for the HP/Agilent 8753 (continued)
Option
Description
Cal Set No.
Models A, B, C, and D opt 11: 1 through 5 specifies which
instrument calibration sets to use; 6 specifies the active
instrument state.
Models D and E: 1 through 32 specifies which instrument
calibration sets to use; 33 specifies the active instrument
state. Default = 1
Soft Cal Sequence Software calibration requires measurement of (L)oad,
(O)pen, (S)hort, (T)hru, and optionally (I)solation in a certain
order. This string defines the sequence of these standard
measurements by these letters (L, O, S, T, I). Default = LOST
Delay for
Timeouts
For long-running measurements (that use a high number of
averages, for example) use this option to avoid
measurement timeouts. Default=0
Use Linear List
Yes = load linear sweeps into the 8753 frequency list
instead of one of the fixed point counts. This mode should
be faster than using the instrument’s linear frequency
sweep. Default = Yes
Freq Range [36N]† This option sets Frequency Range to 3 GHz, 6 GHz, or No
change.
Default = N
Init Command
This command field sets the instrument to a mode that is
not supported by the option table. This command is sent at
the end of instrument initialization for each measurement.
Normal C escape characters such as \n (new line) are
available. Default = none
Notes:
† These options apply only when using external test set (Models A, B, C, and D
opt 11).
†† These options apply only when using built-in test set (Models D and E).
IC-CAP Reference
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Supported Instruments
Wiltron360 Network Analyzer
The Wiltron360 network analyzer has a frequency range of
10 MHz to 60 GHz depending on the RF source. If the frequency
sweep requested exceeds the limits of the source, IC-CAP issues
an error message, Parameter Out of Range. Check Inputs. The
RF source is an integral component of the system for frequency
sweeps, but DC bias must be supplied from external sources to
acquire biased RF data.
The Wiltron360 can be added to the active instrument list by
issuing the Rebuild command from the Hardware Setup
window. If the Wiltron360 is manually added to the active
instrument list using the Add button, IC-CAP verifies that the
instrument is available on the bus when either the Measure or
Calibrate command is first issued.
IC-CAP assigns the following name to this unit:
NWA
Network Analyzer Unit
IC-CAP supports only hardware calibration for this instrument.
After a broadband calibration, the 360 can perform a spot
measurement of swept calibrated data—software calibration is
not required. This capability also allows a CON frequency input
defined in an IC-CAP setup to be used with a broadband
calibration. For either measurement method, the requested
frequency points must be a subset of the frequency sweep
currently set up on the instrument. If the requested frequency
point is not part of the instrument sweep, IC-CAP will issue an
error message.
The measurement modes listed in Table 31 are selected by
setting the following fields in the Wiltron360 Instrument
Options folder:
• Use User Sweep
• CW Mode Setup
• Cal Type
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IC-CAP supports recalling calibration sets from the Wiltron360
internal disk drive. The Cal File Name option is provided to
recall the desired calibration state from disk. If no calibration
file name is supplied, the current active instrument state is
used.
IC-CAP loads the Instrument Options parameters during a
measurement. Because this involves setting stimulus values
sensitive to the calibration, instrument options must match
those for which the Wiltron360 was calibrated; otherwise, the
Wiltron360 will issue a Calibration may be invalid message if
any of the downloaded stimulus values are different from the
current calibration. If this message is displayed, check the
Instrument Options folder to verify which value is different and
modify as appropriate. Use the Calibrate command from the
Setup menu to download the options information to the
Wiltron360 prior to calibrating. This ensures that the
calibration will match IC-CAP’s Setup and be valid.
Table 31
Mode
IC-CAP Reference
Measurement Modes
Description
Use
User
Sweep
CW
Cal
Mode Type
Setup
CW
Used when frequency is not the primary
Sweep sweep (Sweep Order = 1). IC-CAP performs a
spot measurement of 2-port data by setting
the instrument to each frequency point
individually and measuring all S-parameters.
A broadband hardware calibration can be
performed. The calibration does not have to
match the IC-CAP sweep exactly; however,
the desired swept frequency points must be
a subset of the calibrated frequencies.
Yes
No
H or
N
Single
Freq
CW
Yes
Yes
H
Used when a CW mode hardware calibration
is performed.
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Table 31
Mode
Measurement Modes
Description
Intern Linear, log, or list sweeps. Hardware
al
calibration over requested frequencies is
Sweep completed before an IC-CAP measurement is
performed. Unlike CW Sweep, the calibration
frequencies must match the setup.
Use
User
Sweep
CW
Cal
Mode Type
Setup
No
No
H or
N
The following table describes the Wiltron360 options and their
default values, where applicable.
Table 32
122
Wiltron360 options
Option
Description
Use User Sweep
Yes = Use user sweep
No = use instrument's internal sweep. Default = No
Hold Time
Time, in seconds, the instrument waits before each sweep
to allow for DC settling. Default = 0
Delay Time
Time the instrument waits before setting each frequency in
user sweep mode. Default = 50 msec
Port 1
Src Atten
Sets Port 1 source attenuation. Range is 0 to 70 dB, in 10 dB
increments. Default = 0 dB
Port 2
Src Atten
Sets Port 2 source attenuation. Range is 0 to 70 dB, in 10 dB
increments. Default = 0 dB
Port 2
Test Atten
Sets test port attenuation (port 2). Range is 0 to 40 dB, in
10 dB increments. Default = 0 dB
Source Power
Range is dependent on test set used. Default = 0 dBm
IF Bandwidth
[NRM]
Sets instrument's receiver IF Bandwidth. N = Normal
R = Reduced M = Minimum. Default = N
Avg Factor
[1-4095]
Sets number of averages per measurement Default = 1
Use CW Mode
Setup
Indicates to IC-CAP that NWA has been set up in single
point (CW) measurement mode. Default = No
IC-CAP Reference
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Supported Instruments
Table 32
Wiltron360 options (continued)
Option
Description
Cal Type[HN]
H = Hardware calibration N = No calibration Default = H
Cal File Name
Specifies instrument calibration file to recall. If hardware
calibration is requested and this option is empty, IC-CAP
will use the current active instrument state. Default = Null
Soft Cal Sequence Software calibration requires measurement of (L)oad,
(O)pen, (S)hort, (T)hru, and optionally (I)solation in a certain
order. This string defines the sequence of these standard
measurements by these letters (L, O, S, T, I). Default = LOST
IC-CAP Reference
Delay for
Timeouts
For long-running measurements (that use a high number of
averages, for example) use this option to avoid
measurement timeouts. Default=0
Init Command
Command field to set to a mode not supported by the option
table. This command is sent at the end of instrument
initialization for each measurement. Normal C escape
characters such as \n (new line) are available. Default =
none
System Variables
None. Software calibration is not provided for the
Wiltron360.
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Oscilloscopes
The oscilloscopes supported by IC-CAP are:
• HP 54120T Series Digitizing Oscilloscopes
• HP 54510 Digitizing Oscilloscope
• Agilent Infiniium Oscilloscope
• HP 54750 Series Digitizing Oscilloscopes
HP 54120T Series Digitizing Oscilloscopes
The HP 54120 Series of digitizing oscilloscopes measure
time-domain responses, including TDR (time-domain
reflectometry).
• HP 54121T measures signals from DC through 20 GHz.
• HP 54122T (does not have a step generator and cannot
perform TDR measurements) provides programmable input
attenuation. Bandwidth is reduced to 12.4 GHz due to the
input attenuators.
• HP 54123T operates up to 34 GHz; it operates up to 20 GHz
on channel 1 (the channel on which the step generator is
available).
IC-CAP assigns the following names to the units:
CHn
Channel Unit n (1, 2, 3, and 4)
A Setup configured for measurements using an HP 54120 Series
is in the model file 54120.demo.mdl. See Appendix G, “54120
Demo” for additional information about this demonstration file.
These files also include examples using an HP 54120 Series
oscilloscope with an HP 8130 pulse generator and provides
hints for obtaining good alignment between measured and
simulated waveforms when a pulse generator is used.
The following instrument capabilities are supported by IC-CAP:
• Time-domain measurements nested within DC bias settings
provided by DC SMUs.
• 4-channel concurrent data acquisition.
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• Offset, range, and probe attenuation adjustment for each
channel. HP 54122T includes options to set internal
attenuation for each channel (refer to Table 33).
• Averaging of between 1 and 2048 waveform acquisitions on
each channel.
• Automatic Pulse Parameter Measurements, such as risetime
and peak-to-peak voltage. These are requested in Outputs of
Mode T. For help on the available choices, click the middle
mouse button over the Pulse Param field and see the Status
window.
• Square-wave generation (except HP 54122T) on CH1, the
left-most connector on the test set. Frequency can be
adjusted from 15.3 Hz to 500 kHz. To activate the step
generator, the Setup should include an Input with Mode V
and Type TDR. In the absence of a type TDR Input, the step
generator is not activated.
The instruments do not support some of the fields present in a
TDR Input. For example, it is not possible for the instrument to
offer other than a 50-ohm source impedance. The one field that
is of consequence to oscilloscope measurements is Period.
IC-CAP directs the instrument to use the closest value
supported.
The other TDR Input fields are ignored during measurement,
and the following hardware-imposed values of the instrument’s
step function apply:
• Initial value of 0V
• Pulsed value of 200 mV into 50 ohms; 400 mV into an
open-circuit
• Delay of approximately 17 nsec
• Risetime of approximately 40 psec
• Pulse width equal to about 50 percent of the specified period
• Source impedance of 50 ohms
• Time-Domain Reflectometry (except HP 54122T). When a
type TDR Input is present in the Setup, the reflected signal is
available on the unit designated CH1.
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Supported Instruments
To make a time-domain measurement, a Setup must have these
inputs and outputs:
• An Input with Mode T and Type LIN. Here, the values of
Start, Stop, and Number of Points govern the time axis of the
measurement. Start and Stop values define the time viewing
window, and are relative to the trigger event used by the
oscilloscope.
• Optionally, an Input of Mode V and Type TDR or PULSE. The
Period field in this Input controls the rate of the
oscilloscope’s internal square-wave generator. If Period is set
to 0, or if this Input is absent from the Setup, the
oscilloscope’s internal square-wave generator is not
activated for the measurement. In this case, a trigger signal
must be provided on the oscilloscope’s trigger input.
If the Input’s Unit field is set to ground, IC-CAP ignores the
Input during the measurement. In this manner,
measurements can be performed using a pulse generator
controlled by its front panel. If the Input’s Unit field is set to
the pulse unit of a supported pulse generator (for example,
PULSE1 for an HP 8130 generator), then IC-CAP will control
the pulse generator to provide stimulus to the DUT and
oscilloscope.
Refer to the HP 8130 Pulse Generator documentation
provided with IC-CAP.
• To capture a waveform from any of the instrument’s 4
channels requires an Output of Mode V. The Output Editor
permits you to specify from which channel a waveform is
desired. Define an Output for each channel of interest.
• To obtain automatically extracted pulse parameters at any of
the 4 channels requires an Output of Mode T.
The following pulse parameters can be requested:
DUTYCYCLE, FALLTIME, FREQ, OVERSHOOT, PERIOD,
PRESHOOT, RISETIME, VPP, VRMS, +WIDTH, and -WIDTH.
Consult the instrument’s Front Panel Operation Reference
for definitions of these parameters or information on the
process by which the instrument computes them.
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By defining multiple Outputs for a scope channel, it is
possible to obtain both the full time-domain waveform and
any number of automatically extracted pulse parameters for
that channel, all in the same measurement. This can be done
with any or all of the 4 channels within the same
measurement.
The following table describes the HP 54120 series options and
their default values, where applicable.
Table 33
HP 54120 Series Options
Option
Description
Hold Time
Time, in seconds, prior to performing time-domain
measurement. Can be used to permit additional DC
stabilization when a time-domain sweep is nested within
DC steps provided by a DC bias unit. Default = 0
Averages
Number of averages. Maximum = 2048. Default = 1
CH1 Offset†
DC offset value of Channel 1 in volts. Does not directly
affect waveforms returned from the oscilloscope. However,
an improper setting can cause the instrument to fail when
measuring pulse parameters, such as RISETIME. Set to a
value close to the middle of the expected range of the
output voltage waveform to maximize the instrument’s
ability to achieve high resolution without experiencing
clipping. Valid range is ± 500mV ⋅ (CH1 Probe Attn) ⋅ (CH1
Internal Attn).
Default = 200.0mV
CH1 Probe Attn†
Set to 10 if the channel 1 probe provides a divide by 10
functionality (20dB). Specifying the attenuation of the probe
permits the oscilloscope to generate data in which the
probe attenuation is corrected out. Values between 1 and
1000 are accepted. Default = 1.0
CH1 Internal Attn† HP 54122T only. This option causes IC-CAP to control
attenuators inside the 54122 test set. The attenuators have
limited power-handling ability††. Measured voltages will
take the attenuation setting into account. Values 1, 3, 10,
and 30 are valid. Default = 1.0
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Table 33
HP 54120 Series Options (continued)
Option
Description
CH1 Range†
Set in excess of the maximum anticipated signal swing for
this channel. Does not affect waveforms returned from the
oscilloscope. However, an improper setting can cause the
instrument to fail when measuring pulse parameters, such
as RISETIME. Specify a Range value between
CH1 Range†
(cont’d)
8mV ⋅ (CH1 Probe Attn) ⋅ (CH1 Internal Attn) and
640mV ⋅ (CH1 Probe Attn) ⋅ (CH1 Internal Attn).
Default = 640.0 mV
Notes:
† Option table entries are also provided for Offset, Probe Attn, Internal Attn, and
Range on channels CH2, CH3, and CH4.
††Changing the Probe Attn options for CH1-CH4 and the trigger input does not
attenuate the input signals. It only changes the results reported by the
instrument. To deliver signals exceeding 2V DC or 16 dBm AC peak, use an
external attenuator.
By using the internal attenuators of the HP 54122T (via the Internal Attn
options), larger voltages can be accepted. Limitations on attenuator voltage and
power handling are described in the Internal Atten documentation in the
Channels Menu chapter of the HP 54122T Front Panel Reference.
NO TE
The external trigger is ignored if a TDR type Input is defined in the Setup.
In the presence of a TDR type Input, the scope is triggered by its internal
TDR step generator.
The TRG options listed in the following table apply when
driving the trigger input of the oscilloscope with an external
signal. This is typically done with the trigger output from a
signal generator.
Table 34
128
Trigger Options for the HP 54120T Series
Option
Description
TRG Probe Attn
Set to 10 if the trigger probe is fitted with a 10X (20dB)
divider. Values between 1 and 1000 are accepted. Default =
1.0
IC-CAP Reference
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Supported Instruments
Table 34
Trigger Options for the HP 54120T Series (continued)
Option
Description
TRG Slope
Specify triggering on a rising (+) or falling (−) edge. Default
=+
TRG Level
Voltage threshold at which triggering occurs. Valid range is
±1V ⋅ (TRG Probe Attn). Default = 100.0mV
Normalize TDR
If Yes, TDR waveform data from CH1 is subject to the
HP 54120 series reflection normalization process. This can
substantially improve waveform integrity when cabling and
test fixtures have impedance mismatches. Prior to using
this option perform calibration of the network reflection
path via the front panel Network page. Default = No
(This option is not supported by the HP 54122.)
Delay for
Timeouts
For long-running measurements (that use a high number of
averages, for example) use this option to avoid
measurement timeouts. Default=0
Init Command
Command field to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. This command is sent at the
end of instrument initialization for each measurement.
Normal C escape characters such as \n (new line) are
available. Default = none
HP 54510 Digitizing Oscilloscope
The HP 54510 is a 1 giga-sample/second, 2-channel digitizing
oscilloscope. The HP 54510 driver is an example of a driver
created using the Open Measurement Interface. The driver’s
source code can be found in the files user_meas3.hxx and
user_meas3.cxx in the directory $ICCAP_ROOT/src. For
information, refer to Chapter 2, “Drivers.”
IC-CAP assigns the following names to the units:
CHn
Channel Unit n (1 and 2)
The following instrument capabilities are supported by IC-CAP:
• Time-domain measurements nested within DC bias settings
provided by DC SMUs.
• 2-channel concurrent data acquisition.
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Supported Instruments
• Offset, range, and probe attenuation adjustment for each
channel. (Refer to Table 35.)
• Averaging 1 to 2048 waveform acquisitions on each channel.
• Automatic Pulse Parameter Measurements, such as risetime
and peak-to-peak voltage. These are requested in Outputs of
Mode T. For help on the available choices, click the middle
mouse button over the Pulse Param field and see the Status
window.
To make a time-domain measurement, a Setup must contain
these Inputs and Outputs:
• An Input with Mode T and Type LIN. Here, the values of
Start, Stop, and Number of Points govern the time axis of the
measurement. Start and Stop values define the time viewing
window, and are relative to the trigger event used by the
oscilloscope. The HP 54510 driver uses the repetitive
sampling mode and therefore always measures 501 points.
The timebase range is set to 500 × step size of the input
sweep. The timebase requires a value in the sequence 1-2-5,
that is, 1 nsec, 2 nsec, 5 nsec, 10 nsec, ... , 1 sec, 2 sec, or 5
sec. If the Input step size does not correspond to a valid
timebase, the driver aborts the measurement and
recommends new stop and step values for the input sweep.
• Optionally, an Input of Mode V and Type PULSE. A trigger
signal must be provided on the oscilloscope’s trigger input. If
the Input Unit field is set to ground, IC-CAP ignores the
Input during the measurement. In this manner, you may
perform measurements using a pulse generator controlled by
its front panel. If the Input Unit field is set to the pulse unit
of a supported pulse generator (for example, PULSE1 for an
HP 8130 generator), then IC-CAP will control the pulse
generator to provide stimulus to the DUT and oscilloscope.
For more information, refer to “HP 8130 Pulse Generator” on
page 147. Also refer to the documentation for the HP 54120
in the 54120.demo.mdl file as well as Appendix G, “54120
Demo.”
• To capture a waveform from either of the instrument’s 2
channels requires an Output of Mode V. The Output Editor
permits you to specify from which channel a waveform is
desired. Define one such Output for each channel of interest.
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• To obtain automatically extracted pulse parameters at either
of the 2 channels, the Setup must include an Output of Mode
T.
The following pulse parameters can be requested:
DUTYCYCLE, FALLTIME, FREQ, OVERSHOOT, PERIOD,
PRESHOOT, RISETIME, VPP, VRMS, +WIDTH, and -WIDTH.
Consult the instrument’s Front Panel Operation Reference
for definitions of these parameters, or information on the
process by which the instrument computes them.
By defining multiple Outputs for a scope channel, both the
full time-domain waveform and any number of automatically
extracted pulse parameters for that channel can be obtained,
all in the same measurement. This can be done with either or
both of the channels in the same measurement.
The following table describes the HP 54510 options and default
values, where applicable.
Table 35
IC-CAP Reference
HP 54510 Options
Option
Description
Hold Time
Time, in seconds, prior to performing time-domain
measurement. Can be used to permit additional DC
stabilization when a time-domain sweep is nested within
DC steps provided by a DC bias unit. Default = 0.0
Averages
Number of averages. Maximum = 2048. The HP 54510
rounds the number of averages to the nearest power of 2. If
the value is exactly halfway between, it takes the higher
value. Default = 1
CH1 Offset†
DC offset value of Channel 1, in volts. This does not directly
affect waveforms returned from the oscilloscope. However,
an improper setting can cause the instrument to fail when
measuring pulse parameters, such as RISETIME. Set this to
a value close to the middle of the expected range of the
output voltage waveform; this will maximize the
instrument’s ability to achieve high resolution without
experiencing clipping. Valid range is ±250V • (CH1 Probe
Attn). Default = 0.0
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Supported Instruments
Table 35
HP 54510 Options (continued)
Option
Description
CH1 Probe Attn†,
Set to 10 if the Channel 1 probe provides a divide by 10
functionality (20 dB) and 50 ohm input impedance is
selected. Specifying the attenuation of the probe permits
the oscilloscope to generate data in which the probe
attenuation is corrected out. Values between 0.9 and 1000
are accepted.
Default = 1.0
††
CH1 Range†
Set in excess of the maximum anticipated signal swing for
this channel. This option does not affect waveforms
returned from the oscilloscope. However, an improper
setting can cause the instrument to fail when measuring
pulse parameters, such as RISETIME. Default = 2.0
Notes:
† Option table entries are also provided for Offset, Probe Attn, and Range for
CH2.
††Changing Probe Attn options for CH1, CH2 and the External Trigger input does
not attenuate the input signals. It only changes the results reported by the
instrument. To deliver signals exceeding 5V rms (50 ohm) or 250V (1 Mohm), an
external attenuator should be used.
Refer to the following table for oscilloscope trigger options. The
TRG/TRIG options apply to the trigger input. This is typically
done with the trigger output from a signal generator. When
using the EXT TRIG channel, be sure the TRG Source option is
set to “E” (External Trigger).
NO TE
132
Instrument settings not included in the Instrument Options folder, such as
input impedance, can be set manually before executing Measure.
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
Table 36
Oscilloscope Trigger Options for the HP 54510
Option
Description
EXT TRIG Attn
Attenuation of the EXT TRIG channel. Set to 10 if the trigger
probe is fitted with a 10X (20dB) divider and the EXT TRIG
channel is set to 50 ohms. Values between 0.9 and 1000 are
accepted. Default = 1.0
TRG Source
Specify the trigger source channel: 1 (CH1), 2 (CH2) or
E (External Trigger). Default = E
TRG Slope
Specify + (rising edge) or − (falling edge). Default = +
TRG Level
Voltage threshold at which triggering occurs. Valid range is
±2V • (TRG Probe Attn) for the EXT TRIG channel and
±1.5 • (full scale from center of screen) for channels CH1
and CH2.
Default = 0.0
Delay for
Timeouts
For long-running measurements (that use a high number of
averages, for example), use this option to avoid
measurement timeouts.
Default = 0.0
Init Command
Use to set the instrument to a mode not supported by the
option table. This command is sent at the end of instrument
initialization for each measurement. Normal C escape
characters such as \n (new line) are available. Default =
none
Agilent Infiniium Oscilloscope
The Agilent Infiniium scopes are available as 2 or 4-channel
digitizing oscilloscopes. IC-CAP supports the following
Infiniium scopes:
• 54810A, 54815A, 54820A, 54825A 500 MHz bandwidth, 1
GSa/s sample rate and 32K of memory width.
• 54835A, 1 GHz bandwidth, 4 GSa/s sample rate, 62K memory
width.
• 54845A, 1.5 GHz bandwidth, 8 GSa/s sample rate, 64K
memory width.
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Supported Instruments
The IC-CAP driver supports acquisition only from Channels 1
and 2.
IC-CAP assigns the following names to the units:
CHn
Channel Unit n (1 and 2)
The following instrument capabilities are supported by IC-CAP:
• Time-domain measurements nested within DC bias settings
provided by DC SMUs.
• 2-channel concurrent data acquisition (Channel 1 and 2
only).
• Offset, range, and probe attenuation adjustment for each
channel. (Refer to Table 37.)
• Averaging 1 to 2048 waveform acquisitions on each channel.
• Automatic Pulse Parameter Measurements, such as risetime
and peak-to-peak voltage. These are requested in Outputs of
Mode T. For help on the available choices, click the middle
mouse button over the Pulse Param field and see the Status
window.
To make a time-domain measurement, a Setup must contain
these Inputs and Outputs:
• An Input with Mode T and Type LIN. Here, the values of
Start, Stop, and Number of Points govern the time axis of the
measurement. Start and Stop values define the time viewing
window, and are relative to the trigger event used by the
oscilloscope. The Infiniium acquisition range is given by the
number of acquisition points multiplied by the sampling
period (1/Acquisition Rate). Acquisition points and
frequency are set in the instrument option table. If the time
viewing window set by the Start and Stop values is wider
than the acquisition range, the driver aborts the
measurement. The Acquisition rate must be in the 1, 2.5, 5,
10 sequence, that is, 1MSa/s, 2.5 MSa/s, 5 MSa/s, etc. The
maximum acquisition rate depends on the scope model. The
acquisition mode may be Real or Equivalent Time. Real time
mode usually is used for single events, such as transients,
while equivalent time may be used for periodic signals.
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IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
1
• Optionally, an Input of Mode V and Type PULSE. A trigger
signal must be provided on the oscilloscope’s trigger input. If
the Input Unit field is set to ground, IC-CAP ignores the
Input during the measurement. In this manner, you may
perform measurements using a pulse generator controlled by
its front panel. If the Input Unit field is set to the pulse unit
of a supported pulse generator (for example, PULSE1 for an
HP 8130 generator), then IC-CAP will control the pulse
generator to provide stimulus to the DUT and oscilloscope.
For more information, refer to “HP 8130 Pulse Generator” on
page 147.
• To capture a waveform from either of the instrument’s 2
channels requires an Output of Mode V. The Output Editor
permits you to specify from which channel a waveform is
desired. Define one such Output for each channel of interest.
When acquisition range and points differ from sweep time
interval and points, the waveform is actually interpolated by
the actual measured data. It is a good practice to use an
acquisition range that is slightly greater than the time
window, but not too much greater.
• To obtain automatically extracted pulse parameters at either
of the 2 channels, the Setup must include an Output of Mode
T.
The following pulse parameters can be requested: DUTYCYCLE,
FALLTIME, FREQ, OVERSHOOT, PERIOD, PRESHOOT,
RISETIME, VPP, VRMS, +WIDTH, and -WIDTH. Consult the
instrument’s Front Panel Operation Reference for definitions
of these parameters, or information on the process by which the
instrument computes them.
By defining multiple Outputs for a scope channel, both the full
time-domain waveform and any number of automatically
extracted pulse parameters for that channel can be obtained, all
in the same measurement. This can be done with either or both
of the channels in the same measurement.
As shown in the following instrument options table, the trigger
source may be set to Channel 1 or 2, or to EXT or AUX. The
trigger sweep may be Auto, Triggered or Single. Trigger level
and slope are also specified.
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Supported Instruments
The following table describes the Infiniium options and default
values, where applicable.
Table 37
136
Infiniium Options
Option
Description
Hold Time
Time, in seconds, prior to performing time-domain
measurement. Can be used to permit additional DC
stabilization when a time-domain sweep is nested within
DC steps provided by a DC bias unit. Default = 0.0
Sample Rate
The internal sample frequency. It must be in the 1, 2.5, 5, 10
sequence. In real-time mode the maximum sample rate is 1
GSa for the 54810A/15A, 2GSa for the 54820A/25A, 4 GSa
for the 54835A and 8 GSa for the 54845A (2 channel mode).
Default = 1 GSa.
Acquisition
Mode
Can be real time (R) or equivalent time (E). Real time is used
for single events such as transients while equivalent time
may be used to increase the “equivalent” sampling rate
when the waveform is periodical. Default = R.
Acquisition
Count
Turns averaging on or off, and (when on) sets the number of
averages. Allowed range is 1 through 4096. Use 1 to turn
averaging off. Use 2 through 4096 to turn on averaging and
set the count. Default = 1.
Acquisition
Points
Number of acquired points at the sample rate. The
acquisition range is defined as the acquisition period
1/(Sample rate) multiplied by the number of points. The
number of points is limited by the memory depth: 32,768
points for the 54810A/15A/20A/25A and 65,536 points for
the 54835A/45A.
CH1 Scale†
[V/div.]
DC vertical sensitivity in Volts per division. When probe
attenuation is 1 maximum sensitivity is 5 V/div. Minimum
sensitivity is 1 mV/div for 54810A/15A/20A/25A and
2 mV/div for 54835A and 54845A. Default = 500 mV/div.
CH1 Offset†
[V]
DC available offset. It depends on the scale. Maximum
offset is ±250V when CHn Scale = 5 V/div.
CH1 Input†
Channel input impedance: DC 50 ohm (DC50),1 Mohm (DC),
AC. LFR1 and LFR2 are also possible when using the Agilent
1153A differential probe.
Default is DC.
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
Table 37
Infiniium Options (continued)
Option
Description
CH1 Probe Attn†
Set to 10 if the Channel 1 probe provides a divide-by-10
functionality (20 dB) and 50 ohm input impedance is
selected. Specifying the attenuation of the probe permits
the oscilloscope to generate data in which the probe
attenuation is corrected out. Values between 0.9 and 1000
are accepted. Default = 10.0.
††
Trigger Input
Set trigger input source (1, 2, AUX or EXT). Default is 1 for
Channel 1.
Trigger Sweep
Set trigger sweep Modes to Auto (A), Triggered (T), or
Single (S). Default is Auto (A).
Trigger Slope
The only supported trigger mode is Edge. Trigger slope may
be positive (+) or negative (-). Default is positive (+).
Trigger Level [V]
Sets voltage level at which trigger occurs. Level range
depends on sweep mode and scope type. Default is 500 mV.
Delay for
Timeouts
For long-running measurements, such as collecting a high
number of averages, use this option to avoid measurement
timeouts. Default = 0.0
Init Command
Sets the instrument to a mode not supported by the option
table. This command is sent at the end of instrument
initialization for each measurement. Normal C escape
characters such as \n (new line) are available. Default =
none
Notes:
† Option table entries are also provided for Scale, Offset, Input and Probe Attn,
for CH2.
††
Changing Probe Attn options for CH1, CH2 and the External Trigger input does
not attenuate the input signals. It only changes the results reported by the
instrument. To deliver signals exceeding 5V rms (50 ohm) or 250V (1 Mohm), an
external attenuator should be used.
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Supported Instruments
HP 54750 Series Digitizing Oscilloscopes
The IC-CAP driver for the HP 54750 supports the following
plug-in modules:
• HP 54753A. This module is a 2-channel vertical plug-in with a
TDR step generator built into channel one. The bandwidth of
the TDR/vertical channel is 18 GHz. The bandwidth of
channel 2 is 20 GHz.
• HP/Agilent 54754A. This module has 2 independent vertical
channels and 2 independent step generators. The bandwidth
of both channels is 18 GHz.
• HP 54752A and HP 54752B. The 54752A has two 50 GHz
bandwidth channels and 54752B provides a single
cost-effective channel.
• HP 54751A. This module has two 20 GHz bandwidth
channels.
Since the instrument is configurable, the insertion of the
instrument in the active instrument table must be done using
rebuild active list. Plug-in modules must be placed starting from
slot 1 without discontinuities. IC-CAP assigns the following
names to the units:
• TDRn for TDR channels
• CHn for normal scope acquisition channels
Example files: A Setup configured for measurements using the
HP 54750, is in the model file
/examples/model_files/misc/hp54750.mdl.
The following instrument capabilities are supported by IC-CAP:
• Time domain acquisition for each channel (TDR or CH).
• Offset, Scale, and Probe Attenuation adjustment for each
channel.
• Averaging of between 1 and 4096 waveform acquisition.
• Automatic Pulsed/Waveform parameter measurements for
each TDR or CH type channel.
• Trigger Probe Attenuation, Slope, Level, Mode as well as the
trigger slot (2 or 4 in case 2 plug-ins are present) can be set in
the instrument table.
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• Start time, Stop time, and number of points are set in the
Input Time sweep.
• Step generator on TDR channels. Frequency rate can be
adjusted between 50 and 250 kHz. To activate the step
generator the setup should include an Input with mode V and
Type TDR. Note that only one TDR step generator can be
active per setup (differential TDR is not supported). The
period on the TDR input is used to calculate frequency for
TDR/TDT measurements.
• TDR normalized measurements are supported for each of the
TDR channels. To acquire a normalized TDR response,
perform either software or hardware calibration, then set
Normalize to Y in the TDR channel and measure. To perform
software TDR calibration, first set the normalization option
to TDR, then run Calibrate and follow the steps.
• TDT normalized measurements are supported for each
plug-in. Plug-in channel 1 must be the TDR source, and
channel 2 must be the TDT sink. To acquire a normalized TDT
measurement on channel 2, perform either software or
hardware TDT calibration, then set Normalize to Y on
channel 2 (sink) and measure. To perform software TDT, set
the normalization option to TDT, run Calibrate, and follow
the steps.
You must be sure to insert the oscilloscope into IC-CAP’s
instrument table. Connect the instrument, switch it on, and
perform Rebuild in the Hardware Setup. The HP 54750 should
be now present in the Instrument List. Select HP 54750 in the
list and select Configure. The units should reflect the hardware
configuration and the plug-in type in the Unit Table. Here are
examples of what should appear in the table:
• If module HP/Agilent 54754 occupies slots 1 and 2, TDR1 and
TDR2 units should appear in the Unit Table.
• If module HP 54753 occupies slots 1 and 2, TDR1 and CH2
units should appear in the Unit Table.
To make time-domain measurements (acquisition only), a setup
must contain these Inputs and Outputs:
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• An Input with Mode T, and Type LIN. Minimum start time is
20 nsec; max start time is 10 sec. The minimum time range is
100 psec while the maximum range is 10 sec. During
acquisition (no internal TDR) the number of acquired points
can be set to any number between 16 and 4096.
• A trigger signal must be provided at the trigger input (slot 2
or 4) to acquire any waveform. Trigger Mode can be selected
in the instrument option. Use trigger mode FREErun or
TRIGgered for periodic waveforms. Use option TRIGgered
when using external trigger for example for acquiring
transients or when using external TDR step generator.
• To capture a waveform, an Output of Mode V is required.
Define an output for each channel of interest.
• To obtain automatically-extracted pulse parameters, the
setup must include an output of mode T that specifies the
unit and the requested parameter. Examples of parameter
values are VPP and VRMS.
To make TDR or TDT measurements, a setup must contain these
Inputs and Outputs:
• An Input with Mode T and Type LIN. Minimum start time is
20 nsec, max start time is 10 sec. The minimum time range is
100 psec while the maximum range is 10 sec. When the
instrument’s Normalize option is turned OFF, the number of
acquired points can be set to any number between 16 and
4096. When the Normalize option is ON, the number of points
can be set to any number between 16 and 4096 that is a
multiple of 2, such as 512 or 1024.
• An Input with Mode V and Sweep Type TDR. The unit is set
to the TDR source channel. Only the value of the Period is
used during measurement for setting the frequency of the
internal step generator. Use a value between 50 Hz (20 msec)
and 250 kHz (4 usec). The other fields, such as Delay and
Width, are used only by the simulator. If an external TDR
step generator is used, then Unit must be set to GND, and all
parameters (including Period) are used only by the simulator.
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Supported Instruments
• To capture the output waveforms, insert 1 or 2 Outputs of
mode V referring to the TDR source channel for TDR
measurements, or to the sink channel for TDT
measurements.
• (Optional). To measure waveform parameters such as VPP
and RISETIME, insert 1 or more Outputs of mode T.
TDR or TDT measurements can be done with or without
normalization. Normalization establishes a reference plane
different from the oscilloscope output. The reflection and ohm
measurements are based on the actual measured step height.
Also, from this information, the scope builds a filter, which can
be applied to any reflected signal. The risetime of the filtered
step can be selected. The filtered step removes any losses or
discontinuities from the reference plane generated by the
plug-in.
To measure without normalization, simply set the Normalize
flag to N in the instrument options for any channel involved in
the TDR or TDT measurement.
To make normalized TDR measurements, either hardware or
software normalization must be performed prior to
measurement. To perform software calibration, set the
Normalization mode to TDR in the Instrument Option Table.
Then run Calibrate. This routine will load current sweeps (start,
stop and period) in the instruments and then will ask the
operator to insert the calibration standards (short and load) at
the reference plane.
Once the instrument has been successfully calibrated, set the
Normalize flag of the TDR source channel to ‘Y’ before running a
measurement to acquire normalized data. Set the normalized
response Unit to VOLT (default), REF or OHM in the Instrument
Options Table. When setting response scale to VOLT, IC-CAP
will acquire the actual normalized response. When the response
scale is OHM, IC-CAP will acquire the normalized-to-50 ohm
response. This is particularly useful when evaluating
characteristic impedance of different line series. Setting the
scale to REF will acquire the reflection due to a change of
impedance. The normalized rise time can also be set in the
instrument option table. The minimum settable rise time
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Supported Instruments
actually depends on the number of points. Generally speaking,
increasing the number of points allows a smaller rise time and
therefore improves the space resolution (minimum distance
between 2 discontinuities to distinguish them in the space/time
domain).
To make normalized TDT measurements, either hardware or
software normalization must be performed prior to
measurement. To perform software calibration, set
Normalization mode to TDT in the Instrument Option Table.
Then connect source and sink together (without DUT) and run
Calibrate.
Once the instrument has been successfully calibrated, set the
Normalize flag of the TDT sink channel to ‘Y’ before running a
measurement to acquire normalized data. Normalized Response
unit can be set to VOLT (default) or GAIN. The normalize
risetime can also be varied with the same limitation described
above.
Differential TDR/TDT Capability
New addition to TDR driver: Differential TDR/TDT capabilities.
Two new entries have been added to the Agilent 54750
Instrument table:
Differential Mode
Set the instrument in differential mode.
Channel 1 and 2 are the TDR channels.
The differential stimulus on channel 1 and 2 can be Differential
(DIFF) or Common (COMM).
Default is no differential stimulus (NONE).
Once the instrument has been calibrated in differential
Response mode, the response reading can be set to Differential
(DIFF) Mode or Common (COMM).
Note that this field is active only when the Normalize Flag of the
response channels is set to yes.
Default is DIFF.
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To make TDR differential measurements, place the Agilent
54754A plug-in in the first 2 instrument slots (channel 1 and 2).
In the IC-CAP measurement page insert 1 input of type TDR
(Unit TDR1 or CH1).
Insert 1 input of Mode T (Type LIN) and set the time interval
and the number of points.
Insert 2 outputs of Mode V monitoring channel 1 and 2.
In the 54750 Instrument Option Table, set the Differential Mode
to DIFF or COMM.
To measure raw data simply set the Normalize flags of CH1 and
CH2 to N and run the measurements.
To measure normalized data, perform the TDR normalization
before running the measurements. Follow the instructions in
the 54754 manual to calibrate in differential TDR mode.
Once the instrument has been successfully calibrated, set the
Normalize Mode to TDR, set Differential Response Mode to DIFF
or COMM. To measure the normalized response simply set the
Normalize flag of channel 1 and 2 to yes.
Summary differential TDR
Differential Mode Differential Response Mode Response Mode CH1 CH2
Raw
DIFF/COMM
Not Relevant
Nor relevant
N
N
Norm
DIFF/COMM
DIFF/COMM
TDR
Y
Y
To make TDT differential measurements place 1 Agilent 54754A
plug-in in the first 2 instrument slots (channel 1 and 2) and
second 54754 plug-in in the third and fourth slots. When
measuring differential TDT, the driver assumes that Channel 1
and 2 supply the differential stimulus (input).
In the IC-CAP measurement setup page insert 1 input of type
TDR (Unit TDR1 or CH1).
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Insert 1 input of Mode T (Type LIN) and set the time interval
and the number of points.
Insert 4 outputs of Mode V monitoring channel 1 to 4. In the
54750 Instrument Option Table, set the Differential Mode to
DIFF or COMM.
To measure raw data simply set the Normalize Flags of
CH1,CH2,CH3 and CH4 to N and run the measurements.
To measure normalized data, the user needs to perform the TDT
normalization before running the measurements.
Follow the instructions in the 54754 manual on how to calibrate
in differential TDT mode.
Once the instrument has been successfully calibrated, set the
Normalize Mode to TDT, set Differential Response Mode to DIFF
or COMM.
To measure the normalized response simply set the normalized
flag of channels 3 and 4 to yes.
Summary differential TDT:
Differential Mode Differential
Response Mode
Response Mode
CH1 CH2 CH3 CH4
Raw
DIFF/COMM
Not Relevant
Not relevant
N
N
N
N
Norm
DIFF/COMM
DIFF/COMM
TDT
N
N
Y
Y
The following table describes the HP 54750 options and default
values, where applicable.
Table 38
144
HP 54750 Options Table
Option
Description
Hold Time
Time, in seconds, prior to performing time-domain
measurements. Default = 0
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Supported Instruments
Table 38
IC-CAP Reference
HP 54750 Options Table (continued)
Option
Description
Averages
Number of averages per sample. Min = 1 (off), Max = 4096.
Default = 16
Normalization
Mode
Two modes supported for calibration and measurements:
TDR or TDT.
Default = TDR
Normalized
Response Unit
Sets the type of unit for the acquired normalized response.
Possible choices are VOLT, REF or OHM for TDR type
measurements and VOLT or GAIN for TDT measurements.
Default = VOLT
Normalized
Response
Risetime
Set the risetime for the normalized response. Minimum
risetime depends on number of points. In case specified rise
time is greater than the minimum allowed for that number
of points, IC-CAP will set the minimum possible value.
Default = 40 psec
CHn Probe
Attenuation
Probe Input impedance is always 50 ohm. Specifying the
attenuation of the probe permits the oscilloscope to
generate data in which the probe attenuation is corrected
out. For example, set it to 10 if the channel 1 probe provides
a divide by 10 functionality. Values between 0.9 and 1000
are accepted.
Default = 1.0
CHn Offset
DC offset value of Channel 1, in volts. This does not directly
affect waveforms returned from the oscilloscope. However,
an improper setting can cause the instrument to fail when
measuring pulse parameters, such as RISETIME. Set this to
a value close to the middle of the expected range of the
output voltage waveform; this will maximize the
instrument’s ability to achieve high resolution without
experiencing clipping. Valid range is ±250V. Default =
200.0 mV
CHn Scale
Default = 100.0 mV/div.
CHn Normalize
Normalization Flag. When set to ‘Y’, IC-CAP acquires the
normalized response with unit as specified in The
Normalized Response Unit. Default = N
TRG Probe
Attenuation
Default = 1.0
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Table 38
146
HP 54750 Options Table (continued)
Option
Description
TRG Slope
Specifies triggering on a rising (+) or falling (−) edge.
Default = +
TRG Level
Voltage threshold at which triggering occurs. Range
depends on attenuation. Default = 0.0 mV
TRG Slot
Choose the input trigger channel. For example, when 54754
plug-in is present on slot 1 and 2, trigger will be on slot 2.
When another TDR plug-in is present on slot 3 and 4, slot 4
is another possible choice for trigger. Default = 2
TRG Mode
Used when acquiring a waveform not in TDR mode (internal
trigger is used in that case). Possible choices are freerun
(FREE) usually used for periodic waveform or triggered
(TRIG) for transients. Default = FREE
Delay for timeout
Increase this delay when acquiring a large number of points
or averages. This gives more time for the instrument to
digitize the waveform and save it into memory. Default = 3
Init Command
Use to set the instrument to a mode not supported by the
option table. This command is sent at the end of instrument
initialization for each measurement. Normal C escape
characters such as \n (new line) are available. Default =
None
IC-CAP Reference
Supported Instruments
1
Pulse Generators
This section describes the HP 8130 and the HP 8131 pulse
generators.
HP 8130 Pulse Generator
The HP 8130 is a programmable pulse generator controllable by
IC-CAP. It provides excellent features for time-domain
characterization using pulse stimuli. The following pulse
characteristics are programmable:
• Period, Width, and Delay
• Risetime and Falltime
• Initial and Pulsed Voltage Levels
IC-CAP assigns the following name to the channel 1 output unit:
• PULSE1
The HP 8130 offers a fixed source impedance of 50 ohms. Pulse
period can be varied from 3 nsec to 99.9 msec. Rise and
falltimes can be varied from 670 psec to 100 µsec. The output
voltage range is from −5.2 to +5.2V, but the maximum voltage
swing must be less than or equal to 5.2V. A complementary
output signal is available (refer to Table 39).
A Setup configured for measurements using the HP 8130, along
with HP 54120 Series digitizing oscilloscopes is in the model file
54120.demo.mdl. Additional information about this
demonstration file is available in Appendix G, “54120 Demo.”
These files also include examples using an HP 54120 Series
oscilloscope with no pulse generator, or with a manually
controlled pulse generator. The “54120 Demo” also provides
hints for obtaining good alignment between measured and
simulated waveforms.
The following table describes the HP 8131 options and their
default values, where applicable.
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Table 39
HP 8130 Options
Option
Description
Width at Top
Flag provided to aid simulator compatibility. The HP 8130
defines pulse width to include the top section of the pulse
plus one-half of the rising and falling edges. SPICE defines
pulse width to include the top of the pulse only. For
compatibility with SPICE, set this option to Yes (the 8130
pulse will become wider). Default = No
Enable Comp Out
If Yes, complementary data can be obtained by cabling to
the complementary output connector on the HP 8130.
Default = No
Pulse Delay Offset The HP 8130 has a delay between its trigger output and
signal output (SPICE has nothing like this). The value is
added to the TDR or PULSE sweep Delay value. Positive
values will shift the waveform to the right; negative values
will shift the waveform to the left. This option permits one
to align the simulated and measured waveforms. The option
may need adjustment if the period is changed. Additional
hints about the use of this option are provided in
Appendix G, “54120 Demo,” in the section Aligning Data.
Default = 0
Init Command
Command field to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. This command is sent at the
end of instrument initialization for each measurement.
Normal C escape characters such as \n (new line) are
available. Default = none
HP 8131 Pulse Generator
The HP 8131 is a programmable pulse generator controllable by
IC-CAP. It provides excellent features for time-domain
characterization using pulse stimuli. The following pulse
characteristics are programmable:
• Period, Width, and Delay
• Initial and Pulsed Voltage Levels
IC-CAP assigns the following name to the channel 1 output unit:
PULSE1
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Supported Instruments
The HP 8131 offers a fixed source impedance of 50 ohms. Pulse
period can be varied from 2 nsec to 99.9 msec. Rise and fall
times are fixed <200 psec; if >200 psec, IC-CAP will issue a
warning PULSE1 Rise/Fall time fixed at less than 200ps.
The output voltage range is from −5.0 to +5.0V; the maximum
voltage swing must be less than or equal to 5.0V. The offset
voltage is from -4.95V to +4.95V. A complementary output signal
is available (refer to Table 40).
A Setup configured for measurements using the HP 8131, along
with HP 54120 Series digitizing oscilloscopes is in the model file
54120.demo.mdl. Additional information about this
demonstration file is available Appendix G, “54120 Demo.”
These files also include examples using a HP 54120 Series
oscilloscope without a pulse generator, or with a manually
controlled pulse generator. The “54120 Demo” also provides
hints for obtaining good alignment between measured and
simulated waveforms.
The following table describes the HP 8131 options and their
default values, where applicable.
Table 40
IC-CAP Reference
Options for the HP 8131
Option
Description
Width at Top
Flag provided to aid compatibility with SPICE and other
simulators. The HP 8131 defines pulse width to include the
top section of the pulse plus one-half of the rising and
falling edges. SPICE defines pulse width to include only the
top of the pulse; as a result, SPICE pulses are wider. For
SPICE compatibility, set this option to Yes. Default = No
Enable Comp Out
If Yes, complementary data can be obtained by cabling to
the complementary output connector on the HP 8131.
Default = No
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Table 40
Options for the HP 8131 (continued)
Option
Description
Pulse Delay Offset The HP 8131 has a delay between its trigger output and
signal output (SPICE does not). The value is added to the
TDR or PULSE sweep Delay value. Positive values will shift
the waveform to the right; negative values will shift the
waveform to the left. This option permits alignment of
simulated and measured waveforms. The option may need
adjustment if the period is changed. Additional hints about
the use of this option are provided in Appendix G, “54120
Demo,” in the section Aligning Data. Default = 0
Init Command
150
Command field to set the instrument to a mode not
supported by the option table. This command is sent at the
end of instrument initialization for each measurement.
Normal C escape characters such as \n (new line) are
available. Default = none
IC-CAP Reference
1
Supported Instruments
Dynamic Signal Analyzer
IC-CAP supports the HP/Agilent 35670A dynamic signal
analyzer.
HP/Agilent 35670A Dynamic Signal Analyzer
The HP/Agilent 35670A portable 2- or 4-channel dynamic signal
analyzer evaluates signals and devices under 102.4 kHz
real-time rate at 800 lines of resolution. It provides spectrum,
network, and time- and amplitude-domain measurements from
virtually DC to slightly over 100 kHz.
IC-CAP assigns the following names to the units:
CHn
Channel Unit (1 and 2)
SRC
Source Unit
The following table describes the HP/Agilent 35670A options
and their default values, where applicable.
Table 41
IC-CAP Reference
HP/Agilent 35670A Options
Option
Description
Hold Time
Time delay, in seconds, before each primary sweep begins.
Delay Time
Time delay, in seconds, before each sweep point is
measured.
Averages
Defines the averaging of the instrument. Maximum is
9,999,999.
Source Mode
Source waveforms: (R) random noise, (B) burst random,
(P) periodic chirp, or (S) fixed sine.
DC Offset
Specifies a DC offset for the source output.
Source Freq
Sets the frequency of the sine source.
Window Type
Type of windowing function:
(H) Hanning, (U) uniform, (F) flat or (E) exponential.
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Table 41
152
HP/Agilent 35670A Options (continued)
Option
Description
CHn Units
Vertical unit for the specified display’s Y axis:
(V) volts, (V2) square volts, (V/RTHZ) square root power
spectral density, or (V2/HZ) power spectral density.
Init Command
Extra command to initialize the instrument to a certain
mode.
IC-CAP Reference
Agilent 85190A IC-CAP 2008
Reference
2
Drivers
Prober Drivers 154
Prober Driver Test Program 164
Matrix Drivers 166
Using IC-CAP with the HP 5250A Matrix Driver 178
Using IC-CAP with HP 4062UX and Prober/Matrix Drivers 185
Adding Instrument Drivers to IC-CAP 189
Class Hierarchy for User-Contributed Drivers 226
Order in Which User-Supplied Functions are Called 229
Handling Signals and Exceptions 236
This chapter describes prober and matrix driver functions,
prober settings and commands, the prober driver test
program, and using OMI to add drivers.
Agilent Technologies
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Drivers
Prober Drivers
A prober driver is a set of USERC functions designed to
control an IC wafer prober from an IC-CAP macro program.
There are 3 types of probers (an initial call declares which
type is in use) with these symbolic names:
• EG1034X (ElectroGlas 1034X), EG2001X (ElectroGlas
2001X)
• APM3000A (and APM6000A and APM7000A) (TSK APM
models)
• SUMMIT10K (Cascade SUMMIT 10000)
These probers share the same driver functions. External user
functions and internal design functions, as well as prober
settings and commands, are described in this section.
Additional TIS prober drivers required the renaming of
native IC-CAP prober functions from prober_xxxx() to
icprober_xxxx(). This only affects systems where the
prober.c file has been customized in the OMI environment,
and will not affect previously-written macros. See the
Readme file in $ICCAP_ROOT/src/README for information
about these functions.
To provide easier manipulation of a raw GPIB device file,
IC-CAP offers a set of low-level I/O functions named
ice_hpib_xxxx. The declarations of these functions are found
in icedil.h; their definitions are in icedil.c. Both files are
provided as C source files. For more information on these
I/O functions, see Appendix I, “icedil Functions” in online
help. Driver functions are contained in the directory
$ICCAP_ROOT/src in the files shown in the following table.
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Table 42
Prober Driver Source Files
File Name
Description
prober.h
Prober call prototypes for userc.c
prober.c
Actual code for each prober function
icedil.h
Low level I/O call prototypes for prober.c
IC-CAP Reference
Drivers
Table 42
Prober Driver Source Files
File Name
Description
icedil.c
Actual code for each ice_hpib_xxxx call
testprob.c
Small interactive program to test the driver
run_testprob
Properly sets your shared library lookup path and runs
./testprob if it exists, otherwise it runs
$ICCAP_ROOT/bin/testprob. ICCAP_ROOT must be
properly set in your environment for run_testprob to work.
2
A custom driver can be added by editing prober.c in
$ICCAP_ROOT/src and generating a new shared library file,
libicuserc.<ext> (where ext is a platform-specific extension)
because all prober drivers are written in C and treated as
library functions.
• For information on libicuserc, refer to “Creating a New
Shared Library” on page 201.
• For details regarding adding library functions, refer to
“Creating C Language Functions in IC-CAP" in the IC-CAP
User’s Guide.
Source code is provided with this open interface.
Recompilation and relinking are necessary if this driver is
user-modified.
External Prober User Functions
This section describes the external user functions.
Prober_debug This function takes 2 arguments and sets the
internal flags. The first argument defines the debug flag;
when it is 1, all debugging information is displayed in the
Status window. The second argument defines the stop flag;
when it is 1, the Macro execution stops when an error is
detected. After Prober_init(), the debug flag is off (0) and
the stop flag is on (1). This function does not exist in TIS.
This function always returns 0. An example call is:
x = Prober_debug (1, 0);
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Drivers
Every function looks at this internal debug flag and prints
out any GPIB commands it is going to send, or a string it
just received from the prober.
Prober_init This function must be called before any other
prober calls are made in a Macro program. This function
takes a GPIB address of the prober, flat orientation, prober
type name, and a raw GPIB interface name to which the
prober is connected. The flat orientation is usually 0, 90,
180, or 270. The function returns 0 when prober
initialization is successful and −1 when it fails. The following
table lists the GPIB configuration recommended for
HP 4062UX.
NO TE
A raw GPIB interface name is different for each platform. Refer to the
following table for this name. A separate GPIB interface may be
necessary if the given prober does not conform to IEEE 488 standard.
Table 43
Standard HP 4062UX Configuration
Select Code
Devices
7 or 27
Instruments and Switching Matrix
25
Wafer Prober
For a Sun SPARC computer, use the following call because a
National Instruments GPIB card has this name by default:
x = Prober_init (1, 0, “EG1034X”, “/dev/gpib0”);
For an HP 700 Series computer, use the following call
because it involves a symbolic name rather than a GPIB
interface filename:
x = Prober_init (1, 0, “EG1034X”, “hpib”);
This function also checks the prober type and sets the
internal prober type flag for subsequent driver calls. It closes
its private unit descriptor from any previous prober access,
opens the given GPIB interface file and keeps a new entity
id. It then calls an appropriate subfunction, which does the
prober-dependent initialization.
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2
Drivers
Prober_reset This function takes no arguments and sets the
prober to Local mode. It returns 0 when successful and 1
when it fails. This function is not available for EG1034X (for
which it is a no-operation). An example call is:
x = Prober_reset ();
This function clears the interface file and sends a selected
device clear command to the prober.
Prober_status This function takes no arguments and returns
3 Real values in 1 array. The first element of the array
indicates whether the prober is Remote (1) or Local (0). The
second element indicates whether the edge contact is
detected (1) or not (0). The last element indicates whether
the Cassette is empty (1) or not (0). An example call is:
status = Prober_status ();
if (status[0] == 1) then ...
This function sends a query command to the prober and
receives information about Remote/Local state as well as the
edge sensor output. The Cassette Empty error is detected in
the function Phome and referred by this function, which
keeps these states and returns them back in an array of Real
values.
Pdown This function takes no arguments and lowers the
chuck of the wafer prober. It returns 0 when successful and
−1 when it fails. An example call is:
x = Pdown ();
Phome This function takes no arguments and performs
several tasks depending on the prober type. It returns 0
when successful and −1 when it fails. When it detects a
Cassette Empty error, it returns 1. An example call is:
x = Phome ();
This function calls a subfunction based on the prober type.
A subfunction actually does the prober-dependent operation
appropriate for Phome.
NO TE
IC-CAP Reference
Set the SUMMIT 10000 prober to Remote manually after this function to
move the chuck to its Load position and turn the mode to Manual for wafer
alignment.
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Pimove Like Pmove, this function takes 2 arguments and
moves the chuck relative to the current position. It returns 0
when successful and −1 when it fails. An example call is:
x = Pimove (1, 0);
Pink This function takes 1 argument and triggers the
specified inker. It returns 0 when successful or −1 when it
fails. EG1034X and SUMMIT10K probers do not support an
inker, so this function is a no-operation for them. An
example call is:
x = Pink (1);
Pmove This function takes 2 arguments and moves the
chuck to the specified absolute coordinates established by
Pscale and Porig. The first argument specifies the new X
position and the second specifies the new Y position. It
returns 0 when successful and −1 when it fails. An example
call is:
x = Pmove (2, 4);
This function calculates how many machine units the chuck
must move relative to the current position, and sends an
appropriate GPIB command to move the chuck. It also
updates its internal variables to keep track of the position.
Porig This function takes 2 numbers and defines these
numbers as X and Y coordinates of the current chuck
position. This function must be called before any Pmove or
Pimove functions. It always returns 0. An example call is:
x = Porig (0, 0);
This function stores the given numbers in its private
variables.
Ppos This function takes no arguments and returns 2 Real
values in an array, indicating the current die X and Y
position being probed. The first element of the array is the
X coordinate and the second is the Y coordinate. An
example call is:
position = Ppos ();
print “X = “; position[0], “Y = “; position[1];
This function copies its private variables (which indicate the
current position) and returns them.
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Pscale This function takes the die X and Y dimensions in
micrometers. These numbers are later used in Pmove, Porig,
and Pimove functions. It always returns 0. An example call
is:
x = Pscale (5000, 5000);
This function stores the given numbers in its private
variables.
Pup This function takes no arguments and raises the chuck
of the wafer prober so that probe pins come in contact with
the wafer. It returns 0 when successful and −1 when it fails.
An example call is:
x = Pup ();
Internal Prober Functions
Several internal functions support the user functions to
customize the prober driver. For each algorithm, refer to the
prober.c source file.
prober_get_err This function takes 1 argument and calls a
subfunction depending on the prober type. Each subfunction
reads any error status from the prober. If it encounters an
unknown error, it prints out the given number with an error
message to the Status window. It always returns 0. An
example call is:
ret = prober_get_err(n);
prober_get_srq This function takes no arguments and returns
0 (no SRQ) or 1 (SRQ) depending on the SRQ line of the
device file. An example call is:
ret = prober_get_srq();
prober_message This function takes 1 argument, a pointer to
a string, and prints an error message to the Status window
such as <name>: unknown prober type, where <name> is
replaced with the given string. An example call is:
ret = prober_message(“Prober_reset”);
prober_precheck This function takes no arguments and
checks prober state such as Remote/Local and SRQ. It
returns 0 when successful and −1 when it fails. An example
call is:
ret = prober_precheck();
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prober_response This function takes 1 argument that is
either a pointer to a character array or null. It calls a
subfunction depending on the prober type and each
subfunction reads any status information from the prober.
Internal flags are set according to the status and any errors
are reported. It returns 0 if there is no error. If a non-null
pointer is given, a received string from the prober is
returned using this pointer. An example call is:
char buffer[PSIZE];
ret = prober_response(buffer);
prober_spoll This function takes no arguments and performs
serial polls in a prober-dependent way that may be different
from the standard IEEE 488 implementation. It returns a
status byte from the prober. An example call is:
ret = prober_spoll();
prober_wait_srq This function takes 1 argument that is a
timeout value in seconds, and waits for SRQ to be asserted.
It returns 0 when SRQ is detected and −1 when a timeout or
error occurs. An example call is:
ret = prober_wait_srq(60.0);
/* 60 sec */
Prober Settings and Commands
This section describes the correct IC-CAP wafer prober
settings and their associated GPIB commands.
EG1034X
This simple manual prober uses 2 settings. (Note that
IC-CAP uses SRQ whereas HP 4062UX does not.)
• GPIB Address: Any
• SRQ Switch: Enabled
The following table lists the EG1034X GPIB commands. (Note
that IC-CAP uses the MM command to move the chuck;
HP 4062UX uses the MO commands for the EG1034X.)
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Table 44
2
EG1034X GPIB Commands
Item
Command
Reply
Item
Command
Reply
Move Chuck
MM
MC
Chuck Home
HO
MC
Chuck Up
ZU
MC
Chuck Status
?S
SZ...
Chuck Down
ZD
MC
EG2001X
This driver is tested with a prober software version called
AC. The parameters listed in the following table must be set
to control this prober. Note that the I/O PROTOCOL is
different from the one for HP 4062UX. The Die Size is
optional, but is included because IC-CAP does not set the
size for manual operations.
Table 45
EG2001X Settings
Parameter
Value
Parameter
Value
METRIC/ENGLISH
METRIC
AUTO LOAD
ENB if available
DIE X and Y SIZE
Any
AUTO ALIGN
ENB if available
AUTO PROBER PAT.
EXTERNAL
AUTO PROFILE
ENB if available
AUTO DIAMETER
ENB
MF/MC on X-Y
ENB
Z-TRAVELING MODE
EDGE-SEN
MF/MC on Z
DIS
I/O PROTOCOL
ENHANCED
MF/MC on OPT.
ENB
I/O PORT
GPIB-SP
MF/MC on others DIS
GPIB ADDRESS
Any
SRQ SWITCH
ENB
The following table lists the EG2001X GPIB commands. Note
that Chuck Home uses both UL and LO commands
(HP 4062UX uses LO).
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Table 46
EG2001X GPIB Commands
Item
Command Reply
Move Chuck
MM
Chuck Up
ZU
Chuck Down
ZD
Chuck Home
UL/LO
Item
Command
Reply
PZ
MC or MF
Auto Align
AA
MC or MF
Trigger Inker
IK
MC or MF
?S
SZ...
MC or MF Auto Profile
MC or MF Chuck Status
APM3000A, APM6000A, APM7000A
This prober uses the following settings:
• GPIB Address: Any
• Mode Switches: 3-4 OFF, 3-5 ON, 23-4 ON
The following table lists the commands.
Table 47
APM3000A, APM6000A, and APM7000ACommands
Item
Command
Reply
Item
Command
Move Chuck
A
65
CPU Halt
T
Chuck Up
Z
67 or 73 Trigger Inker
M
69
Chuck Down
D
68
L
70 or 76
Chuck Home
Reply
SUMMIT10K
This driver waits for an SRQ for an operation completed.
With Summit Software version 2.10, the F10 key enables
Remote mode. This prober uses the following settings.
• COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL: GPIB
• COMMAND SET: native
• DISP REMOTE CMDS: off
• BUS ADDRESS: any
• TIMEOUT: 30.0
• CONTROL MODE: remote
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SUSS PA 150, PA 200
The SUSS ProberBench Interface developed by Karl Suss for
IC-CAP is provided as a convenience, but is not supported
by Agilent Technologies. The prober driver supports all
functions described in “External Prober User Functions” on
page 155 and “Internal Prober Functions” on page 159 except
prober_spoll(), prober_get_srq(), and prober_wait_srq(). In
addition to these IC-CAP functions, you can use the complete
ProberBench command set (150 functions) to enhance
operation. For information on these functions, refer to the
ProberBench User Manual. For information on writing macros
to control the prober, refer to “Writing a Macro” on page 185.
The SUSS PA 150 and PA 200 Semiautomatic Probers utilize
a Microsoft Windows-based user interface running on an
IBM-compatible PC. The IC-CAP environment communicates
with the prober via a macro over the IEEE 488 bus.
The required PC IEEE488 control hardware is: IOtech
Personal488/AT.
The PC configuration must use the following values for the
settings shown; all other settings use default values:
IC-CAP Reference
Interface Type:
GP488B
Name:
IEEE
IEEE Bus Address:
22
System Controller:
Off
Time-out (ms):
3000
Interface Bus Address:
02E1
DMA Channel:
None
Interrupt:
None
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Prober Driver Test Program
This section describes the prober test program testprob,
which is provided with C source code. This program runs
independently from IC-CAP and interactively calls driver
functions to test an Agilent-supplied or a custom driver.
The file for this program is located in $ICCAP_ROOT/src and
is called testprob.c. It includes the test program main. The
Makefile offers an option to build this test program. This
program is linked with prober.o, iceswn.o, icedil.o, a GPIB
library to exercise both prober and switching matrix drivers.
If testprob has been rebuilt with a custom driver, use an
absolute path to specify the new testprob because
$ICCAP_ROOT/bin has another, original testprob executable.
The testprob executable is an interactive program that gets
user input from its stdin and calls an appropriate driver
function, then prints out the return value(s) of the driver
function to the Status window.
The run_testprob script properly sets your shared library
lookup path and runs ./testprob if it exists, otherwise it runs
$ICCAP_ROOT/bin/testprob. Therefore, you should use the
run_testprob script to run testprob. Make sure
$ICCAP_ROOT is properly set in your environment, then
type run_testprob.
An actual prober (matrix) must be connected to a raw GPIB
device file in order to perform driver (matrix) tests. Off-line
testing is not available with this program.
This program expects to see a function name and its
arguments as if they appeared in an IC-CAP Macro program.
However an argument list cannot include another function,
that is, nesting is not allowed.
A command example is:
Prober_init(1, 0, “EG1034X”, “hpib”)
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The currently supported functions are shown next.
NO TE
Connect
Prober_debug
FNPort
Prober_init
Pdown
Prober_reset
Phome
Prober_status
Pimove
Pscale
Pink
Pup
Pmove
SWM_debug
Porig
SWM_init
Ppos
Wait
Any line starting with # is treated as a comment and is ignored. A blank
line is skipped (this is helpful when a file is used to supply input to this
program).
Because this test program is not a real Macro interpreter, it
has the following restrictions:
• No control constructs
• No variables
• No nesting of functions
• No function library other than the prober and matrix
driver
• No capability to execute IC-CAP Macro programs.
Because nesting is not supported, the Connect function
needs a port address such as 32701 instead of FNPort(1).
Refer to the HP 4062UX Programming Reference for more
information about port addresses.
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Matrix Drivers
A matrix driver is a set of USERC functions designed to
control the switching matrices through an HP 4084
controller from an IC-CAP Macro program. The matrix
driver supports the matrices listed in Table 48.
External user functions and internal design functions are
described in this section. They are designed to be compatible
with HP 4062UX TIS where possible.
Source files for this matrix driver are iceswm.h and
iceswm.c. The header file iceswm.h is included in userc.c so
that the function names can appear in the Function List of
IC-CAP.
Source code is provided with this open interface.
Table 48
Types of Matrix Drivers
Matrix
Controller
Pins
Device
HP 4085A
HP 4084A
48
HP 4062A and HP 4062B
HP 4085B
HP 4084B
48
HP 4062C and HP 4062UX
HP 4089A
HP 4084B
96
same as above, with 2 controllers
External Matrix Driver User Functions
This section describes the matrix driver external user
functions.
SWM_debug This function takes 1 argument and sets the
internal debug flag. When the argument is 1, debugging
information is printed out to the Status window; when the
argument is 0, printing is turned off. It always returns 0.
This function does not exist in TIS. An example call is:
x = SWM_debug(1)
Every function looks at this flag and prints out any GPIB
commands it is going to send, or a string it just received
from a matrix controller.
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SWM_init This function takes 2 GPIB addresses, a matrix
name, and a raw GPIB interface name to which the matrix
is connected. The first GPIB address is for the block 1
(usually 19) and the second is for the block 2 (22). However,
a different address can be assigned for each matrix
controller. For the HP 4085A and HP 4085B (both 48-pin
systems), the second address is used as the controller
address, and the first address is ignored. It returns 0 when
successful and −1 when it fails. This function does not exist
in TIS. An example call is:
x = SWM_init (19, 22, “HP4089A”, “hpib”); ! for 96-pin
or
x = SWM_init (0, 22, “HP4085B”, “hpib”);
! for 48-pin
This function checks the matrix type and sets the internal
type flag for subsequent matrix calls. It closes its private
entity id from a previous matrix access (when it exists), and
opens the given raw GPIB device file. Then it calls an
internal function swm_init_unit to reset a controller. This
clears all pins and ports.
Connect This function takes a port address and a pin
number and connects the given port to the pin. The port
address is either 0 or from 32701 to 32711, inclusive. The
pin number is 0 or from 1 to 48/96 inclusive. When a pin
card does not exist for the given pin number, it gives an
error message and aborts the Macro execution.
An example call is:
x = Connect(32701, 25);
This function sends GPIB commands to the matrix controller
and either connects or disconnects the specified port and
pin. The following table lists argument combinations.
Table 49
IC-CAP Reference
Argument Combinations
Port Address
Pin Number
Description
0
0
Disconnect all pins from all ports.
0
X
Disconnect pin X from its connected port.
X
0
Disconnect all pins connected to port X.
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Table 49
Argument Combinations
Port Address
Pin Number
Description
X
Y
Connect port X to pin Y.
As in TIS, multiple pins can be connected to 1 port by
calling this function several times. Pin numbers 1 through 48
belong to block 1; pin numbers 49 through 96 belong to
block 2. When a 96-pin matrix is used, do not connect block
1 and block 2 pins to 1 single port. Because this function
does not include switching delay, allow enough wait time
before and after measurement to prevent relay damage.
Virtual Front Panel (VFP) is not supported.
FNPort This function takes a port number and returns a
port address for Connect. This allows compatibility with the
HP 4062UX. An example call is:
port = FNPort(1);
Wait This function takes a wait time, in seconds, to give a
necessary delay to wait until SMU outputs become zero for
dry switching. This function does not exist in TIS. It returns
0 when successful or −1 when it fails. An example call is:
x = Wait (0.1) ! 100ms delay;
Internal Matrix Driver Functions
The internal functions described next support the user
functions. Refer to the source file for each algorithm.
swm_connect_pin This function takes a GPIB address of a
controller, a port number, and a pin number. It sends a Pin
Connect command to the controller, and is called from
swm_connect (Connect) to actually perform the pin
connection and disconnection.
swm_connect_port This function takes a GPIB address and a
port number to send a Port Connect command to the
controller, which manages input relays of an HP 4089A
matrix.
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swm_cut_port_pin This function takes a GPIB address and a
pin number to cut the pin connection when a 96-pin matrix
is used. It also checks if the port to which the pin was
connected can be turned off; if it can (both Force and Guard
are off), it turns off this port.
NO TE
When a switching matrix controller shares a single GPIB with other
instruments, set the system variable INST_START_ADDR to a value
greater than the matrix controller’s GPIB address. This prevents IC-CAP
from accessing the controller while performing Rebuild (instrument list).
swm_init_unit This function takes a file designator (or eid,
a small integer usually obtained by calling the open system
function) and a GPIB address of a matrix controller. It is
called from swm_init to initialize a controller and clear all
pins and ports for which the controller is responsible.
swm_parse_err This function takes a status byte sent from a
matrix controller and determines the cause of an SRQ. If
there is no error, it returns 0 to allow the caller to keep
running. If there is an error, it returns −1 to abort the
execution of the caller.
swm_release_port This function takes a GPIB address and a
port number to send a Port Disconnect command to the
controller only when a 96-pin matrix is used. Because block
1 and block 2 pins should not be connected to a single port,
a disconnect request such as Connect(32701, 0) not only cuts
the connection between a port and a pin, but also
disconnects the input relays of the port.
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Using IC-CAP with B2200A/B2201 Low-Leakage Mainframe Driver
This section describes the transforms implemented for the
B2200A/B2201 Low-Leakage Mainframe Driver.
List of the transforms:
• B2200_bias_card_enable
• B2200_bias_ch_enable
• B2200_bias_enable
• B2200_bias_init
• B2200_close_interface
• B2200_connect
• B2200_couple_enable
• B2200_couple_setup
• B2200_debug
• B2200_disconnect_card
• B2200_GPIB_handler
• B2200_ground_card_enable
• B2200_ground_enable
• B2200_ground_init
• B2200_ground _outch_enable
• B2200_ground _unused_inputs
• B2200_init
• B2200_open_interface
The following sections describe these transforms. For more
details about the Agilent B2200A/B2201A, see its User
Guide.
Utility Functions
B2200_debug When set to 1, prints out all command strings
sent to the instrument. This flag is common to all B2200A’s
on the bus, regardless of their GPIB address.
B2200_debug(<flag>)
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where:
<flag> is "1", "0", "Yes", or "No".
B2200_close_interface Closes the current interface, which
was opened by calling B2200_open_interface().
B2200_GPIB_handler Returns -1 if the interface has not been
initialized (invalid handler). Returns a positive integer
(handler) if the interface has been opened.
Returns the current interface handler. The function is
provided as a utility function, which enables you to write
advanced PEL code to write and read data to the B2200A
using the HPIB_write and HPIB_read functions. Initializing
the handler using B2200_open_interface enables you to use
B2200A's built-in driver functions as well as writing PEL
code to support other features that are not currently
supported by the built-in functions, all in the same PEL
code.
Initialization and General Configuration
B2200_open_interface Opens and initializes the GPIB
interface and must be run first in the PEL program. The
interface handler is saved in a static variable so that the
interface will be shared by all the other B2200's function
calls. You can drive multiple B2200 instruments as long as
they are on the same interface bus (obviously, they must
have different addresses).
B2200_open_interface(<Interface Name>)
where:
<Interface Name> is the name of the GPIB interface.
B2200_init Must be run first in the PEL program to
initialize the instrument and set the configuration mode.
When the instrument is in AUTO configuration mode and
multiple plug-in cards are installed in the B2200 slots from
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slot 1 continuously, the installed cards are then treated as
one card (numbered 0). This function resets all the settings
to factory default before setting the configuration mode.
This function also sets the default connection rule for the
specified card. When the connection rule is FREE (default
mode), each input port can be connected to multiple output
ports and each output port can be connected to multiple
input ports. When the connection is SINGLE, each input port
can be connected to only one output. Connection sequence
specifies the open/close sequence of the relays when
changing from an existing connection to a new connection.
B2200_init(<addr>,<cardNumber>,<config>,<connectionRule>,
<connectionSequence>)
where:
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<cardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, or 4.
<config> is "AUTO" or "NORMAL" (string input).
<connectionRule> is "FREE" or "SINGLE".
<connectionSequence> is "NSEQ", "BBM", or "MBBR".
• NSEQ (No SEQuence): Disconnect old route, connect
new route.
• BBM (Break Before Make): Disconnect old route, wait,
connect new route.
• MBBR (Make Before BReak): Connect new route, wait,
disconnect old route.
Transforms Governing the Bias Mode
B2200_bias_init Selects the Input Bias Port for the specified
card. The Input Bias Port is the dedicated bias port.
B2200_bias_init(<addr>, <CardNumber>, <InputBiasPort>)
where:
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
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<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, or 4.
<InputBiasPort> is 1 to 14 (numeric input) or −1 to
disable bias port.
B2200_bias_ch_enable This function bias-enables specific
output ports in the channel list for the specified card. The
input ports specified in the channel list are ignored since
the input port is always the Bias Input Port. By default, all
the outputs are bias-enabled after a reset.
B2200_bias_ch_enable(<addr>,<CardNumber>,<State>,<Channel list>)
where:
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, or 4.
<State> is the output port's state (allowed values are
"ENABLE", "DISABLE", "E", or "D")
<Channel list> is the list of channels, known as connection
routes. Example channel list: (@10102, 10203,
10305:10307)
B2200_bias_card_enable This function bias-enables all the
output ports of the specified card. By default, all ports are
bias-enabled after a reset.
B2200_bias_card_enable(<addr>, <CardNumber>, <CardState>)
where:
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, or 4.
<CardState> is the card output port's state (allowed values
are "ENABLE", "DISABLE", "E", or "D").
B2200_bias_enable Enables the bias mode for the specified
card once Input Bias Port and Enabled Output ports are
specified. When Bias Mode is ON, the Input Bias Port is
connected to all Bias Enabled output ports that are not
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connected to any other input ports. Bias Disabled output
ports are never connected to an Input Bias Port when Bias
Mode is ON.
If another input port is disconnected from a bias enabled
output port, this port is automatically connected to the
Input Bias Port.
If another input port is connected to a Bias Enabled output
port, the output port is automatically disconnected from the
Bias Input Port. When Bias Mode is OFF, the Input Bias
Port is the same as the other ports.
B2200_bias_enable(<addr>, <CardNumber>, <mode>)
where:
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, or 4.
<mode> is "On", "Off", "1", or "0".
Transforms Governing the Ground Mode
B2200_ground_init Selects the input Ground Port for the
specified card. For each card, you can specify the same or a
different Ground Port. By default, the input Ground Port is
port 12. The ground port should be connected to 0 V output
voltage. See the Agilent B2200 User's Guide for details.
B2200_ground_init(<addr>,<CardNumber>,<InputGroundPort>)
where:
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, or 4.
<InputGroundPort> is 1 to 14 (numeric input) or −1 to
disable ground port.
B2200_ground _outch_enable Ground-enables or
ground-disables output ports. When Ground Mode is turned
ON, the ground-enabled output ports that have not been
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connected to any other input port are connected to the
input ground port. The input ports specified in channel lists
are ignored since the input port is always the Input Ground
Port. By default, all the outputs are ground-disabled after a
reset.
B2200_ground _outch_enable(<addr>,<CardNumber>,<State>,
<Channel list>)
where:
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, or 4.
<State> is the port's state (allowed values are "ENABLE",
"DISABLE", "E", or "D").
<Channel list> is the list of channels, known as connection
routes. Example channel list: (@10102, 10203,
10305:10307)
B2200_ground _unused_inputs Specifies the ground-enabled
(or unused) input ports for the specified card. When Ground
Mode is turned ON, the ground-enabled input ports that
have not been connected to any other port are connected to
the input Ground Port. By default, all the inputs are
ground-disabled after a reset.
B2200_ground _unused_inputs(<addr>,<CardNumber>,<Input Channels>)
where:
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, 4.
<Input Channels> is the list of input channels (e.g., "1, 2,
5"). Only input ports 1 to 8 can be defined as unused
(these are the input Kelvin Ports).
B2200_ground_card_enable Enables ground-enabling for all
the output ports of the specified card. By default, all ports
are ground-disabled.
B2200_ground_card_enable(<addr>,<CardNumber>,<CardState>)
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where:
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, or 4.
<CardState> is the card output port's state (allowed values
are "ENABLE", "DISABLE", "E", or "D").
B2200_ground_enable Enables the bias mode for the
specified card. When Ground Mode is turned ON, the Input
Ground Port (default is 12) is connected to all the Ground
Enabled input/output ports that have not been connected to
any other port. At Reset, Ground Mode is OFF. Ground
Mode cannot be turned ON when Bias Mode is ON.
See the Agilent B2200 User's Guide for additional comments
and restrictions.
B2200_ground_enable(<addr>, <CardNumber>, <mode>)
where:
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, 4.
<mode> is "On", "Off", "1", or "0".
Transforms Governing the Couple Mode
B2200_couple_enable Use this function to enable or disable
Couple Port mode. Couple Port mode allows synchronized
connection of two adjacent input ports to two adjacent
output ports.
B2200_couple_enable(<addr>, <CardNumber>, <Mode>)
where:
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, or 4.
<mode> is "On", "Off", "1", or "0".
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2
B2200_couple_setup Selects the couple ports for Kelvin
connections. At Reset, no input ports are coupled.
B2200_couple_setup(<addr>,<CardNumber>,<ListOfCoupledPorts>)
where:
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, or 4.
<ListOfCoupledPorts> is the list of odd number input
channels (e.g., "1, 3, 5" means coupled ports are 1-2, 3-4,
5-6).
Transforms Governing the Switching
B2200_connect Connects or disconnects specified channels.
Bias Mode and coupling Mode are also taken into account
when a channel is closed or opened.
For example, in the list (@10102, 10203:10205), the following
channels are connected or disconnected on card 1. Input
port 1 to output port 2. Input port 2 to output port 3 and 5.
B2200_connect(<addr>,<Connect/Disconnect>,<ChannelList>)
where:
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<Connect/Disconnect> is C or D.
<ChannelList> is the list of connections to close.
B2200_disconnect_card
specified cards.
Opens all relays or channels in the
B2200_disconnect_card(<addr>, <CardNumber>)
where:
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, or 4.
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Using IC-CAP with the HP 5250A Matrix Driver
This section describes the transforms implemented for the
HP 5250A Switching Matrix.
NO TE
The old switching box transforms that were implemented for the HP 40XX
series are not compatible with the new ones. The instruments have
different commands for switching and the 5250A has new features such
as BIAS and COUPLE modes, which were not available for the old 40XX
series.
List of the transforms:
• HP5250_debug
• HP5250_init
• HP5250_card_config
• HP5250_bias_init
• HP5250_bias_card
• HP5250_bias_channel
• HP5250_bias_setmode
• HP5250_couple_setup
• HP5250_couple_enable
• HP5250_connect
• HP5250_disconnect_card
• HP5250_compensate_cap
• HP5250_show()
The following sections describe these transforms. For more
details about the HP 5250A, see its User Guide.
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Utility Functions
HP5250_debug This transform is only for debugging. When
the debug flag is set to 1, all the functions print out all the
command strings that are sent to the instruments. Set flag
using the values 1 or 0, or use YES or NO.
HP5250_debug(<flag>)
HP5250_compensate_cap This transform is the equivalent
IC-CAP C routine for the HP BASIC capacitance
compensation routine called Ccompen_5250 supplied with
the HP 5250A. It returns a 2 by 1 matrix (2 rows, 1 column)
defined as follows:
• output.11 represents compensated capacitance data [F].
• output.21 represents compensated conductance data [S].
HP5250_compensate_cap (RawCap, RawCond, Freq, HPTriaxLenght,
UserTriaxLenghtHigh, UserTriaxLenghtLow, UserCoaxLenghtHigh,
UserCoaxLenghtLow)
where:
RawCap is Input Dataset containing raw capacitance data
[F]
RawCond is the Input Dataset containing raw
conductance data [S]
Freq is the measured frequency [Hz]
HPTriaxLenght is the HP Triax Cable Length [m]
UserTriaxLenghtHighis the user Triax Cable Length
(High) [m]
UserTriaxLenghtLow is the user Triax Cable Length
(Low) [m]
UserCoaxLenghtHigh is the user Coax Cable Length
(High) [m]
UserCoaxLenghtLow is the user Coax Cable Length (Low)
[m]
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HP5250_show() This transform has no inputs. It returns to
the standard output (screen or file) the following data about
the instrument status:
• Instrument Name
• Instrument Configuration (AUTO/NORMAL).
The following information is output for each card installed in
the instrument (card 0 if the instrument is in auto
configuration mode):
• Connection mode
• Connection sequence
• Input Bias Port
• Enabled Output Bias Ports
• Bias Sate (ON/OFF)
• Coupled Input Ports (only lower number is listed, e.g.,
“3,5” means ports 3 and 4 are coupled
• Couple Port Mode (ON/OFF)
• Connection Matrix Inputs(10)xOutputs(12,24,36, or48). The
following table shows an output example of the Channel
Matrix State where Card 1 is a 10x12 matrix switch. A
“1” in a matrix cell means the connection is closed.
Output Ports
180
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
1
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Input
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Ports
5
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
8
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
9
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
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Initialization and General Configuration
HP5250_init This transform must be run first to initialize
the instrument with the address and interface. Using this
transform the configuration mode can be set to AUTO. When
the instrument is in AUTO configuration mode the same type
of card must be installed in the HP 5250 slots from slot 1
continuously. The installed cards are then treated as 1 card
(numbered 0).
HP5250_init (BusAddress, "Interface", "Configuration")
where
BusAddress is interface bus address (default is 22)
"Interface" is interface name (default is hpib)
"Configuration" is AUTO/NORMAL A/N (default is
NORMAL)
HP5250_card_config This transform is used to change the
default configuration for the specified card. When the
connection rule is FREE (default mode), each input port can
be connected to multiple output ports and each output port
can be connected to multiple input ports. When the
connection is SINGLE, each input port can be connected to
only 1 output. Connection sequence specifies the open/close
sequence of the relays when changing from an existing
connection to a new connection.
HP5250_card_config (CardNumber, "ConnRule", "ConnSequence")
where
CardNumber specifies the card (0 for AUTO configuration
mode)
"ConnRule" is FREE/SINGLE (default is FREE)
"ConnSequence" is NSEQ/BBM/MBBR (default is BBM)
• NSEQ (No SEQuence): Disconnect old route, connect
new route.
• BBM (Break Before Make): Disconnect old route, wait,
connect new route.
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• MBBR (Make Before BReak): Connect new route, wait,
disconnect old route.
Transforms Governing the Bias Mode
HP5250_bias_init This transform selects the bias port. When
using the HP/Agilent E5255A card, the Input Bias Port is the
dedicated bias port; however, for the HP/Agilent E5252A the
Input Bias Port must be selected using this function.
HP5250_bias_init(CardNumber, InputBiasPort)
where
Card Number specifies the card (allowed values 0-4, 0 =
auto configuration mode)
InputBiasPort specifies the input bias port number
(allowed values are 1-10)
HP5250_bias_card This transform bias-enables all the output
ports for the specified card.
HP5250_bias_card(CardNumber, "CardState")
where
CardNumber specifies the card (allowed values 0-4, 0 =
auto configuration mode)
"CardState" is the card’s state (allowed values are
ENABLE/DISABLE or E/D)
HP5250_bias_channel This transform bias-enables the
specified output ports in the channel list. Note that the
input ports are ignored since the input port is always the
Bias Input Port.
HP5250_bias_channel ("State", "Channel list")
where
"State" is the output port’s state (allowed values are
ENABLE/DISABLE or E/D)
"Channel list" is the list of channels, known as connection
routes
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Example channel list: (@10102, 10203, 10305:10307)
HP5250_bias_setmode This transform enables the bias mode
for the specified card once Input Bias Port and Enabled
Output ports have been specified.
HP5250_bias_setmode (CardNumber, "BiasMode")
where
CardNumber specifies the card (allowed values 0-4, 0 =
auto configuration mode)
"BiasMode" sets the bias mode on or off (allowed values
are ON/OFF or 1/0)
When Bias Mode is ON, the Input Bias Port is connected to
all the Bias Enabled output ports that are not connected to
any other input ports. Bias Disabled output ports are never
connected to an Input Bias Port when Bias Mode is ON.
• If another input port is disconnected from a bias enabled
output port, this port is automatically connected to the
Input Bias Port.
• If another input port is connected to a Bias Enabled
output port, the output port is automatically disconnected
from the Bias Input port.
When Bias Mode is OFF, the Input Bias Port is the same as
the other ports.
Transforms Governing the Couple Mode
HP5250_couple_setup This transform sets up couple ports
for making kelvin connections.
HP5250_couple_setup (CardNumber, "InputPorts")
where
CardNumber specifies the card (allowed values 0-4, 0 =
auto configuration mode)
"InputPorts" is the list of coupled ports
Example: In the list "1,3,5,7,9" the coupled ports are 1-2,
3-4, 5-6, 7-8, 9-10
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HP5250_couple_enable This transform enables couple port
mode. Couple port allows synchronized connection of 2
adjacent input ports to 2 adjacent output ports.
HP5250_couple_enable (CardNumber, "CoupleState")
where
CardNumber specifies the card (allowed values 0-4, 0 =
auto configuration mode)
"CoupleState" is the coupled state (allowed values are
ON/OFF or 1/0)
Transforms Governing the Switching
HP5250_connect This transform connects or disconnects
specified channels. Note that Bias Mode and/or coupling
Mode are also taken into account when a channel is closed
or opened.
HP5250_connect ("Action", "Channel list")
where
"Action" connects or disconnects channels (allowed values
are C and D)
"Channel list" is the list of connection routes to be
switched
Example: In the list (@10102, 10203:10205), the following
channels are connected or disconnected on card 1:
Input port 1 to output port 2.
Input port 2 to output port 3, 4, and 5.
HP5250_disconnect_card This transform simply opens all
relays or channels in the specified cards.
HP5250_disconnect_card (CardNumber)
where
CardNumber specifies the card (allowed values 0-4, 0 =
auto configuration mode)
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Using IC-CAP with HP 4062UX and Prober/Matrix Drivers
This section describes how to use HP 4062UX instruments
and the prober/matrix from IC-CAP for wafer device
characterization. Also included in this section is information
about writing a macro, controlling the prober, and conditions
of which to be aware.
While the HP 4062UX is an ideal instrument for performing
device characterization with IC-CAP, it is necessary to
understand IC-CAP, probers, matrices, and the instruments
under control. IC-CAP is an independent program from
HP 4062UX TIS or VFP. It is not necessary, and can be
damaging, to run the START program before running
IC-CAP. To run IC-CAP after running the START program,
the HP/Agilent 4142B must first be reset manually.
After running the HP 4062UX START program, the
HP/Agilent 4142B is put into its binary mode. Because
IC-CAP assumes that all the instruments to which IC-CAP is
connected accept ASCII commands, IC-CAP cannot recognize
the 4142B. Reset the 4142B by sending a Device Clear or by
turning the instrument off and on again. To send a Device
Clear to the 4142B, use the IC-CAP GPIB analyzer (Tools
menu):
1 In the Instrument Setup Window, choose Tools > Send Byte.
2 Enter the default value 20 and choose OK.
NO TE
Execute the START program to run TIS applications on the HP 4062UX,
similar to a normal power-up.
Writing a Macro
While instruments like the HP/Agilent 4142B and the
HP 4280A are controlled by IC-CAP with Setup tables, both
the wafer prober and the switching matrix must be
controlled through macro programs using the Pxxxxx() and
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Connect() functions. The Setup table defines which
measurement unit is going to force certain output. Users
must perform the following actions:
1 Determine which matrix port needs to be connected to
which matrix pin.
2 Write several Connect() functions in a macro program that
invokes this Setup measurement with a iccap_func()
statement.
The example shown in the following figure involves 4 SMUs
of an HP/Agilent 4142B and measures Id_vs_Vg
characteristics of an NMOS device on a wafer.
! Prober and Matrix Test Program
x = swm_init(19, 22, "HP4085B", "/dev/ice_raw_hpib")
x = connect(fnport(1), 15) ! SMU1 - Drain
x = connect(fnport(2), 7) ! SMU2 - Gate
x = connect(fnport(3), 8) ! SMU3 - Source
x = connect(fnport(4), 6) ! SMU4 - Bulk
x = prober_init(2, 0, "EG2001X", "/dev/ice_raw_hpib")
!
linput "Load Cassette and Press OK", msg
status = prober_status() ! wait until Remote
while (not status[0])
status = prober_status()
endwhile
iccap_func("/nmos2/large/idvg", "Display Plots")
!
x = pscale(8200, 8200)
! test chip die size
x = phome()
! goes to the first die
while (x == 0)
x = porig(0, 0)
! first die coordinates
i = 0
while (i < 5)
! test diagonal 5 dies
x = pdown()
x = pmove(i, i)
x = pup()
print
print "Die Position X=";i;" Y=";i;
iccap_func("/nmos2/large/idvg", "Measure")
iccap_func("/nmos2/large/idvg", "Extract")
i = i + 1
endwhile
x = phome()
! load next wafer
endwhile
if (x == 1) then linput "Cassette Empty. Test End.", msg
x = connect(0, 0)
! disconnect matrix pins
Figure 4
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Sample Wafer Test Program
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Prober Control
Prober control is determined by the number of test modules,
which is either single or multiple per die.
With the Pxxxx functions, it is assumed that there is a
single test module on each die and every test module exists
in the same place relative to its die origin. In this case, it is
easy to control the wafer prober.
The example in Figure 4 shows the size of each die to be
8200 µm × 8200 µm. The operator first indicates to the
prober where the test module is on the first die. Once the
prober is set to find this test module, Pmove() or Pimove()
can step to any die and probe the same test module.
When there are multiple modules per die, every module
position must be calculated in microns and Pscale(1,1) must
be called. You must know each module position relative to
its die origin, and each die position relative to its wafer
origin. You must calculate these numbers to move the wafer
chuck to its correct probing position.
Special Conditions
When using probers and matrices, be aware of the following
conditions:
Interface File A dedicated GPIB interface for a prober is
recommended to avoid unknown effects on other
instruments. However, if the given prober conforms to the
IEEE 488 standard, it is possible to put the prober on the
same GPIB with other instruments. Set the
INST_START_ADDR system variable high enough to protect
the prober from being accessed by the Rebuild (instrument
list) operation.
Interrupt Both prober and matrix functions are simple C
functions called from the Macro interpreter of IC-CAP. It is
possible to interrupt any one of these functions during its
GPIB communication. Therefore, whenever you interrupt the
execution of a Macro program that involves prober or matrix
control, it might be necessary to reset the bus. Prober_init()
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resets its interface bus to clear any pending GPIB
communications with the prober. However, SWM_init() only
sends a Selected Device Clear to the matrix controller. If
necessary, you can reset the measurement bus by choosing
Tools > Interface > Reset.
Bus Lock The HP 4062UX can lock the measurement bus
even when a TIS program is not running. Be sure that the
GPIB for measurement instruments is unlocked when
IC-CAP starts up. The easiest way to ensure this unlocked
condition is to exit the HP BASIC process from which any
HP 4062UX program has been executed. IC-CAP also locks
the measurement bus only during a measurement, which is
similar to “Implicit Locking” of the HP 4062UX.
Measurement Accuracy While the HP 4062UX performs
certain error corrections for its 48- and 96-pin matrices,
IC-CAP does not know about these internal parameters.
Therefore the capacitance measurement accuracy is not
specified when IC-CAP measures a capacitance through a
switching matrix. However, performing a calibration at the
matrix pins should reduce these errors introduced by the
matrix.
NO TE
188
HCU and HVU are not supported by HP 4062UX. Do not use HCU or HVU
with HP 4062UX because their output range exceeds the maximum ratings
of the switching matrix and may cause damage to the switching matrix.
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Adding Instrument Drivers to IC-CAP
Many instruments can measure a device or a circuit. While
IC-CAP supports major HP/Agilent instruments, other
instruments manufactured by HP/Agilent or other vendors
could be used for characterization work within IC-CAP. The
Open Measurement Interface (OMI) is part of IC-CAP’s open
system philosophy that allows the addition of new
instrument drivers.
NO TE
Because creating new drivers requires using C++, you must obtain C++
software that will compile with both your operating system and with
IC-CAP. To determine appropriate software media options and to obtain
the most up-to-date part numbers, consult an appropriate pricing and
configuration guide, or contact your sales representative.
This section provides information about OMI and the basic
form of an OMI driver. Alternatives to creating a new driver
are also addressed.
Using the Open Measurement Interface
The Open Measurement Interface enables you to add drivers
for other instruments. User-added drivers can be
full-featured, fully integrated, and indistinguishable from the
Agilent-provided drivers. Like the Agilent-provided drivers,
they are written using C++. OMI was designed to ensure that
C Language programmers do not experience language
barriers when creating new drivers.
Much of the work necessary to lay out the required code is
performed by a tool kit comprised of Driver Generation
Scripts described in “Adding a Driver” on page 194. These
scripts also write all necessary code for the Instrument Options
editors for a new driver, and all necessary code for the driver to
be included in the Instruments Library shown in the Hardware
Setup window.
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The user is responsible for filling in the bodies of a set of
functions that IC-CAP calls during measurements. A set of
reusable software constructs is provided for accomplishing
common programming tasks; refer to “Programming with C++”
on page 219.
With the first version of the Open Measurement Interface
(IC-CAP version 4.00), only GPIB based instrument I/O is
formally supported.
OMI Guidelines
To use the Open Measurement Interface, the following
qualifications are recommended.
• One year of C programming experience or recent
completion of a good course in C. Familiarity with the use
of struct data types in C (or record data types in
PASCAL) is essential, because C++ classes build upon the
struct concept.
• Experience writing code to control an instrument.
• Familiarity with the particular instrument’s features and
operation.
• A willingness to learn the details of the requests IC-CAP
places on drivers, and the order in which they occur
during principal operations: Measure, Calibrate, and
Rebuild (instrument list).
• A copy of the C++ language system provided by your
computer vendor, including manuals and a license.
Driver Development Concepts
The basic form of user-added drivers involves 1 file with
declarations of data types and functions, and 1 file with
implementations of functions. Because Driver Generation
Scripts are provided, very few modifications to the
declarations file are necessary; work is largely confined to
the function implementations file. The separation of
declarations and implementations is common practice, and
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has been used with User C Functions. The source directory
$ICCAP_ROOT/src is used for OMI compilation, just as it is
for User C Functions.
The default source files for new drivers already contain
example drivers:
• HP 4194: user_meas.hxx and user_meas.cxx
• HP 4140: user_meas2.hxx and user_meas2.cxx
• HP 54510: user_meas3.hxx and user_meas3.cxx
Unless you choose to add files to optimize your compilation
process, the $ICCAP_ROOT/src/Makefile permits the make(1)
command to create an up-to-date IC-CAP executable file
with your latest modifications. This Makefile accounts for the
distinct compilation needs of the C++ and C source files by
invoking the appropriate compiler. By default, make(1)
understands a .cxx suffix to mean C++ compilation, and .c to
mean C compilation; the Open Measurement Interface follows
this convention.
The process for building the shared libraries libicuserc.<ext>
and libicusercxx.<ext> is demonstrated in Figure 5. It is not
necessary to know the details; the make(1) command can
perform the entire process (provided the
$ICCAP_ROOT/src/Makefile is correct).
The user driver files, user_meas.hxx and user_meas.cxx, to
which your driver is added by default, already contain an
example driver. This keeps the facility simple but could slow
your compilation. If you choose to add your code to other
files, adjust the Makefile. Otherwise, do not modify the
Makefile.
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Overall C and C++ Build Process
Modules compiled with the C compiler
Agilent Sources:
icedil.c
iceswm.c
prober.c
userc.c
userc_io.c
(.o file provided)
cc
cc
cc
cc
cc
User-Defined Sources (e.g.):
cc
my_extr.c
icedil.o
iceswm.o
prober.o
userc.o
userc_io.o
pbench.o
cc
libicuserc.sl (or .so)
my_extr.o
Modules compiled with the C++ compiler (Open Measurement Interface)
Agilent Example Sources:
CC
user_meas.cxx
user_meas2.cxx
CC
user_meas3.cxx
CC
user_meas.o
user_meas2.o
user_meas3.o
CC
libicusercxx.sl (or .so)
User-Defined instrument drivers (e.g.):
CC
my_meter.cxx
my_meter.o
ksh: export ICCAP_OPEN_DIR=<path to libicuserc.sl and/or libicusercxx.sl>
csh: setenv ICCAP_OPEN_DIR=<path to libicuserc.sl and/or libicusercxx.sl>
Launch IC-CAP as normal.
Figure 5
NO TE
Flow Diagram for the User Build Process
The pbench.o file is supplied since it is required to build the shared library.
However, the source is not provided, so you cannot modify it.
Additional information is available online in example drivers, header files,
and comments inside the code generated by the driver generation scripts.
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Example Drivers Three example drivers HP 4194, HP 4140,
and HP 54510 can be seen in the Instrument Library in the
Hardware Setup window.
• Source files for the HP 4194 are user_meas.hxx and
user_meas.cxx
• Source files for the HP 4140 are user_meas2.hxx and
user_meas2.cxx
• Source files for the HP 54510 are user_meas3.hxx and
user_meas3.cxx
The information provided by these example drivers should
serve as valuable reference material for adding a new driver.
Header Files Files that are normally modified and
re-compiled, user_meas.hxx and user_meas.cxx, use include
(or header) files. The most important header files are
unit.hxx, user_unit.hxx, instr.hxx, and user_instr.hxx.
These files declare all of the virtual functions for each
driver, and provide information to write (or avoid writing)
each function.
Generated Code and Comments The driver generation scripts
generate both code and comments. Generally, the comments
state what each required function must return, when it is
invoked, and its purpose. Code examples are often provided
that you can use as the basis for the code you must provide.
To access this information, run the scripts. For information,
refer to “Driver Generation Scripts” on page 194.
Binary Byte Order
For information on transferring binary data between an
instrument and IC-CAP, see the README.byteorder file in
the source directory $ICCAP_ROOT/src. It contains
important information with respect to the order of bytes in
a multi-byte number.
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Adding a Driver
The basic steps (details are provided in the paragraphs that
follow) for adding a driver are:
1 Run the Driver Generation Scripts.
2 Fill in functions that control your instrument.
3 Inform IC-CAP of the new instrument type.
4 Build the IC-CAP executable file.
5 Debug the new driver.
Driver Generation Scripts
The driver generation scripts provide a framework of functions
into which a user’s driver code is placed.
mk_unit This script generates code for units in an instrument.
In the case of an HP 4141, for example, there are 8 units,
including 4 DC SMUs, 2 VS and 2 VM units. The HP 4194
example has just 1 unit, which is typical for a CV driver.
A transcript of the mk_unit session used for the HP 4194 driver
is as follows:
$ mk_unit
Enter a name for the unit class for which you want code:
cvu_4194
Enter a name for the instrument class that will use this unit
class: hp4194
Enter the full name of the .hxx file that will declare hp4194
default: user_meas.hxx]:
Enter a name of twelve characters or less; the emitted code
will be appended to .cxx and .hxx files with this basename
[default: user_meas]:
Done. C++ code was added to user_meas.hxx and user_meas.cxx.
You should re-run mk_unit if more unit types are needed.
Otherwise, you probably need to run mk_instr now.
You must supply the name of 2 C++ classes. A class is a name for
a user-defined C++ type and is like a struct in C. The mk_unit
script uses your chosen class names throughout the generated
code. In this example a unit class name (cvu_4194) was chosen
to denote CV Unit in a 4194, and an instrument class name
(hp4194) was chosen to reflect the name of the instrument. Try
to select class names in the same style. Class names should be
meaningful and specific, since this helps to avoid name
collisions during compilation. Use, for example, a suffix relating
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to the instrument or company. Do not hesitate to take
advantage of the fact that the C and C++ compilers generally
accept very long names. The use of long descriptive names helps
prevent compilation or linking problems due to name collisions.
If the instrument has more than 1 kind of unit to drive, like
the HP 4141, run mk_unit repeatedly. If it has several
identical units, do not re-run mk_unit. Identical units can
be taken into account after running mk_instr.
mk_instr This script generates code for instrument-wide
functionality in a driver, such as calibration, self-test, and
getting the instrument recognized during Rebuild
(instrument list).
A transcript of the mk_instr session used for the HP 4194
driver is:
$ mk_instr
Enter the name of the instrument class for which you want
code: hp4194
Enter a name of twelve characters or less; the emitted code
will be appended to .cxx and .hxx files with this basename
[default: user_meas]:
Done. C++ code was added to user_meas.hxx and user_meas.cxx.
Now you can go take a look at user_meas.cxx, and start doing
the real work.
NOTE: in user_meas.cxx you may eventually need to add
#include statements to ensure that user_meas.cxx sees the
class declarations of any unit classes used by hp4194.
Disregard this if the necessary unit declarations appear at
the beginning of user_meas.hxx.(The mk_unit script should
generally have put them there.)
You WILL need to declare some units in the class declaration
of hp4194 in user_meas.hxx (see comments therein).
After running this script, you generally need to run
mk_instr_ui next.
This script requires the class name hp4194 to be repeated
again, exactly as it was entered in mk_unit. (In your own
driver, use another class name besides hp4194, but repeat
the same instrument class name when each script asks for
it.)
The script mentions the need to declare some units, which
is accomplished by manual edits to the user_meas.hxx file;
for example
cvu_4194* cv_unit ;
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accomplishes that for the HP 4194 driver in the file
user_meas.hxx file. If the HP 4194 had 2 identical CV units
available, this declaration might have been
cvu_4194* cv_unit_1 ;
cvu_4194* cv_unit_2 ;
mk_instr_ui This script generates code that fully implements
the Instrument Options tables appearing in Setups that use
the instrument driver. Within these tables, an IC-CAP
operator can specify such things as Delay Time, Integration
Time, and other instrument-specific options. Because this
script completely writes out the necessary C++ code for this
user interface functionality, it asks more questions than the
previous scripts.
A transcript of the mk_instr_ui session used for the
HP 4194 driver is:
$ mk_instr_ui
NOTE: valid types for editor fields are these:
{ real | int | char | boolean | string }
Enter the name of the instrument class for which you want UI
code: hp4194
Enter a name of twelve characters or less; the emitted code
will be appended to .cxx and .hxx files with this basename
[default: user_meas]:
Enter the label for an editor field (or enter a null string
if no more fields are desired): Use User Sweep
Enter a type for editor field ’Use User Sweep’ [h for help] :
boolean
Enter an initial value for this field [ 0 or 1 ] : 0
Enter the label for an editor field (or enter a null string
if no more fields are desired): Hold Time
Enter a type for editor field "Hold Time" [h for help] : real
Enter the minimum legal value for this field: 0
Enter the maximum legal value for this field: HUGE
Enter a granularity value (for rounding this field; 0 for no
rounding): 0
Enter an initial value for this field: 0
Enter the label for an editor field (or enter a null string
if no more fields are desired): Delay Time
Enter a type for editor field "Delay Time" [h for help] :
real
Enter the minimum legal value for this field: 0
Enter the maximum legal value for this field: 3600
Enter a granularity value (for rounding this field; 0 for no
rounding): 0
Enter an initial value for this field: 0
Enter the label for an editor field (or enter a null string
if no more fields are desired): Meas Freq
Enter a type for editor field "Meas Freq" [h for help] :
Sorry, "" is not a valid type.
The valid types are: { real | int | char | boolean | string }
Enter a type for editor field "Meas Freq" [h for help] : real
Enter the minimum legal value for this field: 100
Enter the maximum legal value for this field: 100e6
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Enter a granularity value (for rounding this field; 0 for no
rounding): 1
Enter an initial value for this field: 1e6
Enter the label for an editor field (or enter a null string
if no more fields are desired): Integ Time
Enter a type for editor field "Integ Time" [h for help] :
char
This field will force the user to enter one character, from
within a set of valid characters you will specify now.
Example set of valid characters: TFYN
Enter the set of character values that this field can take
on: SML
Enter whether this field should force user input to
uppercase [y/n]: y
Enter an initial value for this field: S
Enter the label for an editor field (or enter a null string
if no more fields are desired): Osc Level [.01-1Vrms]
Enter a type for editor field "Osc Level [.01-1Vrms]"
[h for help] : real
Enter the minimum legal value for this field: .01
Enter the maximum legal value for this field: 1
Enter a granularity value (for rounding this field; 0 for no
rounding): 0 Enter an initial value for this field: .01
Enter the label for an editor field (or enter a null string
if no more fields are desired): Averages [1-256]
Enter a type for editor field "Averages [1-256]" [h for help]
: int
Enter the minimum legal value for this field: 1
Enter the maximum legal value for this field: 256
Enter an initial value for this field: 1
Enter the label for an editor field (or enter a null string
if no more fields are desired): Delay for Timeouts
Enter a type for editor field "Delay for Timeouts"
[h for help] : real
Enter the minimum legal value for this field: 0
Enter the maximum legal value for this field: HUGE
Enter a granularity value (for rounding this field; 0 for no
rounding): 0
Enter an initial value for this field: 0
Enter the label for an editor field (or enter a null string
if no more fields are desired):
Done. All necessary C++ UI code was added to user_meas.hxx
and user_meas.cxx.
From the nature of the questions in this script, this process
defines an editor table for the instrument. The table offers
some advanced features, such as constraining the type and
the range of values that an operator can enter in each field.
Running the Scripts on Windows
To run the mk_instr, mk_unit, and mk_instr_ui scripts on
Windows, first edit the file $ICCAP_ROOT/bin/icrun.bat. You
must set ICCAP_ROOT accordingly by modifying the line:
SET ICCAP_ROOT=<Path to IC-CAP>
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for example if you installed IC-CAP at C:\Agilent\
ICCAP_2006B, edit the file to read
SET ICCAP_ROOT=C:\Agilent\ICCAP_2006B
Once this is set, simply change <name> below to mk_instr,
mk_unit, or mk_instr_ui to run those scripts.
icrun <name>
Running the Scripts on UNIX
This section contains information about running the scripts,
questions asked by the script, and the form of user
responses.
• They are invoked as UNIX commands. Execute cd
$ICCAP_ROOT/src unless you just want to experiment
with the scripts in another directory like /tmp. The cd
command ensures that the code goes where the Makefile
expects.
• Make backup copies of user_meas.hxx and user_meas.cxx
before starting to use the scripts.
• The scripts are run in order: mk_unit, mk_instr, and
mk_instr_ui. Running the scripts out of order may cause
compilation errors when the compiler encounters types,
classes, or variables before they are properly declared.
• All the scripts prompt you with a series of questions. The
effect of the scripts is to write C++ code onto the end of
the user_meas.hxx header file and the user_meas.cxx
implementation file.
Plan your response by reviewing the transcripts and
comments presented previously for each script to avoid
re-running the script. Multiple passes by the scripts could
put declarations into user_meas.hxx more than once
causing error messages from the scripts or a compile-time
message such as error 1113: class <some_class_name>
defined twice. To re-run the script, restore user_meas.hxx
and user_meas.cxx to the same state as they appear on
the IC-CAP product media.
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• When providing real number values to mk_instr_ui supply
values that a C compiler will accept. The engineering
notation accepted by IC-CAP’s PEL interpreter, such as
15meg, or 2k, is not accepted by the compiler. Examples
of acceptable real numbers are:
1.0
10.5e6
HUGE (a constant from /usr/include/math.h)
• granularity as used in real fields, refers to a flexible
rounding feature. For example, if your instrument has an
option Osc Level for which the instrument has only
10 mV resolution, enter granularity as 10e-3. The
Instrument Options editor then protects the IC-CAP
operator from entering values the instrument can’t
support.
The scripts require you to fill in functions in user_meas.cxx.
They also require a few minor adjustments in
user_meas.hxx. These adjustments are:
• The instrument class should declare any units owned by
the instrument. This is discussed under mk_instr.
• You may encounter compilation errors when unit and
instrument functions attempt access to each other’s data
members, since this violates normal C++ access rules. For
example, in user_meas.cxx, in hp4194::init_instr(), a
function of the hp4194 class accesses a data member of
the cvu_4194 class with this statement: cv_unit ->
oscillator_on = 1 ;
A typical compiler error message would be:
error 1299: init_instr() cannot access
cvu_4194::oscillator_on:
private member
One way to remedy this is to let the unit and instrument
class declare each other as friends. For example, the
declarations
friend class cvu_4194 ;
and
friend class hp4194 ;
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in user_meas.hxx, permit the hp4194 functions to access
the cvu_4194 data members, and vice-versa.
Filling in Necessary Functions
After running the scripts, you must write the body portions
of the functions added to user_meas.cxx. This section
provides hints to help you accomplish this.
For help filling in a function body, look at the declarations
and functions generated by the scripts. These provide
comments explaining the purpose, return value, and
invocation time of each function.
Next look at the declarations and functions of the HP 4194
example driver. This section contains examples of code
accomplishing required tasks. The following manual sections
may also be helpful.
• “Programming with C++” on page 219
• “Order in Which User-Supplied Functions are Called” on
page 229. Provides useful information about the sequence in
which functions are invoked. Decisions must often be made
about which function should perform particular instrument
manipulations; these decisions can be aided by seeing when
each function runs.
• “What Makes up an IC-CAP Driver” on page 207. Explains the
functionality expected in areas such as Calibration and
Hardware Setup Operations. The functions whose bodies
you need to write are grouped in that section by functional
category.
You may want to proceed in stages. For example, start with
Hardware Setup Operations to demonstrate that Rebuild
(instrument list) can find the instrument and display the
driver and instrument in the Hardware window. Then
implement the functions that support Measure. Address
those functions that support Calibrate, if desired. During the
time your driver is partially implemented, compiler warnings
serve as a rough indication of functions not yet
implemented.
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The GPIB analyzer (Tools menu), and especially its macro
features (described elsewhere in this chapter), are helpful
when developing the appropriate sequence of commands to
use with the instrument.
Making a New Instrument Type Known to IC-CAP
Running the mk_instr script makes a new instrument type
known to IC-CAP. The code involves an add_user_driver()
function call, placed in user_meas.cxx by the mk_instr
script.
Creating a New Shared Library
After any series of edits to the source files, you must
generate 1 or 2 new shared libraries to pick up the modified
files. The shared library names are libicuserc.<ext> and
libicusercxx.<ext> where ext is a platform-specific extension.
Use the extension .so for Solaris. The library libicuserc.<ext>
holds C code and is used to add user C functions. The library
libicusercxx.<ext> holds C++ code and is used to add
instruments. The default location of these files on SUN Solaris
2.X is $ICCAP_ROOT/lib/sun2x. When you issue the make
command, you will create a local version of the same file that
includes your modifications. By setting an environment
variable, you can direct IC-CAP to use your new shared library
instead of the default library.
To generate the new shared library:
1 Create a work directory for the source files (for example,
mkdir my_source, and change it to (cd my_source).
2 Copy the set of source files from $ICCAP_ROOT/src to the
new work directory (cp $ICCAP_ROOT/src/* . ).
3 Use the touch command on the *.o files so that all *.c and
*.o files appear to have been created at the same time
(touch *.o). (This step is important for the make
procedure.)
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NO TE
If the drive you’re copying to is NFS mounted, clock skews can result if the
NFS drive’s system has a slightly different system time than the local
system. If you think this might apply to you, first, execute touch * then
execute touch *.o. The first touch synchronizes all files to your local
system’s time; the following touch causes the make system to believe that
all of the .o files were generated later than the source files, so it will not
attempt to rebuild any unnecessary files.
4 Copy your source code to the working directory. Modify
the function add_users_c_funcs() in userc.c to add your C
functions to IC-CAP’s list of functions, and/or modify the
function add_users_drivers() in user_meas.cxx to add
your drivers to IC-CAP’s library of instrument drivers.
Modify the Makefile to add your source code modules to
the list of objects.
5 Issue the make command and debug any compiler errors.
6 Set the environment variable ICCAP_OPEN_DIR to point
to the directory containing the libicuserc.<ext> or
libicusercxx.<ext> file where ext is a platform-specific file
extension (ext is .so on Solaris).
Alternately, if you want to use the new files site wide,
you can replace the original files (after copying to another
name to preserve them) under
$ICCAP_ROOT/lib/<platform>.
7 Start IC-CAP as usual.
Troubleshooting Compiler Errors
The definitive authority on compiler errors is your compiler
documentation. This section offers assistance with some of
the common messages you may encounter when compiling
OMI drivers.
The message
CC: “user_meas.cxx”, line 899: warning: outptr not used (117)
usually indicates that you have not yet filled in a function,
with the result that the function is not using all of its
arguments. In some cases the function may not use all of its
arguments, so the message may not be important.
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Resolution of the message
error 1299: some_unit_func cannot access
some_instr_class_name::some_member: private member
is discussed in “Running the Scripts on Windows” on page 197.
The message
CC: “user_meas.hxx”, line 9: error: class x defined twice (1113)
indicates that the Driver Generation Scripts were probably
run twice.
For help, refer to “Running the Scripts on Windows” on
page 197.
Debugging
This section provides information about debugging driver
code, after iccap.new has been compiled, including the xdb
debugger and GPIB analyzer (Tools menu).
Using the xdb Debugger
The default Makefile arranges for debug information to be
available after linking the executable file. This is done with
the -g flag among the CFLAGS in the Makefile.
The debugger commands described in the following table
should be tried in the order presented.
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IC-CAP Reference
Debugger commands for the xdb debugger
Command
Action
cd $ICCAP_ROOT/src
Changes directories. Debugging works best when the
current directory contains the source files and the
binary.
xdb iccap.new
Starts the debugger.
z 8 isr; z 16 isr ; z 18 isr
Tells the debugger not to interfere with 3 signals
managed by other parts of iccap.new.
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Table 50
204
Debugger commands for the xdb debugger
Command
Action
r bjt_npn.mdl
Runs iccap.new, specifying bjt_npn.mdl as a
command line argument. If the debugger stops with a
message such as bad access to child process, ignore
it and enter c to continue.
BREAK or CTRL-C
Suspends iccap.new, to give further debugger
commands. xdb does not execute commands unless
iccap.new is suspended.
v user_meas.cxx
Enables you to view and edit a source file. This
command is helpful for setting breakpoints.
td
Toggle display. Toggles the display mode between
assembly code and C/C++. Use this if the preceding
command displays assembly code on the screen, or if
no code is displayed.
/hp4194::find
Searches forward (as in vi) to view the source for the
function hp4194::find_instr().
v nnn
Enables you to view line nnn at the center of the
screen where nnn is the line number you want to
view.
b
Sets a breakpoint at the line currently centered on the
screen. Sometimes the debugger chooses another
nearby line, especially if the currently centered line is
blank, or is only a declaration statement. When
iccap.new resumes running, the debugger stops
iccap.new whenever this line of code is about to be
executed. You may set several breakpoints.
b nnn
Similar to the last command. Sets a breakpoint at line
nnn where nnn is the line number you specify.
Sometimes the debugger chooses another nearby
line, especially if you chose a blank line, or a line with
only a declaration statement.
S
Big step. Steps through 1 line of source code without
stopping inside any procedure calls encountered.
Little
Like S, but this stops inside any debuggable
procedure that is encountered while executing the
line of code.
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Table 50
Debugger commands for the xdb debugger
Command
Action
c
Continues execution of iccap.new.
Execute a menu
function
To reach breakpoints in the driver code, use Measure,
Calibrate, or Rebuild as appropriate. For help in
making this choice, refer to “Order in Which
User-Supplied Functions are Called” on page 229. Be
sure that the function will actually be called if you
want the breakpoint reached.
p address
When the debugger hits a breakpoint in a procedure,
this command prints the value of an argument passed
to the procedure, or a local variable in the procedure.
In this example, the argument/variable is named
address.
p address=23
To assign a new value to an integer variable named
address, employ this special form of the p (print)
command.
p *this\K
Prints the member data of the C++ object in whose
member function the current breakpoint is located.
GPIB Analyzer (Tools menu) and IC-CAP Diagnostics
In addition to xdb, debugging capabilities are built into
IC-CAP.
The GPIB analyzer (Tools menu) in the Hardware Setup
window includes the following features.
• The I-O Screen Debug On menu selection can monitor all
activity on the GPIB bus. Observe the GPIB commands
and responses associated with your driver, as well as
other IC-CAP drivers.
• The analyzer can be used for interactive I/O activities, to
force an instrument state, poll the instrument, or test the
effect of a command.
• Analyzer operations can be collected into a file for macros
for rapidly prototyping the GPIB commands to be used in
a driver. For more information about macro files of this
sort, refer to “GPIB Analyzer” on page 783.
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The generation of IC-CAP diagnostic messages can be
activated by menu functions under Tools in the IC-CAP Main
window.
Alternatives to Creating New Drivers
If you don’t need an instrument driver to be as fully
integrated as HP/Agilent-provided drivers, it may be
worthwhile to consider controlling the instrument by means
less formal than creating a driver using the Open
Measurement Interface.
NO TE
There is an important shortcoming with these suggestions. An IC-CAP
measurement currently provides no mechanism for Program Transforms or
Macros to be invoked at critical times in the interior of the measurement
(for example, at the instant when DC bias levels have just been
established by SMUs, and it is time for a main sweep instrument to
stimulate the DUT and collect data). Use of the Open Measurement
Interface overcomes such limitations.
• Use the PRINT statement in an IC-CAP Macro to direct
commands to an instrument, when a suitable device file
has been established using the mknod command.
• Use the functions listed with USERC_write and
USERC_read in a Program Transform or Macro to provide
limited instrument control. For descriptions of the User C
functions in general, refer to Chapter 8, “IC-CAP
Functions.” For details and examples of the input/output
functions, refer to Appendix H, “User C Functions.”
• Rather than using the Measure menu selection directly,
construct Macros in the following style to enclose the
measurement between operations controlling other
hardware:
! Steps 1, 2, and 3 are assumed to be implemented by PRINT.
! 1) Force next desired set point on temperature chamber.
! 2) Enable waveform generator.
iccap_func(“/opamp/time_domain/positive_slew”,”Measure”)
! 3) Disable waveform generator.
! One way to control the values desired for temperature and
! frequency is to access IC-CAP system variables.
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What Makes up an IC-CAP Driver
In addition to measurement capabilities, each IC-CAP driver
possesses other capabilities, such as the user interface
functionality provided in Instrument Options folder and the
ability to participate in Input, Output and Setup Checking
prior to measuring. Each of these essential areas is
discussed in this section. In each area, information is
provided about the specific functions necessary to complete
that part of a driver.
In the tables throughout this section, the prefix unit:: means
the class name(s) you provided for units when you ran the
mk_unit script. The prefix instr:: should be considered to
mean the class name you provided for the instrument when
you ran the mk_instr script. The column Importance
indicates whether you typically need to write any code for
the function. Because of the inheritance features of C++, you
must often rely on inherited default functions. Functions
important to write, typical return values, and other
information can be determined from the comments for the
function in $ICCAP_ROOT/src/user_meas.cxx.
Instrument Options
The Instrument Options folder provides a method for
selecting certain instrument conditions for a measurement.
Certain instrument conditions are separated into different
groups of instrument options (rather than appearing in
Input sweep editors) because they are highly instrument
specific, and play no role in simulation. The options
displayed in the Instrument Options folder typically vary
with each setup that participates in the measurement
involving a particular instrument.
The Driver Generation Scripts, described in Procedure for
Adding a Driver, can write all the C++ code that is
necessary to establish appropriate instrument options tables
for a new driver. The driver generation script named
mk_instr_ui prompts for the desired contents of the
instrument options tables, after which it proceeds to
generate the necessary declarations and implementations in
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C++. The generated code will contain data structures in
which options are stored, as well as the user interface
linkages that display the options for editing.
Input, Output and Setup Checking
When you initiate Measure or Calibrate for a Setup, IC-CAP
first verifies the validity of the measurement Setup. This
permits many operator errors to be detected and reported
before IC-CAP undertakes instrument I/O.
IC-CAP performs the following 3 kinds of checks:
• Checks Input (Sweep) specifications; for example, does a
Start or Stop value exceed the instrument’s range?
• Checks Output specifications; for example, can the
instrument measure the type of data desired, such as
capacitance?
• Checks overall Setup structure; for example, is there more
than 1 time or frequency sweep being requested?
Table 51 describes the functions related to input (sweep)
checking.
Table 52 shows a summary of the supported Input (Sweep)
modes in IC-CAP. The column Character Used in Driver
Functions shows the character passed when an Input Mode
is passed to a function, such as unit::can_source.
Table 53 describes the functions related to output checking.
Table 54 shows a summary of the supported Output modes in
IC-CAP. The column Character Used in Driver Functions
shows the character passed when an Output Mode is passed
to a function, such as unit::can_measure.
Table 51
208
Functions for Input Checking
Function Name
Purpose
Importance
instr::use_second_sweep
tells if unit has 2 internal
sweeps
default usually OK
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Table 51
Functions for Input Checking (continued)
Function Name
Purpose
Importance
unit::can_source
tells if unit can source a
given Mode
important
unit::can_source_vs_time
tells if unit can source
time-domain signals
important for pulse
generators
unit::check_bias_swp
reserved for future use
default is OK
unit::check_sweep
lets unit check/preview
Input data set
important
unit::check_sync
checks sync sweep spec. important if
implementing sync
sweeps
Table 52
IC-CAP Input (Sweep) Modes
Character Used in Driver Functions
Meaning
V
Voltage
I
Current
F
Frequency
T
Time
P
Parameter
U
User (refer to “User-Defined Input and
Output Modes” on page 211)
Table 53
Functions for Output Checking
Function Name
Purpose
Importance
unit::can_measure
tells if unit can measure
a given Mode
important
unit::can_measure_vs_time tells if unit can measure
time-domain signals
IC-CAP Reference
important for
oscilloscopes
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Table 53
Functions for Output Checking (continued)
Function Name
Purpose
Importance
unit::check_out
lets unit check/preview
Output data set
important if measures
multiple data sets
Table 54
IC-CAP Output Modes
Character Used in Driver Functions
Meaning
V
Voltage
I
Current
C
Capacitance
G
Conductance
T
Time Domain Pulse Parameter (like
RISETIME)
S, H, Z, Y, K, A
Two-Port
U
User (refer to “User-Defined Input and
Output Modes” on page 211)
Setup checking is performed primarily by logic embedded in
IC-CAP. A limited amount of the checking is accomplished
with user-supplied functions. The following table describes
the user functions related to overall Setup checking.
Table 55
210
Functions for Overall Setup Checking
Function Name
Purpose
Importance
instr::find_instr
checks GPIB for
instrument
necessary
instr::find_units
locates optional units
default usually OK
instr::set_found
remembers instrument
was found; could set
internal flags concerning
presence of optional
hardware modules
default usually OK
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Table 55
2
Functions for Overall Setup Checking (continued)
Function Name
Purpose
Importance
instr::use_second_sweep
tells if unit has 2 internal
sweeps
default usually OK
unit::bias_compatible
checks if this unit can
tolerate signal or bias
from another unit
could potentially
save fuses.
unit::can_do_second_sweep
tells if another sweep
and unit can be an
internal sweep
secondary to the sweep
for this unit
default is OK
User-Defined Input and Output Modes
Mode U is a reserved user-defined mode that allows some
flexibility for safely checking any new signal modes to be
sourced or measured. This feature is for situations where it
is not practical or safe to use existing Input or Output
modes (such as voltage or capacitance).
The following considerations apply:
• Units associated with existing drivers are likely to reject
U. For example, a HP 4141 VM unit will not force or
measure U. In such a case the measurement is disallowed.
(It does not make sense for the IC-CAP HP 4141 driver to
try to force or measure U-Mode data, since it does not
know what U-Mode means.)
• The unit functions associated with the new driver can
enforce any desired policy for a U-mode Input or Output,
as well as the other Input and Output Modes.
• With a U-Mode Input or Output in an IC-CAP Setup, do
not expect the Simulate menu function to work on that
Setup.
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Calibration
Calibration functions are associated with the instrument, not
its units. To perform calibration procedures initiated from
the IC-CAP program, implement the functions shown in the
following table.
Table 56
Functions for Calibration
Function Name
Purpose
Importance
cal_possible
tells if the other 2
functions do anything
do_cal
downloads Setup, leads
operator through
calibration procedure
These functions are
necessary if IC-CAP is to
calibrate the instrument.
recall_n_chk_calib activates calibration during
Measure; checks sweep
Several of the functions required for Measure are also used
during Calibrate. Refer to “Order in Which User-Supplied
Functions are Called” on page 229 in this chapter for a list of
functions called during Calibrate.
Storage is provided in the instr_options class for limited
calibration data for a particular instrument in a particular
Setup. The instr_options class is declared in instr.hxx.
The data members in instr_options for holding calibration
results are:
• String cal_data ; //
declare your own data if String is not an appropriate type
• calib_status last_cal_status ; //
calib_status is an enumeration with these possible values:
• CAL_OK
• CAL_ERROR
• CAL_ABORTED
• CAL_NEVER_DONE
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Set calib_status during do_cal() and test it during
recall_n_chk_calib(). Recall that cal_possible() and do_cal()
are invoked (in that order) during Calibrate, while
recall_n_chk_calib() is later called during Measure, with the
purpose of enabling the desired calibration set.
Derived from the class instr_options (declared in instr.hxx)
is user_instr_options, declared in user_instr.hxx. For the
new driver, a further derived class will have been declared
in user_meas.hxx by the mk_instr_ui script. The section
Class Hierarchy for User-Contributed Drivers clarifies the
relationships of these classes.
The class in user_meas.hxx that is derived from
user_instr_options is an appropriate place to declare
additional calibration data the workstation should retain,
because a distinct object (or data structure) of this type
exists in every situation where distinct instrument
calibration data might be needed. In other words, an
instrument has a distinct user_instr_options object in every
Setup where the instrument is used. For the example of the
HP 4194 driver, such data (if any) would be declared in the
class named hp4194_table in user_meas.hxx. You might
declare several double numbers, to keep a record of sweep
limits that were in effect at the time of Calibrate, so that
they can be verified during Measurement. (With many
instruments, calibration is not valid unless measurements
employ the same sweep limits that were in effect during
calibration.)
NO TE
To simplify an initial pass at implementing calibration, do not declare
additional data structures for remembering sweep parameters, and do not
perform much verification during recall_n_chk_calib().
If you choose to declare additional calibration-related data
in the class derived from user_instr_options, it is possible
for this data to be archived and re-loaded with IC-CAP
Model(.mdl), DUT(.dut), and Setup(.set) files. Note that the
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archiving of user-defined calibration data is an advanced
feature that most implementations can probably avoid
considering.
To archive user-defined calibration data, your class derived
from user_instr_options must redeclare and implement 2
virtual functions. These functions are read_from_file and
write_from_file, declared for the class instr_options, in the
file instr.hxx. When called, these functions receive an open
stdio FILE*, which provides read or write access to the
IC-CAP archive file at the appropriate time during a Read
From File or Write to File menu function.
Measurement: Initialization, Control and Data Acquisition
The functions in this area perform the real work of the
instrument driver; this area accounts for the largest number
of functions present in each driver.
Initialization functions are listed in the following table.
Table 57
214
Initialization Functions
Function Name
Purpose
Importance
instr::init_instr
downloads information
from the Instrument
Option Table
necessary
instr::reset_instr_info
clears flags in driver,
refer to instr.hxx
default usually OK
instr::reset_outptrs
nulls out output data set
pointers, refer to
instr.hxx
default usually OK
instr::zero_supplies
puts instrument to safe
state, turns off sources
necessary
unit::enable_output
enables any output unit
needing explicit enabling
(refer to user_meas.cxx)
necessary with
some instruments,
such as the
HP 4141
unit::init_unit
reserved for future use
default is OK
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Table 57
Initialization Functions (continued)
Function Name
Purpose
Importance
unit::reset_inassign
reserved for use by 4142
and 4145
default is OK
unit::reset_outassign
reserved for use by 4142
and 4145
default is OK
unit::set_2_internal_sweeps
downloads specifications
for 2 nested internal
sweeps
default usually OK
unit::set_internal_sweep
downloads specifications
for internal sweep
necessary
unit::set_sync
downloads specifications
for sync sweeps
default usually OK
unit::zero_supply
puts unit to safe state,
suppresses bias and so
on
necessary, if the
unit can source
bias or other signal
Control and data acquisition functions are shown in Table 58.
Because many of the functions in this category must
perform non-trivial work, such as instrument communication
and error reporting, refer to “Programming with C++” on
page 219, where such operations are explained. The examples
for the cvu_4194 member functions and the hp4194 member
functions in user_meas.cxx are also helpful.
A few of the functions in this area are provided for the
support of a particular instrument, for example, the
HP 4145. The intermediate classes user_unit and user_instr
do not redeclare some of these low-usage functions, though
their declarations are inherited from the unit and instr
classes, so they could be used in a new driver if needed. For
example, instr::use_second_sweep() is re-declared and used
only by the HP 4145 driver.
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Table 58
216
Control and Data Acquisition Functions
Function Name
Purpose
Importance
instr::copy_outds
does delayed data set
default usually OK
stuffing (refer to instr.hxx)
instr::fill_outds
similar to copy_outds
(refer to instr.hxx)
default usually OK
instr::get_outptr
gives pointer to Output
data set
default usually OK
instr::keep_mdata
keeps 1 data point
default is OK
instr::out_count
tells number of output
pointers in instr class
default usually OK
unit::can_do_second_s
weep
tells if 2 internal sweeps
OK (refer to unit.hxx)
default is OK
unit::define_channel
reserved for 4145
default is OK
unit::enable_sync
reserved for future use
default is OK
unit::fill_outds
any data this unit has kept
internally, or in data
structures of the
instrument or unit driver,
that belong in outptr,
should be saved there
now (refer to
user_meas.cxx)
default usually OK
unit::get_data
gets data from the
instrument
(Refer to user_meas.cxx)
necessary
unit::get_int_bias
reserved for future use
default is OK
unit::get_scalar_data
reserved for 54120 series
default is OK
unit::list_chan_num
reserved for 4142
default is OK
unit::list_output_name
reserved for 4145
default is OK
unit::meas_err
used by some drivers to
make error messages
default is OK
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Table 58
Control and Data Acquisition Functions (continued)
Function Name
Purpose
Importance
unit::set_bias
forces a bias value
necessary for user
sweep
unit::set_data_out
reserved for 4145
default is OK
unit::set_scalar
reserved for 54120 series
default is OK
unit::source_const_unit
reserved for 4145
default is OK
unit::source_unit
reserved for 4145
default is OK
unit::trigger
directs a unit to perform
the measurement
specified earlier via
set_internal_sweep
necessary
unit::turn_chan_OFF
reserved for 4145
default is OK
unit::wait_data_ready
allows the instrument to
finish measurement
before trying to get data
after trigger. In the
cvu_4194 code, this wait
is accomplished in the
trigger function.
default usually OK
unit::wait_delay_time
implements Delay Time
prior to a spot
measurement. Refer to
cvu_4194 case in
user_meas.cxx.
necessary
unit::wait_hold_time
implements Hold Time
prior to a User Main
Sweep. Refer to cvu_4194
case in user_meas.cxx.
necessary
Hardware Setup Operations
The Hardware Setup functions, listed in Table 59, are used in
the following operations:
• Maintaining lists of instruments and units
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• Adding and deleting instruments
• Maintaining the unit table, including the addition of
entries due to newly added instruments
• The Rebuild (instrument list) function
• Self-testing the instruments
• Polling the instruments
Table 59
218
Hardware Setup Functions
Function Name
Purpose
Importance
instr::addl_addr_label
reserved for 8510 and
8753
default is OK
instr::build_units
creates unit objects.
Refer to
hp4194::build_units in
user_meas.cxx.
necessary
instr::find_instr
checks GPIB for
instrument
necessary
instr::find_units
locates optional units
default usually OK
instr::get_addl_addr
reserved for 8510 and
8753
default is OK
instr::get_ID
gets instrument ID string.
Refer to user_meas.cxx.
necessary
instr::get_unit_by_name
finds a unit in the
instrument
default is OK
instr::instr *
initializes data members
of instrument object
necessary
~instr::instr *
cleans up members of
instrument object
necessary
instr::read_units
reserved for 4142
default is OK
instr::rebuild_units
reserved for 4142
default is OK
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Table 59
Hardware Setup Functions (continued)
Function Name
Purpose
Importance
instr::set_found
remembers that instr
found; may test and set
internal flags concerning
presence of optional
hardware modules
default usually OK
instr::test_instr
supports the Run Self
Tests menu function in
the Hardware Setup
window
default is OK (no
self-test)
instr::unit_count
tells how many units the
instrument has
necessary
instr::units_configurable
reserved for 4142
default is OK
instr::write_units
reserved for 4142
default is OK
unit::unit *
initializes data members
of unit object
necessary
~unit::unit *
cleans up members of
unit object
necessary
* denotes a constructor or destructor function for which the actual name is the
unit or instr class name chosen when the mk_unit and mk_instr scripts were
run. For example, hp4194::hp4194, in user_meas.cxx.
Programming with C++
This section provides examples of code for common Open
Measurement Interface programming tasks.
• Access to Inputs (Sweeps) and Outputs
• Error and Warning Messages
• Reading from an Instrument
• Serial Poll of an Instrument
• String Handling
• Time Delay
• User Input with a Dialog Box
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• Writing to an Instrument
Access to Inputs (Sweeps) and Outputs
In user_meas.cxx the function cvu_4194::check_sweep
demonstrates how to determine sweep properties like Mode
(V, for example), Type (LOG, for example), compliance, and
start and stop values.
IC-CAP computes all necessary step values. Do not attempt
to compute them from start, stop, and so on, because
simulations will use the values IC-CAP computes. Instead,
access individual sweep steps with the get_point function.
Following are statements from cvu_4194::check_sweep that
determine sweep properties and get sweep values. These
statements are isolated examples and are not necessarily to
be used in the order shown.
int cvu_4194::check_sweep(sweep* swp)
// header of the function used here
sweep_def *swpdef = swp->get_sweep_def();
// a sweep uses sweep_def for values
switch(swpdef->get_esweep_type())
// to see if it’s CON, LOG, LIN, ...
compval = swp->get_compliance();
// compliance
case CON:
val1 = ((con_sweep *)swpdef)->get_value();
// value of CON sweep
case LIN:
val1 = ((lin_sweep *)swpdef)->get_start();
// start value of LIN sweep
val2 = ((lin_sweep *)swpdef)->get_stop();
// stop value
((lin_sweep *)swpdef)->get_stepsize()
// step size
// next 2 are taken from cvu_4194::set_internal_sweep:
linswp = (lin_sweep*)swpdef ;
// to enable lin_sweep functions
numpoints = linswp -> get_num_points();
// number of points
if (swp->get_sweep_order() == 1)
// sweep order; 1 => main sweep
switch (swp->get_mode())
// Mode: ’V’, ’I’, ’F’, ...
swp->get_size() // Number of points
swp->get_point(step_num)
// get one point (indexed from 0)
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The class named sweep is declared in sweep.hxx. Using a
sweep often involves using functions it inherits from the
class ds (data set), declared in ds.hxx. The function
get_point is an example of a function inherited from ds. The
sweep_type class is in sweep_type.hxx.
To save measured data to an IC-CAP Output data set,
employ the style in cvu_4194::get_data:
dsptr -> keep_point (index++, datapoint, DATA_MEAS);
// datapoint is a double
In the example, dsptr points to a ds object. The class ds
declares other forms of the keep_point function in ds.hxx.
These can store complex or 2-port matrix data into the
Output data set.
Error and Warning Messages
The IC-CAP error box appears after a measurement, displays
one or more messages, and must be dismissed by clicking
OK if you make one or more statements such as
errbox << "ERROR: HP4194 unsupported internal sweep type."
<< EOL;
errbox << "ERROR: HP4194 sweep produced " << num_points_kept
<< "when" << swp_num_points << " were requested" << EOL ;
Warnings are displayed in the Status window:
cerr << "WARNING: HP4194 frequency rounded up to 100Hz" << EOL ;
The objects errbox and cerr accept any number of
arguments, of various types, including double, String, char*,
int, and char. Separate them with << .
Reading from an Instrument
The user_meas.cxx file demonstrates 2 styles. Writing and
reading are done with separate calls. In hp4194::get_id a
readstring function is used as follows:
stat=ioport->readstring(ad,id_buf,255);
// below is the code needed to call readstring from
// a unit class function
stat=get_io_port()->readstring(ad,id_buf,255);
// because the instrument owns and maintains the ioport
// object, the unit gets it this way before using it
The first argument above is the GPIB address. The id_buf
argument is a buffer guaranteed to be adjusted by readstring
to hold 255 bytes, if the read produces that many.
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A function is also provided to write a query and then read
an answer:
if ( ioport->write_n_read(addr,"MKRB?", urbuf, 80) == -1 )
The first argument above is the GPIB address. The second
argument is a char* to be written. The third argument is a
buffer guaranteed to be adjusted by readstring to hold 80
bytes, if the read produces that many.
The above functions are 2 of many available for an
hpib_io_port. Complete declarations of its functions are in
io_port.hxx.
Serial Poll of an Instrument
The following functions are 2 of many available for an
hpib_io_port. Complete declarations of its functions are in
io_port.hxx.
Serial polling is done as follows:
int status_byte = ioport->spoll(addr);
// this example not from user_meas.cxx
int status_byte = get_io_port()->spoll(addr);
// call from a unit function
To wait for a particular serial poll bit:
// from cvu_4194::zero_supply:
hpib_io_port *ioport = get_ioport();
// bit-weight 1 below is to await ’measurement complete bit’
if ( ioport -> poll_wait(addr, 1, 0, 10.0) == -1 )
The arguments are: GPIB address, bit-weight to wait for, a
flag reserved for future use, and maximum time that
poll_wait should try (10 seconds).
String Handling
C++ offers a substantial improvement over C for handling
String type data. In the file String.h a number of String
functions are declared. The following code demonstrates
several.
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String str_hello = "hello" ;
// declare and initialize a string
String str_world ;
// just declare
str_world = "world" ;
// assignment
String hello_world = str_hello + " " + str_world ;// concatenation
errbox << hello_world + "0 ;
// writing to errbox
if ( "hello world" == hello_world )
// test for equality
String instr_cmd = "*RST" ;
// initialize for next statement:
if ioport->writestring(addr,instr_cmd) == -1 )
// String to instrument
In the final example, a char* is expected by writestring, and
C++ automatically extracts it from the String. Do not pass a
String to printf or scanf. The declarations of these functions
in /usr/include/stdio.h use the ellipsis notation (...), so C++
does not know that a char* should be passed to them.
Time Delay
An example of a time delay is:
delay ( 10E-3 ) ;
// 10 millisecond delay
User Input with a Dialog Box
A number of functions for this purpose are declared in
dialog.hxx. Examples to get data from dialog boxes are:
// These use the versions of get_double and get_String that
//
each take 3 arguments.
double double_result ;
String String_result ;
int ok_or_cancel ; // 0 => OK pressed by user, and -1 => CANCEL
ok_or_cancel = get_double ("Give a double:",default_dbl_val,&double_result);
ok_or_cancel = get_String ("Give a string:",default_string,&String_result);
Writing to an Instrument
An example of writing to an instrument is:
if ( ioport->writestring(addr,"TRIG") == -1 )
// cvu_4194::zero_supply
The arguments are the GPIB address and a char* string to
send. You can also write a query and read a response with 1
call, write_n_read, discussed in Reading from an
Instrument. Writestring and write_n_read are 2 of many
functions available for an hpib_io_port. Complete
declarations of its functions are in io_port.hxx.
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Syntax
This section provides help with reading the IC-CAP source
code in user_meas.hxx, user_meas.cxx, and the various
include files. Follow the example code in user_meas.hxx and
user_meas.cxx when implementing a new driver.
NO TE
For best results when using the vi editor to browse the source files,
execute the command :set tabstop=3
The C++ language introduces several keywords to help
understand OMI programming, for example, class, new,
delete, and virtual. Terms that are peculiar to OMI
programming, for example, Measurer, sweep type, sweep
order, main sweep, internal sweep, user sweep, unit
function, and instrument data, are used in this chapter and
in the source files.
Function declarations in C++ use the improved function
prototypes of ANSI/C. For example,
int mult_by_2(int input);
// style for forward declaration int y=2 ;
int y = 2 ;
int x = mult_by_2(y) ; // example of invocation
int mult_by_2(int input)
// style for implementation (SAME AS DECLARATION)
{
return 2*input ;
}
This is an area of incompatibility with original (Kernighan
and Ritchie) C. However, it is easier to read, and write, and
is the emerging new standard. It also gives the compiler
information with which function call argument lists can be
checked, saving run-time aggravation.
Sometimes in class declarations you will see the function
body present:
const char *class_name()
// this code from user_meas.hxx
{ return “cvu_4194” ; }
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These cases are called inline functions. They behave like
normal functions, but the C++ compiler emits code inline,
without normal function call overhead. For short functions
this reduces both execution time and code size.
New Symbols and Operators
This section defines new symbols and operators in C++.
// A pair of slashes introduces an end-of-line comment.
( /* and */ can still be used for C-style comments.)
& Appearing after a type name or class name, & usually
indicates that an argument to a function is passed by
reference. Although C can pass arguments by address, the
C++ notion of reference arguments eliminates many
error-prone uses of * (pointer de-reference)
and & (address) operators used with pointer handling in C.
In the following example, the called function increments the
callers variable:
// ’input’ passed by reference:
void increment(int& input) {
input++ ;
// need not use *input
}
int x=3;
increment(x); // Need not pass &x
// Now x is equal to 4
object. member_function( ) In C, the . operator is used to
access data members in a struct object. In C++, . is also
used to access (execute) function members.
ptr_to_object->member_function() In C, the -> operator is
used to access data members in a struct object to which one
holds a pointer. In C++, -> is also used to access (execute)
function members of a class type object to which you hold a
pointer.
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Class Hierarchy for User-Contributed Drivers
The diagram in the following figure depicts the relationships
of the classes that are of principle interest to a user creating
a driver. The arrows without labels indicate pointers held in
the objects.
unit
instr
inherits
inherits
user_unit
user_instr
inherits
inherits
cvu_4194
hp4194
Figure 6
instr_options
inherits
user_instr_options
inherits
hp4194_table
Classes Involved in the HP 4194 Example of a User Driver
At the top of the hierarchy are classes named unit, instr,
and instr_options. All instrument drivers in IC-CAP consist
of classes derived from these 3 classes. When Agilent
Technologies adds a driver to IC-CAP, one new class is
derived from instr, one or more new classes are derived
from unit, and one new class is derived from instr_options.
The process of deriving new classes from these base classes
permits the new driver to efficiently reuse generic
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functionality present in the base classes, while also
introducing new code where necessary to accommodate the
specialized needs of the new instrument.
The division of a driver into unit, instr, and instr_options
components helps modularity. Generally, the role of each of
these parts is as follows:
• instr - manages operations associated with the whole
instrument, such as self-test and initialization.
• instr_options - presents a user interface for and stores
the values of options unique to each Setup in which an
instrument is used. For example, the option Use User
Sweep determines whether an instrument does or does
not use its internal sweep capability during measurement
in a particular Setup.
• unit - manages operations on a single SMU for example,
in the case of a DC analyzer, or on a single oscilloscope
input, in the case of a multi-channel digitizing
oscilloscope like the 54120 series. Operations undertaken
at this level include the application of DC and other
signals to the DUT, as well as the acquisition of the
measured data.
Intermediate in the hierarchy are 3 classes named user_unit,
user_instr, and user_instr_options. These serve the following
purposes:
• Hide any virtual functions of unit and instr that are
unlikely to be necessary to override in new driver classes.
This allows the critical function declarations to be
concentrated in one location, with comments close at
hand.
• Introduce new member functions provided for Instrument
Options management or for convenience.
At the bottom of the hierarchy are examples of classes
introduced by the Driver Generation Scripts. When a user
adds a driver to IC-CAP, the Driver Generation Scripts add
a class derived from user_instr, one or more classes derived
from user_unit, and a class derived from user_instr_options.
The class derived from user_instr_options, which is
hp4194_table in the example driver, is completely declared
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and implemented when the user runs the mk_instr_ui
script. In other words, a programmer using the Open
Measurement Interface need not become involved with any
coding that pertains to this user interface component of the
driver. The programmer also does not need to provide
declarations for any new classes needed for the driver, since
these are completely written out when the driver generation
scripts mk_unit, mk_instr, and mk_instr_ui are run.
However, the programmer is required to fill-in the
implementations of several functions that ultimately perform
the work done by the driver.
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Order in Which User-Supplied Functions are Called
Table 60 through Table 63 illustrate the following 3 essential
instrument operations:
• Rebuild (instrument list)
• Calibrate
• Measure
These tables are representative of a typical order of
invocation. Some functions may be used more than once,
particularly since Measure involves looping through different
bias levels. The column Function Category indicates the
location of further information about the function in “What
Makes up an IC-CAP Driver” on page 207. Other valuable
information is located in the comments for each function,
provided in user_instr.hxx, user_unit.hxx, user_meas.hxx,
and user_meas.cxx.
During Rebuild
During this operation, the Hardware Manager locates
addresses that respond to a serial poll. At each such
address, available drivers determine if they own the
instrument, until 1 driver succeeds. They try in the order
shown in the Instrument Library list. Note that unless
find_instr() is successful, none of the ensuing functions are
called.
The functions called during Rebuild (instrument list) are
shown in the following table.
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Table 60
Functions Called During Rebuild (instrument list)
Function Name
Function Category
get_addl_addr
Hardware Editor Operations
addl_addr_label
find_instr
units_configurable
rebuild_units or build_units
find_units
set_found
unit_count
get_unit
During Calibrate
During this operation the Measurer initiates calibration
procedures for each instrument in a Setup that has
calibration supported by IC-CAP.
The functions called during Calibrate are shown in the
following table.
Table 61
230
Functions Called During Calibrate
Function Name
Function Category
instr::find_instr
Setup Checking
unit::get_int_bias
Control and Data Acquisition
Functions
unit::can_source
Checking of Inputs
unit::can_source_vs_time
Checking of Inputs
unit::can_measure_vs_time
Checking of Outputs
unit::can_measure
Checking of Outputs
unit::bias_compatible
Setup Checking
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Table 61
Functions Called During Calibrate (continued)
Function Name
Function Category
unit::check_sweep
Checking of Inputs
unit::check_sync
Checking of Inputs
instr::cal_possible
Calibration
instr::find_instr
Setup Checking
instr::do_cal
Calibration
During Measure
This operation undertakes a potentially complex series of
operations on the instruments used by a Setup. The exact
functions called vary, depending on whether calibration is
available for particular instruments, and whether the main
sweep instrument operates in an internally swept fashion, or
in a stepped/spot-mode fashion (the case when the
instrument option Use User Sweep is set to Yes for the main
sweep instrument).
The functions called during Measure are shown in Table 62
(user main sweep) and Table 63 (internal main sweep).
Table 62
IC-CAP Reference
Functions Called During Measure (with User Main Sweep)
Function Name
Function Category
instr::find_instr
Setup Checking
instr::find_units
Hardware Editor
Operations
instr::set_found
Hardware Editor
Operations
unit::get_int_bias
Control and Data
Acquisition Functions
unit::can_source
Checking of Inputs
unit::can_source_vs_time
Checking of Inputs
Notes
231
2
Drivers
Table 62
Functions Called During Measure (with User Main Sweep)
Function Name
Function Category
unit::can_measure_vs_time
Checking of Outputs
unit::can_measure
Checking of Outputs
unit::bias_compatible
Setup Checking
instr::reset_instr_info
Initialization
unit::check_sweep
Checking of Inputs
unit::check_sync
Checking of Inputs
instr::reset_outptrs
Initialization
unit::check_out
Checking of Outputs
unit::can_do_second_sweep
Control and Data
Acquisition Functions
instr::cal_possible
Calibration
instr::recall_n_chk_calib
Calibration
instr::init_instr
Initialization
instr::zero_supplies
Initialization
BEGIN BIAS LOOP
Loop to END BIAS
LOOP
unit::set_bias
Control and Data
Acquisition
unit::enable_output
Initialization
unit::set_scalar
Control and Data
Acquisition
BEGIN USER MAIN SWEEP
LOOP
232
Notes
Loop to END
MAIN SWEEP
unit::wait_hold_time
Control and Data
Acquisition
unit::set_bias
Control and Data
Acquisition
IC-CAP Reference
2
Drivers
Table 62
Functions Called During Measure (with User Main Sweep)
Function Name
Function Category
unit::set_sync
Control and Data
Acquisition
unit::wait_delay_time
Control and Data
Acquisition
unit::get_data
Control and Data
Acquisition
unit::get_scalar_data
Control and Data
Acquisition
Notes
END MAIN SWEEP LOOP
END BIAS LOOP
instr::zero_supplies
Initialization
unit::fill_outds
Control and Data
Acquisition
Table 63
IC-CAP Reference
Functions Called During Measure (with Internal Main Sweep)
Function Name
Function Category
instr::find_instr
Setup Checking
instr::find_units
Hardware Editor
Operations
instr::set_found
Hardware Editor
Operations
unit::get_int_bias
Control and Data
Acquisition Functions
unit::can_source
Checking of Inputs
unit::can_source_vs_time
Checking of Inputs
unit::can_measure_vs_time
Checking of Outputs
unit::can_measure
Checking of Outputs
unit::bias_compatible
Setup Checking
Notes
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2
Drivers
Table 63
Functions Called During Measure (with Internal Main Sweep)
Function Name
Function Category
instr::reset_instr_info
Initialization
unit::check_sweep
Checking of Inputs
unit::check_sync
Checking of Inputs
instr::reset_outptrs
Initialization
unit::check_out
Checking of Outputs
unit::can_do_second_sweep
Control and Data
Acquisition Functions
instr::cal_possible
Calibration
instr::recall_n_chk_calib
Calibration
instr::init_instr
Initialization
instr::zero_supplies
Initialization
BEGIN BIAS LOOP
234
Notes
Loop through END
BIAS LOOP below
unit::set_bias
Control and Data
Acquisition
unit::enable_output
Initialization
unit::set_scalar
Control and Data
Acquisition
unit::enable_sync
Control and Data
Acquisition
unit::set_2_internal_sweeps
Initialization
unit::set_internal_sweep
Initialization
unit::set_bias
Control and Data
Acquisition
unit::set_sync
Control and Data
Acquisition
unit::trigger
Control and Data
Acquisition
IC-CAP Reference
2
Drivers
Table 63
Functions Called During Measure (with Internal Main Sweep)
Function Name
Function Category
unit::wait_data_ready
Control and Data
Acquisition
unit::get_data
Control and Data
Acquisition
unit::get_scalar_data
Control and Data
Acquisition
Notes
END BIAS LOOP
IC-CAP Reference
instr::zero_supplies
Initialization
unit::fill_outds
Control and Data
Acquisition
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Drivers
Handling Signals and Exceptions
A variety of conditions may result in termination of a
measurement. Among the most common exceptions for a
driver is an I/O timeout. Timeouts usually occur when one
or more of the following conditions is present:
• Instruments are turned off
• Cabling is incorrect
• The driver software makes errors with respect to
instrument protocol or the time required by the
instrument’s operations
There are numerous examples in the hp4194 and cvu_4194
functions code that demonstrate setting the timeout before
making different queries to the instrument. A timeout is
usually detected as a value of -1, returned from the spoll,
readstring, or writestring functions of the hpib_io_port
used by the driver software.
In addition to instrument I/O problems, either of the
following signals may be generated:
• SIGFPE This signal occurs when the code executes an
operation like a divide by zero. By default, there is no
provision in IC-CAP for trapping this signal.
NO TE
If this signal occurs during Measure, the default handling of SIGFPE
terminates the measurement; if it occurs during the execution of a
transform, the function or macro will continue to execute and upon
completion, an error message is displayed indicating a floating point error
occurred.
• SIGINT This signal is generated when you issue the
Interrupt command. By default, there is no provision in
IC-CAP for trapping this signal. The measurement is
terminated immediately. Note: For complex operations, it
may take several minutes before control is returned.
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2
If your application requires special error recovery for these
signals, it is possible to trap them. For details, refer to
“Handling Signals and Exceptions" in the User’s Guide.
NO TE
IC-CAP Reference
Do not alter the handling of SIGUSR1 and SIGUSR2; both signals are used
internally by IC-CAP for error trap and recovery purposes.
237
2
238
Drivers
IC-CAP Reference
Agilent 85190A IC-CAP 2008
Reference
3
SPICE Simulators
SPICE Simulation Example 242
Piped and Non-Piped Simulations 244
Output Data Formats 250
SPICE Parameter Sweeps 252
Circuit Model Descriptions 254
Circuit Description Syntax 261
SPICE Simulator Differences 265
Using the PRECISE Simulator with IC-CAP 267
Using the PSPICE Simulator with IC-CAP 270
This chapter describes the details of using the SPICE
simulators with IC-CAP. For general information on IC-CAP
simulation, refer to Chapter 6, “Simulating,” in the User’s
Guide.
NO TE
The Solaris OS must include the cpp utility, which IC-CAP uses to manage
output from SPICE simulators. See “System Requirements" in the
Installation and Configuration Guide for more details.
IC-CAP can interface with the following SPICE simulators.
They are provided as a courtesy to IC-CAP users (though
not supported by Agilent Technologies), and you must
purchase a license to use them.
• SPICE2 The SPICE2G.6 simulator developed at U.C.
Berkeley.
• SPICE3 The SPICE3E2 simulator developed at U.C.
Berkeley.
Agilent Technologies
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SPICE Simulators
• HPSPICE The Agilent Technologies implementation of
SPICE2. Although there are some differences between this
version and the SPICE2G.6 version from U.C. Berkeley,
these 2 simulators are compatible. For more information
refer to “SPICE Simulator Differences” on page 265. The
version of HPSPICE provided with IC-CAP can be run only
from within the IC-CAP program—it cannot be run
stand-alone.
NO TE
The HSPICE simulator, developed by Cadence, uses input deck syntax
similar to that of the SPICE-type simulators; thus, it is referred to as a
SPICE-type simulator in this manual. IC-CAP currently supports only the
features of HSPICE also available in the U.C. Berkeley SPICE simulators.
The SPICE simulators support the following analysis types:
• DC
• AC
• Transient
• Noise
• Capacitance Voltage (CV)
• 2-Port (S,H,Y,Z,K,A parameter)
• Time-Domain Reflectometry (TDR)
NO TE
The latter 3 simulation types are not directly available in the SPICE
simulators; IC-CAP builds the additional circuitry required in the simulator
input files to perform the simulation.
IC-CAP supports the features of ELDO that are also
available in the UCB SPICE simulators but also provides
limited support for models written in either ELDO-FAS or
HDL-A. ELDO is an analog simulator developed by Mentor
Graphics Corp. ELDO input deck syntax is compatible with that
of the SPICE type simulators; therefore, in ELDO is categorized
as a SPICE-type simulator this manual.
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3
The IC-CAP version of SPICE3 supports the following
models:
Model Group Supported Models
MOSFET
Model Files
Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 nmos/pmos2
nmos3/pmos3
BSIM3, BSIM4
BSIM3_DC_CV_Measure
BSIM3_DC_CV_Extract
BSIM3_RF_Measure
BSIM3_RF_Extract
BSIM3_AC_Noise_Tutorial
BSIM3_CV_Tutorial
BSIM3_DC_Tutorial
BSIM3_Temp_Tutorial
BSIM3_DC_CV_Finetune
BSIM4_DC_CV_Measure
BSIM4_DC_CV_Extract
BSIM4_RF_Measure
BSIM4_RF_Extract
BSIM4_DC_CV_Tutorial
BSIM4_DC_CV_Finetune
MOS Model 9
mm9
mm9_demo
BJT
Gummel Poon
bjt_npn/bjt_pnp
bjt_nhf
bjt_ncehf
bjt_ft
mnsnpn
sabernpn
GaAs
Statz
UCBGaas
UGaashf
Diode
PN Diode
pn_diode
Philips JUNCAP
juncap
The following additional SPICE-like simulators are also
discussed in this chapter:
• PRECISE
• PSPICE
IC-CAP Reference
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SPICE Simulators
SPICE Simulation Example
The circuit description is predefined for all IC-CAP
configuration files. Enter this description if a new model is
being defined; edit the description to fit specific needs. The
syntax is identical to the syntax used for describing circuits
in a typical SPICE simulation deck.
This simulation example will use the IC-CAP supplied Model
bjt_npn.mdl.
1 Select the simulator by choosing Tools > Options > Select
Simulator > spice2. Choose OK.
2 Choose File > Open > bjt_npn.mdl. Choose OK.
3 View the circuit description by clicking the Circuit tab.
The circuit description is shown in Figure 7. This deck
describes the circuit (in this case, a single device) to be
used in the simulation.
4 To view input and output for the fearly setup, click the
DUTs-Setups tab and select fearly.
The Measure/Simulate folder appears with the inputs vb,
vc, ve, and vs, and the output ic. The vc input specifies a
voltage source at node C that sweeps linearly from 0 to
5V in 21 steps. The ic output specifies that current at
node C be monitored.
In the Plots folder, icvsvc is specified so that the results
of the simulation can be viewed graphically.
5 To simulate, click the Simulate button in the
Measure/Simulate folder. The Status line displays Simulate
in progress.
When the simulation is complete, the Status line displays
IC-CAP Ready.
6 To view the results of the simulation, display the Plots
folder and click Display Plot. The plot displays measured
data represented by solid lines and simulated data
represented by dashed lines.
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SPICE Simulators
NO TE
3
For syntax examples of running a remote simulation, refer to “Remote
Simulation Examples" in the User’s Guide.
Q1
1 = C 2 = B 3 = E 4 = S NPN AREA = 1.0
.MODEL NPN NPN
+ IS = 36.76e-18
+ BF = 336.1
+ NF = 1.003
+ VAF = 35.25
+ IKF = 22.07m
+ ISE = 1.882f
+ NE = 1.932
+ BR = 4.103
+ NR = 1.005
+ VAR = 1.651
+ IKR = 147.3u
+ ISC = 15.69f
+ NC = 1.857
+ RB = 522.0
+ IRB = 61.43u
+ RBM = 1.000m
+ RE = 8.435
+ RC = 57.05
+ XTB = 1.700
+ EG = 1.110
+ XTI = 3.000
+ CJE = 44.06f
+ VJE = 871.7m
+ MJE = 429.9m
+ TF = 10.49p
+ TR = 1.700m
+ XTF = 247.4
+ VTF = 1.622
+ ITF = 140.6m
+ PTF = 218.8
+ CJC = 68.94f
+ VJC = 603.8m
+ MJC = 290.6m
+ XCJC = 300.0m
+ TR = 1.700n
+ CJS = 111.9f
+ VJS = 465.0m
+ MJS = 241.9m
+ FC = 500.0m
Figure 7
IC-CAP Reference
Circuit Description Deck for an NPN Bipolar Transistor
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SPICE Simulators
Piped and Non-Piped Simulations
The following sections describe the differences in piped and
non-piped simulations for the various SPICE simulators.
Each section also describes the argument syntax required to
invoke each of the template simulators. This information is
needed when writing the user translation module, since
these are the arguments supplied by IC-CAP when it calls
the translation module. For information on the translation
module and adding a simulator, refer to the section “Adding
a Simulator" in the User’s Guide.
Piped and Non-Piped SPICE Simulations
A non-piped simulation receives the input deck information
from a file, performs the simulation and sends the binary
output data and resulting text output to other files. The
simulator process is restarted for every simulation.
A piped simulation receives the input deck information from
a pipe connected to standard input, performs the simulation
and sends the output data to a pipe connected to standard
output. The simulator process will remain on until another
simulator is selected. Setting the RETAIN_SIMU variable to
TRUE overrides this behavior and allows multiple simulators
to remain running. This uses additional memory but
increases speed when frequently switching between
simulators. In all cases, a piped simulator process will be
turned off when the Simulation Debugger is turned on.
The text output from a simulation usually contains an
explanation of any errors which may have been encountered
during the simulation. Piped simulations do not save any
text output from the simulation. If an error occurs during a
piped simulation, IC-CAP issues a message in an error box
stating that an error has occurred and recommending that
the simulation be repeated with the Simulation Debugger
turned on. IC-CAP performs non-piped simulations when the
Simulation Debugger is ON.
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3
In general, piped simulations are faster than non-piped
simulations for any given simulator because the simulator
process does not have to be restarted for every simulation
and less file activity is required.
Syntax: Non-Piped 2G.6, 3E2, and HPSPICE Simulations
The command formats for non-piped simulations are shown
next:
UCB SPICE 2G.6
ucbspice2g6 rawfile
where:
rawfile is the output binary data file.
The input deck file containing the circuit description and
analysis commands comes from standard input and the
output text file containing the results of the simulation goes
to standard output.
UCB SPICE 3E2
spice3e2 -b -r rawfile -o textfile deckfile
where:
-b specifies batch mode.
rawfile is the output binary data file.
textfile is the output text file containing the results of the
simulation.
deckfile is the input deck file containing the circuit
description and analysis commands.
HPSPICE
spice2.4n1 deckfile textfile rawfile
where:
deckfile is the input deck file containing the circuit
description and analysis commands.
textfile is the output text file containing the results of the
simulation.
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SPICE Simulators
rawfile is the output binary data file.
Syntax: Piped 2G.6, 3E2, and HPSPICE Simulations
The command formats for piped simulations are shown next:
UCB SPICE 2G.6
ucbspice2g6 -
where:
The "-" denotes that the binary data output is going to the
standard output pipe. The input deck information comes
from the standard input pipe and the output text is sent
to the file /dev/null.
UCB SPICE 3E2
spice3e2 -s
where:
The -s option specifies that the input deck information is
coming from standard input and the binary data output
is going to standard output.
HPSPICE
spice2.4n1 - /dev/null -
where:
The first "-" denotes that the input deck information is
coming from the standard input pipe.
The output text is sent to the file /dev/null.
The last "-" denotes that the binary data output is going to
the standard output pipe.
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3
Non-Piped HSPICE Simulations
NO TE
Prior to IC-CAP 2006B Addon3, IC-CAP did not support the CAN_PIPE
token for HSPICE in usersimulators. This token may now be used on local
Linux and local Solaris HSPICE simulations with Hspice-2007.03-SP1. It is
not a true piped mode (netlists and raw files are still written to disk), but
provides substantial performance improvement by using an interactive
mode that avoids restarting HSPICE for every simulation.
Non-piped HSPICE simulations are identical to non-piped
SPICE simulations. This type of simulation is performed when
the Simulation Debugger is set to ON. If CANNOT_PIPE is
specified for HSPICE, even when the Simulation Debugger is
OFF, it still performs a non-piped simulation. This means that
HSPICE must be restarted for every simulation. Because of this,
there is no noticeable difference in simulation speed when the
Simulation Debugger is set to ON or OFF.
Syntax: Piped HSPICE Simulations
The command format for an HSPICE non-piped simulation is as
follows:
hspice -I
load deckname and run commands are then passed to the
running HSPICE process.
Syntax: Non-Piped HSPICE Simulations
The command format for an HSPICE non-piped simulation is as
follows:
hspice -i deckfile -o logfile
where
deckfile is the input deck file containing the circuit
description and analysis commands.
logfile is the listing of information about the simulation
generated by HSPICE. If the simulation debugger is open, this
file will be displayed in the Output Text portion of the
simulation debugger.
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SPICE Simulators
The output binary data file is written to a file named
deckfile.suffix where suffix depends on the type of analysis
being performed. Refer to the HSPICE User's Manual for more
information.
Syntax: Client/Server mode HSPICE Simulations
On Windows, provides a method of invoking a standing server
process to access HSPICE licenses. If this was launched via the
hspui program, IC-CAP can simulate faster by launching
HSPICE with the followin syntax:
hspice -C deckfile -o logfile
where
deckfile is the input deck file containing the circuit
description and analysis commands.
logfile is the listing of information about the simulation
generated by HSPICE. If the simulation debugger is open, this
file will be displayed in the Output Text portion of the
simulation debugger.
However, if the server has not been started, the simulation still
occurs but at a slower speed.
To configure IC-CAP to send the -C instead of -i, specify the
template name hspice-C as the second field in your
usersimulators line example:
hspiceC hspice-C c:\synopsys\Z-2007.09\bin\hspice.exe ""
CANNOT_PIPE
Non-Piped ELDO Simulations
Non-piped ELDO simulations are identical to non-piped SPICE
simulations. This type of simulation is performed when the
Simulation Debugger is set to ON. ELDO is not capable of
performing a piped simulation, so even when the Simulation
Debugger is OFF, it still performs a non-piped simulation. This
means that ELDO must be restarted for every simulation.
Because of this, a there is no noticeable difference in simulation
speed when the Simulation Debugger is set to ON or OFF.
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SPICE Simulators
Syntax: Non-Piped ELDO Simulations
The command format for an ELDO non-piped simulation is as
follows:
eldo deckfile
where
deckfile is the input deck file containing the circuit
description and analysis commands. The name of this
deckfile is in the form <circuit_name>.cir.
The output binary data file is written to a file named
<circuit_name>.spi3. This output binary data format is similar
to the output binary format of the UCB SPICE3 simulator and is
generated when you specify the option
.option spi3bin
Refer to the ELDO User’s Manual for more information.
The output text file, is sent to the file named
<circuit_name>.chi This file is displayed in the Output table of
the Simulation Debugger if it is on.
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SPICE Simulators
Output Data Formats
The example in the following figure shows the output data
format of the spice2 template simulator supported in IC-CAP.
Record
Record
Record
Record
Record
1:
2:
3:
4:
5:
Title card (80 bytes), date (8 bytes), time (8 bytes) TOTAL-96 BYTES
Number of output variables (including "sweep" variable) (2 bytes)
Integer ’4’ (2 bytes)
Names of each output variable (8 bytes each)
Type of each output (2 bytes each)
0 = no type
1 = time
2 = frequency
3 = voltage
4 = current
5 = output noise
6 = input noise
7 = HD2
8 = HD3
9 = DIM2
10 = SIM2
11 = DIM3
Outputs 7 through 11 are distortion outputs.
Record 6: The location of each variable within each sweep point. (2-bytes each)
(Normally just 1,2,3,4,...but needed if outputs are mixed up)
Record 6a: 24 characters that are the plot sub-title if Record 3 is a ’4’.
Record 7: Outputs at first sweep point
Record 8: Outputs at second sweep point
Record 9:
.
.
.
last record
All real data are 8-byte quantities.
All complex data are single precision reals, that is 4-byte quantities.
(4-byte quantity for the real part,
4-byte quantity for the imaginary part)
EOF
A special "end-of-file" indicator: 9.87654321D+27 for real data
(9.876E+0,5.432E+0) for complex data
EOI
A 4 byte integer zero indicates the end of all raw data
Figure 8
Output File Format Used For spice2
The binary format output by the spice3 template simulator is
shown in the following figure.
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IC-CAP Reference
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SPICE Simulators
Title Card
(Newline (\n) terminated string)
Date and Time
(Newline (\n) terminated string)
Plot Title
(Newline (\n) terminated string)
Flags
(Newline (\n) terminated string)
Number of Variables
(No. Variables: [an integer])
Number of Points
(No. Points: [an integer])
Version
(Newline (\n) terminated string)
Variables List
(Variables:
[tab]
(index)
[tab]
(name)
[tab]
(type)
.
.
.
{ repeated num_var times }
where: index = variable index [integer]
name = variable name
[string]
type = variable type
[string (that is, "current" or "voltage")]
num_var = number of variables
Binary:
( Newline (\n) terminated string indicating the
start of the binary data )
Each data point is listed in the order listed in the variables list.
Each real data point is represented by 8 bytes.
Each complex data point consists of the real part and the imaginary
part of 8 bytes each.
There are no separators between data points.
Figure 9
IC-CAP Reference
Output File Format Used For spice3
251
3
SPICE Simulators
SPICE Parameter Sweeps
NO TE
Parameter sweeps should always be the outer most sweep.
LSYNC sweeps should have master sweeps that are also parameter
sweeps.
For SPICE-type simulators, specifying parameter sweeps for
devices and circuits requires an input added to the setup (in
this example, nmos2/short/idvd) with Mode P.
Figure 10
SPICE Parameter Sweep Setup Example
IC-CAP performs a simulation for each value of the parameter
sweep. The following figure shows the resulting plot.
252
IC-CAP Reference
SPICE Simulators
Figure 11
3
SPICE Parameter Sweep Plot Example
For additional information on sweeping parameters, refer to the
section, “Specifying Parameter or Variable Sweeps" in the User’s
Guide.
IC-CAP Reference
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SPICE Simulators
Circuit Model Descriptions
The circuit description for the HSPICE and ELDO simulators is
similar to the UCB SPICE simulator circuit description. The
details in the following sections also apply to HSPICE and
ELDO.
Specifying Simulator Options
For information on available options and their syntax, refer to
the User’s Manual for that simulator. Simulator options are
specified in the first line of the circuit definition using the
following syntax:
.OPTIONS OPT1 = OPTVAL1 OPT2 = OPTVAL2 ... OPTN = OPTVALN
where
OPTs denote the option keywords used by the simulator
OPTVALs are the corresponding option values. Some options
do not require a value; this field may or may not be specified,
depending on the option.
A space is the only delimiter required between options.
The nominal and operating temperatures, TNOM and TEMP, are
commonly used options; they can also be specified by entering a
value (in °C) for the global variables TNOM and TEMP. To do
this, enter the variable and its value in the System Variables
table in the Utilities application.
• TNOM is the temperature at which the model parameters are
extracted; TEMP is the temperature at which the simulation
is performed. When performing an optimization to extract
model parameters, TEMP and TNOM should be set to the
same value so that simulations during optimization are
performed at TNOM. TNOM must be defined to guarantee
consistency between simulation and extraction.
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SPICE Simulators
• In general, TNOM and TEMP can be in any variable table,
allowing different Models, DUTs or Setups to use different
nominal and operating temperatures. IC-CAP checks for
these global variables before running a simulation. If the
variable is not found, the value of the option set in the
.OPTIONS statement in the Circuit Editor is used when it
exists. Otherwise, the circuit is analyzed using the
simulator’s default values.
IC-CAP automatically adds the option POST=1 to the options list
when the selected simulator is hspice. Specifying this option
causes hspice to return the binary raw data file, which IC-CAP
requires for reading back the simulated data. This option is not
necessary when performing a Manual Simulation from the
Simulation Debugger command menu because the data is not
read back into IC-CAP.
Describing the Device Model
A device model is used to characterize a single SPICE element
of any type. This description requires 2 parts:
• An element statement that calls a defined model
• A .MODEL definition, which is identical to a .MODEL card in
SPICE
The general form of the element statement that calls the device
model is:
DNAME NNUM1 = NNAME1 NNUM2 = NNAME2 ...NNUMN = NNAMEN MNAME
+ DPAR1 = DVAL1 DPAR2 = DVAL2 ...DPARN = DVALN
where
DNAME is the device name with the first letter being a
simulator defined key letter denoting the type of model being
specified.
NNUM denotes the node number connections.
NNAME denotes node names corresponding to the node
numbers.
DPAR is a predefined DUT parameter name.
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SPICE Simulators
DVAL is the specified DUT parameter value. Refer to the
SPICE Reference manual for DUT parameter names available
for each model.
MNAME is the model name being referenced. This is the same
MNAME specified in the .MODEL definition described below
A .MODEL definition specifies the parameters of a device model
that describe a particular element. When a parameter is not
specified, the default value in the model is used. The general
form of the .MODEL definition is:
.MODEL MNAME TYPE PNAME1=PVAL1 PNAME2=PVAL2 ...PNAMEN=PVALN
where
MNAME is the model name. Regardless of the model name
entered in the MNAME field of the .MODEL definition
statement, IC-CAP substitutes the name of the Model as it is
called in the Model List when the simulator input deck is
built.
TYPE is a valid SPICE component type
PNAME is a parameter name for the particular model type
PVAL is the parameter value
As in SPICE, a plus sign ( + ) that appears as the first character
of a line denotes a continuation of the previous line. This
continuation character is often used for easier readability when
specifying the .MODEL card.
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When using the SPECTRE simulator with either the OSI, SPECTRE442, or
SPECTRE443 interfaces (see “SPECTRE Interfaces” on page 274), the
LEVEL parameter for a MOS .MODEL card may not translate properly.
IC-CAP outputs the value as a real number in the netlist, but SPECTRE
requires an integer. To work around this issue, use the model type BSIM3
instead of MOS and omit the LEVEL parameter. Alternatively, enclose the
LEVEL parameter with parentheses, for example, LEVEL = (11). By doing
the later, IC-CAP does not flag it as a model parameter and leaves the
expression alone when passing the netlist to SPECTRE.
IC-CAP Reference
3
SPICE Simulators
Describing Subcircuits
A subcircuit model is used to describe a circuit that contains
more than 1 element.
The syntax is similar to the syntax in SPICE. The subcircuit
description must begin with a .SUBCKT and end with a .ENDS
declaration. Statements between these 2 declarations describe
the subcircuit components.
The general form of the first line of a subcircuit definition is:
.SUBCKT SUBNAME NNUM1 = NNAME1 NNUM2 = NNAME2 ...NNUMN =
NNAMEN + (PAR1=PARVAL1 PAR2=PARVAL2 ...PARN=PARVALN)
where
SUBNAME is the name you give to the subcircuit. Regardless
of the subcircuit name entered in the SUBNAME field of the
.SUBCKT definition statement, IC-CAP substitutes the name
of the Model being simulated when the simulator input deck
is built.
NNUM are the numbers of the external nodes of the
subcircuit. These external nodes are used to connect the
subcircuit to another circuit. External nodes in the .SUBCKT
declaration cannot be 0 (ground), but internal nodes can be
connected to ground and any external node to ground in a
surrounding circuit.
NNAME is a node name assigned to a node number. As in the
device model description, IC-CAP allows the option of
equating node numbers to node names. If you assign node
names, use these names when specifying the Inputs and
Outputs in the Setup.
PAR1 ... PARN are subcircuit parameters that can be passed
through subcircuit calls. These parameters are added to the
DUT parameter table in IC-CAP.
PARVAL1 ... PARVALN are the corresponding parameter
values. These subcircuit parameters become DUT parameters
and can be modified in the DUT Parameter Editor.
(While the syntax shown here is correct, passed parameters are
ignored by IC-CAP.)
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SPICE Simulators
The body of the subcircuit model description contains the
components of the subcircuit using element and .MODEL
statements.
Assigning Node Names
IC-CAP allows the option of equating node numbers to node
names in circuit descriptions because it is typically easier to
refer to a node by a meaningful name rather than a number. If
node numbers only are specified, these node numbers must be
used when specifying inputs and outputs. Node identities can
also be specified with the format %<name>. For example:
Q1 1=C 2=B 3=E 4=S NPN or Q1 %C %B %E %S NPN
Although HSPICE and ELDO allow alphanumeric characters for
node names, node numbers must still be associated with node
names because IC-CAP parses HSPICE as a SPICE-type
simulator.
When using this format, all node names within the circuit or
device must be referenced using the %[nodename] syntax.
Test Circuits and Hierarchical Simulation
When characterizing a circuit, it is often necessary to add
circuitry around a circuit or device to model the actual
measurement Setup. IC-CAP provides a Test Circuit Editor to
allow modeling of this additional bias circuitry. Select the DUT
from the DUT/Setup panel. Click the Test Circuit tab and enter
the test circuit description in the same manner you would enter
a Circuit Description. The test circuit definition should include
a call to the device or subcircuit defined in the Circuit Editor, as
well as the additional circuitry needed to model the external
parasitics of the measurement Setup.
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When you define a test circuit, the DUT parameter table contains the
values specified in the test circuit specification. Regardless of the
subcircuit name entered in the SUBNAME field of the .SUBCKT
declaration, IC-CAP uses the name of the DUT being simulated when the
simulator input deck is built.
IC-CAP Reference
3
SPICE Simulators
Subcircuit and device model specifications can be called from
inside another Model. This enables you to perform hierarchical
simulations to study a circuit at different levels.
When making reference to another model, the model name must
be used as it appears in the IC-CAP Model List. For example,
assume you have defined 3 Models, model1, model2, and
model3. model1 has a circuit model description that is a device
definition. The circuit model description for model2 is a
subcircuit definition at the gate level that includes a call to
model1 in a device call statement. And, the circuit model
description for model3 is a subcircuit definition that includes a
call to model2 in a subcircuit call statement. When you simulate
a Setup in model3, IC-CAP traverses the Model hierarchy and
uses the circuit model description defined in model3, which
includes calls to model1 and model2. The syntax for calling a
device model is identical to that described in the Device Model
Description section.
The general form of the device call is:
DNAME NNUM1 = NNAME1 NNUM2 = NNAME2 ...NNUMN = NNAMEN MNAME
+ DPAR1 = DVAL1 DPAR2 = DVAL2 ...DPARN = DVALN
Calling a subcircuit specification allows you to insert an entire
subcircuit into a circuit as if it were a single component. The
call requires a syntax identical to that used in SPICE. The
general form of the subcircuit call is:
XNAME NNUM1 NNUM2 ...NNUMN SUBNAME (PARVAL1 PARVAL2 ... PARVALN)
where
XNAME is the name of the subcircuit call statement. The only
requirement for this name is that it must start with the letter
X.
NNUM are the node numbers of the calling circuit that
connect to the external nodes of the subcircuit. The calling
circuit node numbers need not be the same as the external
nodes of the subcircuit. The nodes are connected in the order
specified. Specify the same number of nodes declared in the
subcircuit definition.
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SUBNAME is the name of the subcircuit, previously
described by a .SUBCKT definition. This must have the name
of the model as it appears in the Model List if it is in a
different model.
PARVAL are subcircuit parameter values. The order in which
they are listed in the subcircuit call statement must match
the parameters list in the subcircuit definition.
(While the syntax shown here is correct, passed parameters are
ignored by IC-CAP.)
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When a test circuit is included in the Model, IC-CAP uses the test circuit
description as the top level circuit definition. The node number
connections defined in the test circuit description, not the circuit
description, are used as the external nodes. Because of this, any
node-number-to-node-name cross-referencing in the circuit description is
not used. Only node names equated to node numbers in the test circuit
description can be used when specifying Inputs and Outputs in the Setup
Editor. When only node numbers are specified in the test circuit
description, (that is, they are not equated to node names) these same
node numbers must be used in the Input and Output node fields.
IC-CAP Reference
3
SPICE Simulators
Circuit Description Syntax
This section describes basic syntax rules for creating a circuit
description.
SPICE Simulators
Start an input line with * to denote a comment in the circuit
model description or in the input file of the simulation
debugger. Although some simulators accept # and * , IC-CAP
accepts * only. (# is recognized as a preprocessor directive
when the simulator input deck is built. Adding a comment using
# causes a simulation generated from a DUT or Setup to fail.)
Table 64 lists the SPICE element component specifications. For
information on available options and their syntax, refer to the
SPICE Reference manual.
Table 65 lists the semiconductor device specifications. For
information on available options and their syntax, refer to the
SPICE Reference manual.
Table 64
IC-CAP Reference
SPICE Element Component Specifications
Component
General Form
Example
Resistor
RXXXXXXX N1 N2 VALUE
<TC=TC1<TC2>>
R1 1 2 1000
TC=0.001,0.015
Capacitor
CXXXXXXX N+ N- VALUE
<IC=INCOND>
COSC 15 2 10U IC=3
Inductor
LXXXXXXX N+ N- VALUE
<IC=INCOND>
LSHUNT 3 29 10U
IC=15.7m
Mutual Inductor
KXXXXXXX LYYYYYYY LZZZZZZZ
VALUE
K43 LAA LBB 0.999
Transmission
Line
TXXXXXXX N1 N2 N3 N4 Z0=VALUE
<TD=VALUE>+ <F=FREQ
<NL=NRMLEN>> <IC=V1,I1,V2,I2>
T1 1 0 2 0 Z0=50
TD=10NS
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Table 64
Component
General Form
Example
Linear VoltageControlled
Current Source
GXXXXXXX N+ N- NC+ NC- VALUE
G1 2 0 5 0 0.1M
Linear VoltageControlled
Voltage Source
EXXXXXXX N+ N- NC+ NC- VALUE
E1 2 3 14 1 2.0
Linear CurrentControlled
Current Source
FXXXXXXX N+ N- VNAM VALUE
F1 13 5 VSENS 5
Linear CurrentControlled
Voltage Source
HXXXXXXX N+ N- VNAM VALUE
HX 5 17 VZ 0.5K
Independent
Voltage Source
VXXXXXXX N+ N- <<DC> DC/TRAN
VALUE> + <AC <ACMAG
<ACPHASE>>>
VIN 12 0 DC 6
Independent
Current Source
IXXXXXXX N+ N- <<DC> DC/TRAN
VALUE> + <AC <ACMAG
<ACPHASE>>>
+ SFFM(0 1 10K 5 1K)
ISRC 23 21 AC
0.333 45.0
Table 65
262
SPICE Element Component Specifications (continued)
SPICE Semiconductor Component Specifications
Component
General Form
Example
Junction
Diode
DXXXXXXX N1 N2 MNAME
+ <AREA><OFF><IC=VD>
DCLAMP 3 7 DMOD 3.0 IC=0.2
BJT
QXXXXXXX NC NB NE <NS>
MNAME
+ <AREA> <OFF>
<IC=VBE,VCE>
Q2A 11 26 4 20 MOD1
JFET
JXXXXXXX ND NG NS
MNAME
+ <AREA> <OFF>
<IC=VDS,VGS>
J1 7 2 3 JM1 OFF
IC-CAP Reference
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SPICE Simulators
Table 65
SPICE Semiconductor Component Specifications (continued)
Component
General Form
Example
MOSFET
MXXXXXXX ND NG NS NB
MNAME
+
<L=VAL><W=VAL><AD=VAL
><AS=VAL>
+<PD=VAL><PS=VAL><NRD
=VAL><NRS=VAL>
+ <OFF> <IC=VDS,VGS,VBS
M1 2 9 3 0 MOD1 L=10U W=5U
HSPICE Simulator
Basic HSPICE syntax rules are the same as SPICE-type
simulators. Refer to the HSPICE User’s Manual for complete
syntax and rules.
NO TE
Before performing HSPICE simulations, specify the HSPICE version name
in the System Variable HSPICE_VERSION. If this variable is not specified,
IC-CAP will assume the latest version of HSPICE is being used.
ELDO Simulator
Basic ELDO syntax rules are the same as SPICE-type
simulators. In addition to the SPICE-type syntax, FAS
user-defined models can be defined and instantiated in the
IC-CAP Circuit Editor. An FAS model is defined as:
amodel name(pin1,pin2..)
.
<model body>
.
endmodel
(smodel and fmodel are also accepted).
The above model is instantiated in a circuit as:
yxx name [pin:] 1 2 ... [param: par1 = var1 ...] [model: ...]
In addition, the parser accepts the following ELDO constructs:
.ADDLIB number pathname
#com . . #endcom
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SPICE Simulators
FIDEL models (oxx p1:typ p2:typ ... mod=modelname) and
transfer functions (FNS, FNZ) are not currently supported by
the IC-CAP parser. However, the #echo keyword can be used to
insert these statements into a circuit in the IC-CAP Circuit
Editor.
The #echo keyword is available in the IC-CAP Circuit Editor for
all supported simulators. #echo can be used to pass a deck card
or command directly through to the simulator without any
parsing by IC-CAP. For example, the line
#echo <something that the IC-CAP parser doesn't understand>
is sent to the simulator as
<something that the IC-CAP parser doesn't understand>
The following analog model instantiation syntax is supported
for HDL-A:
HDL-A user-defined models with the following syntax can also
be instantiated in the IC-CAP Circuit Editor.
yxx name(xx) [pin:] 1 2 ... [param: par1 = var1 ...]
and
yxx name(xx) [pin:] 1 2 ... [generic: par1 = var1 ...]
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Before performing ELDO simulations specify the ELDO version name in the
System Variable ELDO_VERSION. If this variable is not specified, IC-CAP
will use the version name specified in the environment variable eldover, if
it exists. If neither ELDO_VERSION or eldover are specified, IC-CAP
assumes that the latest version of ELDO is being used.
IC-CAP Reference
3
SPICE Simulators
SPICE Simulator Differences
Subtle differences in syntax, behavior, error handling and
calculation of data between the simulators must be considered
when creating a circuit description.
• SPICE2 simulations will fail if an underscore is used in the
Model name. An error message will appear in the output text
file generated by the Simulation Debugger:
0*ERROR*: MODEL TYPE IS MISSING
• SPICE2 simulations will fail if an underscore is used in a test
circuit and DUT name because the simulation input deck
uses the DUT name as a model name. An error message will
appear in the output text file:
0*ERROR*: SUBCIRCUIT NODES MISSING
• When attempting a SPICE2 or SPICE3 simulation in the BJT
model, if the ideal maximum forward beta parameter BF=0 or
the transport saturation current parameter IS=0, the
simulation will fail without an error message. (Other
parameters may yield similar results when set to zero.)
• SPICE3 is the only simulator that supports the UCB GaAs
model. Refer to “Simulators" in the Nonlinear Device Models,
Volume 1 manual for details on the syntax required to
simulate this model.
• HPSPICE is the only simulator that supports the Curtice
GaAs model. Refer to “Simulators" in the Nonlinear Device
Models, Volume 1 manual for details on the syntax required
to simulate this model.
• When using HPSPICE to simulate a UC Berkeley MOSFET
model, specify the ucb option in the .OPTIONS statement of
the circuit description:
.OPTIONS ucb
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SPICE Simulators
• When using SPICE3 with the Simulation Debugger to
perform an IC-CAP simulation (as opposed to a manual
simulation), an output text file with the following message
results: print card ignored since rawfile was produced. To
generate a more informative output text file, perform a
manual simulation. The manual simulation results in an
output text file that includes the requested output data
values.
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SPICE Simulators
Using the PRECISE Simulator with IC-CAP
PRECISE is a UCB SPICE-based simulator developed by Mentor
Graphics Corp. Using IC-CAP’s Open Simulator Interface, a
C-language Translation Module is provided that makes
PRECISE simulation capability available in IC-CAP. This module
and instructions for performing PRECISE simulations in
IC-CAP are described here. For general information on the Open
Simulator Interface, refer to the section “Adding a Simulator" in
the User’s Guide.
The IC-CAP/PRECISE link uses UCB SPICE2G.6 as the template
simulator. When performing a PRECISE simulation in IC-CAP,
IC-CAP behaves as if it is performing a SPICE2 simulation.
Therefore it generates an input deck in SPICE2 format, calls the
simulator and reads back a binary raw data file in SPICE2
format. Through the Open Simulator Interface, the call to the
simulator is actually calling the executable version of the
C-language Translation Module, precise.c. This executable,
called precise, translates the SPICE2 input deck to a PRECISE
input format, calls PRECISE to perform the simulation, then
translates the PRECISE format binary raw data file to SPICE2
format which is read by IC-CAP. The source code file precise.c is
located in the $ICCAP_ROOT/src directory.
To set up PRECISE simulation capability in IC-CAP:
1 Add the precise simulator to the usersimulators file in the
directory $ICCAP_ROOT/iccap/lib, as shown next:
precise spice2 /<your path>/precise "<host_machine_name>"
CANNOT_PIPE
2 The host_machine_name is the host computer for the
PRECISE simulations. This name can be left blank ("") if
PRECISE and IC-CAP are running on the same computer.
Since PRECISE does not have the ability to perform piped
simulations in IC-CAP, the CANNOT_PIPE flag must always
be set, as shown in the above example.
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SPICE Simulators
NO TE
The IC-CAP/PRECISE interface is only supported for the HP 9000 Series
700 version of PRECISE. Therefore the host computer must be a Series 700
workstation.
3 Make the following changes to the precise.c program to
customize it for your environment:
• In the main routine, specify the full pathname of the
actual PRECISE simulator on your system.
• In the spice2_to_precise routine, specify the full
pathname of the Mentor Graphics supplied program
ppphp700.exe, which translates a SPICE2 input deck to
the equivalent PRECISE input deck.
4 Compile the translation module using the following
command:
cc -o precise precise.c -lm
5 Move the executable file, precise to a permanent location
such as $ICCAP_ROOT/bin The location must match the path
specified in the usersimulators file.
6 In IC-CAP, set the SIMULATOR variable to precise or specify
precise with the Select Simulator command on the IC-CAP
Tools Menu.
The following files are generated in your home directory when
running PRECISE simulations in IC-CAP:
• namefile - File that contains the name of the spice input deck
file indeck.spi.
• indeck.spi - SPICE 2G.6 format input deck file that is the
input to the input deck translator program ppphp700.exe
provided by Mentor Graphics.
• indeck.ckt - PRECISE format circuit description deck output
from the input deck translator program ppphp700.exe.
• indeck.use - PRECISE format analysis command deck output
from the input deck translator program ppphp700.exe.
• xndeck.use - PRECISE format analysis command deck
referenced by indeck.use. Also generated by the input deck
translation.
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3
• rawout - PRECISE formatted binary raw data output file
generated by a PRECISE simulation.
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SPICE Simulators
Using the PSPICE Simulator with IC-CAP
PSPICE is a SPICE-based circuit simulator developed by
MicroSim Corporation. PSPICE uses the same basic numeric
algorithms as the UCB SPICE2 simulator but claims superior
convergence and performance. Using IC-CAP’s Open Simulator
Interface, a C-language Translation Module is provided that
makes PSPICE simulation capability available in IC-CAP. This
module and instructions for performing PSPICE simulations in
IC-CAP are described here. For general information on the Open
Simulator Interface, refer to the section “Adding a Simulator" in
the User’s Guide.
The IC-CAP/PSPICE link uses UCB SPICE2 as the template
simulator. When performing a PSPICE simulation in IC-CAP,
IC-CAP behaves as if it is performing a SPICE2 simulation.
Therefore it generates an input deck in SPICE2 format, calls the
simulator and reads back a binary raw data file in SPICE2
format. Through the Open Simulator Interface, the call to the
simulator is actually calling the executable version of the
C-language Translation Module, pspice.c. This executable,
called pspice, translates the SPICE2 input deck to a PSPICE
input format, calls PSPICE to perform the simulation, then
translates the PSPICE format binary raw data file to SPICE2
format which is read by IC-CAP. The source code file pspice.c is
located in the $ICCAP_ROOT/src directory.
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The IC-CAP/PSPICE translation module pspice.c has been updated in
IC-CAP 5.0 to support the output binary data format of PSPICE 6.3. Only
PSPICE versions with the identical output binary data format will work
with this translation module. For older PSPICE versions, use the
translation module pspice5_4.c, also supplied with this release.
To set up PSPICE simulation capability in IC-CAP:
1 Add the pspice simulator to the usersimulators file in the
directory $ICCAP_ROOT/iccap/lib, as shown next.
pspice spice2 /<your path>/pspice "<host_machine_name>"
CANNOT_PIPE
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2 The host_machine_name is the host computer for the
PSPICE simulations. This name can be left blank ("") if
PSPICE and IC-CAP are running on the same computer.
Since PSPICE does not have the ability to perform piped
simulations in IC-CAP, the CANNOT_PIPE flag must always
be set, as shown in the above example.
3 Make the following change to the pspice.c program to
customize it for your environment:
• In the main routine, specify the full pathname of the
actual PSPICE simulator on your system.
4 Compile the translation module using the following
command:
cc -o pspice pspice.c -lm
5 Move the executable file, pspice to a permanent location such
as ICCAP_ROOT/bin. The location must match the path
specified in the usersimulators file.
6 In IC-CAP, set the SIMULATOR variable to pspice or specify
pspice with the Select Simulator command in the IC-CAP
Tools Menu.
The following files are generated in your home directory when
running PSPICE simulations in IC-CAP:
• psp.cir - PSPICE format circuit description deck file
translated from the SPICE2 circuit description deck.
• psp.raw - PSPICE formatted binary raw data output file
generated by a PSPICE simulation.
• psp.out - Output print file generated by a PSPICE simulation.
psp.raw and psp.out are automatically removed from your
home directory after the simulation is completed in IC-CAP.
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IC-CAP Reference
When using PSPICE, the LM_LICENSE_FILE environment variable must be
set. This variable contains the directory path for the license file required by
the PSPICE simulator. Refer to the PSPICE Reference Manual for detailed
procedures on installing the PSPICE simulator.
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IC-CAP Reference
Agilent 85190A IC-CAP 2008
Reference
4
SPECTRE Simulator
SPECTRE Interfaces 274
Circuit Model Descriptions 276
Piped and Non-Piped SPECTRE Simulations 286
This chapter describes the details of using the SPECTRE
simulator with IC-CAP. For general information on IC-CAP
simulation, refer to Chapter 6, “Simulating,” in the User’s
Guide.
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SPECTRE Simulator
SPECTRE Interfaces
SPECTRE is a SPICE-like circuit simulator developed by
Cadence Design Systems that simulates analog and digital
circuits at the differential equation level using direct
methods.
SPECTRE uses the same basic algorithms used in UCB
SPICE but the implementation of these algorithms uses the
most up-to-date methods currently available.
IC-CAP offers 3 different interfaces for use with the
SPECTRE simulator:
• SPECTRE
• SPECTRE443
• SPECTRE442
SPECTRE Interface
The SPECTRE interface is compatible with SPECTRE version
4.4.3 simulators and later. Unlike the SPECTRE443 and
SPECTRE442 interfaces which invoke the SPICE netlist
parser, this interface uses native SPECTRE netlist syntax to
parse data from the circuit page. This alleviates the need to
translate SPECTRE netlists to SPICE syntax prior to entering
the netlists on the circuit page. See the following section, “Valid
SPECTRE Netlist Syntax for IC-CAP” on page 277.”
SPECTRE443 Interface
This interface is compatible with SPECTRE versions up to
5.0.0. The SPECTRE443 interface invokes a SPICE netlist
parser, unlike the SPECTRE implementation which uses
native SPECTRE netlist syntax to parse data from the circuit
page. This interface requires that SPECTRE netlists are first
converted to SPICE syntax prior to entering them on the
circuit page.
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4
SPECTRE442 Interface
This interface is compatible with SPECTRE simulator version
4.2.2 only. The SPECTRE442 interface invokes the SPICE netlist
parser, unlike the SPECTRE interface which uses native
SPECTRE netlist syntax to parse data from the circuit page.
This interface requires that SPECTRE netlists are first
converted to SPICE syntax prior to entering them on the circuit
page.
CAU TI O N
The SPECTRE442 interface is no longer recommended. IC-CAP is only
tested against the latest version of SPECTRE. The SPECTRE442
interface is documented only to assist in migrating to the SPECTRE443
or SPECTRE interface.
Open Simulator Interface (OSI)
This interface requires the compilation of a translation
module (see spectre3.c in $ICCAP_ROOT/src). This
translation module allows IC-CAP to operate as though it is
interfacing to SPICE 3. This interface is no longer
recommended, but is documented to help migration efforts
from the old interface to the new SPECTRE interface
template. For details, see “Using Template SPICE3 and the Open
Simulator Interface spectre3.c” on page 288.
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SPECTRE Simulator
Circuit Model Descriptions
The following section describes the type of circuit page
netlists required when using the SPECTRE interface. Please
refer to “Circuit Model Descriptions” on page 254 for the netlist
requirements for the SPECTRE443, SPECTRE442, or the
SPICE3 OSI interfaces.
For valid circuit syntax descriptions, see the Cadence
SPECTRE simulator user’s documentation.
Specifying Simulator Options
For information on available simulator options and their
syntax, refer to the Cadence SPECTRE simulator user’s
documentation.
Simulator options are specified in the first line of the circuit
definition using the following syntax:
options OPT1 = OPTVAL1 OPT2 = OPTVAL2 ... OPTN = OPTVALN
where
OPT denotes the option keyword used by the simulator.
OPTVAL is the corresponding option value. Some options
do not require a value. This field may or may not be
specified, depending on the option.
A space is the only delimiter required between options.
The nominal and operating temperatures, TNOM and TEMP,
are commonly used options. TNOM is the temperature at
which the model parameters are extracted. TEMP is the
temperature at which the simulation is performed.
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276
When performing an optimization to extract model parameters, TEMP and
TNOM should be set to the same value so that simulations during
optimization are performed at TNOM. TNOM must be defined to guarantee
consistency between simulation and extraction.
IC-CAP Reference
SPECTRE Simulator
4
You can also specify these variables by entering a value (in
°C) for the global variables TNOM and TEMP in the System
Variables table in the Utilities application.
In general, TNOM and TEMP can be in any variable table,
allowing different Models, DUTs or Setups to use different
nominal and operating temperatures.
IC-CAP checks for these global variables before running a
simulation. If it does not find the variable, IC-CAP uses the
value set in the Circuit Editor options statement. Otherwise,
IC-CAP analyzes the circuit using the simulator’s default
values.
Valid SPECTRE Netlist Syntax for IC-CAP
The SPECTRE interface parses netlists written in native
SPECTRE syntax.
During a simulation using the SPECTRE template, IC-CAP
examines the netlist entered on the Circuit page for:
• The name of the device to be modelled
• The external nodes of the device
• The model-level parameters
• The device-level parameters
IC-CAP is intended for single-device model extractions.
Therefore, not all valid SPECTRE netlists are accepted by
IC-CAP.
Valid SPECTRE Constructs
IC-CAP uses 3 SPECTRE constructs:
• the device statement
• the subcircuit (subckt) block
• the model statement
Valid SPECTRE Circuit Page Configurations
There are 3 valid Circuit page configurations:
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SPECTRE Simulator
• A single device statement and a single model card
• A single subcircuit block
• A single device statement followed by a single subcircuit
block
NO TE
Other supporting statements can be added in and around the
configurations mentioned above. This includes all valid SPECTRE syntax
statements other than the device, subckt, and model statements. These 3
constructs are limited in number and combination as described above.
Describing a Device
A device statement describes a single SPECTRE element of
any type. The general form of device statement is:
DNAME NODE1 NODE2...NODEN MNAME DPAR1=DVAL1 DPAR2=DVAL2
where
DNAME is the device name with the first letter being a
simulator-defined key letter, denoting the type of model
being specified.
NODE denotes the node name for the device connection.
MNAME is the name of a built-in device, or the name of a
model or subcircuit definition. This is the same MNAME
specified in the model definition described below.
DPAR is a predefined DUT parameter name.
DVAL is the specified DUT parameter value. Refer to the
MNS and SPICE Reference for the DUT parameter names
available for each model.
A plus sign ( + ) that appears as the first character of a line
or a back slash ( \ ) that appears as the last character in a
previous line denotes a continuation of the previous line.
This continuation character is often used for easier
readability when specifying the model card.
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Describing the Model
A model definition specifies the parameters of a particular
model that is referenced by a device statement (see “Describing
a Device” on page 278). When a parameter is not specified, the
default value in the model is used. The general form of the
model definition is:
model MNAME TYPE PNAME1=PVAL1 PNAME2=PVAL2 ...PNAMEN=PVALN
where
MNAME is the model name. Regardless of the model name
entered in the MNAME field of the model definition
statement, IC-CAP substitutes the name of the Model as it is
called in the Model List when the simulator input deck is
built.
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Noise is a reserved word in SPECTRE and must not be used in naming
components of the netlist. Do not use the name “noise” for DUTs or
Models. IC-CAP substitutes the Model/DUT name for the name in the
Circuit or Test Circuit folders respectively.
TYPE is a valid SPECTRE component type.
PNAME is a parameter name for the particular model
type.
PVAL is the parameter value.
A plus sign ( + ) that appears as the first character of a line
or a back slash ( \ ) that appears as the last character in a
previous line denotes a continuation of the previous line.
This continuation character is often used for easier
readability when specifying the model card.
Describing Subcircuits
A subcircuit model is used to describe a circuit that contains
more than 1 element.
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The syntax is similar to the syntax in SPICE. The subcircuit
description must begin with a subckt and end with an ends
declaration. Statements between these 2 declarations
describe the subcircuit components.
The general form of a subcircuit definition is:
subckt SUBNAME (NODE1 NODE2...NODEN)
parameters PAR1=PARVAL1 PAR2=PARVAL2 ...PARN=PARVALN
<subcircuit devices and/or models listed here>
ends SUBNAME
where
SUBNAME is the subcircuit name. Regardless of the
subcircuit name entered in the SUBNAME field of the
subckt definition statement, IC-CAP substitutes the name
of the Model being simulated when the simulator input
deck is built.
NO TE
Noise is a reserved word in SPECTRE and must not be used in naming
components of the netlist. Do not use the name “noise” for DUTs or
Models. IC-CAP substitutes the Model/DUT name for the name in the
Circuit or Test Circuit folders respectively.
NODE denotes the node name for the device connection.
PAR1 ... PARN are subcircuit parameters that can be
passed through subcircuit calls. If a subcircuit is used in
conjunction with a device statement, then the parameters
specified on the device line will also need to be listed
here. In this case, those parameters are added to the DUT
Parameters table. All other parameters not listed in the
device statement will be added to the Model Parameters
table. If the subcircuit description is used without an
associated device statement, then all parameters listed
here will be entered in the DUT Parameters table.
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PARVAL1 ... PARVALN are the corresponding parameter
values. Depending on the context (see previous
paragraph), these parameters become either DUT
parameters or model parameters which can be modified in
the DUT Parameters table of the Model Parameters table.
The body of the subcircuit model description contains the
components of the subcircuit using element and model
statements.
Using a Device Statement and Model Card Configuration
The device statement and model card is the simplest circuit
page configuration. The template parses the model card into
the Model Parameters page and the device parameters into
the DUT Parameters page. The device statement provides the
external nodes.
Example syntax:
q1 C B E S NPN area = 1.0
model NPN bjt
+ is = 1E-16
+ bf = 100
In this case, is and bf will appear on the Model Parameters
page, and area will appear in the DUT Parameters page.
NO TE
The device statement and model card may appear in any order.
Using a Single Subcircuit Block Configuration
This circuit page configuration interprets the subcircuit as a
single device. If the subcircuit includes a Parameters
statement, the template parses these parameters as device
parameters, where they appear in the DUT Parameter Table.
All parameters on model or device statements within the
subcircuit appear in the Model Parameter Table in the form:
<inst/model>.<parameter>
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Example syntax:
subckt realnpn (C B E)
parameters area=1
LE E 4 inductor l=.35n
LB B 5 inductor l=.2n
CC C 0 capacitor c=.255p
Q1 C 5 4 NPN area = area
model NPN bjt
+ is = 1E-16
+ bf = 100
ends realnpn
In this case, LE.l, LB.l, CC.c, NPN.is, and NPN.bf will appear
in the Model Parameters table and area will appear in each
DUT Parameters table.
NO TE
Note, Q1.area does not appear because its value is not a simple number.
IC-CAP only identifies parameters with simple numbers for extraction.
When this circuit is simulated, IC-CAP outputs the
subcircuit as well as an device statement to call the
subcircuit.
See the example file model_files/bjt/spectre_ncehf.mdl for a
working model.
Using a Device Statement Followed by a Subcircuit Block
In some situations, you must extract parameters from a
device defined by a subcircuit whose parameters listed in
the Parameters statement within the subcircuit are your
model parameters and not your device parameters. Use the
“device statement followed by a subcircuit block”
configuration.
In this configuration, all parameters listed with the
subcircuit parameters statement are parsed as model
parameters, unless they are referenced on the device
statement, in which case they are treated as device
parameters.
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Example syntax:
q1 C B E S realnpn area=1.0
subckt realnpn C B E S
parameters area=1.0 is=1e-16 bf=100 lb=1
lb1 B 1 inductor l=lb
q1 C 1 E S NPN area=area
model NPN bjt is=is bf=bf
ends realnpn
In the this example, there are 3 model parameters, is, bf and
lb, and 1 device parameter, area.
Note the difference between this configuration and the
single-subcircuit configuration which has only a subckt
definition and no device.
Test Circuits and Hierarchical Simulation
When characterizing a circuit, it is often necessary to add
circuitry around a circuit or device to model the actual
measurement Setup. IC-CAP provides a Test Circuit Editor
to allow modeling of this additional bias circuitry. Select the
DUT from the DUT/Setup panel. Click the Test Circuit tab
and enter the test circuit description in the same manner
you would enter a Circuit Description. The test circuit
definition should include a call to the device or subcircuit
defined in the Circuit Editor, as well as the additional
circuitry needed to model the external parasitics of the
measurement Setup.
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When you define a test circuit, the DUT Parameter table contains the
values specified in the test circuit specification. Regardless of the
subcircuit name entered in the SUBNAME field of the subckt declaration,
IC-CAP uses the name of the DUT being simulated when the simulator
input deck is built.
NO TE
Noise is a reserved word in SPECTRE and must not be used in naming
components of the netlist. Do not use the name “noise” for DUTs or
Models. IC-CAP substitutes the Model/DUT name for the name in the
Circuit or Test Circuit folders respectively.
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Subcircuit and device model specifications can be called
from inside another model. This enables you to perform
hierarchical simulations to study a circuit at different
levels.
When making reference to another model, the model name
must be used as it appears in the IC-CAP Model List. For
example, assume you have defined 3 models, model1,
model2, and model3. model1 has a circuit model description
that is a device definition. The circuit model description for
model2 is a subcircuit definition at the gate level that
includes a call to model1 in a device call statement. And, the
circuit model description for model3 is a subcircuit
definition that includes a call to model2 in a subcircuit call
statement. When you simulate a Setup in model3, IC-CAP
traverses the Model hierarchy and uses the circuit model
description defined in model3, which includes calls to
model1 and model2. The syntax for calling a device model is
identical to that described in the Device Model Description
section.
The general form of the device call is:
DNAME NODE1 NODE2...NODEN MNAME DPAR1=DVAL1 DPAR2=DVAL2
Calling a subcircuit specification allows you to insert an
entire subcircuit into a circuit as if it were a single
component. The call requires a syntax identical to that used
in SPECTRE. The general form of the subcircuit call is:
DNAME NODE1 NODE2...NODEN SUBNAME DPAR1=DVAL1 DPAR2=DVAL2
where
DNAME is the name of the subcircuit call statement. The
only requirement for this name is that it must start with
the letter D.
NODE denotes the node name for the device connection.
SUBNAME is the name of the subcircuit, previously
described by a subckt definition. This must have the name
of the model as it appears in the Model List if it is in a
different model.
DPAR are passed in the parameter names.
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DVAL are subcircuit parameter values. The order in which
they are listed in the subcircuit call statement must match
the parameters list in the subcircuit definition.
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IC-CAP Reference
When a test circuit is included in the Model, IC-CAP uses the test circuit
description as the top level circuit definition. The node number
connections defined in the test circuit description, not the circuit
description, are used as the external nodes. Because of this, any
node-number-to-node-name cross-referencing in the circuit description is
not used. Only node names equated to node numbers in the test circuit
description can be used when specifying Inputs and Outputs in the Setup
Editor. When only node numbers are specified in the test circuit
description, (that is, they are not equated to node names) these same
node numbers must be used in the Input and Output node fields.
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Piped and Non-Piped SPECTRE Simulations
The following sections describe the differences in piped and
non-piped simulations for the various SPECTRE simulators.
Each section also describes the argument syntax required to
invoke each of the template simulators. This information is
needed when writing the user translation module, since
these are the arguments supplied by IC-CAP when it calls
the translation module. For information on the translation
module and adding a simulator, refer to the section “Adding
a Simulator" in the User’s Guide.
There are 3 methods you can use to link to the SPECTRE
simulator interface:
• Use template SPECTRE, SPECTRE443, or SPECTRE442
with CANNOT_PIPE.
• Use template SPECTRE, SPECTRE443, or SPECTRE442
with CAN_PIPE.
• Use template SPICE3 and the Open Simulator Interface
spectre3.c.
NO TE
The methods using SPECTRE or SPECTRE442/443 offer significant speed
enhancements with some minor features that will not work properly. Be
sure to read the following sections describing their limitations.
NO TE
The method using SPICE3 is fully supported, but offers the slowest speed.
It is not recommended, except when methods using SPECTRE or
SPECTRE442/443 do not work, or are unavailable.
Using SPECTRE Simulator Templates with CANNOT_PIPE
If you specify the template SPECTRE, SPECTRE442 or
SPECTRE443, you can greatly speed up your simulations.
This template will use the SPECTRE alter command to
simulate multiple bias steps in 1 simulation. This improves
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many multi-sweep simulations such as an S-parameter setup
with 2 sweeps. Using the Open Simulator Interface method,
each of these bias steps would require a separate simulation.
The one known limitation with this method is that
parameter sweeps will not work properly with certain
parameters that are declared in a subcircuit at the Circuit
page level when a Test circuit is being used. Parameters that
are declared with an “=” sign will work even under this
configuration, but parameters that are declared without an
“=” sign will not work. In the following example, parameter
sweeps will work for IS, but not for R1.
Circuit Page:
subckt CIRC 1=A 2=C
R1 1 2 50
Q1 1 2 1 2 NPN
model NPN BJT IS=10e-15
.ENDS
Test Circuit:
subckt CIRC2 1=A 2=C
XTEST 1 2 CIRC
.ENDS
Using SPECTRE Simulator Templates with CAN_PIPE
IC-CAP may not work properly with parameters defined
using $mpar() in #echo lines. If using such a circuit, Agilent
Technologies does not recommend using CAN_PIPE. Use
CANNOT_PIPE instead.
Specifying CAN_PIPE with SPECTRE, SPECTRE442 or
SPECTRE443 templates will use a mode that will allow the
simulator to stay up for multiple simulations of the same
setup as long as the only thing changing are parameters.
This is what happens during an optimization which has all
targets within 1 setup. This mode is not officially supported
by Cadence, so use the link at your own risk. Our testing
has shown it to provide significant performance
improvements.
Limitations of this method include:
• This mode has the same limitation described in the
previous section.
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• If a Test circuit is used, this mode offers no performance
enhancement.
• This mode does not work with remote hosts.
Using Template SPICE3 and the Open Simulator Interface spectre3.c
NO TE
Using Template SPICE3 requires more processing time than the other
SPECTRE templates. Using Template SPICE3 is not recommended, except
when methods using SPECTRE, SPECTRE442, or SPECTRE443 are
unavailable.
Using IC-CAP’s Open Simulator Interface, a C-language
Translation Module is provided that makes SPECTRE
simulation capability available in IC-CAP. This module and
instructions for performing SPECTRE simulations in IC-CAP
are described here. For general information on the Open
Simulator Interface, refer to the section “Adding a Simulator"
in the User’s Guide.
The IC-CAP/SPECTRE link uses UCB SPICE3 as the
template simulator. When performing a SPECTRE simulation
in IC-CAP, IC-CAP behaves as if it is performing a SPICE3
simulation. Therefore it generates an input deck in SPICE3
format, calls the simulator and reads back a binary raw data
file in SPICE3 format. Through the Open Simulator Interface,
the call to the simulator is actually calling the executable
version of the C-language Translation Module, spectre3.c.
This executable, called spectre3, translates the SPICE3 input
deck to a SPECTRE input format, calls SPECTRE to perform
the simulation, then translates the SPECTRE format binary
raw data file to SPICE3 format which is read by IC-CAP.
The source code file spectre3.c is located in the
$ICCAP_ROOT/src directory.
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When using SPECTRE, the CDS_LICENSE_DIR environment variable must
be set. This variable contains the directory path for the license file required
by the SPECTRE simulator. Refer to the SPECTRE Reference Manual for
detailed procedures on installing the SPECTRE simulator.
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SPECTRE does not support a secondary sweep in the DC specification. For
DC simulations, set the System Variable MAX_DC_SWEEPS to 1 so that
IC-CAP generates a separate input deck for every point in the secondary
sweep, if it exists.
NO TE
If you set the SPECTRE variable SPECTRE_DEFAULTS in your system
startup file, for example, the .profile file, do not use the −E option. Use the
following syntax:
SPECTRE_DEFAULTS
+l %C.r.out -f psfascii
To set up SPECTRE simulation capability in IC-CAP:
1 Add the spectre simulator to the usersimulators file in
the directory $ICCAP_ROOT/iccap/lib, as shown next.
spectre spice3 /<your path>/spectre3
"<host_machine_name>" CANNOT_PIPE
2 The host_machine_name is the host computer for the
SPECTRE simulations. This name can be left blank ("") if
SPECTRE and IC-CAP are running on the same computer.
Since SPECTRE does not have the ability to perform
piped simulations in IC-CAP, the CANNOT_PIPE flag must
always be set, as shown in the above example.
3 Make the following change to the spectre3.c program to
customize it for your environment:
• In the main routine, specify the full pathname of the
actual SPECTRE simulator on your system.
4 Compile the translation module using the following
command:
cc -o spectre3 spectre3.c -lm
5 Move the executable file, spectre3 to a permanent location
such as $ICCAP_ROOT/bin. The location must match the
path specified in the usersimulators file.
6 In IC-CAP, set the SIMULATOR variable to spectre or
specify spectre with the Select Simulator command in the
IC-CAP Tools Menu.
The following files are generated in your home directory
when running SPECTRE simulations in IC-CAP:
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• spectre.cki - SPECTRE format circuit description deck file
translated from the SPICE3 circuit description deck.
• spectre.raw - SPECTRE formatted binary raw data output
file generated by a SPECTRE simulation.
• spectre.log - Output print file generated by a SPECTRE
simulation.
spectre.raw and spectre.log are automatically removed from
your home directory after the simulation is completed in
IC-CAP.
NO TE
Some of the new models implemented in SPECTRE use slightly different
syntax for the model statement than they would for SPICE3. This
difference will not be accounted for by the translator; you must change the
model statement in the Circuit Description folder before simulating. The
following examples show how the model statement would read for the
MM9 and BSIM3 models:
model <name> mos902 type=n <parameters>
model <name> bsim3 type=n <parameters>
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Reference
5
Saber Simulator
Saber Simulation Example 293
Piped and Non-Piped Saber Simulations 295
Saber Parameter Sweeps 297
The Alter Command 299
Circuit Model Description 300
This chapter describes the details of using the Saber
simulator with IC-CAP. For general information on IC-CAP
simulation, refer to Chapter 6, “Simulating,” in the User’s
Guide.
The Saber simulator, developed by Analogy, Inc., analyzes
analog, digital, event-driven analog and mixed-mode systems.
IC-CAP supports these Saber simulator features:
• Vary command for unlimited sweeps and simulation at
multiple operating points
• DC Operating Point Analysis used with DC Transfer, AC
Frequency, and Transient Analysis
• Options for each type of analysis (these options must be
specified in the IC-CAP Variables Table)
• Parameter sweeps
• Alter command (For details, refer to “The Alter Command”
on page 299)
• Hierarchical simulation
• Remote simulation
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IC-CAP supports other Saber features as follows. (Limited
support includes workarounds to achieve desired results
that may not be in an ideal format.)
• MAST capabilities.
• Limited support for the syntax required for model and
element development. This can be done in a separate
file and included in the Circuit Description using the
MAST syntax:
<filename
where filename is the name of the file that contains the
template description of the model or element under
development.
• IC-CAP does not support stimulus conversion to collect
data on non-electrical nodes
• Limited support for noise analysis, Fourier analysis,
distortion analysis, mixed-mode simulation, and mixed
technology simulation. This includes simulations involving
non-electrical types such as pressure, revolutions per
minute, and torque.
IC-CAP does not support digital state type stimulus and
response for mixed-mode simulation. Hypermodels must be
used to convert digital states to analog signals.
The Saber simulator supports the following analysis types:
• DC
• AC
• Transient
• Capacitance Voltage (CV)
• 2-Port (S,H,Y,Z,K,A parameter)
• Time-Domain Reflectometry (TDR)
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Saber Simulation Example
The circuit description is predefined for all IC-CAP
configuration files. Enter this description if a new model is
being defined; edit the description to fit specific needs. The
syntax is identical to the syntax used for describing circuits
in a typical Saber simulation deck.
This simulation example will use the IC-CAP supplied Model
sabernpn.mdl.
1 Select the simulator by choosing Tools > Options > Select
Simulator > saber. Choose OK.
2 Choose File > Open > sabernpn.mdl. Choose OK.
3 View the circuit description by clicking the Circuit tab.
The circuit description is shown in Figure 12. This deck
describes the circuit (in this case, a single device) to be
used in the simulation.
4 To view the input and output for the fearly setup, click
the DUTs-Setups tab and select fearly;
The Measure/Simulate folder appears with the inputs vb,
vc, ve, and vs, and the output ic. The vc input specifies a
voltage source at node C that sweeps linearly from 0 to
5V in 21 steps. The ic output specifies that current at
node C be monitored.
In the Plots folder, icvsvc is specified so that the results
of the simulation can be viewed graphically.
5 To simulate, click the Simulate button in the
Measure/Simulate folder. The Status line displays Simulate
in progress.
When the simulation is complete, the Status line displays
IC-CAP Ready.
6 To view the results of the simulation, display the Plots
folder and click Display Plot. The plot displays measured
data represented by solid lines and simulated data
represented by dashed lines.
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NO TE
For syntax examples of running a remote simulation, refer to “Remote
Simulation Examples” in the User’s Guide.
# Saber NPN Device
q..model sabernpn= (IS=le-16,
TYPE= n,
BF = 100,
NF = 1,
VAF = 1000,
IKF = 10,
ISE = 0,
NE = 1.5,
BR = 1,
NR = 1,
VAR = 1000,
IKR = 10,
ISC = 0,
NC = 2,
RB = 0,
IRB = 10,
RBM = 0,
RE = 0,
RC = 0,
XTB = 0,
EG = 1.110,
XTI = 3.000,
CJE = 0,
VJE = 750m,
MJE = 333m,
TF = 0,
XTF = 0,
VTF = 1000,
ITF = 0,
CJC = 0,
VJC = 750m,
MJC = 333m,
XCJC = 1.0,
TR = 0,
CJS = 0,
VJS = 750m,
MJS = 0,
FC = 500.0m)
q.qckt C B E S= model = sabernpn, AREA = 1.0
Figure 12
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5
Piped and Non-Piped Saber Simulations
Non-piped Saber simulations are identical to non-piped
SPICE simulations. However, there are differences between
the 2 types of piped simulation. A piped simulation in Saber
does the following:
1 Read the input deck from a file upon start up of the
simulator
2 Read in the analysis commands from a pipe connected to
standard input
3 Perform the simulation
4 Send the text output to a pipe connected to standard
output
5 Save the output data to files
Saber is restarted if any topological changes are made to the
circuit description. If changes are made which do not affect
the topology of the circuit, such as changed parameter
values, then alter commands are used and the simulator is
not restarted.
Syntax: Non-Piped simulations
This section describes the argument syntax required to
invoke the template simulator. This information is needed
when writing the user translation module, since these are
the arguments supplied by IC-CAP when it calls the
translation module. For information on the translation
module and adding a simulator, refer to “Adding a
Simulator” in the User’s Guide.
The command format for a Saber non-piped simulation is as
follows:
saber -b deckfile
where:
-b specifies batch mode.
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deckfile is the input file name. Saber will read deckfile as
the input deck file containing the circuit description and
deckfile as the command file containing the analysis
statements.
The textfile is written to a file called deckfile.out.
The rawfile information is written to 2 files, called the
control file and the data file. The control file is named
deckfile.p1.suffix and the data file is named
deckfile.p2.suffix where suffix is a keyword assigned by
Saber according to the analysis being performed. Refer to
the Saber User’s Manual for more information.
Syntax: Piped simulations
The command format for a Saber piped simulation is as
follows:
saber -c deckfile
where:
-c specifies the Saber command mode.
deckfile is the input deck file containing the circuit
description.
Saber reads the analysis commands through standard input.
The textfile is written to a file called <deckfile>.out.
The rawfile is written to a file called <deckfile>.p1.<suffix>
where suffix is a keyword assigned by Saber according to
the analysis being performed. Refer to the Saber User’s
Manual for more information.
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Saber Parameter Sweeps
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The LSYNC sweep is not supported with the Saber simulator.
When using the Saber simulator, IC-CAP allows parameter
sweeps of only parameters and Saber global variables, such as
the global variable for temperature called TEMP. Like
SPICE-type simulators, specifying parameter sweeps for devices
and circuits is done the same way. Parameter names must be
entered in the Name field of the Input table exactly as they
appear in the Parameters table. An input for vto, with Mode set
to P, is added to the nmos2/short/idvd setup, as shown in the
following figure.
Figure 13
Saber Parameter Sweep Setup Example
Figure 14 shows the resulting plot.
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Figure 14
Saber Parameter Sweep Plot Example
For additional information on sweeping parameters, refer to
“Specifying Parameter or Variable Sweeps” in the User’s
Guide.
The following sections of this chapter describe in more detail
each of the steps in these simulation overview examples.
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The Alter Command
An alter command temporarily changes the value of any
element or parameter in a MAST template. It is used to
make a change in a template description so that a
simulation can be re-executed without reloading the original
circuit. The alter command cannot be used to make a change
that modifies the topology of a design.
Alter commands are used in IC-CAP Saber simulations when
the Circuit Description and Setup information, other than
the sweep limits, remain unchanged from the previous
simulation.
If only parameter values in the Device Parameters table or
Model Parameters table are changed, IC-CAP will not restart
the Saber simulator and reload the circuit. Instead, IC-CAP
generates alter commands for every parameter, then
re-executes the simulation commands. The USE_ALTER
variable can be specified and set to No to override this
behavior. In this case, Saber is restarted with every
simulation whether or not the Circuit Description or Setup
was changed. If the USE_ALTER variable does not exist,
IC-CAP behaves as if the variable were set to Yes.
After a successful simulation, if a resistor is changed from a
non-zero to zero value, Saber collapses the nodes. This
causes an implicit topological change in the circuit that is
not recognized by IC-CAP since the Circuit Description or
Setup information has not been changed. Turn the
USE_ALTER variable off by setting it to NO to allow IC-CAP
to restart the Saber simulator and reload the altered circuit.
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Circuit Model Description
This section discusses the circuit description for the Saber
simulator.
Selecting Simulator Options
Saber simulation options are not specified in the circuit
description, but rather in the analysis command line. Saber
simulator options are set using the SABER_OPTIONS
variable in the Setup, DUT or System variable tables.
Enter the options in the Value section of the variable exactly
as they should appear in the Saber command string. For
example, to perform a transient simulation from 0 to 0.8
nsec in 10 psec steps, the Saber command generated in
IC-CAP is:
tr(ts le-11, te 8e-10, tb 0)
To specify that all step sizes be fixed instead of variable,
append the following option to the Saber command:
steps fix
To do this in IC-CAP, specify the options command steps fix
in the value field of the SABER_OPTIONS variable.
Simulation now performs the following transient analysis
command:
tr(ts le-11, te 8e-10, tb 0, steps fix)
The SABER_OPTIONS variable can be specified in a variable
table at any level. However, it is important to note that a
SABER_OPTIONS variable specified in the DUT, Model or
System variable tables is used by all simulations executed
below that level. For example, if a SABER_OPTIONS variable
is specified in the DUT variable table, every Setup under
that DUT will use the specified option. This may result in
simulation errors because 1 particular option may not be
valid for every type of analysis being specified in the DUT.
Any number of options can be specified in the
SABER_OPTIONS variable; they must be separated by a
comma.
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A Saber analysis in IC-CAP is always preceded by a DC
operating point analysis. This DC command can also contain
options and can be specified using the SABER_DC_OPTIONS
variable.
Refer to Saber manuals for available options and
corresponding syntax for each simulation type. Invalid
options entered into the SABER_DC_OPTIONS and
SABER_OPTIONS variables cause the simulation to fail.
Entering Circuit Descriptions
Circuit descriptions contain templates of devices and
components, as well as node connections and model
descriptions written in the MAST modeling language. All
model parameter names must be specified when defining
models. Circuit descriptions can also be read into the
IC-CAP Circuit Editor from a file that already contains a
description. You must enter circuit descriptions using valid
model names and valid parameter names for the particular
model being used.
Enter circuit descriptions for a Saber input deck with the
Circuit Editor. IC-CAP contains a parser for descriptions
written in the MAST modeling language.
There are 2 types of Saber circuit editor descriptions:
devices and templates. Syntax rules for each type are
described in the following sections.
Device Model Descriptions
A device model is used to characterize a single element of
any type. This element can be predefined in the Saber
library or defined by the user using the MAST modeling
language.
A device model description requires a model definition
written in the MAST modeling language and an element
statement that calls a defined model.
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A model description specifies the values of a device model
that describes a particular element. When a parameter is not
specified, the default value in the model template is used
and the parameter does not appear in the IC-CAP
Parameters table. The general form of the model definition
is:
ENAME..model MNAME = (PNAME1=PVAL1, PNAME2=PVAL2,
...PNAMEX=PVALX)
where
ENAME is the name of the element template
MNAME is the user-specified name of the model being
defined
PNAME is a parameter name for the particular model type
PVALs are the corresponding parameter values
The general form of the element statement that calls the
device model is:
ENAME.DNAME NNAME1 NNAME2 ...NNAMEN = model = MNAME,
DPAR1 = DVAL1, DPAR2 = DVAL2 ...DPARN = DVALN
where
ENAME is the element template name
DNAME is the device name
NNAME specifies a node name
MNAME is the name of the model being referenced
DPAR is a predefined DUT parameter name
DVAL is the corresponding DUT parameter value
A sample element statement in the MAST modeling language
is:
q.qckt C B E S = model = sabernpn,AREA = 1.0
where
q is the element template name defined in the Saber
component library
qckt is the user-specified device name
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C, B, E, and S are the node names
sabernpn is the model name. The model corresponding to
this model name must be defined in the circuit
description before the reference is made.
AREA is a DUT parameter of this model with an assigned
value of 1.0
As in Saber, a line ending with a comma is continued on the
next line.
Template Descriptions
A template is used to characterize a circuit that contains
more than 1 device. The syntax for defining a template is
identical to that of the MAST modeling language. A template
can be defined as either an element template or a model
template. The general form of the first line of a template
element definition is:
element template TEMPNAME NNAME1 NNAME2 ...NNAMEN = PAR1,
PAR2, ...PARN
where
TEMPNAME is the template name
NNAME is a node name of the external node of the
template. External nodes are used to connect the template
to another circuit.
PAR is the name of the parameter passed into the
template
The general form of the first line of a template model
definition is:
element template TEMPNAME NNAME1 NNAME2 ...NNAMEN = model
where
TEMPNAME is the template name
NNAME is the node name of the external node of the
template. External nodes are used to connect the template
to another circuit.
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The body of a model definition defines the model
parameters. For more information on writing templates, refer
to the Saber MAST Reference manual.
When writing a template for model development within
IC-CAP, the recommended procedure is to define the
template in an external file and include this file in the
IC-CAP circuit description using the MAST nomenclature
<filename> to include a file. This minimizes the changes to
be made in the IC-CAP Circuit Description and thereby
increases the rate of model development because changes in
the external template file will immediately be recognized in
IC-CAP.
Non-Numeric Parameter Values
Saber allows non-numeric values for a number of
parameters in predefined templates. The MOS model
parameter type is 1 example. This parameter can take on
the value of _n for an nmos device and _p for a pmos
device.
When a Saber input parameter is in alpha format, it does
not appear in the IC-CAP Parameters table but is still
present in the input deck and passed to the simulator for
analysis.
Node Names
Saber accepts alphanumeric names as well as numbers to
represent nodes. There is no limit to the number of
characters allowed in a node name (the command line has a
limit of 1024 characters).
Test Circuits and Hierarchical Simulations
When characterizing a circuit, it is often necessary to add
circuitry around a circuit or device to model the actual
measurement Setup. IC-CAP provides a Test Circuit Editor
to allow modeling of this additional bias circuitry. Select the
DUT from the DUT/Setup panel. Click the Test Circuit tab
and enter the test circuit description in the same manner
you would enter a Circuit Description. The test circuit
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definition should include a call to the device or template
circuit defined in the Circuit Editor, as well as the
additional circuitry needed to model the external parasitics
of the measurement Setup.
NO TE
When you define a test circuit, the DUT Parameters table contains the
values specified in the test circuit specification. Regardless of the name
entered in the TEMPNAME field of the template definition statement,
IC-CAP uses the name of the DUT being simulated when the simulator
input deck is built.
Template circuit and device model specifications can be
called from inside another Model. This allows you to perform
hierarchical simulations to study a circuit at different
levels. For example, assume you have defined 3 Models,
model1, model2, and model3. Model1 has a circuit model
description that is a device definition. The circuit model
description for model2 is a template circuit definition at the
gate level that includes a call to model1 in a device call
statement. And, the circuit model description for model3 is a
template circuit definition that includes a call to model2 in a
subcircuit call statement. When you simulate a Setup in
model3, IC-CAP traverses the Model hierarchy and uses the
circuit model description defined in model3, which includes
calls to model1 and model2. The syntax for calling a device
model is identical to that described in the Device Model
Specifications section above.
The general form of the device call is:
ENAME.DNAME NNAME1 NNAME2 ...NNAMEN = model MNAME,
DPAR1 = DPAR1, DPAR2 = DVAL2 ...DPARN = DVALN
Calling a template specification allows you to insert an
entire template into a circuit as if it were a single
component. The call requires a syntax identical to that used
in the MAST modeling language. The general form of the
template element call is:
TEMPNAME.TNAME NNAME1 NNAME2 ...NNAMEN = TPAR1 = TPARVAL1,
TPAR2 = TPARVAL2, ...TPARN = TPARVALN
where
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TEMPNAME is the name of the template previously
described by a template definition. This template
definition could exist in a different Model.
TNAME is the user specified name given to this particular
instance of the template described by TEMPNAME.
NNAMEs represent the node names of the calling circuit
that connect to the external nodes of the template. The
calling circuit’s node names need not be the same as the
external nodes of the template. The order in which you
specify these nodes is the order in which they are
connected. The same number of nodes as declared in the
template definition must be specified.
TPARs are predefined template parameter names. These
parameters are defined in the template definition.
TPARVALs are the corresponding values of the template
parameters.
A hierarchical simulation, in which a template in 1 model
references a device defined in a different model, requires the
use of a MAST external declaration in the template
definition. For example, assume a MOS device model (Saber
template m named nmos2), which is called in the body of a
circuit template called inverter in another model. This
inverter template must include the following declaration in
order for the nmos2 device model to be recognized.
external m..model nmos2
The complete template for the inverter circuit is:
template inv A B C D E F
electrical A, B, C, D, E, F
{
external m..model nmos2
m.minv A B C D = model = nmos2, l = 10u, w = 10u
m.mload E F A D = model = nmos2, l = 10u, w = 10u
}
The external declaration does not need to be added when a
template calls another template.
Refer to the Saber manuals for complete syntax and rules of
the MAST modeling language.
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Saber Libraries
The Saber library of components and templates includes the
SPICE components as well as the components developed by
Analogy, Inc. Refer to the Saber manuals for a list of
supported simulator components, higher level templates and
the required specification formats.
Saber Input Deck Comments
To indicate comments in the Saber simulator input deck,
start an input line with the pound symbol (#). This denotes
a comment in the circuit model description or in the input
file of the Simulation Debugger.
NO TE
IC-CAP Reference
The SABER_DATA_PATH environment variable must be set. This variable
contains the directory paths for the executable files and libraries required
by the Saber simulator. Refer to the Saber Reference Manual for
installation procedures.
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Reference
6
MNS Simulator
MNS Simulation Example 311
Piped MNS Simulations 314
Non-Piped MNS Simulations 315
MNS Parameter Sweeps 316
Circuit Model Description 321
MNS Input Language 326
MNS Libraries 326
This chapter describes the details of using the MNS
simulator with IC-CAP. For general information on IC-CAP
simulation, refer to Chapter 6, “Simulating,” in the User’s
Guide.
IC-CAP supports the following Microwave Nonlinear
Simulator (MNS) features:
• DC, Small Signal AC, Small Signal S-Parameter, and
Transient analysis options
• Parameter sweeps for device and circuit simulation
• Temperature sweeps
• Hierarchical simulation
• Variables
• Constants
• Expressions
The MNS Optimizer features are not currently supported in
IC-CAP. IC-CAP optimization (different from the MNS
Optimizer) of simulated data to target data is supported.
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The MNS simulator supports the following analysis types:
• DC
• AC
• 2-port
• Transient
• Noise
• Capacitance Voltage (CV)
• Time-Domain Reflectometry (TDR)
• Harmonic Balance
NO TE
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IC-CAP does not add extra circuitry in order to perform a 2-port simulation
since this is a standard type in MNS.
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MNS Simulation Example
The circuit description is predefined for all IC-CAP
configuration files. Enter this description if a new model is
being defined; edit the description to fit specific needs. The
syntax is identical to the syntax used for describing circuits
in a typical MNS simulation deck.
This MNS simulation example will use the IC-CAP supplied
Model mnsnpn.mdl.
1 Select the simulator by choosing Tools > Options > Select
Simulator > mns. Choose OK.
2 Choose File > Open > mnsnpn.mdl. Choose OK.
3 View the description by clicking the Circuit tab.
The circuit description is shown in the following figure.
This deck describes the circuit (in this case, a single
device) to be used in the simulation.
options ascii=no
model npnbjt bjt NPN=yes \
IS=4.015e-16 BF = 87.01 \
NF = 0.9955 VAF = 84.56 \
IKF = 0.01195 ISE = 3.405E-14 \
NE = 1.594 BR = 10.79 \
NR = 1.002 VAR = 9.759 \
IKR = 0.0237 ISC = 1.095E-15 \
NC = 1.1 RB = 9.117 \
IRB = 0.001613 RBM = 5.62 \
RE = 1.385 RC = 9.292 \
XTB = 1.7 EG = 1.11 \
XTI = 3 CJE = 1.312E-12 \
VJE = 1.11 MJE = 0.3475 \
TF = 5.274E-11 XTF = 5.625 \
VTF = 2.678 ITF = 0.02382 \
PTF = 154.1 CJC = 1.396E-12 \
VJC = 0.4511 MJC = 0.1924 \
XCJC = 0.3 TR = 1E-09 \
CJC = 9.985E-14 VJS = 0.8137 \
MJS = 0.3509 FC = 0.5
npnbjt:qckt C B E S
Figure 15
MNS Circuit Description Deck for an NPN Bipolar Transistor
4 To view the input and output for the fearly setup, click
the DUTs-Setups tab and select fearly.
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The Measure/Simulate folder appears with the inputs vb,
vc, ve, and vs, and the output ic. The vc input specifies a
voltage source at node C that sweeps linearly from 0 to
5V in 21 steps. The ic output specifies that current at
node C be monitored.
In the Plots folder, icvsvc is specified so that the results
of the simulation can be viewed graphically.
5 To simulate, click the Simulate button in the
Measure/Simulate folder. The Status line displays Simulate
in progress.
When the simulation is complete, the Status line displays
IC-CAP Ready.
6 To view the results of the simulation, display the Plots
folder and click Display Plot. The plot displays measured
data represented by solid lines and simulated data
represented by dashed lines.
NO TE
Phase information from the sin input cannot be included in the netlist.
NO TE
For syntax examples of running a remote simulation, refer to “Remote
Simulation Examples” in the User’s Guide.
The Simulation Debugger
When using MNS with the Simulation Debugger to perform
an IC-CAP simulation (as opposed to a manual simulation),
an output text file consists of only the computational
analysis information. An example of a typical AC analysis
output text file is as follows:
MNS (ver. 03.00 -- 12 Feb 2004)
Copyright Agilent Technologies, 2004
AC ac1[1] <baaa07774>
freq=(1 kHz->10 MHz)
Time required for ac1[1] was 0.30 seconds.
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This file does not include the resulting data. To generate a
more informative output text file, change the ascii option in
the Input File from ascii=no to ascii=yes and perform a
manual simulation. An output text file that includes the
simulated output data values is produced. The ascii option
is set to no by IC-CAP before every simulation so that the
binary raw data file is generated by MNS. IC-CAP needs the
binary raw data file to read the resulting simulation data.
However, this data is not needed for a manual simulation.
MNS version 4.0 requires that the option nutmeg be set to
yes to cause MNS to generate the binary raw data file
required by IC-CAP. If the nutmeg option is not specified,
the default is nutmeg = yes. If you set nutmeg = no, MNS
will generate an output data format that IC-CAP cannot
understand.
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Piped MNS Simulations
Specifying CAN_PIPE (the default) in your usersimulators
file for MNS enables IC-CAP to take advantage of the tune
mode built into the MNS simulator. This mode permits
changing parameters of a simulation without requiring the
simulator to be relaunched. This greatly reduces the time
required for an optimization which has all simulated targets
within 1 setup. Whenever the setup is changed, the
simulator is stopped and restarted with the new resulting
netlist. Thus, an optimization that has multiple simulated
targets from different setups must stop the simulator and
restart it at each iteration as it switches between setups. The
performance of this second scenario is the same as if the
non-piped mode were used.
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Non-Piped MNS Simulations
Non-piped MNS simulations are identical to non-piped
SPICE simulations. Execute a simulation with the Simulation
Debugger ON to perform a non-piped simulation. MNS is
capable of performing piped simulations, which enables you
to turn the Simulation Debugger OFF without requiring that
MNS be restarted for every simulation.
Syntax: Non-piped simulation
This section describes the argument syntax required to
invoke the template simulator. This information is needed
when writing the user translation module, since these are
the arguments supplied by IC-CAP when it calls the
translation module. For information on the translation
module and adding a simulator, refer to “Adding a
Simulator” in the User’s Guide.
The command format for an MNS non-piped simulation is as
follows:
mns -r rawfile deckfile
where:
deckfile is the input deck file containing the circuit
description and analysis commands.
rawfile is the output binary data file.
The output text file, which normally is sent to standard
output is redirected by IC-CAP to a file. This file is
displayed in the Output table of the Simulation Debugger if
it is on.
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MNS Parameter Sweeps
When using the MNS simulator in IC-CAP, the method of
specifying parameter sweeps differs between performing
single device simulations and circuit simulations.
NO TE
When performing parameter sweeps, the name of the parameter to be
swept must be recognized by MNS, since the analysis is performed from
within the simulator. This means that the global declaration must be used
within the MNS circuit description. Simply adding the parameter name to
the Variables table results in a failed simulation.
Device Simulation Parameter Sweep
To sweep a parameter in an MNS device simulation:
1 Add an input specification of mode P to the Setup. Enter
the name of the parameter as it appears in the
Parameters table.
2 Enter the sweep type and values.
The Device Simulation Parameter Sweep example uses the
mnsnpn.mdl model with an input of mode P to the fearly
setup. This input specifies a linear sweep of the parameter
from 200.0e−15 to 230.0e−15 amperes in steps of 15.0e−15
amperes.
Figure 16
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MNS Device Simulation Parameter Sweep Setup Example
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During the simulation, IC-CAP generates the following input
deck.
; Simulation Input File options ascii=no
model mnsnpn bjt npn=yes\
is=4.015E-16\
bf = 60 \ nf = 0.9955\
vaf = 84.56\
ikf = 0.01195 \
ise = 3.405E-14 \
ne = 1.594 \
br = 10.79 \
nr = 1.002 \
var = 9.759 \
ikr = 0.00237 \
isc = 1.095E-15 \
nc = 1.1 \
rb = 9.117 \
irb = 0.001613 \
rbm =5.62 \
re = 1.385 \
rc = 9.292 \
xtb = 1.7 \
eg = 1.11 \
xti = 3 \
cje = 1.312E-12 \
vje = 1.11 \
mje = 0.3475 \
tf = 5.274E-11 \
xtf = 5.625 \
vtf = 2.678 \
itf = 0.02382 \
ptf = 154.1 \
cjc = 1.396E-12 \
vjc = 0.4511 \
mjc = 0.1924 \
xcjc = 0.3 \
tr = 1E-09 \
cjs = 9.985E-14 \
vjs = 0.8137 \
mjs = 0.3509 \
fc = 0.5
mnsnpn:devckt 1 2 3 4 \
area = 1
; START SOURCES
ivs:V2GROUND 2 0 vdc=0
ivs:V1GROUND 3 0 vdc=0
ivs:V3GROUND 3 0 vdc=0
ivs:V4GROUND 4 0 vdc=0
; END SOURCES
stim:swp1 start=0 stop=5 step=0.25
stim:swp2 start=0.7 stop=0.72 step=0.01
stim:swp3 start=200a stop=230a step=15a
dc:dc1 stim=swp1 var="V1GROUND.vdc"
ct:ct1 an="dc1" stim=swp2 var="V2GROUND.vdc"
ct:ct2 an="ct1" stim=swp3 var="mnsnpn.is"
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Circuit Simulation Parameter Sweep
Specifying a parameter sweep for a circuit simulation
requires a different approach from a parameter sweep for a
device simulation.
To sweep a parameter in an MNS circuit simulation:
1 Specify a global variable in the MNS circuit description
and set it to an initial value.
2 Set the value of the parameter in the circuit description
equal to the global variable name.
3 Add a variable in IC-CAP with the same name as the
global MNS parameter.
4 Add an input specification of mode P to the Setup.
5 Enter the global variable name in the Name field of the
Input table.
6 Enter the sweep type and values.
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Example Circuit Simulation Parameter Sweep
The Circuit Simulation Parameter Sweep example, uses the
model mnsopamp.mdl. The following line is added to the
circuit description:
global RC1_r=4352
This complete circuit description is shown below.
; Simulation Input File in MNS Input Deck Format
options ascii=no
define opamp1 (2 3 4 6 7 )
global RC1_r=4352
;Internal OpAmp circuit
;using Boyle-Pederson Macro Model
;Input differential amplifier
npn1:Q1 10 2 12
npn2:Q2 11 3 13
model npn1 bjt npn=yes is = 8E-16 bf = 52.81
model npn2 bjt npn=yes is = 8.093E-16 bf = 52.66
r:RC1 7 10 r=RC1_r
r:RC2 7 11 r=4352
c:C1 10 11 c=4.529E-12
r:RE1 12 14 r=2392
r:RE2 13 14 r=2392
r:RE 14 0 r+7.27E+06
c:CE 14 0 c=7.5E-12
; Power dissipation modeling resistor
r:RP 7 4 r=1.515E+04
; 1st gain stage
vccs:GCM 0 15 14 0 gm=1.152E-09
vccs:GA 15 0 10 11 gm=0.0002298
r:R2 15 0 r=1E+05
; Compensation capacitor
c:C2 15 16 c=1E-11
; 2nd gain stage
vccs:GB 16 0 15 0 gm=37.1
r:RO2 16 0 r=489.2
dmod1:D1 16 17
dmod1:D2 17 16
model dmod1 diode is = 3.822E-32
r:RC 17 0 r=0.0001986
vccs:GC 0 17 6 0 gm=5034
; Output circuit
r:RO1 16 6 r=76.8
dmod2:D3 6 18
dmod2:D4 19 6
model dmod2 diode is = 3.822E-32
ivs:VC 7 18 vdc=1.604
ivs:VE 19 4 vdc=3.104
; Input diff amp bias source
ics:IEE 14 4 idc=2.751E-05
end opamp1
In this example, the value of r:RC1 is set to RC1_r. You must
also add a variable called RC1_r to the IC-CAP model
variables table and set the variable to a value, such as,
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4.000K. In the setup mnsopamp/inv_amp/B_P_macro add an
input called RC1_r. The Inputs table is shown in the
following figure.
Figure 17
MNS Circuit Parameter Sweep Setup Example
For additional information on sweeping parameters, refer to
“Specifying Parameter or Variable Sweeps” in the User’s
Guide.
The following sections of this chapter describe in more detail
each of the steps in these simulation overview examples.
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Circuit Model Description
This section explains the circuit descriptions for the MNS
simulator.
Selecting Simulator Options
MNS simulation options are specified using the
MNS_OPTIONS variable in the Setup DUT or System Variable
tables. Enter the options in the value section of the variable
exactly as they should appear in the MNS options command.
Entering Circuit Descriptions
The circuit description is entered into the IC-CAP Circuit
Editor or the Test Circuit Editor. The circuit description
includes the necessary definitions of devices, sources and
components, as well as node connections and model
descriptions. MNS accepts a netlist description that is
different from SPICE and Saber simulators.
Parameter Table Generation
The circuit description is parsed by IC-CAP and specific
model information (such as parameters and their
corresponding values) as well as circuit component values
are reflected in the Parameters table. Model parameters and
component values specified in the circuit description entered
in the Circuit Editor are saved in the Parameters table.
Device parameters specified in the model call statement are
saved in the DUT Parameters table—unless a Test Circuit is
specified, in which case, parameter values specified in the
test circuit description are saved in the DUT Parameters
table.
Non-numeric Parameter Values
MNS allows non-numeric values for a number of parameters
in predefined component definitions. One example is the BJT
model parameter npn. This parameter can take on the value
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of yes if it is an nmos device. Alpha format parameters do
not appear in the IC-CAP Parameters table but do appear in
the simulation input decks.
Circuit descriptions must be entered with valid model and
parameter names for the particular model being used.
Node Names
MNS accepts alphanumeric names as well as numbers to
represent nodes. There is no limit on the number of
characters allowed in a node name; however, delimiters or
non-alphanumeric characters are not allowed. Also, a node
name that begins with a digit must consist only of digits.
Comments
To indicate comments in an MNS input deck, start an input
line with a semicolon (;). All text on the line following the
semicolon will be ignored.
NO TE
MNS will treat the suffix M as MEG and m as milli, whereas IC-CAP parses
both M and m as milli. When specifying a value multiplied by10-3 use m;
when specifying a value multiplied by 106 use MEG.
Device Model Descriptions
A device model is used to characterize a single MNS-defined
element of any type. This specification requires a model
definition that describes the device and an instance
statement that calls the model definition.
The model description specifies the value of a device model
that describes a particular element. When a parameter is not
specified, the default value in the model is used. The general
form of the model definition is:
model MNAME TYPE PNAME1 = PVAL1 PNAME2 = PVAL2...
where
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MNAME is the model name. (Regardless of the model
name entered into the MNAME field of the MNS model
definition statement, IC-CAP substitutes this field with
the name of the Model as it is called in the Model List
when the simulator input deck is built.)
TYPE is a valid MNS element type.
PNAMEs are parameter names available for the particular
model type.
PVALs are the parameter values.
A backslash immediately followed by a return (no space
between the backslash and the return) at the end of a line
indicates that the statement is continued on the next line
This continuation character is often used for easier
readability when specifying the model description.
The general form of the instance statement that calls the
device model is:
TYPE :DNAME NNAME1 NNAME2...NNAMEN DPAR1 = DVAL1
DPAR2 = DVAL2...DPARN = DVALN
where
TYPE is the instance type descriptor. This field can
contain either the MNS instance type name or a
user-supplied model or subcircuit name.
DNAME is the device name.
NNAMEs denote node names.
DPAR is a predefined DUT parameter name.
DVAL is the specified DUT parameter value. Refer to the
MNS User’s Guide for DUT parameter names available for
each model.
Subcircuit Model Descriptions
A subcircuit definition represents a circuit that contains
more than 1 device. The syntax for defining a subcircuit is
identical to the syntax used for the MNS input language.
The general form of the subcircuit definition is:
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define SUBCKTNAME (NNAME1 NNAME2 ...NNAMEN)
parameters PAR1 = VAL1 PAR2 = VAL2 ...PARN = VALN
< body of subcircuit >
end SUBCKTNAME
where
SUBCKTNAME is the name of the subcircuit.
NNAMEs are the node names of the external nodes of the
subcircuit. These external nodes are used to connect the
subcircuit to another circuit.
PARs are the names of the parameters passed into the
subcircuit. These parameters are optional in a subcircuit
definition.
If parameters are specified, the assigned default values VAL
are also optional. A parameter is assigned to this default
value if the parameter is not specified in the subcircuit call.
The body of the subcircuit contains element statements. It
can contain calls to other subcircuits but it cannot contain
other subcircuit definitions.
The subcircuit definition is completed using the end
SUBCKTNAME statement.
Calling a subcircuit definition allows you to insert all
instances specified within the subcircuit into the circuit. The
call requires a syntax identical to the syntax used in the
MNS input language for any instance statement. The general
form of the instance statement is:
TYPE :INAME NNAME1 NNAME2....NNAMEN PAR1 = VAL1
PAR2 = VAL2......PARN = VALN
(While the syntax shown here is correct, passed parameters
are ignored by IC-CAP.)
where
TYPE is the instance type descriptor. If a subcircuit is
being called, this field would contain the subcircuit name
denoted by SUBCKTNAME.
INAME is the instantiated name of the subcircuit.
NNAMEs denote node names.
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PARs are the subcircuit parameter names.
VALs are the specified subcircuit parameter values.
The following is an example of a complete subcircuit
definition and subcircuit call.
• Defined by the user in the Circuit folder:
options ascii=no
define opamp1 (2 3 4 6 7)
; Internal OpAmp circuit
; using Boyle-Pederson Macro Model
; Input differential amplifier
npn1:Q1 10 2 12
npn2:Q2 11 3 13
model npn1 bjt npn=yes is = 8E-16 bf = 52.81
model npn2 bjt npn=yes is = 8.093E-16 bf = 52.66
r:RC1 7 10 r=4352
r:RC2 7 11 r=4352
c:C1 10 11 c=4.529E-12
r:RE1 12 14 r=2392
r:RE2 13 14 r=2392
r:RE 14 0 r=7.27E+06
c:CE 14 0 c=7.5E-12
: Power dissipation modeling resistor
r:RP 7 4 r=1.515E+04
: 1st gain stage
vccs:GCM 0 15 14 0 gm=1.152E-09
vccs:GA 15 0 10 11 gm=0.0002298
r:R2 15 0 r=1E+05
; Compensation capacitor
c:C2 15 16 c=1E-11
; 2nd gain stage
vccs:GB 16 0 15 0 gm=37.1
r:RO2 16 0 r=489.2
dmod1:D1 16 17
dmod1:D2 17 16
model dmod1 diode is = 3.822E-32
r:RC 17 0 r=0.0001986
vccs:GC 0 17 6 0 gm=5034
; Output circuit
r:RO1 16 6 r=76.8
dmod2:D3 6 18
dmod2:D4 19 6
model dmod2 diode is = 3.822E-32
ivs:VC 7 18 vdc=1.604
ivs:VE 19 4 vdc=3.104
; Input diff amp bias source
ics:IEE 14 4 idc=2.751E-05
end opamp1
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• Defined by the user in the Test Circuit folder:
;Inverting Amplifier
define inv_amp (1 2 3 4 6 7 )
opamp1:X1 2 3 4 6 7
r:Rf 6 2 r=1E+04
r:Rin 2 1 r=2000
r:Rgnd 3 0 r=0.001
end inv_amp
• Added by IC-CAP to the circuit description:
inv_amp:XCKT 1 2 3 4 5 6
; START SOURCES
ivs:V1GROUND 1
0 vdc=0 vac=1 ivs:V7GROUND 6 0 vdc=15
ivs:V5GROUND 4 0 vdc=-15 ; END SOURCES
r:RO2 2 0 100000
r:RO3 3 0 100000
r:RO5 5 0 100000
stim:swpfreq start=1000 stop=1e=07 dec=3
ac:ac1 stim=swpfreq var="freq"
For more information on MNS subcircuit definitions, refer to
the MNS User’s Guide.
MNS Input Language
The MNS Input Language, which describes circuit and
simulator control statements, is different from the SPICE
Input Language and the Saber Input Language (MAST). For
information about the MNS input language, refer to the MNS
User’s Guide.
MNS Libraries
MNS contains a library of elements and components. For
information about the MNS Libraries, refer to the MNS
User’s Guide.
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Reference
7
ADS Simulator
ADS Interfaces 330
Hardware and Operating System Requirements 331
Codewording and Security 331
Setting Environment Variables 332
ADS Simulation Example 333
Piped ADS Simulations 336
Non-Piped ADS Simulations 338
Circuit Model Description 338
ADS Parameter Sweeps 345
Interpreting this Chapter 352
General Syntax 355
The ADS Simulator Syntax 356
Instance Statements 364
Model Statements 365
Subcircuit Definitions 366
Expression Capability 368
VarEqn Data Types 390
“C-Preprocessor” 391
Data Access Component 394
Reserved Words 396
This chapter describes the details of using the Advanced
Design System (ADS) Simulator with IC-CAP. For general
information on IC-CAP simulation, refer to Chapter 6,
“Simulating,” in the User’s Guide.
Agilent Technologies
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ADS Simulator
NO TE
The PC version of IC-CAP supports ADS version 2002 or newer. Older
versions of ADS can not be used with the PC version of IC-CAP.
IC-CAP supports the following ADS features:
• DC, Small Signal AC, Small Signal S-Parameter, and
Transient analysis options
• Parameter sweeps for device and circuit simulation
• Temperature sweeps
• Hierarchical simulation
• Variables
• Constants
• Expressions
• Spectre circuit page
The ADS Optimizer features are not currently supported in
IC-CAP. IC-CAP optimization (different from the ADS
Optimizer) of simulated data to target data is supported.
The ADS simulator supports the following analysis types:
• DC
• AC
• 2-port
• Transient
• Noise
• Capacitance Voltage (CV)
• Time-Domain Reflectometry (TDR)
• Steady State Harmonic Balance
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NO TE
2-port simulation with high frequency noise is supported to extract noise
parameters such as noise figure, optimum source reflection coefficients,
equivalent noise resistance data, minimum noise figure data, and
equivalent noise temperature data.
IC-CAP does not add extra circuitry in order to perform a 2-port simulation
since this is a standard type in ADS.
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ADS Interfaces
IC-CAP provides two template names to interface to the ADS
simulator’s Circuit and Test Circuit pages—hpeesofsim uses
native ADS simulator syntax and spmodeads uses spectre
simulator syntax. Both interfaces use native ADS simulator
syntax to specify the sweep and output requests.
To specify the hpeesofsim or spmodeads interface,
usersimulators should have a line similar to the following:
hpeesofsim hpeesofsim $ADS_DIR/bin/iccapinterface "" CAN_PIPE
or
spmodeads spmodeads $ADS_DIR/bin/iccapinterface "" CAN_PIPE
The first field can be any name you choose, it will show up in
your simulator list, and it can be used with the SIMULATOR
variable.
Both the hpeesofsim and spmodeads lines shown above are in
the usersimulators file by default.
When using the spmodeads interface, refer to “Circuit Model
Descriptions” on page 276 in Chapter 4, “SPECTRE Simulator”
for spectre syntax for the Circuit and Test Circuit pages.
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Hardware and Operating System Requirements
The ADS Simulator on IC-CAP is supported on the following
platforms:
• Linux RedHat Enterprise 4.0 or Linux Novell SUSE SLES 9
• Solaris 10
• Microsoft Windows XP or Microsoft Windows Vista.
Codewording and Security
The ADS Simulator is a secured program that requires, at a
minimum, a license for the E8881 Linear Simulator to run.
Depending on the type of simulation, additional licenses may be
required.
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Setting Environment Variables
Before running the ADS Simulator, set the environment variable
HPEESOF_DIR on UNIX or ADS_DIR on Windows to point to
the ADS Simulator’s installation location.
• To set HPEESOF_DIR using the Korn Shell, add the following
to your ~/.profile.
export HPEESOF_DIR=<ADS_install_directory>
• To set HPEESOF_DIR using the C Shell, add the following to
your ~/.cshrc.
setenv HPEESOF_DIR <ADS_install_directory>
• To set ADS_DIR for Windows 2000, right click on My Computer
and select Properties. Click on the Advanced tab. Then select
Environment Variables and set ADS_DIR either for the local
user or system wide, depending on your needs.
• To set ADS_DIR for Windows NT 4.0, right click on My
Computer and select Properties. Click on the Environment tab.
Then set ADS_DIR either for the local user or system wide,
depending on your needs. You may need to log off and log
back onto the computer for the new variable to be found by
IC-CAP.
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ADS Simulator
ADS Simulation Example
The circuit description is predefined for all IC-CAP
configuration files. Enter this description if a new model is
being defined; edit the description to fit specific needs. The
syntax is identical to the syntax used for describing circuits in a
typical ADS simulation deck.
This ADS simulation example will use the IC-CAP supplied
Model hpsimnpn.mdl.
1 Choose File > Examples > model_files/bjt/hpsimnpn.mdl. Choose
OK.
2 View the description by clicking the Circuit tab.
The circuit description is shown in the following figure. This
deck describes the circuit (in this case, a single device) to be
used in the simulation.
; Simulation Input File for BJT
options ascii=no
model npnbjt BJT NPN=yes \
Is=401.5a Bf = 87.01 \
Nf = 995.5m Vaf = 84.56 \
Ikf = 11.95m Ise = 34.05f \
Ne = 1.594 Br = 10.79 \
Nr = 1.002 Var = 9.759 \
Ikr = 23.7m Isc = 1.095f \
Nc = 1.100 Rb = 9.117 \
Irb = 1.613m Rbm = 5.620 \
Re = 1.385 Rc = 9.292 \
Xtb = 1.7 Eg = 1.110 \
Xti = 3.000 Cje = 1.312p \
Vje = 1.110m Mje = 347.5m \
Tf = 52.74p Xtf = 5.625 \
Vtf = 2.678 Itf = 23.82 \
Ptf = 154.1 Cjc = 1.396p \
Vjc = 451.1m Mjc = 192.4m \
Xcjc = 300m Tr = 1.00n \
Cjs = 99.85f Vjs = 813.7m \
Mjs = 350.9m Fc = 500.0m \
Tnom = 27
npnbjt:Q1 C B E S
Figure 18
ADS Circuit Description Deck for an NPN Bipolar Transistor
3 To view the input and output for the fearly setup, click the
DUTs-Setups tab and select fearly.
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The Measure/Simulate folder appears with the inputs vb, vc,
ve, and vs, and the output ic. The vc input specifies a voltage
source at node C that sweeps linearly from 0 to 5V in 21
steps. The ic output specifies that current at node C be
monitored.
In the Plots folder, icvsvc is specified so that the results of
the simulation can be viewed graphically.
4 To simulate, click the Simulate button in the
Measure/Simulate folder. The Status line displays Simulate in
progress. Under most configurations, the ADS status window
will appear. For more information about these
configurations, see “Piped ADS Simulations” on page 336.
When the simulation is complete, the Status line displays
Simulate Complete.
5 To view the results of the simulation, right-click on fearly,
then choose Plots > icvsvc. (This is a shortcut for displaying
the plot from the Plots folder.) The plot displays measured
data represented by solid lines and simulated data
represented by dashed lines.
NO TE
For syntax examples of running a remote simulation, refer to “Remote
Simulation Examples" in the User’s Guide.
The Simulation Debugger
When using ADS with the Simulation Debugger to perform an
IC-CAP simulation (as opposed to a manual simulation), an
output text file consists of only the computational analysis
information. An example of a typical AC analysis output text file
is as follows:
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HPEESOFSIM (ver. 03.00 -- 12/14/01 09:28:45)
Copyright Agilent Technologies, 2004
CT ct1[1] </var/tmp/ICCAAa18727>
VBGROUND.Vdc=(700 mV->720 mV)
DC ct1[1].dc1[1/3] </var/tmp/ICCAAa18727>
VBGROUND.Vdc=700 mV
VCGROUND.Vdc=(0 V->5 V)
DC ct1[1].dc1[2/3] </var/tmp/ICCAAa18727>
VBGROUND.Vdc=710 mV
VCGROUND.Vdc=(0 V->5 V)
DC ct1[1].dc1[3/3] </var/tmp/ICCAAa18727>
VBGROUND.Vdc=720 mV
VCGROUND.Vdc=(0 V->5 V)
------------------Simulation finished.
-------------------
This file does not include the resulting data. To generate a more
informative output text file, change the ASCII_Rawfile option in
the Input File from ASCII_Rawfile=no to ASCII_Rawfile=yes
and perform a manual simulation. An output text file that
includes the simulated output data values is produced. The
ASCII_Rawfile option is set to no by IC-CAP before every
simulation so that the binary raw data file is generated by ADS.
IC-CAP needs the binary raw data file to read the resulting
simulation data. However, this data is not needed for a manual
simulation.
ADS version 1.3 requires that the option UseNutmegFormat be
set to yes to cause ADS to generate the binary raw data file
required by IC-CAP. If the UseNutmegFormat option is not
specified, the default is UseNutmegFormat = yes. If you set
UseNutmegFormat = no, ADS will generate an output data
format that IC-CAP cannot understand.
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Piped ADS Simulations
Specifying CAN_PIPE (the default) in your usersimulators file
for the ADS simulator enables IC-CAP to take advantage of the
tune mode built into the ADS simulator. This mode permits
changing parameters of a simulation without requiring the
simulator to be relaunched. This greatly reduces the time
required for optimizations to run. However, each setup requires
a new simulator to be launched. By default, IC-CAP permits up
to 3 ADS simulators to be running at once so that an
optimization across as many as 3 setups can be completed in the
fastest time possible. Certain large simulations may require a
great deal of system resources and having 3 simulations
currently active can degrade system performance. If you
encounter this problem, you can set the
MAX_PARALLEL_SIMULATORS system variable to 1 or 2. If
your system can handle more than 3 simulators in parallel and
you need to optimize across more than 3 setups at a time, the
value of MAX_PARALLEL_SIMULATORS can be increased.
When CAN_PIPE mode is used, the ADS simulator will bring up
a status window during simulation. The first time the simulator
is launched it can take several seconds for this window to
appear. Once it is open, successive simulations will attach to the
same status window. Each time a new setup is simulated, a new
simulator must be started. There is a certain start-up delay
associated with each invocation. This will be much shorter than
the very first invocation which needed to launch the status
window. Successive simulations of a setup which has been
previously simulated will return in the shortest time as the
simulator does not need to be reinvoked.
Opening the Simulation Debugger will terminate all running
simulators, and close the ADS status window. Simulations done
with the Simulation Debugger window open are performed in
non-piped mode and thus the ADS status window is not opened.
In situations when you want to use the $mpar or $dpar feature
in #echo lines for MNS and ADS netlists, you must enter names
properly. The proper ADS name syntax is a dot-separated name,
such as NPN.Bf. If you fail to use a proper name, simulations
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will yield incorrect results when you try to use the simulator in
CAN_PIPE mode. If names cannot be revised, use
CANNOT_PIPE.
This was especially problematic for userdefined models
requiring many #echo lines using the $mpar feature in order for
IC-CAP to parse it properly. This problem occurs when the
technique used to implement userdefined models in ADS is
declaring 2 new components, 1 a modelform and another an
instance. This implementation of user-defined models led to the
requirement for #echo lines. The modelform component looked
like any other ADS netlist component, but it had no nodes. The
parser is modified for IC-CAP 2001 to recognize a nodeless
component as a userdefined model; however, only in the context
of a subcircuit. If you want to create this type of userdefined
model in ADS, then you must use a subcircuit. Doing so
eliminates the need for #echo lines in the netlist and the
subcircuit will parse and simulate properly.
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Non-Piped ADS Simulations
Non-piped ADS simulations are identical to non-piped MNS
simulations. Execute a simulation with the Simulation Debugger
ON to perform a non-piped simulation. ADS is capable of
performing piped simulations, which enables you to turn the
Simulation Debugger OFF without requiring that ADS be
restarted for every simulation.
Circuit Model Description
This section explains the circuit descriptions for the ADS
simulator.
Selecting Simulator Options
ADS simulation options are specified using the
HPEESOFSIM_OPTIONS variable in the Setup DUT or System
Variable tables. Enter the options in the value section of the
variable exactly as they should appear in the ADS options
command.
Entering Circuit Descriptions
The circuit description is entered into the IC-CAP Circuit Editor
or the Test Circuit Editor. The circuit description includes the
necessary definitions of devices, sources and components, as
well as node connections and model descriptions. ADS accepts
a netlist description that is different from SPICE and Saber
simulators.
NO TE
338
IC-CAP accepts a modified form of a netlist that enables you to use
binning. To simulate a netlist with binned models from IC-CAP, you must
declare the bin model (and only the bin model) immediately following the
subcircuit definition. You must declare each Model[x]= to be a name of the
form XCKT.modname since that is how IC-CAP netlists the bin model.
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7
Parameter Table Generation
The circuit description is parsed by IC-CAP and specific model
information (such as parameters and their corresponding
values) as well as circuit component values are reflected in the
Parameters table. Model parameters and component values
specified in the circuit description entered in the Circuit Editor
are saved in the Parameters table. Device parameters specified
in the model call statement are saved in the DUT Parameters
table—unless a Test Circuit is specified, in which case,
parameter values specified in the test circuit description are
saved in the DUT Parameters table.
By default, all parameter names will be converted to uppercase,
since most extraction routines look for parameters named with
all uppercase letters. Some extraction routines (e.g., Root
models and EExxx models) require all lowercase letters. In
these .mdl files, the variable
HPEESOFSIM_USE_LOWER_CASE_PARAMS is declared to
override the default behavior. If you want to write extraction
routines using the native mixed case parameters, declare the
variable HPEESOFSIM_USE_MIXED_CASE_PARAMS in your
model file. For a description of these functions, see the System
Variables.
Non-numeric Parameter Values
ADS allows non-numeric values for a number of parameters in
predefined component definitions. One example is the BJT
model parameter npn. This parameter can take on the value of
yes if it is an nmos device. Alpha format parameters do not
appear in the IC-CAP Parameters table but do appear in the
simulation input decks.
Circuit descriptions must be entered with valid model and
parameter names for the particular model being used.
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Node Names
ADS accepts alphanumeric names as well as numbers to
represent nodes. There is no limit on the number of characters
allowed in a node name; however, delimiters or
non-alphanumeric characters are not allowed. Also, a node
name that begins with a digit must consist only of digits.
Numeric node names are discouraged as they will result in
warnings during simulation that the results will not be
displayed properly in ADS Data Display Server (DDS). However,
these warnings are of no consequence to ICCap.
Comments
To indicate comments in an ADS input deck, start an input line
with a semicolon (;). All text on the line following the semicolon
will be ignored.
NO TE
ADS will treat the suffix M as MEG and m as milli, whereas IC-CAP parses
both M and m as milli. When specifying a value multiplied by10-3 use m;
when specifying a value multiplied by 106 use MEG.
Device Model Descriptions
A device model is used to characterize a single ADS-defined
element of any type. This specification requires a model
definition that describes the device and an instance statement
that calls the model definition.
The model description specifies the value of a device model that
describes a particular element. When a parameter is not
specified, the default value in the model is used. The general
form of the model definition is:
model MNAME TYPE PNAME1 = PVAL1 PNAME2 = PVAL2...
where
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MNAME is the model name. (Regardless of the model name
entered into the MNAME field of the ADS model definition
statement, IC-CAP substitutes this field with the name of the
Model as it is called in the Main window when the simulator
input deck is built.)
TYPE is a valid ADS element type.
PNAMEs are parameter names available for the particular
model type.
PVALs are the parameter values.
A backslash immediately followed by a return (no space
between the backslash and the return) at the end of a line
indicates that the statement is continued on the next line This
continuation character is often used for easier readability when
specifying the model description.
The general form of the instance statement that calls the device
model is:
TYPE :DNAME NNAME1 NNAME2...NNAMEN DPAR1 = DVAL1
DPAR2 = DVAL2...DPARN = DVALN
where
TYPE is the instance type descriptor. This field can contain
either the ADS instance type name or a user-supplied model
or subcircuit name.
DNAME is the device name.
NNAMEs denote node names.
DPAR is a predefined DUT parameter name.
DVAL is the specified DUT parameter value. Refer to
“General Syntax” on page 355 for DUT parameter names
available for each model.
Subcircuit Model Descriptions
A subcircuit definition represents a circuit that contains more
than 1 device. The syntax for defining a subcircuit is identical to
the syntax used for the ADS input language.
The general form of the subcircuit definition is:
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define SUBCKTNAME (NNAME1 NNAME2 ...NNAMEN)
parameters PAR1 = VAL1 PAR2 = VAL2 ...PARN = VALN
< body of subcircuit >
end SUBCKTNAME
where
SUBCKTNAME is the name of the subcircuit.
NNAMEs are the node names of the external nodes of the
subcircuit. These external nodes are used to connect the
subcircuit to another circuit.
PARs are the names of the parameters passed into the
subcircuit. These parameters are optional in a subcircuit
definition.
If parameters are specified, the assigned default values VAL are
also optional. A parameter is assigned to this default value if
the parameter is not specified in the subcircuit call.
The body of the subcircuit contains element statements. It can
contain calls to other subcircuits but it cannot contain other
subcircuit definitions.
The subcircuit definition is completed using the end
SUBCKTNAME statement.
Calling a subcircuit definition allows you to insert all instances
specified within the subcircuit into the circuit. The call requires
a syntax identical to the syntax used in the ADS input language
for any instance statement. The general form of the instance
statement is:
TYPE :INAME NNAME1 NNAME2....NNAMEN PAR1 = VAL1 PAR2 =
VAL2......PARN = VALN
(While the syntax shown here is correct, passed parameters are
ignored by IC-CAP.)
where
TYPE is the instance type descriptor. If a subcircuit is being
called, this field would contain the subcircuit name denoted
by SUBCKTNAME.
INAME is the instantiated name of the subcircuit.
NNAMEs denote node names.
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PARs are the subcircuit parameter names.
VALs are the specified subcircuit parameter values.
The following is an example of a complete subcircuit definition
and subcircuit call.
• Added by IC-CAP for output format/etc.
Options ASCII_Rawfile=no UseNutmegFormat=yes
• Defined by the user in the Circuit folder:
;Simulation Input File in hpeesofsim Input Deck Format
global RC1_r=4352
define hpsimopamp (2 3 4 6 7 )
; Internal OpAmp circuit
; using Boyle-Pederson Macro Model
; Input differential amplifier
NPN1:Q1 10 2 12
NPN2:Q2 11 3 13
model NPN1 BJT NPN=yes \
Is = 8E-16 \
Bf = 52.81
model NPN2 BJT NPN=yes \
Is = 8.093E-16 \
Bf = 52.66
R:RC1 7 10 R=RC1_r
R:RC2 7 11 R=4352
C:C1 10 11 C=4.529E-12
R:RE1 12 14 R=2392
R:RE2 13 14 R=2392
R:RE 14 0 R=7.27E+06
C:CE 14 0 C=7.5E-12
; Power dissipation modeling resistor
R:RP 7 4 R=1.515E+04
; 1st gain stage
#uselib "ckt", "VCCS"
VCCS:GCM 14 0 0 15 G=1.152E-09
VCCS:GA 10 11 15 0 G=0.0002298
R:R2 15 0 R=1E+05
; Compensation capacitor
C:C2 15 16 C=3E-11
; 2nd gain stage
VCCS:GB 15 0 16 0 G=37.1
R:RO2 16 0 R=489.2
DMOD1:D1 16 17
DMOD1:D2 17 16
model DMOD1 Diode \
Is = 3.822E-32
R:RC 17 0 R=0.0001986
VCCS:GC 6 0 0 17 G=5034
; Output circuit
R:RO1 16 6 R=76.8
DMOD2:D3 6 18
DMOD2:D4 19 6
model DMOD2 Diode \
Is = 3.822E-32
V_Source:VC 7 18 Vdc=1.604
V_Source:VE 19 4 Vdc=3.104
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; Input diff amp bias source
I_Source:IEE 14 4 Idc=2.751E-05
end hpsimopamp
• Defined by the user in the Test Circuit folder:
; Inverting Amplifier
define inv_amp (1 2 3 4 6 7 )
hpsimopamp:X1 2 3 4 6 7
R:Rf 6 2 R=1E+04
R:Rin 2 1 R=2000
R:Rgnd 3 0 R=0.001
end inv_amp
• Added by IC-CAP to the circuit description:
inv_amp:XCKT n1 n2 n3 n4 n5 n6
; START SOURCES
V_Source:V1GROUND n1 0 Vdc=0 Vac=1
V_Source:V7GROUND n6 0 Vdc=15
V_Source:V4GROUND n4 0 Vdc=-15
; END SOURCES
R:RO2 n2 0 R=100MEG
R:RO3 n3 0 R=100MEG
R:RO5 n5 0 R=100MEG
SweepPlan:swpfreq Start = 1000 Stop = 1e+07 Dec = 3
AC:ac1 SweepPlan=swpfreq SweepVar="freq"
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ADS Parameter Sweeps
When using the ADS simulator in IC-CAP, the method of
specifying parameter sweeps differs between performing single
device simulations and circuit simulations.
NO TE
When performing parameter sweeps, the name of the parameter to be
swept must be recognized by ADS, since the analysis is performed from
within the simulator. This means that the global declaration must be used
within the ADS circuit description. Simply adding the parameter name to
the Variables table results in a failed simulation.
Device Simulation Parameter Sweep
To sweep a parameter in an ADS device simulation:
1 Add an input specification of mode P to the Setup. Enter the
name of the parameter as it appears in the Parameters table.
2 Enter the sweep type and values.
The Device Simulation Parameter Sweep example uses the
hpsimnpn.mdl model with an input of mode P to the fearly
setup. This input specifies a linear sweep of the parameter from
200.0e−15 to 230.0e−15 amperes in steps of 15.0e−15 amperes.
Figure 19
ADS Device Simulation Parameter Sweep Setup Example
During the simulation, IC-CAP generates the following input
deck.
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Options\
ASCII_Rawfile=no UseNutmegFormat=yes
; Simulation Input File for BJT
model npn BJT NPN=yes \
Is = 2.704E-16 \
Bf = 86.16 \
Nf = 0.979 \
Vaf = 86.95 \
Ikf = 0.01491 \
Ise = 1.886E-14 \
Ne = 1.522 \
Br = 8.799 \
Nr = 0.9967 \
Var = 9.757 \
Ikr = 0.02369 \
Isc = 1.095E-15 \
Nc = 1.1 \
Rb = 8.706 \
Irb = 0.001509 \
Rbm = 5.833 \
Re = 1.385 \
Rc = 10.68 \
Xtb = 0 \
Eg = 1.11 \
Xti = 3 \
Cje = 1.312E-12 \
Vje = 0.6151 \
Mje = 0.2052 \
Tf = 4.781E-11 \
Xtf = 4.359 \
Vtf = 3.237 \
Itf = 0.01753 \
Ptf = 176.2 \
Cjc = 1.394E-12 \
Vjc = 0.5428 \
Mjc = 0.2254 \
Xcjc = 1 \
Tr = 5.099E-09 \
Cjs = 1.004E-13 \
Vjs = 0.5668 \
Mjs = 0.2696 \
Fc = 0.5 \
Tnom = 27
npn:devckt 1 2 3 4
; START SOURCES
V_Source:VBGROUND 2 0 Vdc=0
V_Source:VCGROUND 1 0 Vdc=0
V_Source:VEGROUND 3 0 Vdc=0
V_Source:VSGROUND 4 0 Vdc=-3
; END SOURCES
SweepPlan:swp1 Start=0 Stop=5 Step=0.25
SweepPlan:swp2 Start=0.7 Stop=0.72 Step=0.01
DC:dc1 SweepPlan=swp1 SweepVar=”VCGROUND.Vdc”
ParamSweep:ct1 SimInstanceName=”dc1” SweepPlan=swp2
SweepVar=”VBGROUND.Vdc”
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Circuit Simulation Parameter Sweep
Specifying a parameter sweep for a circuit simulation requires a
different approach from a parameter sweep for a device
simulation.
To sweep a parameter in an ADS circuit simulation:
1 Specify a global variable in the ADS circuit description and
set it to an initial value.
2 Set the value of the parameter in the circuit description
equal to the global variable name.
3 Add a variable in IC-CAP with the same name as the global
ADS parameter.
4 Add an input specification of mode P to the Setup.
5 Enter the global variable name in the Name field of the Input
table.
6 Enter the sweep type and values.
Example Circuit Simulation Parameter Sweep
The Circuit Simulation Parameter Sweep example, uses a model
for opamp simulation. The following line is included with the
circuit description:
global RC1_r=4352
This complete circuit description is shown below.
;Simulation Input File in hpeesofsim Input Deck Format
global RC1_r=4352
define opamp1 (2 3 4 6 7)
; Internal OpAmp circuit
; using Boyle-Pederson Macro Model
; Input differential amplifier
NPN1:Q1 10 2 12
NPN2:Q2 11 3 13
model NPN1 BJT NPN=yes \
Is = 8E-16 \
Bf = 52.81
model NPN2 BJT NPN=yes \
Is = 8.093E-16 \
Bf = 52.66
R:RC1 7 10 R=RC1_r
R:RC2 7 11 R=4352
C:C1 10 11 C=4.529E-12
R:RE1 12 14 R=2392
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R:RE2 13 14 R=2392
R:RE 14 0 R=7.27E+06
C:CE 14 0 C=7.5E-12
; Power dissipation modeling resistor
R:RP 7 4 R=1.515E+04
; 1st gain stage
#uselib "ckt", "VCCS"
VCCS:GCM 14 0 0 15 G=1.152E-09
VCCS:GA 10 11 15 0 G=0.0002298
R:R2 15 0 R=1E+05
; Compensation capacitor
C:C2 15 16 C=1E-11
; 2nd gain stage
VCCS:GB 15 0 16 0 G=37.1
R:RO2 16 0 R=489.2
DMOD1:D1 16 17
DMOD1:D2 17 16
model DMOD1 Diode \
Is = 3.822E-32
R:RC 17 0 R=0.0001986
VCCS:GC 6 0 0 17 G=5034
; Output circuit
R:RO1 16 6 R=76.8
DMOD2:D3 6 18
DMOD2:D4 19 6
model DMOD2 Diode \
Is = 3.822E-32
V_Source:VC 7 18 Vdc=1.604
V_Source:VE 19 4 Vdc=3.104
; Input diff amp bias source
I_Source:IEE 14 4 Idc=2.751E-05
end opamp1
define inv_amp (1 2 3 4 6 7 )
opamp1:X1 2 3 4 6 7
R:Rf 6 2 R=1E+004
R:Rin 2 1 R=2000
R:Rgnd 3 0 R=0.001
end inv_amp
inv_amp:XCKT n1 n2 n3 n4 n5 n6
; START SOURCES
V_Source:V1GROUND n1 0 Vdc=0 Vac=polar(1,0)
V_Source:V7GROUND n6 0 Vdc=15
V_Source:V4GROUND n4 0 Vdc=-15 ; END SOURCES
R:RO2 n2 0 R=100MEG
R:RO3 n3 0 R=100MEG
R:RO5 n5 0 R=100MEG
SweepPlan:swpfreq Start=1000 Stop=1e+07 Dec=3
SweepPlan:swp1 Start=4 Stop=10 Step=6
AC:ac1 SweepPlan=swpfreq SweepVar="freq"
ParamSweep:ct1 SimInstanceName="ac1"
SweepPlan=swp1 SweepVar="RC1_r"
In this example, the value of R:RC1 is set to RC1_r. You must
also add a variable called RC1_r to the IC-CAP model variables
table and set the variable to a value, such as, 4.000K. In the
example model, you must then add an input call RC1_r to the
setup . The Inputs table is shown in the following figure.
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Figure 20
ADS Circuit Parameter Sweep Setup Example
For additional information on sweeping parameters, refer to
“Specifying Parameter or Variable Sweeps" in the User’s Guide.
The following sections of this chapter describe in detail the
syntax for the ADS Simulator.
Using LSYNC sweeps
When you use LSYNC sweeps for an ADS simulation, data is
written to a data access component file. This file contains the
synchronized lists and the specific elements in the netlist that
refer to LSYNC values. These elements are accessed using
variables and an index.
A single sweep for the LSYNC group is then created to sweep
the index.
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Example Netlist:
Options ASCII_Rawfile=no UseNutmegFormat=yes
model nmos3 MOSFET nmos=yes \
UO
= 1000
\
Vto
= 1.136
\
Nfs
= 0
\
Tox
= 1E-007
\
Nsub
= 5.31E+015 \
Nss
= 0
\
Vmax
= 1E+006
\
Rs
= 0
\
Rd
= 0
\
Rsh
= 0
\
Cbd
= 0
\
Cbs
= 0
\
Cj
= 0
\
Mj
= 0.5
\
Cjsw
= 0
\
Mjsw
= 0.33
\
Is
= 1E-014
\
Pb
= 0.8
\
Fc
= 0.5
\
Xj
= 9.438E-008 \
Ld
= 2.955E-007 \
Delta
= 0.9338
\
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Theta
Eta
Kappa
= 0.04124
= 0
= 0.2
7
\
\
nmos3:devckt n1 n2 n3 n4 L = lsync0_0 W = lsync0_1 Ad = 1e-10
As = 1e-10 Pd = 0.000104 Ps = 0.000104 ; START SOURCES
V_Source:VGGROUND n2 0 Vdc=0 V_Source:VBGROUND n4 0 Vdc=0
V_Source:VDGROUND n1 0 Vdc=0.1 V_Source:VSGROUND n3 0 Vdc=0
; END SOURCES
INDEX0=0
#uselib "ckt" , "DAC"
DAC:DAC0 File="c:\ictmp\IC19_lsync0" Type="dscr"
InterpMode="index_lookup" iVar1=1 iVal1=INDEX0
lsync0_0=file {DAC0, "lval0"}
lsync0_1 = file {DAC0, "lval1"}
SweepPlan:swp1 Start=0 Stop=5 Step=0.2
SweepPlan:swp2 Start=-3 Stop=0 Step=1.5 Reverse=yes
SweepPlan:swp3 Start=0 Stop=2 Step=1
DC:dc1 SweepPlan=swp1 SweepVar="VGGROUND.Vdc"
ParamSweep:ct1 SimInstanceName="dc1" SweepPlan=swp2
SweepVar="VBGROUND.Vdc"
ParamSweep:ct2 SimInstanceName="ct1" SweepPlan=swp3
SweepVar="INDEX0"
And the contents of IC19_lsync0 will be:
BEGIN DSCRDATA
% INDEX0 lval0 lval1
0 5e-05 5e-05
1 5e-05 5e-06
2 2.5e-06 5e-05
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Interpreting this Chapter
To make this chapter more accurate and easier to update, much
of the information in it is derived directly from the help facility
in the ADS Simulator. The parameter information in the help
facility has the following format.
Parameters:
name (units)
attributes
description
Attributes:
field 1: settable.
s = settable.
S = settable and required.
field 2: modifiable.
m = modifiable.
field 3: optimizable.
o = optimizable.
field 4: readable.
r = readable.
field 5: type.
b = boolean.
i = integer.
r = real number.
c = complex number.
d = device instance.
s = character string.
Table 66
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Model Parameter Attribute Definitions
Attribute
Meaning
Example
settable
Can be defined in the instance
or model statement. Most
parameters are settable, there
are a few cases where a
parameter is calculated
internally and could be used
either in an equation or sent to
the dataset via the OutVar
parameter on the simulation
component. The parameter must
have its full address.
Gbe (Small signal
Base-Emitter Conductance) in
the BJT model can be sent to
the dataset by setting
required
Has no default value; must be
set to some value, otherwise the
simulator will return an error.
modifiable
The parameter value can be
swept in simulation.
OutVar=”MySubCkt.
X1.Gbe” on the
simulation component.
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Table 66
IC-CAP Reference
Model Parameter Attribute Definitions
Attribute
Meaning
Example
optimizable
The parameter value can be
optimized.
readable
Can be queried for value in
simulation using the OutVar
parameter. See settable.
boolean
Valid values are 1, 0, True, and
False.
integer
The maximum value allowed for
an integer type is 32767, values
between 32767 and 2147483646
are still valid, but will be
netlisted as real numbers. In
some cases the value of a
parameter is restricted to a
certain number of legal values.
real number
The maximum value allowed is
1.79769313486231e308+.
complex
number
The maximum value allowed for
the real and imaginary parts is
1.79769313486231e308+.
device
instance
The parameter value must be set
to the name of one of the
instances present in the circuit.
The mutual inductance
component (Mutual), where
the parameters Inductor1 and
Inductor2 are defined by
instance names of inductors
present in the circuit or by a
variable pointing to the
instance names.
Inductor1=”L1” or
Inductor1=Xyz
where Xyz=”L1”
character
string
Used typically for file names.
Must be in double quotes.
Filename=”MyFileName”
The Region parameter in the
BJT model is defined as
integer but the only valid
values are 0, 1, 2, and 3.
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There are 2 other identifiers not in flag format. One is [ ] next to
a parameter name and it means that the parameter is
structured as an array. The other is (repeatable) appended to
the parameter description and it means that the parameter can
appear more than once in the same instance. An example is
OutVar.
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General Syntax
In this chapter, the following typographical conventions apply:
Table 67
IC-CAP Reference
Typographic Conventions
Type Style
Used For
[. . .]
Data or character fields enclosed in brackets are optional.
italics
Names and values in italics must be supplied
bold
Words in bold are ADS simulator keywords and are also
required.
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The ADS Simulator Syntax
The following sections outline the basic language rules.
Field Separators
A delimiter is one or more blanks or tabs.
Continuation Characters
A statement may be continued on the next line by ending the
current line with a backslash and continuing on the next line.
Name Fields
A name may have any number of letters or digits in it but must
not contain any delimiters or non alphanumeric characters. The
name must begin with a letter or an underscore ( _ ).
Table 68
356
Fundamental Units
Dimension
Fundamental Unit
Frequency
Hertz
Resistance
Ohms
Conductance
Siemens
Capacitance
Farads
Inductance
Henries
Length
meters
Time
seconds
Voltage
Volts
Current
Amperes
Power
Watts
Distance
meters
Temperature
Celsius
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Parameter Fields
A parameter field takes the form name = value, where name is a
parameter keyword and value is either a numeric expression,
the name of a device instance, the name of a model or a
character string surrounded by double quotes. Some
parameters can be indexed, in which case the name is followed
by [i], [i,j], or [i,j,k]. i, j, and k must be integer constants or
variables.
Node Names
A node name may have any number of letters or digits in it but
must not contain any delimiters or non alphanumeric
characters. If a node name begins with a digit, then it must
consist only of digits.
Lower/Upper Case
The ADS Simulator is case sensitive.
Units and Scale Factors
An integer or floating point number may be scaled by following
it with either an e or E and an integer exponent (e.g., 2.65e3,
1e-14).
An ADS Simulator parameter with a given dimension assumes
its value has the corresponding units. For example, for a
resistance, R=10 is assumed to be 10 Ohms. The fundamental
units for the ADS Simulator are shown in Table 68.
A number or expression can be scaled by following it with a
scale factor. A scale factor is a single word that begins with a
letter or an underscore. The remaining characters, if any,
consist of letters, digits, and underscores. Note that ‘‘/’’ cannot
be used to represent ‘‘per’’. The value of a scale factor is
resolved using the following rule: If the scale factor exactly
matches one of the predefined scale-factors (Table 69), then use
the numerical equivalent; otherwise, if the first character of the
scale factor is one of the legal scale-factor prefixes (Table 70),
the corresponding scaling is applied.
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Table 69
Predefined Scale Factors
Scale Factor
Scaling
Meaning
A
1
Amperes
F
1
Farads
ft
0.3048
feet
H
1
Henries
Hz
1
Hertz
in
0.0254
inches
meter
1
meters
meters
1
meters
metre
1
meters
metres
1
meters
mi
1609.344
miles
mil
2.54*10 5
mils
mils
2.54*10 5
mils
nmi
1852
nautical miles
Ohm
1
Ohms
Ohms
1
Ohms
S
1
Siemens
sec
1
seconds
V
1
Volts
W
1
Watts
Predefined Scale Factors
This type of scale factor is a predefined sequence of characters
which the ADS Simulator parses as a single token. The
predefined scale factors are listed in Table 69.
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Single-character prefixes
If the first character of the scale factor is one of the legal
scale-factor prefixes, the corresponding scaling is applied.The
single-character prefixes are based on the metric system of
scaling prefixes and are listed in Table 70
For example, 3.5 GHz is equivalent to 3.5*109 and 12 nF is
equivalent to 1.2*10-8. Note that most of the time, the ADS
Simulator ignores any characters that follow the
single-character prefix. The exceptions are noted in
“Unrecognized Scale Factors” on page 360.
Most of these scale factors can be used without any additional
characters (e.g., 3.5 G, 12n). This means that m, when used
alone, stands for ‘‘milli’’.
The underscore _ is provided to turn off scaling. For example,
1e-9 _farad is equivalent to 10-9, and 1e-9 farad is
equivalent to 10-24.
Predefined scale factors are case sensitive.
Unless otherwise noted, additional characters can be appended
to a predefined scale factor prefix without affecting its scaling
value.
Table 70
IC-CAP Reference
Single-character prefixes
Prefix
Scaling
Meaning
T
1012
tera
G
109
giga
M
106
mega
K
103
kilo
k
103
kilo
-
1
m
10-3
milli
u
10-6
micro
n
10-9
nano
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Table 70
Single-character prefixes (continued)
Prefix
Scaling
Meaning
p
10-12
pico
f
10
-15
a
10-18
femto
atto
A predefined scale factor overrides any corresponding
single-character-prefix scale factor. For example, 3 mm is
equivalent to 3*10-3, not 3*106. In particular, note that M does
not stand for milli, m does not stand for mega, and F does not
stand for femto.
There are no scale factors for dBm, dBW, or temperature, see
section on “Functions” on page 372 for conversion functions.
Unrecognized Scale Factors
The ADS Simulator treats unrecognizable scale factors as equal
to 1 and generates a warning message.
Scale-Factor Binding
More than one scale factor may appear in an expression, so
expressions like x in + y mil are valid and behave properly.
Scale factors bind tightly to the preceding variable. For
instance, 6 + 9 MHz is equal to 9000006. Use parentheses to
extend the scope of a scale factor (e.g., (6 + 9) MHz).
Booleans
Many devices, models, and analyses have parameters that are
boolean valued. Zero is used to represent false or no, whereas
any number besides zero represents true or yes. The keywords
yes and no can also be used.
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Ground Nodes
Node 0 is assumed to be the ground node. Additional ground
node aliases can be defined using the ground statement. Multiple
ground statements can be used to define any number of ground
aliases, but they must all occur at the top-level hierarchy in the
netlist.
General Form:
Ground [ :name ] node1 [... nodeN]
Example:
Ground gnd
Global Nodes
Global nodes are user-defined nodes which exist throughout the
hierarchy. The global nodes must be defined on the first lines in
the netlist. They must be defined before they are used.
General Form:
globalnode nodename1 [ nodename2 ] [... nodenameN ]
Example:
globalnode sumnode my_internal_node
Comments
Comments are introduced into an ADS Simulator file with a
semicolon; they terminate at the end of the line. Any text on a
line that follows a semicolon is ignored. Also, all blank lines are
ignored.
Statement Order
Models can appear anywhere in the netlist. They do not have to
be defined before a model instance is defined.
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Some parameters expect a device instance name as the
parameter value. In these cases, the device instance must
already have been defined before it is referenced. If not, the
device instance name can be entered as a quoted string using
double quotes (").
Naming Conventions
The full name for an instance parameter is of the form:
[pathName].instanceName.parameterName[index]
where pathName is a hierarchical name of the form
[pathName].subcircuitInstanceName
The same naming convention is used to reference nodes,
variables, expressions, functions, device terminals, and device
ports.
For device terminals, the terminal name can be either the
terminal name given in the device description, or tn where n is
the terminal number (the first terminal in the description is
terminal 1, etc.). Device ports are referenced by using the name
pm, where m is the port number (the first pair of terminals in
the device description is port 1, etc.).
Note that t1 and p1 both correspond to the current flowing into
the first terminal of a device, and that t2 corresponds to the
current flowing into the second terminal. If terminals 1 and 2
define a port, then the current specified by t2 is equal and
opposite to the current specified by t1 and p1.
Currents
The only currents that can be accessed for simulation,
optimization, or output purposes are the state currents.
State currents
Most devices are voltage controlled, that is, their terminal
currents can be calculated given their terminal voltages.
Circuits that contain only voltage-controlled devices can be
solved using node analysis. Some devices, however, such as
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voltage sources, are not voltage controlled. Since the only
unknowns in node analysis are the node voltages, circuits that
contain non-voltage-controlled devices cannot be solved using
node analysis. Instead, modified node analysis is used. In
modified node analysis, the unknown vector is enlarged. It
contains not only the node voltages but the branch currents of
the non-voltage-controlled devices as well. The branch currents
that appear in the vector of unknowns are called state currents.
Since the ADS Simulator uses modified node analysis, the
values of the state currents are available for output.
If the value of a particular current is desired but the current is
not a state current, insert a short in series with the desired
terminal. The short does not affect the behavior of the circuit
but does create a state current corresponding to the desired
current.
To reference a state current, use the device instance name
followed by either a terminal or port name. If the terminal or
port name is not specified, the state current defaults to the first
state current of the specified device. Note that this does not
correspond to the current through the first port of the device
whenever the current through the first port is not a state
current. For some applications, the positive state current must
be referenced, so a terminal name of t1 or t3 is acceptable but
not t2. Using port names avoids this problem. The convention
for current polarity is that positive current flows into the
positive terminal.
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Instance Statements
General Form:
type [ :name ] node1 ... nodeN [ [ param=value ] ... ]
type [ :name ] [ [ param=value] ... ]
Examples:
ua741:OpAmp in out out
C:C1 2 3 C=10pf
HB:Distortion1 Freq=10GHz
The instance statement is used to define to the ADS Simulator
the information unique to a particular instance of a device or an
analysis. The instance statement consists of the instance type
descriptor and an optional name preceded by a colon. If it is a
device instance with terminals, the nodes to which the
terminals of the instance are connected come next. Then the
parameter fields for the instance are defined. The parameters
can be in any order. The nodes, though, must appear in the same
order as in the device or subcircuit definition.
The type field may contain either the ADS Simulator instance
type name, or a user-supplied model or subcircuit name. The
name can be any valid name, which means it must begin with a
letter, can contain any number of letters and digits, must not
contain any delimiters or non alphanumeric characters, and
must not conflict with other names including node names.
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Model Statements
General Form:
model name type [ [ param = value ] ... ]
Examples:
model NPNbjt bjt NPN=yes Bf=100 Js=0.1fa
Often characteristics of a particular type of element are
common to a large number of instances. For example, the
saturation current of a diode is a function of the process used to
construct the diode and also of the area of the diode. Rather
than describing the process on each diode instantiation, that
description is done once in a model statement and many diode
instances refer to it. The area, which may be different for each
device, is included on each instance statement. Though it is
possible to have several model statements for a particular type
of device, each instance may only reference at most one model.
Not all device types support model statements.
The name in the model statement becomes the type in the
instance statement. The type field is the ADS Simulator-defined
model name. Any parameter value not supplied will be set to
the model’s default value.
Most models, such as the diode or bjt models, can be
instantiated with an instance statement. There are exceptions.
For instance, the Substrate model cannot be instantiated. Its
name, though, can be used as a parameter value for the Subst
parameter of certain transmission line devices.
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Subcircuit Definitions
General Form:
define subcircuitName ( node1 ... nodeN )
[ parameters name1 = [ value1 ] ... name n = [ value n ] ]
.
.
.
elementStatements
.
.
.
end [ subcircuitName ]
Examples:
define DoubleTuner (top bottom left right)
parameters vel=0.95 r=1.0 l1=.25 l2=.25
tline:tuner1 top bottom left left len=l1 vel=vel r=r
tline:tuner2 top bottom right right len=l2 vel=2*vel r=r
end DoubleTuner
DoubleTuner:InputTuner t1 b2 3 4 l1=0.5
A subcircuit is a named collection of instances connected in a
particular way that can be instantiated as a group any number
of times by subcircuit calls. The subcircuit call is in effect and
form, an instance statement. Subcircuit definitions are simply
circuit macros that can be expanded anywhere in the circuit any
number of times. When an instance in the input file refers to a
subcircuit definition, the instances specified within the
subcircuit are inserted into the circuit. Subcircuits may be
nested. Thus a subcircuit definition may contain other
subcircuits. However, a subcircuit definition cannot contain
another subcircuit definition. All the definitions must occur at
the top level.
An instance statement that instantiates a subcircuit definition
is referred to as a subcircuit call. The node names (or numbers)
specified in the subcircuit call are substituted, in order, for the
node names given in the subcircuit definition. All instances that
refer to a subcircuit definition must have the same number of
nodes as are specified in the subcircuit definition and in the
same order. Node names inside the subcircuit definition are
strictly local unless they are a global ground defined with a
ground statement or global nodes defined with a globalnode
statement. A subcircuit definition with no nodes must still
include the parentheses ( ).
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Parameter specification in subcircuit definitions is optional.
Any parameters that are specified are referred to by name
followed by an equals sign and then an optional default value. If,
when making a subcircuit call in your input file, you do not
specify a particular parameter, then this default value is used in
that instance. Subcircuit parameters can be used in expressions
within the subcircuit just as any other variable.
Subcircuits are a flexible and powerful way of developing and
maintaining hierarchical circuits. Parameters can be used to
modify one instance of a subcircuit from another. Names within
a subcircuit can be assigned without worrying about conflicting
with the same name in another subcircuit definition. The full
name for a node or instance include its path name in addition to
its instance name. For example, if the above subcircuit is
included in subckt2 which is itself included in subckt1, then
the full path name of the length of the first transmission line is
subckt1.subckt2.tuner1.len.
Only enough of the path name has to be specified to
unambiguously identify the parameter. For example, an analysis
inside subckt1 can reference the length by
subckt2.tuner1.len since the name search starts from the
current level in the hierarchy. If a reference to a name cannot be
resolved in the local level of hierarchy, then the parent is
searched for the name, and so on until the top level is searched.
In this way, a sibling can either inherit its parent’s attributes or
define its own.
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Expression Capability
The ADS Simulator has a powerful and flexible symbolic
expression capability, called VarEqn, which allows the user to
define variables, expressions, and functions in the netlist. These
can then be used to define other VarEqn expressions and
functions, to specify device parameters and optimization goals,
etc.
The names for VarEqn variables, expressions, and functions
follow the same hierarchy rules that instance and node names
do. Thus, local variables in a subcircuit definition can assume
values that differ from one instance of the subcircuit to the
next.
Functions and expressions can be defined either globally or
locally anywhere in the hierarchy. All variables are local by
default. Local variables are known in the subcircuit in which
they are defined, and all lower subcircuits; they are not known
at higher levels. Expressions defined at the root (the top level)
are known everywhere within the circuit. To specify an
expression to be global the global keyword must precede the
expression. The global keyword causes the variable to be defined
at the root of the hierarchy tree regardless of the lexical
location.
Examples:
global exp1 = 2.718
The expression capability includes the standard math
operations of + - / * ^ in addition to parenthesis grouping. Scale
factors are also allowed in general expressions and have higher
precedence than any of the math operators (see “Units and
Scale Factors” on page 357).
Constants
An integer constant is represented by a sequence of digits
optionally preceded by a negative sign (e.g, 14, -3).
A real number contains a decimal point and/or an exponential
suffix using the e notation (e.g, 14.0, -13e-10).
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The only complex constant is the predefined constant j which
is equal to the square root of -1. It can be used to generate
complex constants from real and integer constants (e.g., j*3,
9.1 + j*1.2e-2). The predefined functions complex() and
polar() can also be used to enter complex constants into an
expression.
A string constant is delimited by single quotes
(e.g.,’string’,’this is a string’).
Predefined Constants
Table 71
Predefined Constants
Constant
Definition
Constant
Definition
boltzmann
Boltzmann’s constant
ln10
2.30...
c0
Speed of light in a
vacuum
j
Square root of -1
DF_DefaultInt
Reference to default
int value defined in
Data Flow controller
pi
3.14...
DF_ZERO_OHMS Symbol for use as zero
ohms
planck
Planck’s constant
e
2.718...
qelectron
Charge of an electron
e0
Permittivity of a
vacuum
tinyReal
Smallest real number
hugeReal
Largest real number
u0
Permeability of a
vacuum
Variables
General Form:
variableName = constantExpression
Examples:
x1 = 4.3inches + 3mils
syc_a = cos(1.0+sin(pi*3))
Zin = 7.8k - j*3.2k
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The type of a variable is determined by the type of its value. For
example, x=1 is an integer, x=1+j is complex, and x =
“tuesday” is a string.
Predefined Variables
In addition to the predefined constants, there are several
predefined global variables. Since they are variables, they can
be modified and swept.
370
__fdd
Flag to indicate a new FDD instance
__fdd_v
Flag to indicate updated FDD state vars
_ac_state
Is analyses in AC state
_c1 to _c30
Symbolic controlling current
_dc_state
Is analyses in DC state
_freq1 to _freq12
Fundamental frequency
_harm
Harmonic number index for sources and FDD
_hb_state
Is analyses in harmonic balance state
_p2dInputPower
Port input power for P2D simulation
_sigproc_state
Is analyses in signal processing state
_sm_state
Is analyses in sm state
_sp_state
Is analyses in sparameter analysis state
_tr_state
Is analyses in transient state
CostIndex
Index for optimization cost plots
DF_Value
Reference to corresponding value defined in
Data Flow controller
DefaultValue
Signal processing default parameter value
DeviceIndex
Device Index used for noise contribution or DC
OP output
dcSourceLevel
used for DC source-level sweeping
doeindex
Index for Design of Experiment sweeps
freq
The frequency in Hertz of the present
simulation
logNodesetScale
Used for DC nodeset simulation
logRshunt
Used for DC Rshunt sweeping
(1MHz)
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mcTrial
Trial counter for Monte Carlo based simulations
noisefreq
The spectral noise analysis frequency
Nsample
Signal processing analysis sample number
optIter
Optimization job iteration counter
temp
The ambient temperature, in degrees Celsius.
time
The analysis time
timestep
The analysis time step
tranorder
The transient analysis integration order
ScheduleCycle
Signal processing schedule cycle number
sourcelevel
The relative attenuation of the spectral sources (1.0)
ssfreq
The small-signal mixer analysis frequency
_v1 to _v19
State variable voltages used by the sdd device
_i1 to _i19
State variable currents used by the sdd device
mc_index
Index variable used by Monte Carlo controller
7
(25
degrees)
The sourcelevel variable is used by the spectral analysis
when it needs to gradually increase source power from 0 to full
scale to obtain convergence. It can be used by the user to sweep
the level of ALL spectral source components, but is not
recommended. The _v and _i variables should only be used in
the context of the sdd device.
Expressions
General Form:
expressionName = nonconstantExpression
Examples:
x1 = 4.3 + freq;
syc_a = cos(1.0+sin(pi*3 + 2.0*x1))
Zin = 7.8 ohm + j*freq * 1.9 ph
y = if (x equals 0) then 1.0e100 else 1/x endif
The main difference between expressions and variables is that a
variable can be directly swept and modified by an analysis but
an expression cannot. Note however, that any instance
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parameter that depends on an expression is updated whenever
one of the variables that the expression depends upon is
changed (e.g., by a sweep).
Predefined Expressions
gaussian =
_gaussian_tol(10.0)
default gaussian distribution
nfmin =
_nfmin()
the minimum noise figure
omega =
2.0*pi*freq
the analysis frequency
rn =
_rn()
the noise resistance
sopt =
_sopt
the optimum noise match
tempkelvin =
temp + 273.15
the analysis temperature
uniform =
_uniform_tol(10.0)
default uniform distribution
Functions
General Form:
functionName( [ arg1, ..., argn ] ) = expression
Examples:
y_srl(freq, r, l) = 1.0/(r + j*freq*l)
expl(a,b) = exp(a)*step(b-a) + exp(b)*(a-b-1)*step(a-b)
In expression, the function’s arguments can be used, as can any
other VarEqn variables, expressions, or functions.
Predefined Functions
372
_discrete_density(...)
user-defined discrete density function
_gaussian( [mean, sigma,
lower_n_sigmas,
upper_n_sigmas,
lower_n_sigmas_del,
upper_n_sigmas_del] )
gaussian density function
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_gaussian_tol[percent_tol, gaussian density function (tolerance version)
lower_n_sigmas,
upper_n_sigmas,
lower_percent_tol,
upper_percent_tol,
lower_n_sigmas_del,
upper_n_sigmas_del] )
_get_fnom_freq(...)
Get analysis frequency for FDD carrier frequency index
and harmonic
_lfsr(x, y, z)
linear feedback shift register (trigger, seed, taps)
_mvgaussian(...)
multivariate gaussian density function (correlation
version)
_mvgaussian_cov(...)
multivariate gaussian density function (covariance
version)
_n_state(x, y)
_n_state(arr, val) array index nearest value
_pwl_density(...)
user-defined piecewise-linear density function
_pwl_distribution(...)
user-defined piecewise-linear distribution function
_randvar(distribution,
mcindex, [nominal,
tol_percent, x_min,
x_max, lower_tol,
upper_tol, delta_tol,
tol_factor] )
random variable function
_shift_reg(x, y, z, t)
(trigger, mode(ParIn:MSB1st), length, input)
_uniform( [lower_bound,
upper_bound] )
uniform density function
_uniform_tol([percent_tol, uniform density function (tolerance version)
lower_tol, upper_tol] )
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abs(x)
absolute value function
access_all_data(...)
datafile indep+dep lookup/interpolation function
access_data(...)
datafile dependents’ lookup/interpolation function
arcsinh(x)
arcsinh function
arctan(x)
arctan function
atan2(y, x)
arctangent function (2 real arguments)
awg_dia(x)
wire gauge to diameter in meters
bin(x)
function convert a binary to integer
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bitseq(time, [clockfreq,
trise, tfall, vlow, vhigh,
bitseq] )
bitsequence function
complex(x, y)
real-to-complex conversion function
conj(x)
complex-conjugate function
cos(x)
cosine function
cos_pulse(time, [low,
high, delay, rise, fall,
width, period] )
periodic cosine shaped pulse function
cosh(x)
hyperbolic cosine function
cot(x)
cotangent function
coth(x)
hyperbolic cotangent function
ctof(x)
convert Celsius to Fahrenheit
ctok(x)
convert Celsius to Kelvin
cxform(x, y, z)
transform complex data
damped_sin(time,
[offset, amplitude,
freq, delay, damping,
phase] )
damped sin function
db(x)
decibel function
dbm(x, y)
convert voltage and impedance into dbm
dbmtoa(x, y)
convert dbm and impedance into short circuit current
dbmtov(x, y)
convert dbm and impedance into open circuit voltage
dbmtow(x)
convert dBm to Watts
dbpolar(x, y)
(dB,angle)-to-rectangular conversion function
dbwtow(x)
convert dBW to Watts
deembed(x)
deembedding function
deg(x)
radian-to-degree conversion function
dep_data(x, y, [z] )
dependent variable value
dphase(x, y)
Continuous phase difference (radians) between x and
y
dsexpr(x, y)
Evaluate a dataset expression to an hpvar
dstoarray(x, [y] )
Convert an hpvar to an array
echo(x)
echo-arguments function
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erf_pulse(time, [low,
high, delay, rise, fall,
width, period] )
periodic error function shaped pulse function
eval_poly(x, y, z)
polynomial evaluation function
exp(x)
exponential function
exp_pulse(time, [low,
high, delay1, tau1,
delay2, tau2] )
exponential pulse function
fread(x)
raw-file reading function
ftoc(x)
convert Fahrenheit to Celsius
ftok(x)
convert Fahrenheit to Kelvin
get_array_size(x)
Get the size of the array
get_attribute(...)
value of attribute of a set of data
get_block(x, y)
HPvar tree from block name function
get_fund_freq(x)
Get the frequency associated with a specified
fundamental index
get_max_points(x, y)
maximum points of independent variable
imag(x)
imaginary-part function
index(x, y, [z, t] )
get index of name in array
innerprod(...)
inner-product function
int(x)
convert-to-integer function
itob(x, [y] )
convert integer to binary
jn(x, y)
bessel function
ktoc(x)
convert Kelvin to Celsius
ktof(x)
convert Kelvin to Fahrenheit
length(x)
returns number of elements in array
limit_warn( [x, y, z, t, u] )
limit, default and warn function
list(...)
IC-CAP Reference
ln(x)
natural log function
log(x)
log base 10 function
mag(x)
magnitude function
makearray(...)
(1:real-2:complex-3:string, y, z..) or (array, startIndex,
stopIndex)
max(x, y)
maximum function
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min(x, y)
minimum function
multi_freq(time,
amplitude, freq1,
freq2, n, [seed] )
multifrequency function
names(x, y)
array of names of indepVars and/or depVars in
dataset
norm(x)
norm function
phase(x)
phase (in degrees) function
phase_noise_pwl(...)
piecewise-linear function for computing phase noise
phasedeg(x)
phase (in degrees) function
phaserad(x)
phase (in radians) function
polar(x, y)
polar-to-rectangular conversion function
polarcpx(...)
polar to rectangular conversion function
pulse(time, [low,
high, delay, rise, fall,
width, period] )
periodic pulse function
pwl(...)
piecewise-linear function
pwlr(...)
piecewise-linear-repeated function
rad(x)
degree-to-radian conversion function
ramp(x)
ramp function
read_data(...)
read_data("file-dataset", "locName", "fileType")
read_lib(...)
read_lib("libName", "item", "fileType")
real(x)
real-part function
rect(x, y, z)
rectangular pulse function
rem(...)
remainder function
ripple(x, y, z, v)
ripple(amplitude, intercept, period, variable) sinusoidal
ripple function
rms(...)
root-mean-square function
rpsmooth(x)
rectangular-to-polar smoothing function
scalearray(x, y)
scalar times a vector (array) function
setDT(x)
Turns on discrete time transient mode (returns
argument)
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NO TE
sffm(time, [offset,
amplitude, carrier_freq,
mod_index,
signal_freq] )
signal frequency FM
sgn(x)
signum function
sin(x)
sine function
sinc(x)
sin(x)/x function
sinh(x)
hyperbolic sine function
sprintf(x, y)
formatted print utility
sqrt(x)
square root function
step(x)
step function
tan(x)
tangent function
tanh(x)
hyperbolic tangent function
vswrpolar(x, y)
(VSWR,angle)-to-rectangular conversion function
7
The VarEqn trigonometric functions always expect the argument to be
specified in radians. If the user wants to specify the angle in degrees then
the VarEqn function deg() can be used to convert radians to degrees or the
VarEqn function rad() can be used to convert degrees to radians.
Detailed Descriptions of the Predefined Functions
_discrete_density (x1, p1, x2, p2, …) allows the user to
define a discrete density distribution: returns x1 with
probability p1, x2 with probability p2, etc. The xn, pn pairs
needn’t be sorted. The pns will be normalized automatically.
_gaussian( [mean, sigma, lower_n_sigmas,
upper_n_sigmas, lower_n_sigmas_del, upper_n_sigmas_del] )
returns a value randomly distributed according to the standard
bell-shaped curve. mean defaults to 0. sigma defaults to 1.
lower_n_sigmas, upper_n_sigmas define truncation limits
(default to 3). lower_n_sigmas_del and upper_n_sigmas_del
define a range in which the probability is zero (a bimodal
distribution). _gaussian_tol( [percent_tol,
lower_n_sigmas, upper_n_sigmas, lower_percent_tol,
upper_percent_tol, lower_n_sigmas_del, upper_n_sigmas_del]
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) is similar, but percent_tol defines the percentage tolerance
about the nominal value (which comes from the RANDVAR
expression).
_get_fnom_freq(x) returns the actual analysis frequency
associated with the carrier frequency specified in the
surrounding FDD context. If x is negative, it is the carrier
frequency index. If x is positive, it is the harmonic index.
_mvgaussian(N, mean1, … meanN, sigma1, … sigmaN,
correlation1,2, …, correlation1,N, …, correlationN-1,N)
multivariate gaussian density function (correlation version).
Returns an N dimensional vector. The correlation coefficient
matrix must be positive definite. _mvgaussian_cov(N, mean1, …
meanN, sigma1, … sigmaN, covariance1,2, ..., covariance1,N, ...,
covarianceN-1,N) is similar, but defined in terms of covariance.
The covariance matrix must be positive definite.
_pwl_density(x1, p1, x2, p2, …) returns a value randomly
distributed according to the piecewise-linear density function
with values pn at xn, i.e. it will return xn with probability pn and
return
p
–p
n+1
n
x + ε with probability p + ε --------------------------n
n
xn + 1 – xn
The xn, pn pairs needn’t be sorted. The pns will be normalized
automatically. _pwl_distribution(x1, p1, x2, p2, …) is similar, but
is defined in terms of the distribution values. It will return a
value less than or equal to xn with probability pn. The xn, pn
pairs will be sorted in increasing xn order. After sorting, the pns
should never decrease. The pns will be normalized so that pN=1.
_randvar(distribution, mcindex, [nominal, tol_percent,
x_min, x_max, lower_tol, upper_tol, delta_tol, tol_factor] )
returns a value randomly distributed according to the
distribution. The value will be the same for a given value of
mcindex. The other parameters are interpreted according to
the distribution.
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_shift_reg(x, y, z, t) implements a z-bit shift register. x
specifies the trigger. y = 0 means LSB First, Serial To Parallel, 1
means MSB First, Serial To Parallel, 2 means LSB First, Parallel
to Serial, 3 means MSB First, Parallel to Serial. t is the input
(output) value.
_uniform( [lower_bound, upper_bound] ) returns a value
between lower_bound and upper_bound. All such values are
equally probable. _uniform_tol( [percent_tol, lower_tol,
upper_tol] ) is similar, but tolerance version.
access_all_data(InterpMode, source, indep1, dep1 …)
datafile independent and dependent lookup/interpolation
function.
access_data(InterpMode, nData, source, dep1 …) datafile
dependents’ lookup/interpolation function.
bin(String) calculates the integer value of a sequence of 1’s and
0’s. For example bin(’11001100’) = 204. The argument of the bin
function must be a string denoted by single quotes. The main
use of the bin function is with the System Model Library to
define an integer which corresponds to a digital word.
cxform(x, OutFormat, InFormat) transform complex data x
from format InFormat to format OutFormat. The values for
OutFormat and InFormat are 0: real and imaginary, 1:
magnitude (linear) and phase (degrees), 2: magnitude (linear)
and phase (radians), 3: magnitude (dB) and phase (degrees), 4:
magnitude (dB) and phase (radians), 5: magnitude (SWR) and
phase (degrees), 6: magnitude (SWR) and phase (radians). For
example, to convert linear magnitude and phase in degrees to
real and imaginary parts:
result = cxform(invar, 0, 1)
damped_sin(time, [offset, amplitude, freq, delay, damping,
phase]). See “Transient Source Functions” on page 384.
The function db(x) is a shorthand form for the expression:
20log(mag(x)).
The deembed(x) function takes an array, x, of 4 complex
numbers (the 2-port S-parameter array returned from the
VarEqn interp() function) and returns an array of equivalent
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de-embedding S-parameters for that network. The array must be
of length 4 (2 x 2--two-port data only), or an error message will
result. The transformation used is:
S 11
–1
S 11 = --------det
S
S
–1
21
= --------21
det
S
S
–1
12
= --------12
det
S
S 22
–1
= --------22
det
where det is the determinant of the 2 x 2 array.
CAU TI O N
This transformation assumes that the S-parameters are derived from
equal port termination impedances. This transformation does not work
when the port impedances are unequal.
The function deg(x) converts from radians to degrees.
dphase(x, y) Calculates phase difference phase(x)-phase(y) (in
radians).
dsexpr(x, y) Evaluate x, a DDS expression, to an hpvar. y is the
default location data directory.
echo(x) prints argument on terminal and returns it as a value.
erf_pulse(time, [low, high, delay, rise, fall, width, period] )
periodic pulse function, edges are error function (integral of
Gaussian) shaped.
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eval_poly(x, y, z) y is a real number. z is an integer that
describes what to evaluate: -1 means the integral of the
polynomial, 0 means the polynomial itself, +1 means the
derivative of the polynomial. x is a VarEqn array that contains
real numbers. The polynomial is x + x y + x y 2 + x y 3 …
0
1
2
3
exp_pulse(time, [low, high, delay1, tau1, delay2, tau2]) See
“Transient Source Functions” on page 384.
get_fund_freq(fund) returns the value of frequency (in
Hertz) of a given fundamental defined by fund.
index(nameArray, "varName", [caseSense, length] ) returns
position of "varName" in nameArray, -1 if not found. caseSense
sets case-sensitivity, defaults to yes. length sets how many
characters to check, defaults to 0 (all).
innerprod(x, y) forms the inner product of the vectors x and
y:
n
innerprod ( x, y ) =
∑ x i∗ y i
i= 0
j and k are optional integers which specify a range of harmonics
to include in the calculation:
k
innerprod ( x, y, j, k ) =
∑xi∗ yi
i=j
j defaults to 0 and k defaults to infinity.
int(x) Truncates the fractional part of x.
itob(x, [bits] ) convert integer x to bits-bit binary string.
The function jn(n, x) is the n-th order bessel function evaluated
at x.
limit_warn( [Value, Min, Max, default, Name] ) sets Value to
default, if not set. Limits it to Min and Max and generates a
warning if the value is limited.
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makearray(arg1[,arg2,..] creates an array with elements
defined by arg1 to argN where N can be any number of
arguments. The data type of args must be Integer, Real, or
Complex and the same for all args.
word = bin(’1101’)
fibo = makearray(0,1,1,2,3,5,8,word)
foo = fibo[0]
multi_freq(time, amplitude, freq1, freq2, n, [seed] ) seed
defaults to 1. If it is 0, phase is set to 0, otherwise it is used as a
seed for a randomly-generated phase.
norm(x) returns the L-2 norm of the spectrum x:
norm ( x ) =
innerprod ( x, x )
j and k are optional integers which specify a range of harmonics
to include in the calculation:
norm ( x, j, k ) =
innerprod ( x, x, j, k )
j defaults to 0 and k defaults to infinity.
phase(x) is the same as phasedeg(x).
The function phasedeg(x) returns phase in degrees.
The function phaserad(x) returns phase in radians.
The function polarcpx(x[,leave_as_real]) takes a complex
argument, assumes that the real and complex part of the
argument represents mag and phase (in radians) information,
and converts it to real/imaginary. If the argument is real or
integer instead of complex, the imaginary part is assumed to be
zero. However, if the optional leave_as_real variable is
specified, and is the value ‘‘1’’ (note that the legal values are ‘‘0’’
and ‘‘1’’ only), a real argument will be not be converted to a
complex one.
pulse(time, [low, high, delay, rise, fall, width, period]) See
“Transient Source Functions” on page 384.
pwl(...) piecewise-linear function. See “Transient Source
Functions” on page 384.
pwlr(...) piecewise-linear-repeated function.
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The function rect(t, tc, tp) is pulse function of variable t
centered at time tc with duration tp.
The function rad(x) converts from degrees to radians.
ramp(x) 0 for x < 0 , x for x ≥ 0
read_data(source, locName, [fileType]) returns data from a
file or dataset. source = “file” --- “dataset”. locName is the name
of the source. fileType specifies the file type.
read_lib(libName, locName, [fileType]) returns data from a
library. libName is the name of the library. locName is the name
of the source. fileType specifies the file type.
read_lib("libName", "item", "fileType")
rect(x, y, z) Returns:
z
|x - y| < |z|
|x - y| > |z|
>0
1
0
<0
0
1
rem(x, [y]) Returns remainder of dividing x/y. y defaults to 0
(which returns x).
rms(x) returns the RMS value (including DC) of the spectrum x:
norm ( x )
rms ( x ) = --------------------2.0
j and k are optional integers which specify a range of harmonics
to include in the calculation:
norm ( x, j, k )
rms ( x, j, k ) = ------------------------------2.0
j defaults to 0 and k defaults to infinity.
The function rpsmooth(x) takes a VarEqn pointer (one
returned by readraw()), converts to polar format the
rectangular data given by the VarEqn pointer, and smooths out
‘phase discontinuities’.
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CAU TI O N
This function uses an algorithm that assumes that the first point is
correct (i.e., not off by some multiple of 2π ) and that the change in
phase between any 2 adjacent points is less than π . This interpolation
will not work well with noisy data or with data within roundoff error of
zero. It should be used only with S-parameters in preparation for
interpolation or extrapolation by one of the interpolation functions like
interp1(). Also note that the result is left in a polar ‘mag/phase’ format
stored in a complex number; the real part is magnitude, and the
imaginary part is phase. The polarcpx() function must be used to
convert the result of the rpsmooth() function back into a
real/imaginary format.
sffm(time, [offset, amplitude, carrier_freq, mod_index,
signal_freq]) See “Transient Source Functions” on page 384.
The sprintf() function is similar to the C function which
takes a format string for argument s and a print argument x (x
must be a string, an integer, or a real number) and returns a
formatted string. This string then may be written to the console
using the system function with an echo command.
Transient Source Functions
There are several built-in functions that mimic Spice transient
sources. They are:
SPICE source
ADS Simulator function
exponential
exp_pulse(time, low, high, tdelay1, tau1, tdelay2, tau2)
single-frequency FM sffm(time, offset, amplitude, carrier_freq, mod_index,
signal_freq)
damped sine
damped_sin(time, offset, amplitude, freq, delay, damping)
pulse
pulse(time, low, high, delay, rise, fall, width, period)
piecewise linear
pwl(time, t1, x1, ..., tn, xn)
There functions are typically used with the vt parameter of the
voltage source and the it parameter of the current source.
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exp_pulse
Examples:
ivs:vin n1 0 vt=exp_pulse(time)
ics:iin n1 0 it=exp_pulse(time, -0.5mA, 0.5mA, 10ns, 5ns,
20ns, 8ns)
Arguments for exp_pulse
Name
Optional
Default
TIME
NO
LOW
YES
0
HIGH
YES
1
TDELAY1
YES
0
TAU1
YES
TSTEP
TDELAY2
YES
TDELAY1 + TSTEP
TAU2
YES
TSTEP
TSTEP is the output step-time time specified on the TRAN
analysis.
sffm
Examples:
ivs:vin n1 0 vt=sffm(time, , , , 0.5)
ics:iin n1 0 it=sffm(time, 0, 2, 1GHz, 1.2, 99MHz)
Arguments for sffm
Name
Optional
Default
TIME
NO
OFFSET
YES
0
AMPLITUDE
YES
1
CARRIER_FREQ
YES
1/TSTOP
MOD_INDEX
YES
0
SIGNAL_FREQ
YES
1/TSTOP
TSTOP is the stop time specified on the TRAN analysis.
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damped_sin
Examples:
ivs:vin n1 0 vt=damped_sin(time)
ics:iin n1 0 it=damped_sin(time, 0, 5V, 500MHz, 50ns, 200ns)
Arguments for damped_sin
Name
Optional
Default
TIME
NO
OFFSET
YES
0
AMPLITUDE
YES
1
FREQ
YES
1/TSTOP
DELAY
YES
0
DAMPING
YES
1/TSTOP
TSTOP is the stop time specified on the TRAN analysis.
pulse
Examples:
ivs:vin n1 0 vt=pulse(time)
ics:iin n1 0 it=pulse(time, -5V, 5V, 500MHz, 50ns, 200ns)
Arguments for pulse
Name
Optional
Default
TIME
NO
LOW
YES
0
HIGH
YES
1
DELAY
YES
0
RISE
YES
TSTEP
FALL
YES
TSTEP
WIDTH
YES
TSTOP
PERIOD
YES
TSTOP
TSTEP is the output step-time time specified on the TRAN
analysis. TSTOP is the stop time specified on the TRAN
analysis.
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pwl
Examples:
ivs:vin n1 0 vt=pulse(time, 0, 0, 1ns, 1, 10ns, 1, 15ns, 0)
ics:iin n1 0 it=pwl(time, 0, 0, 1ns, 1, 5ns, 1, 5ns, 0.5,
10ns,0.5, 15ns, 0)
Arguments for pwl
Name
Optional
Default
TIME
NO
T1
NO
X1
NO
T2
YES
NONE
X2
YES
NONE
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
TN
YES
NONE
XN
YES
NONE
Conditional Expressions
The ADS Simulator supports simple in-line conditional
expressions:
if boolExpr then expr else expr endif
if boolExpr then expr elseif boolExpr then expr else expr
endif
boolExpr is a boolean expression, that is, an expression that
evaluates to TRUE or FALSE.
expr is any non-boolean expression.
The else is required (because the conditional expression must
always evaluate to some value).
There can be any number of occurrences of elseif expr then
expr.
A conditional expression can legally occur as the right-hand
side of an expression or function definition or, if parenthesized,
anywhere in an expression that a variable can occur.
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Boolean operators
equals
logical equals
=
logical equals
==
logical equals
notequals
logical not equals
!=
logical not equals
not
logical negative
!
logical negative
and
logical and
&&
logical and
or
logical or
||
logical or
<
less than
>
greater than
<=
less than or equals
>=
greater than or equals
Boolean expressions
A boolean expression must evaluate to TRUE or FALSE and,
therefore, must contain a relational operator (equals, =,
==, notequals, !=, <, >, <=, or >=).
The only legal place for a boolean expression is directly after an
if or an elseif.
A boolean expression cannot stand alone, that is,
x = a > b
is illegal.
Precedence
Tightest binding: equals, =, ==, notequals, !=, >, <,
>=, <=
NOT, !
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AND,
Loosest binding:
OR, ||
All arithmetic operators have tighter binding than the boolean
operators.
Evaluation
Boolean expressions are short-circuit evaluated. For example, if
when evaluating a and b, expression a evaluates to FALSE,
expression b will not be evaluated.
During evaluation of boolean expressions with arithmetic
operands, the operand with the lower type is promoted to the
type of the other operand. For example, in 3 equals x +j*b,
3 is promoted to complex.
A complex number cannot be used with <, >, <=, or >=. Nor can
an array (and remember that strings are arrays). This will cause
an evaluation-time error.
Pointers can be compared only with pointers.
Examples:
Protect against divide by zero:
f(a) = if a equals 0 then 1.0e100 else 1.0/a endif
Nested if’s #1:
f(mode) = if mode equals 0 then 1-a else f2(mode) endif
f2(mode) = if mode equals 1 then log(1-a) else f3(mode) endif
f3(mode) = if mode equals 2 then exp(1-a) else 0.0 endif
Nested if’s #2:
f(mode) = if mode equals 0 then 1-a elseif mode equals 1 then \
log(1-a) elseif mode equals 2 then exp(1-a) else 0.0 endif
Soft exponential:
exp_max = 1.0e16
x_max = ln(exp_max)
exp_soft(x) = if x<x_max then exp(x) else
(x+1-x_max)*exp_max endif
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VarEqn Data Types
The 4 basic data types that VarEqn supports are integer, real,
complex, and string. There is a fifth data type, pointer, that is
also supported. Pointers are not allowed in an algebraic
expression, except as an argument to a function that is
expecting a pointer. Strings are not allowed in algebraic
expressions either except that addition of strings is equivalent
to catenation of the strings. String catenation is not
commutative, and since VarEqn’s simplification routines can
internally change the order of operands of commutative
operators, this feature should be used cautiously. It will most
likely be replaced by an explicit catenation function.
Type conversion
The data type of a VarEqn expression is determined at the time
the expression is evaluated and depends on the data types of
the terms in the expression. For example, let y=3*x^2. If x is an
integer, then y is integer-valued. If x is real, then y is
real-valued. If x is complex, then y is complex-valued.
As another example, let y=sqrt(2.5*x). If x is a positive
integer, then y evaluates to a real number. If, however, x is a
negative integer, then y evaluates to a complex number.
There are some special cases of type conversion:
• If either operand of a division is integer-valued, it is
promoted to a real before the division occurs. Thus, 2/3
evaluates to 0.6666....
• The built-in trigonometric, hyperbolic, and logarithmic
functions never return an integer, only a real or complex
number.
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“C-Preprocessor”
Before being interpreted by the ADS Simulator, all input files
are run through a built-in preprocessor based upon a C
preprocessor. This brings several useful features to the ADS
Simulator, such as the ability to define macro constants and
functions, to include the contents of another file, and to
conditionally remove statements from the input. All C
preprocessor statements begin with # as the first character.
Unfortunately, for reasons of backward compatibility, there is
no way to specify include directories. The standard C
preprocessor “-I” option is not supported; instead, “-I” is used
to specify a file for inclusion into the netlist.
File Inclusion
Any source line of the form
#include "filename"
is replaced by the contents of the file filename. The file must be
specified with an absolute path or must reside in either the
current working directory or in
/$HPEESOF_DIR/circuit/components/.
Library Inclusion
The C preprocessor automatically includes a library file if the
-N command line option is not specified and if such a file exists.
The first file found in the following list is included as the
library:
$HPEESOF_DIR/circuit/components/gemlib
$EESOF_DIR/circuit/components/gemlib
$GEMLIB
.gemlib
~/.gemlib
~/gemini/gemlib
A library file is specified by the user using the -Ifilename
command line option. More than 1 library may be specified.
Specifying a library file prevents the ADS Simulator from
including any of the above library files.
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Macro Definitions
A macro definition has the form;
#define name replacement-text
It defines a macro substitution of the simplest kind--subsequent
occurrences of the token name are replaced by
replacement-text. The name consists of alphanumeric
characters and underscores, but must not begin with a numeric
character; the replacement text is arbitrary. Normally the
replacement text is the rest of the line, but a long definition may
be continued by placing a “\” at the end of each line to be
continued. Substitutions do not occur within quoted strings.
Names may be undefined with
#undef name
It is also possible to define macros with parameters. For
example,
#define to_celcius(t) (((t)-32)/1.8)
is a macro with the formal parameter t that is replaced with the
corresponding actual parameters when invoked. Thus the line
options temp=to_celcius(77)
is replaced by the line
options temp=(((77)-32)/1.8)
Macro functions may have more than 1 parameter, but the
number of formal and actual parameters must match.
Macros may also be defined using the -D command line option.
Conditional Inclusion
It is possible to conditionally discard portions of the source file.
The #if line evaluates a constant integer expression, and if the
expression is non-zero, subsequent lines are retained until an
#else or #endif line is found. If an #else line is found, any
lines between it and the corresponding #endif are discarded.
If the expression evaluates to zero, lines between the #if and
#else are discarded, while those between the #else and
#endif are retained. The conditional inclusion statements nest
to an arbitrary level of hierarchy. The following operators and
functions can be used in the constant expression;
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!
Logical negation.
||
Logical or.
&&
Logical and.
==
Equal to.
!=
Not equal to.
>
Greater than.
<
Less than.
>=
Greater than or equal to.
<=
Less than or equal to.
+
Addition.
defined(x)
1 if x defined, 0 otherwise.
The #ifdef and #ifndef lines are specialized forms of #if
that test whether a name is defined.
CAU TI O N
IC-CAP Reference
Execution of preprocessor instructions depend on the order in which
they appear on the netlist. When using preprocessor statements make
sure that they are in the proper order. For example, if an #ifdef
statement is used to conditionally include part of a netlist, the
corresponding #define statement is contained in a separate file and
#include is used to include the content of the file into the netlist, the
#include statement will have to appear before the #ifdef statement for
the expression to evaluate correctly.
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Data Access Component
The Data Access Component provides a clean, unified way to
access tabular data from within a simulation. The data may
reside in either a text file of a supported, documented format
(e.g. discrete MDIF, model MDIF, Touchstone, CITIfile), or a
dataset. It provides a variety of access methods, including
lookup by index/value, as well as linear, cubic spline and cubic
interpolation modes, with support for derivatives.
The Data Access Component provides a "handle" with which one
may access data from either a text file or dataset for use in a
simulation. The DAC is implemented as a cktlib subcircuit
fragment with internally known expressions names (e.g. _DAC,
_TREE) that are assigned via VarEqn calls such as
read_data() and access_all_data(). The accessed data
can be used by other components (including models, devices,
variables, subcircuit calls and other DAC instances) in the
netlist, either by the specific file syntax or via the VarEqn
function dep_data().
The DAC can also be used to supply parameters to device and
model components from text files and datasets. In this case, the
AllParams device/model parameter is used to refer to a DAC
component. The component’s parameters will then be accessed
from the DAC and supplied to the instance. Care is taken to
ensure that only matching (between parameter names in the
component definition and DAC dependent column names) data
is used. Also, parameter data can be assigned "inline" - as is
usually done - in which case the inline data takes precedence
over the DAC data.
As the DAC component is composed of just a parameterized
subcircuit, it allows alterations (sweep, tune, optimize, yield) of
its parameters. Consequently any component that uses DAC
data via file, dep_data() or AllParams will automatically be
updated when a DAC parameter is altered. A caveat with
sweeping over files using AllParams is that all the files must
contain the same number of dependent columns of data.
Below is an example definition of a simple DAC component that
accesses discrete values from a text file:
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#uselib "ckt" , "DAC"
DAC:DAC1 File="C:\jeffm\ADS_testing\ADS13_test_prj/
.\data\SweptData.ds"
Type="dataset" Block="S" InterpMode="linear" InterpDom="ri"
iVar1="X" iVal1=X iVar2="freq" iVal2=freq
S_Port:S2P1 _net1 0 _net6 0 S[1,1]=file{DAC1, "S[1,1]"}
S[1,2]=file{DAC1,"S[1,2]"} S[2,1]=1 S[2,2]=0 Recip=no
dindex = 1
DAC:atc1 File="vdcr.mdf" Type="dscr" \
InterpMode="index_lookup" iVar1=1 iVal1=dindex
And its use to provide the resistance value to a pair of circuit
components:
R:R1 n1 0 R=file{atc1, "R"} kOhm
R:R2 n1 0 R=dep_data(atc1, "R") kOhm
Here, it provides the value to a variable:
V1 = file{atc1, "Vdc"}
V1 could be used elsewhere in the circuit, as expected.
In this example, a scaling factor applied to the result of a DAC
access is shown:
File = "atc.mdf"
Type = "dscr"
Mode="index_lookup"
Cnom = "Cnom"
DAC:atc_s File=File Type=Type InterpMode=Mode iVar1=1
iVal1 = Cs_row
C:Cs n1 n2 C=file{atc_s, Cnom} Pf
In this example, a use of AllParams is shown to enter model
parameters from a text file:
File = "c:\gemini\vdcr.mdf"
Type = "dscr"
Mode="index_lookup"
DAC:dac1 File=File Type=Type InterpMode=Mode iVar1=1
iVal1 = ix
model rm1 R_Model R=0 AllParams = dac1._DAC
rm1:rm1i1 n3 0
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Reserved Words
The words on the following pages have built-in meaning and
should not be defined or used in a way not consistent with their
pre-defined meaning:
396
AC
CPWCPL4
ACPWDS
CPWCTL
ACPWDTL
CPWDS
AIRIND1
CPWEF
Alter
CPWEGAP
Amplifier
CPWG
AmplifierP2D
CPWOC
AntLoad
CPWSC
BFINL
CPWSUB
BFINLT
CPWTL
BJT
CPWTLFG
BR3CTL
CTL
BR4CTL
C_Model
BRCTL
Chain
BROCTL
Chebyshev
Bessel
Connector
BudLinearization
CostIndex
Butterworth
Crossover
C
DC
CAPP2
DF
CAPQ
DFDevice1
CIND2
DFDevice2
CLIN
DF_DefaultInt
CLINP
DF_Value
COAX
DF_ZERO_OHMS
COAXTL
DICAP
CPW
DILABMLC
IC-CAP Reference
ADS Simulator
IC-CAP Reference
CPWCGAP
DOE
CPWCPL2
DRC
DefaultValue
JFET
DeviceIndex
L
Diode
LineCalcTest
EE_BJT2
MACLIN
EE_FET3
MACLIN3
EE_HEMT1
MBEND
EE_MOS1
MBEND2
ETAPER
MBEND3
Elliptic
MBSTUB
FDD
MCFIL
FINLINE
MCLIN
FSUB
MCORN
GCPWTL
MCROS
GMSK_Lowpass
MCROSO
GaAs
MCURVE
Gaussian
MCUREVE2
Goal
MGAP
HB
MICAP1
HP_Diode
MICAP2
HP_FET
MICAP3
HP_FET2
MICAP4
HP_MOSFET
MLANG
Hybrid
MLANG6
IFINL
MLANG8
IFINLT
MLEF
INDQ
MLIN
I_Source
MLOC
InitCond
MLSC
InoiseBD
MLYRSUB
MOS9
MSRTL
MOSFET
MSSLIT
7
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7
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ADS Simulator
MRIND
MSSPLC
MRINDELA
MSSPLR
MRINDELM
MSSPLS
MRINDNBR
MSSTEP
MRINDSBR
MSSVIA
MRINDWNR
MSTAPER
MRSTUB
MSTEE
MS2CTL
MSTEP
MS3CTL
MSTL
MS4CTL
MSUB
MS5CTL
MSVIA
MSABND
MSWRAP
MSACTL
MTAPER
MSAGAP
MTEE
MSBEND
MTEEO
MSCRNR
MTFC
MSCROSS
MextramBJT
MSCTL
Mixer
MSGAP
MixerIMT
MSIDC
Multipath
MSIDCF
Mutual
MSLANGE
NodeSet
MSLIT
NoiseCorr2Port
MSOBND
Noisey2Port
MSOC
Nsample
MSOP
OldMonteCarlo
MSRBND
OldOpt
OldOptim
PC_Corner
OldYield
PC_CrossJunction
Optim
PC_Crossover
OptimGoal
PC_Gap
Options
PC_Line
OscPort
PC_OpenStub
IC-CAP Reference
ADS Simulator
IC-CAP Reference
OutSelector
PC_Pad
PCBEND
PC_Slanted
PCCORN
PC_Taper
PCCROS
PC_Tee
PCCURVE
PC_Via
PCILC
PIN
PCLIN1
PIN2
PCLIN10
PLCQ
PCLIN2
ParamSweep
PCLIN3
PinDiode
PCLIN4
PoleZero
PCLIN5
Polynomial
PCLIN6
Port
PCLIN7
PowerBounce
PCLIN8
PowerGroundPlane
PCLIN9
R
PCSTEP
RCLIN
PCSUB
RIBBON
PCTAPER
RIBBON_MDS
PCTEE
RIND
PCTRACE
RWG
PC_Bend
RWGINDF
PC_Clear
RWGT
RWGTL
SLSTEP
R_Model
SLTEE
RaisedCos
SLTL
SAGELIN
SLUCTL
SAGEPAC
SLUTL
SBCLIN
SMITER
SBEND
SOCLIN
SBEND2
SPIND
SCLIN
SS3CTL
SCROS
SS4CTL
7
399
7
400
ADS Simulator
SCURVE
SS5CTL
SDD
SSACTL
SL3CTL
SSCLIN
SL4CTL
SSCTL
SL5CTL
SSLANGE
SLABND
SSLIN
SLCQ
SSSPLC
SLCRNR
SSSPLR
SLCTL
SSSPLS
SLEF
SSSUB
SLGAP
SSTEP
SLIN
SSTFR
SLINO
SSTL
SLOBND
SSUB
SLOC
SSUBO
SLOC_MDS
STEE
SLOTTL
S_Param
SLRBND
S_Port
SLSC
ScheduleCycle
Short
VBIC
Substrate
VIA
SweepPlan
VIA2
SwitchV
V_Source
SwitchV_Model
VnoiseBD
TAPIND1
WIRE
TFC
WIRE_MDS
TFC_MDS
Y_Port
TFR
Yield
TFR_MDS
YieldOptim
TL
YieldSpec
TLIN
YieldSpecOld
TLIN4
Z_Port
TLINP
__fdd
IC-CAP Reference
ADS Simulator
IC-CAP Reference
TLINP4
__fdd_v
TL_New
_ac_state
TQAVIA
_c1
TQCAP
_c10
TQFET
_c11
TQFET2
_c12
TQIND
_c13
TQRES
_c14
TQSVIA
_c15
TQSWH
_c16
TQTL
_c17
Tran
_c18
UFINL
_c19
UFINLT
_c2
Unalter
_c20
_c21
_freq6
_c22
_freq7
_c23
_freq8
_c24
_freq9
_c25
_gaussian
_c26
_gaussian_tol
_c27
_get_fnom_freq
_c28
_get_fund_freq_for_fdd
_c29
_harm
_c3
_hb_state
_c30
_i1
_c4
_i10
_c5
_i11
_c6
_i12
_c7
_i13
_c8
_i14
_c9
_i15
_dc_state
_i16
7
401
7
402
ADS Simulator
_default
_i17
_discrete_density
_i18
_divn
_i19
_freq1
_i2
_freq10
_i20
_freq11
_i21
_freq12
_i22
_freq2
_i23
_freq3
_i24
_freq4
_i25
_freq5
_i26
_i27
_sopt
_i28
_sp_state
_i29
_sv
_i3
_sv_bb
_i30
_sv_d
_i4
_sv_e
_i5
_tn
_i6
_to
_i7
_tr_state
_i8
_tt
_i9
_uniform
_lfsr
_uniform_tol
_mvgaussian
_v1
_mvgaussian_cov
_v10
_n_state
_v11
_nfmin
_v12
_p2dInputPower
_v13
_phase_freq
_v14
_pwl_density
_v15
_pwl_distribution
_v16
_randvar
_v17
_rn
_v18
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ADS Simulator
IC-CAP Reference
_shift_reg
_v19
_si
_v2
_si_bb
_v20
_si_d
_v21
_si_e
_v22
_sigproc_state
_v23
_sm_state
_v24
_v25
conj
_v26
cos
_v27
cos_pulse
_v28
cosh
_v29
cot
_v3
coth
_v30
coupling
_v4
ctof
_v5
ctok
_v6
cxform
_v7
d_atan2
_v8
damped_sin
_v9
db
_xcross
dbm
abs
dbmtoa
access_all_data
dbmtov
access_data
dbmtow
aele
dbpolar
and
dbwtow
arcsinh
dcSourceLevel
arctan
deembed
atan2
define
awg_dia
deg
bin
delay
bitseq
dep_data
boltzmann
deriv
7
403
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404
ADS Simulator
by
discrete
c0
distcompname
complex
doe
doeindex
generate_qam16_spectra
dphase
generate_qpsk_pulse_spectra
dsexpr
get_array_size
dstoarray
get_attribute
e
get_block
e0
get_fund_freq
echo
get_max_points
else
global
elseif
globalnode
end
ground
endif
hugereal
equals
i
erf_pulse
if
eval_poly
ilsb
exp
imag
exp_pulse
index
file
innerprod
fread
inoise
freq
int
freq_mult_coef
internal_generate_gmsk_iq_spectra
freq_mult_poly
internal_generate_gmsk_pulse_spectra
ftoc
internal_generate_piqpsk_spectra
ftok
internal_generate_pulse_train_spectra
gauss
internal_generate_qam16_spectra
gaussian
internal_generate_qpsk_pulse_spectra
generate_gmsk_iq_spectra
internal_get_fund_freq
generate_gmsk_pulse_spectra
internal_window
generate_piqpsk_spectra
interp
generate_pulse_train_spectra
interp1
interp2
names
IC-CAP Reference
ADS Simulator
IC-CAP Reference
interp3
nested
interp4
nf
iss
nfmin
itob
no
iusb
nodoe
jn
noisefreq
ktoc
noopt
ktof
norm
lbtran
nostat
length
not
limit_warn
notequals
list
omega
ln
opt
ln10
optIter
local
or
log
parameters
logNodesetScale
phase
logRshunt
phase_noise_pwl
log_amp
phasedeg
log_amp_cas
phaserad
mag
planck
makearray
polar
max
polarcpx
mcTrial
ppt
mcindex
pulse
min
pwl
model
pwlr
multi_freq
qelectron
qinterp
sprintf
rad
sqrt
ramp
ssfreq
randtime
stat
rawtoarray
step
7
405
7
ADS Simulator
read_data
strcat
read_lib
stypexform
readdata
sym_set
readlib
system
readraw
tan
real
tanh
rect
temp
rem
tempkelvin
ripple
thd
rms
then
rn
time
rpsmooth
timestep
scalearray
tinyreal
sens
to
setDT
toi
sffm
tranorder
sgn
transform
sin
u0
sinc
unconst
sine
unicap
sinh
uniform
sink
v
sopt
value
sourceLevel
vlsb
vnoise
vss
vswrpolar
vusb
window
yes
406
IC-CAP Reference
Agilent 85190A IC-CAP 2008
Reference
8
IC-CAP Functions
This chapter describes the IC-CAP functions. They appear in
alphabetical order.
When reviewing the functions, keep in mind the following
points:
• Many functions can be called from within a Program or
Macro. Several examples are provided here; additional
examples can be found in “Calls to the Function Library” on
page 749.
• The list does not represent all the functions available in a
Program or Macro. Additional built-in functions are available
in the Parameter Extraction Language. Refer to “Built-in
Functions” on page 712.
• For consistency, the argument names listed for each
function reflect the descriptive labels these arguments
would get in a standalone Transform editor.
• The Input Arguments referred to as Strings/Pars/Vars can
be any of the following alternatives: string expressions,
Model parameter names, DUT parameter names, or
IC-CAP system variable names.
The tables that follow list the available functions by category,
as they appear in the program.
Agilent Technologies
407
8
IC-CAP Functions
Table 72
IC-CAP Functions
AHBT
AgilentHBT_ABCX_extract
AgilentHBT_calculate_ccb
AgilentHBT_calculate_rbb
AgilentHBT_CCMAX_extract
AgilentHBT_CEMAX_extract
AgilentHBT_CJC_extract
AgilentHBT_CJE_extract
AgilentHBT_IS_NF_extract
AgilentHBT_ISC_NC_extract
AgilentHBT_ISE_NE_extract
AgilentHBT_ISH_NH_extract
AgilentHBT_ISR_NR_extract
AgilentHBT_ISRH_NRH_extract
AgilentHBT_ITC_ITC2_extract
AgilentHBT_Param_Init
AgilentHBT_TFC0_extract
AgilentHBT_VJC_extract
AgilentHBT_VJE_extract
HPTFTCV_model_cgd
HPTFTDC_lin
HPTFTDC_sat
HPTFTCV_model_cgs
HPTFTDC_model_id
HPTFT_param
B2200_bias_card_enable
B2200_bias_ch_enable
B2200_bias_enable
B2200_bias_init
B2200_close_interface
B2200_connect
B2200_couple_enable
B2200_couple_setup
B2200_debug
B2200_disconnect_card
B2200_GPIB_handler
B2200_ground_card_enable
B2200_ground_enable
B2200_ground_init
B2200_ground _outch_enable
B2200_ground _unused_inputs
B2200_init
B2200_open_interface
BJTAC_high_freq
BJTDC_rc
BJTCV_stoc
BJTAC_rb_rbm_irb
BJTDC_rcfb
RBBcalc
BJTDC_fwd_gummel
BJTDC_re
H11corr
BJTDC_is_nf
BJTDC_rev_gummel
BJT_dc_model
BJTDC_nr
BJTDC_vaf_var
HFBJT_linear_ssmod_sim
BSIM1DC_sub
BSIMCV_total_cap
BSIM2DC_geom_indep
BSIM2_save_dev_pars
BSIM2_lin_plot
BSIM2DC_lin_sat
BSIMCV_total_cap
ATFT (obsolete)
B2200
BJT
HFBJT_linear_elem_extr
BPOPAMP
BPOPAMP_macro_model
BSIM1 (obsolete)
BSIM1DC_geom_indep
BSIM1DC_lin_sat
BSIM2 (obsolete)
408
IC-CAP Reference
IC-CAP Functions
Table 72
8
IC-CAP Functions (continued)
BSIM3
BSIM3_set_opt
BSIM3DC_sat_narrow
BSIM3DC_vth
BSIM3DC_bulk_short
BSIM3DC_sat_short
BSIM3DC_vth_sim
BSIM3DC_lin_large
BSIM3DC_sat_short2
BSIM3DC_vth_versus
BSIM3DC_lin_narrow
BSIM3DC_sub_short
BSIM3CVmodCBD
BSIM3DC_lin_short
BSIM3DC_sub_short2
BSIM3CVmodCBS
BSIM3DC_lin_small
BSIM3DC_model
BSIM3CV_total_cap
BSIM3_calculate
BSIM3_toolkit_vth
BSIM3_check_par
BSIM3_DC_vth
BSIM3_DC_calculate
BSIM3_DC_get_parameter
BSIM3_DC_calc_bin_parameter
BSIM3_error
BSIM4
BSIM4_check_par
BSIM4_DC_get_parameter
BSIM4_error
BSIM4_DC_calculate
BSIM4_DC_extr_A0_AGS_KETA
BSIM4_set_opt
BSIM430_DC_calculate
BSIM4_DC_vth
BSIM450_DC_calculate
BSIM430_DC_vth
BSIM4_DC_calc_bin_parameter
BSIM450_DC_vth
Data Exchange
ICMSarray
ICMSpin
SPECSSpin
ICMSchar
ICMSreal
LINKarray
ICMSint
ICMSstr
LINKchar
LINKint
LINKpin
LINKreal
icdb_add_comment
icdb_close
icdb_export_data
icdb_get_sweep_value
icdb_open
icdb_register_con_sweep
icdb_register_lin_sweep
icdb_register_list_sweep
icdbf_add_comment
icdbf_close
icdbf_export_data
icdbf_get_sweep_value
icdbf_open
icdbf_register_con_sweep
icdbf_register_lin_sweep
icdbf_register_list_sweep
icdb_register_lsync_sweep
icdbf_register_lsync_sweep
circlefit
linfit
LINKstr
Data Export
Data Fit
autofit
fit_line
IC-CAP Reference
409
8
IC-CAP Functions
Table 72
IC-CAP Functions (continued)
Diode
DIODEDCmod_ia
EEBJT
EEbjt2_Is_N
EEbjt2_ce_dc_iv
EEbjt2_ce_ss_elements
EEbjt2_extrinsic_ckt
EEbjt2_mdl
HFMOD_get_bias_size
HFMOD_get_freq_index
HFMOD_get_freq_value
HFMOD_remove_freq_dbl
EEfet3_model_name
EEfet3_Rs_delta_s
HFMOD_remove_freq_mat
EEFET
EEfet3_ckt
EEfet3_cs_dc_iv
EEfet3_package
EEfet3_s2ckt
EEfet3_lecp
EEfet3_ResCheck
EEfet3_spars
EEfet3_mdl
EEfet3_Rs_delta_m
EEMOS (obsolete)
EEmos1_ckt
EEmos1_mdl
EEmos1_ResCheck
EEmos1_cs_dc_iv
EEmos1_model_name
EEmos1_s2ckt
EEmos1_lecp
EEmos1_package
EEmos1_spars
Flicker Noise
NOISE_1f_bjt_1Hz
NOISE_1f_bjt_calc
NOISE_1f_bjt_extract
NOISE_1f_force_bias
NOISE_1f_get_Af
NOISE_1f_get_Bf
NOISE_1f_get_Ef
NOISE_1f_get_Kf
NOISE_1f_mos_1Hz
NOISE_1f_set_Af
NOISE_1f_set_Bf
NOISE_1f_set_Ef
NOISE_1f_set_Kf
NOISE_1f_stop_bias
GAAS
GAASAC_cur
GAASDC_lev1
GAASmod_cgd
GAASAC_l_and_r
GAASDC_lev2
GAASmod_cgs
GAASAC_r_and_c
GAASDC_rd
GAASmod_id
GAASCV_cgs_cgd
GAASDC_rs
GAASmod_ig
GAASDC_cur1
GAASAC_calc_rc
GAASAC_calc_rl
RMSerror
conjg
log10
TwoPort
correlation
mean
GAASDC_cur2
General Math
410
IC-CAP Reference
IC-CAP Functions
Table 72
IC-CAP Functions (continued)
TwoPort2
cos
abs
cosh
sin
acs
derivative
sinh
acsh
derivative2
smooth3
arg
equation
sqrt
asn
exp
tan
asnh
log
tanh
atn
floor
variance
atnh
integral0
mem_diag
ceil
integral3
8
random
HF MOS Level3 (obsolete)
HFMOS3_capas
HFMOS3_paras
HFMOS3_StoC
HFMOS3_lin_large
HFMOS3_sat_short
HFMOS3_StoZ
HFMOS3_lin_narrow
HFMOS3_sub_large
HFMOS3_modcap
HFMOS3_lin_short
HFMOS3_total_cap
HPIB
HPIB_abort
HPIB_open
HPIB_spoll
HPIB_clear
HPIB_read_reals
HPIB_srq
HPIB_close
HPIB_readnum
HPIB_timeout
HPIB_command
HPIB_readstr
HPIB_write
HPIB_eoi
HPIB_fwrite
HPIB_read
HPMOSDC_lin_large
HPMOSDC_lin_short
HPMOS_process_pars
HPMOSDC_lin_narrow
HPMOSDC_sat_short
HPMOS
HPRoot Diode
HPdiode_C
HPdiode_S11i
HPdiode_para_at_f
HPdiode_C2
HPdiode_S11r
HPdiode_para_f
HPdiode_I
HPdiode_V
HPdiode_wr
HPdiode_Q
HPdiode_data_acqu
HPRoot_n
HPdiode_R
HPdiode_mdl
HPdiode_fgrt
HPdiode_fless
HPdiode_iextr
HPRoot Fet
IC-CAP Reference
411
8
IC-CAP Functions
Table 72
IC-CAP Functions (continued)
HPRoot_data_acqu
HPRoot_Qd
HPRoot_Y12r
HPRoot_FET
HPRoot_Qg
HPRoot_Y21i
HPRoot_initial
HPRoot_Vd
HPRoot_Y21r
HPRoot_parasitic
HPRoot_Vg
HPRoot_Y22i
HPRoot_Id
HPRoot_Y11i
HPRoot_Y22r
HPRoot_Idh
HPRoot_Y11r
HPRoot_FET_t
HPRoot_Ig
HPRoot_Y12i
HPRoot_fet_acqu
HPRoot_n
HPRoot_para_cal
HPRoot_wr
HPRoot Mos
HPRoot_Id
HPRoot_Vd
HPRoot_Y12r
HPRoot_Idh
HPRoot_Vg
HPRoot_Y21i
HPRoot_Ig
HPRoot_Y11i
HPRoot_Y21r
HPRoot_Qd
HPRoot_Y11r
HPRoot_Y22i
HPRoot_Qg
HPRoot_Y12i
HPRoot_Y22r
HPRoot_MOSFET
HPRoot_mos_acqu
HPRoot_mos_para
HPRoot_para_cal
JUNCAP
JUNCAP
JUNCAP_TR
MEXTRAM
MXT_I0
MEXTRAM_stoc
MXT_cbc
MXT_cbe
MXT_cj0
MXT_csc
MXT_forward_hfe
MXT_forward_ic
MXT_forward_vbe
MXT_ft
MXT_VEF
MXT_ic_vce
MXT_VER
MXT_hard_sat_isub
MXT_reverse_isub
MXT_jun_cap
MXT_reverse_currents
MXT_reverse_hfc
MXT_reverse_hfc_sub
MXT_veaf_ib
MXT_veaf_ic
MXT_vear_ie
MXT_show_parms
MEXTRAM 503 (obsolete)
mxt_smooth
mxt3t_cbc
mxt3t_cbe
mxt3t_cj0
mxt3t_ft_ic
mxt3t_ft_ic_new
mxt3t_fwd_early_ib
mxt3t_fwd_early_ic
mxt3t_fwd_gummel_hfe
mxt3t_fwd_gummel_ib
mxt3t_fwd_gummel_ic
mxt3t_fwd_gummel_vbe
412
IC-CAP Reference
IC-CAP Functions
Table 72
8
IC-CAP Functions (continued)
mxt3t_i0
mxt3t_linear_range
mxt3t_output_ic
mxt3t_output_vbe
mxt3t_rev_early_ie
mxt3t_rev_early_qb0_guess
mxt3t_rev_gummel_hfc
mxt3t_rev_gummel_ib
mxt3t_rev_gummel_ie
mxt4t_cbc
mxt4t_cbe
mxt4t_cj0
mxt4t_csc
mxt4t_ft_ic
mxt4t_ft_ic_new
mxt4t_fwd_early_ib
mxt4t_fwd_early_ic
mxt4t_fwd_gummel_hfe
mxt4t_fwd_gummel_ib
mxt4t_fwd_gummel_ic
mxt4t_fwd_gummel_vbe
mxt4t_i0
mxt4t_linear_range
mxt4t_output_ic
mxt4t_output_vbe
mxt4t_rev_early_ie
mxt4t_rev_early_qb0_guess
mxt4t_rev_gummel_hfc
mxt4t_rev_gummel_hfc_sub
mxt4t_rev_gummel_ib
mxt4t_rev_gummel_ie
mxt4t_rev_gummel_is
MM9
MM9_LIN_EXT
MM9_COPY
MM9_SAVE_SPARS
MM9_SAT_EXT
MM9_DATA
MM9_SETUP
MM9_STH_EXT
MM9_GEOMPAR
MM9_TEMPPAR
MM9_WEAVAL_EXT
MM9_GEOMSCAL
MM9_TEMPSCAL
MM9
MM9_KEEP
MOS Level1
MOSmodel
MOSmodel2
MOS Level2
MOSCV_total_cap
MOSDC_lev2_lin_short
MOSCVmodCBS
MOSDC_lev2_lin_large
MOSDC_lev2_sat_short
MOSmodel
MOSDC_lev2_lin_narrow
MOSCVmodCBD
MOSmodel2
MOSDC_lev3_lin_short
MOSCVmodCBS
MOSDC_lev3_lin_large
MOSDC_lev3_sat_short
MOSmodel2
MOSDC_lev3_lin_narrow
MOSCVmodCBD
MOS Level3
MOSCV_total_cap
MOS Level6
MOSCV_total_cap
MOSDC_lev6_lin_narrow
MOSCVmodCBD
MOSDC_lev6_lin_large
MOSDC_lev6_lin_short
MOSCVmodCBS
MOS Process
MOS_process_pars
IC-CAP Reference
413
8
IC-CAP Functions
Table 72
IC-CAP Functions (continued)
Optimization
Optimize
PEL
Program or Program2
PN Capacitance
PNCAPsimu
PSP
PSP_DC_vth
PSP_check_par
PSP_DC_calc_bin_parameter
PTFTDC_lin
PTFTDC_sat
rand_gauss
rand_seed
icstat_get_column
icstat_deactivate
icstat_set_text_cell
icstat_set_column
icstat_attribute_2_parameter
icstat_open
icstat_num_columns
icstat_parameter_2_attribute
icstat_write_to_status_window
icstat_num_rows
icstat_analysis
icstat_exit
icstat_get_cell
icstat_correlation
icstat_open_sdf_file
icstat_set_cell
icstat_stat_summary
icstat_close_sdf_file
PSP_set_opt
PTFT (obsolete)
PTFTCV_cgd
PTFTCV_cgs
Random Functions
rand_flat
Statistical Analysis
icstat_num_deactivated
icstat_factor_analysis
icstat_save_sdf_file
icstat_num_filtered
icstat_parametric_models
icstat_to_partable
icstat_num_attributes
icstat_equations
icstat_from_partable
icstat_get_deactivated
icstat_plot_graph
icstat_set_param_column_labels
icstat_get_filtered_rows
icstat_set_row
iicstat_nonparametric_models
icstat_get_attribute_columns
icstat_get_row
icstat_clear
icstat_activate
icstat_get_text_cell
icstat_delete
Connect
SWM_debug
Wait
FNPort
SWM_init
HP5250_bias_card
icstat_insert
Switching Matrix
414
IC-CAP Reference
IC-CAP Functions
Table 72
8
IC-CAP Functions (continued)
HP5250_card_config
HP5250_bias_channel
HP5250_bias_init
HP5250_bias_setmode
HP5250_compensate_cap
HP5250_connect
HP5250_couple_enable
HP5250_couple_setup
HP5250_debug
HP5250_disconnect_card
HP5250_init
HP5250_show
K707_init
K708a_init
K70X_clear_setup
K70X_close_crosspoints
K70X_config_trigger
K70X_connect_sequence
K70X_copy_setup
K70X_debug
K70X_delete_setup
K70X_edit_setup
K70X_init_interface
K70X_open_crosspoints
K70X_trigger_disable
K70X_trigger_enable
Target
TARGET_DC_vth
TRL Calibration
8753_TRL_Cal
TRL_Cal
USERC
USERC_init_param
USERC_open
USERC_sweep_start
USERC_avg_2
USERC_read_reals
USERC_sweep_stepsize
USERC_avg_3
USERC_readnum
USERC_sweep_stop
USERC_conjg
USERC_readstr
USERC_system
USERC_transpose
USERC_seek
USERC_tell
USERC_close
USERC_set_param
USERC_write
USERC_data_w_check
USERC_size
USERC_sweep_name
USERC_num_of_points
USERC_set_param_quiet
USERC_sweep_mode
USERC_get_object_name
User Defined
Holding place for user-defined functions. For details, refer to “Adding Functions to the Function Browser" in the User’s Guide.
Utility
check_error_log
copy2output
Package
dataset
lookup_par
lookup_var
VBIC_ac_solver
VBIC_avc
VBIC_cbc
VBIC_cbe
VBIC_cj0
VBIC_clean_data
ascii$
VBIC
IC-CAP Reference
415
8
IC-CAP Functions
Table 72
IC-CAP Functions (continued)
VBIC_csc
VBIC_dc_approx
VBIC_dci_solver
VBIC_dcv_solver
VBIC_fg_currents
VBIC_ibci_nci
VBIC_ibei_nei
VBIC_ikf
VBIC_stoc
VBIC_ikr
VBIC_is_nf
VBIC_isp_nfp
VBIC_nr
VBIC_qcdepl
VBIC_rcx
VBIC_rg_currents
VBIC_vef_ver
Wafer Prober
Pdown
Porig
Prober_status
Phome
Ppos
Pscale
Pimove
Prober_debug
Pup
Pink
Prober_init
PB_bindex
Pmove
Prober_reset
PB_gsite_xy
PB_abort
PB_bincode
PB_msite_xy
PB_bindex_cr
PB_index_cr
PBench_CMD
PB_index
PB_gindex_cr
tis_p_down
tis_p_home
tis_p_imove
tis_p_ink
tis_p_move
tis_p_orig
tis_p_pos
tis_p_scale
tis_p_up
tis_prober_get_ba
tis_prober_get_name
tis_prober_init
tis_prober_read_sysconfig
tis_prober_reset
tis_prober_status
Wire Functions
wirexfX
wirexfY
wirexfYX
wirexfXY
8753_TRL_Cal Deembed the raw measured data using
measured data of TRL (thru-reflect-line) calibration
standards. The function calculates and downloads the error
coefficients to the 8753. The reference plane is defined at
the middle of the thru standard, or at the interface to the
DUT when it is installed in the compatible carrier.
Inputs:
Freq Data:
416
Frequency Inputs
IC-CAP Reference
8
IC-CAP Functions
Thru:
measured S-parameters of the Thru
standard
Short:
measured S-parameters of the
Short standard
Line A:
measured S-parameters of Line A
standard
Line B:
measured S-parameters of Line B
standard
Line C:
measured S-parameters of Line C
standard
Freq 1 Trans:
transition frequency Line A to Line
B
Freq 1 Trans:
transition frequency Line B to Line
C
Outputs:
None
abs Absolute value function (magnitude when input data is
complex)
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Input 1
Real number, matrix, real array, or
matrix array (depends on input
argument)
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
acs
Inverse cosine in radians.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Input 1
Complex number, matrix, complex
array, or matrix array (depends on
input argument)
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
IC-CAP Reference
417
8
IC-CAP Functions
acsh
Inverse hyperbolic cosine.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Input 1
Complex number, matrix, complex
array, or matrix array (depends on
input argument)
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
AgilentHBT_ABCX_extract
parameter ABCX.
This function extracts model
Input Arguments:
Variables:
Emitter Area, Total Area
Parameters:
Parameter(ABCX)
Extracts:
ABCX
AgilentHBT_calculate_ccb This function calculates Cbc in an
alternative method from the specified Z-parameters.
Input Arguments:
Inputs:
Output:
freq, Z11, Z12, Z21, Z22
Complex data sets.
AgilentHBT_calculate_rbb This function calculates Rb in an
alternative method from the specified H-parameters.
Input Arguments:
Inputs:
freq, H11, H12, H21, H22
Variables:
Mode (0:ignore RE effect, 1:include
RE effect)
Parameters:
Parameter(RE)
Output:
418
Complex data sets
IC-CAP Reference
8
IC-CAP Functions
AgilentHBT_CCMAX_extract
parameter CCMAX.
This function extracts model
Input Arguments:
Inputs:
Vbc (as positive value), Cbc
Parameters:
Parameter(CCMAX),
Parameter(VJC)
Extracts:
CCMAX
AgilentHBT_CEMAX_extract
parameter CEMAX.
This function extracts model
Input Arguments:
Inputs:
Vbe, Cbe
Parameters:
Parameter(CEMAX),
Parameter(VJE)
Extracts:
AgilentHBT_CJC_extract
parameter CJC.
CEMAX
This function extracts model
Input Arguments:
Inputs:
Vbc (as positive value), Cbc
Parameters:
Parameter(CJC), Parameter(CPBC)
Extracts:
AgilentHBT_CJE_extract
parameter CJE.
CJC
This function extracts model
Input Arguments:
Inputs:
Vbe, Cbe
Parameters:
Parameter(CJE), Parameter(CPBE)
Extracts:
IC-CAP Reference
CJE
419
8
IC-CAP Functions
AgilentHBT_IS_NF_extract
parameters IS, NF.
This function extracts model
Input Arguments:
Inputs:
Vbe, Ic
Variables:
X Low, X High, Y Low, Y High,
TEMP
Parameters:
Parameter(IS), Parameter(NF)
Extracts:
IS, NF
AgilentHBT_ISC_NC_extract
parameters ISC, NC.
This function extracts model
Input Arguments:
Inputs:
Vcb (as positive value), Ib
Variables:
X Low, X High, Y Low, Y High,
TEMP
Parameters:
Parameter(ISC), Parameter(NC)
Extracts:
AgilentHBT_ISE_NE_extract
parameters ISE, NE.
ISC, NC
This function extracts model
Input Arguments:
Inputs:
Vbe, Ib
Variables:
X Low, X High, Y Low, Y High,
TEMP
Parameters:
Parameter(ISE), Parameter(NE)
Extracts:
420
ISE, NE
IC-CAP Reference
8
IC-CAP Functions
AgilentHBT_ISH_NH_extract
parameters ISH, NH.
This function extracts model
Input Arguments:
Inputs:
Vbe, Ib
Variables:
X Low, X High, Y Low, Y High,
TEMP
Parameters:
Parameter(ISH), Parameter(NH)
Extracts:
ISH, NH
AgilentHBT_ISR_NR_extract
parameters ISR, NR.
This function extracts model
Input Arguments:
Inputs:
Vcb (as positive value), Ie
Variables:
X Low, X High, Y Low, Y High,
TEMP
Parameters:
Parameter(ISR), Parameter(NR)
Extracts:
ISR, NR
AgilentHBT_ISRH_NRH_extract
parameters ISRH, NRH.
This function extracts model
Input Arguments:
Inputs:
Vcb (as positive value), Ib
Variables:
X Low, X High, Y Low, Y High,
TEMP
Parameters:
Parameter(ISRH), Parameter(NRH)
Extracts:
IC-CAP Reference
ISRH, NRH
421
8
IC-CAP Functions
AgilentHBT_ITC_ITC2_extract
parameters ITC, ITC2.
This function extracts model
Input Arguments:
Inputs:
Ic, Ft, Vc, Vb
Variables:
X Low, X High, Y Low, Y High
Parameters:
Parameter(ITC), Parameter(ITC2)
Extracts:
ITC, ITC2
AgilentHBT_Param_Init This function initializes the model
parameters for the extraction.
Input Arguments:
Variables:
Emitter Width (W) [um]
Emitter Length (L) [um]
# of Emitter Fingers (NF)
Total Area [um^2]
Parameters:
Parameter(hbt.TNOM)
Extracts:
AgilentHBT_TFC0_extract
parameter TFC0.
All Agilent-HBT model parameters
This function extracts model
Input Arguments:
Inputs:
Ic or Ic-1, Tau, Vc, Vb
Variables:
X Low, X High, Y Low, Y High
Parameters:
Parameter(TFC0)
Extracts:
422
TFC0
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AgilentHBT_VJC_extract
parameter VJC.
This function extracts model
Input Arguments:
Inputs:
Vbc (as positive value), Cbc, Cdiff
Parameters:
Parameter(VJC), Parameter(CJC),
Parameter(CPBC)
Extracts:
AgilentHBT_VJE_extract
parameter VJE.
VJC
This function extracts model
Input Arguments:
Inputs:
Vbe, Cbe, Cdiff
Parameters:
Parameter(VJE), Parameter(CJE),
Parameter(CPBE)
Extracts:
VJE
arg Argument (phase angle), in radians, for a complex
number.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Input 1
Real number, matrix, real array, or
matrix array (depends on input
argument)
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
ascii$ Converts ascii-coded characters into literal
characters as entered into a text box.
If certain characters are entered in a text box, they must be
encoded so they are compatible with the .mdl file format
used in variable tables. These characters include double
quotes (“) and newlines (\n). Such characters may be
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entered in a GUI’s edit box and tracked by a variable table
variable. IC-CAP must encode these characters before storing
them in a .mdl file to avoid undesirable effects.
After the characters are encoded, they appear as encoded
characters if you choose to print them from the .mdl file to
an output such as the Status window. To translate the
encoding, call the function ascii$() in PEL and the string
will be output exactly as it was typed into the text box.
asn
Inverse sine in radians.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Input 1
Complex number, matrix, complex
array, or matrix array (depends on
input argument)
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
asnh
Inverse hyperbolic sine.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Input 1
Complex number, matrix, complex
array, or matrix array (depends on
input argument)
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
atn
Inverse tangent in radians.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
424
Input 1
Complex number, matrix, complex
array, or matrix array (depends on
input argument)
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Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
atnh
Inverse hyperbolic tangent.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Input 1
Complex number, matrix, complex
array, or matrix array (depends on
input argument)
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
autofit Performs an automatic line fit to a set of X and Y
data sets. This function finds the largest region of the line
that fits with less than the specified error from the RMS
limit field. A buffer can be specified that removes a certain
percentage of the data from each end of the curve. This
eliminates data points that may throw off the line fit. The
percentages should be specified out of 1. For example, 0.01 =
1%. If the OVERRIDE_LIMITS variable is TRUE, the limits
can be specified manually with the X_LOW and X_HIGH
variables, which can be set from the Plot menu.
This function should only be used on data with a single
sweep variable. A 3 point data set, containing slope and
intercept data and the regression coefficient, is returned.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
X Data, Y Data
Reals or Integers:
RMS limit, Buffer
Output:
Array of 2 points: slope then
intercept
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
fit_data = autofit(-ve,log(ic.m),0.01,0.1)
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B2200_bias_card_enable Bias-enables all the output ports of
the specified card. By default, all ports are bias-enabled
after a reset.
Syntax
B2200_bias_card_enable(<addr>, <CardNumber>, <CardState>)
Where
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, or 4.
<CardState> is the card output port's state (allowed values
are "ENABLE", "DISABLE", "E", or "D").
B2200_bias_ch_enable Bias-enables specific output ports in
the channel list for the specified card. The input ports
specified in the channel list are ignored since the input port
is always the Bias Input Port. By default, all the outputs are
bias-enabled after a reset.
Syntax
B2200_bias_ch_enable(<addr>,<CardNumber>,<State>,
<Channel list>)
Where
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, or 4.
<State> is the output port's state (allowed values are
"ENABLE", "DISABLE", "E", or "D")
<Channel list> is the list of channels, known as connection
routes. Example channel list: (@10102, 10203,
10305:10307)
B2200_bias_enable Enables the bias mode for the specified
card once Input Bias Port and Enabled Output ports are
specified. When Bias Mode is ON, the Input Bias Port is
connected to all Bias Enabled output ports that are not
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connected to any other input ports. Bias Disabled output
ports are never connected to an Input Bias Port when Bias
Mode is ON.
If another input port is disconnected from a bias enabled
output port, this port is automatically connected to the
Input Bias Port.
If another input port is connected to a Bias Enabled output
port, the output port is automatically disconnected from the
Bias Input Port. When Bias Mode is OFF, the Input Bias
Port is the same as the other ports.
Syntax
B2200_bias_enable(<addr>, <CardNumber>, <mode>)
Where
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, or 4.
<mode> is "On", "Off", "1", or "0".
B2200_bias_init Selects the Input Bias Port for the specified
card. The Input Bias Port is the dedicated bias port.
Syntax
B2200_bias_init(<addr>, <CardNumber>, <InputBiasPort>)
Where
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, or 4.
<InputBiasPort> is 1 to 14 (numeric input) or −1 to
disable bias port.
B2200_close_interface Closes the current interface, which
was opened by calling B2200_open_interface().
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B2200_connect Connects or disconnects specified channels.
Bias Mode and coupling Mode are also taken into account
when a channel is closed or opened.
For example, in the list (@10102, 10203:10205), the following
channels are connected or disconnected on card 1. Input
port 1 to output port 2. Input port 2 to output port 3 and 5.
Syntax
B2200_connect(<addr>,<Connect/Disconnect>,<ChannelList>)
Where
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<Connect/Disconnect> is C or D.
<ChannelList> is the list of connections to close.
B2200_couple_enable Enables or disables Couple Port mode.
Couple Port mode allows synchronized connection of two
adjacent input ports to two adjacent output ports.
Syntax
B2200_couple_enable(<addr>, <CardNumber>, <Mode>)
Where
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, or 4.
<mode> is "On", "Off", "1", or "0".
B2200_couple_setup Selects the couple ports for Kelvin
connections. At Reset, no input ports are coupled.
Syntax
B2200_couple_setup( <addr>,<CardNumber>,
<ListOfCoupledPorts>)
Where
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
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<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, or 4.
<ListOfCoupledPorts> is the list of odd number input
channels (e.g., "1, 3, 5" means coupled ports are 1-2, 3-4,
5-6).
B2200_debug Prints out all command strings sent to the
instrument when set to 1. This flag is common to all
B2200A’s on the bus, regardless of their GPIB address.
Syntax
B2200_debug(<flag>)
Where
<flag> is "1", "0", "Yes", or "No".
B2200_disconnect_card
specified cards.
Opens all relays or channels in the
Syntax
B2200_disconnect_card(<addr>, <CardNumber>)
Where
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, or 4.
B2200_GPIB_handler Returns -1 if the interface has not been
initialized (invalid handler). Returns a positive integer
(handler) if the interface has been opened.
Returns the current interface handler. The function is
provided as a utility function, which enables you to write
advanced PEL code to write and read data to the B2200A
using the HPIB_write and HPIB_read functions. Initializing
the handler using B2200_open_interface enables you to use
B2200A's built-in driver functions as well as writing PEL
code to support other features that are not currently
supported by the built-in functions, all in the same PEL
code.
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B2200_ground_card_enable Enables ground-enabling for all
the output ports of the specified card. By default, all ports
are ground-disabled.
Syntax
B2200_ground_card_enable(<addr>,<CardNumber>,<CardState>)
Where
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, or 4.
<CardState> is the card output port's state (allowed values
are "ENABLE", "DISABLE", "E", or "D").
B2200_ground_enable Enables the bias mode for the
specified card. When Ground Mode is turned ON, the Input
Ground Port (default is 12) is connected to all the Ground
Enabled input/output ports that have not been connected to
any other port. At Reset, Ground Mode is OFF. Ground
Mode cannot be turned ON when Bias Mode is ON.
See the Agilent B2200 User's Guide for additional comments
and restrictions.
Syntax
B2200_ground_enable(<addr>, <CardNumber>, <mode>)
Where
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, 4.
<mode> is "On", "Off", "1", or "0".
B2200_ground_init Selects the input Ground Port for the
specified card. For each card, you can specify the same or a
different Ground Port. By default, the input Ground Port is
port 12. The ground port should be connected to 0 V output
voltage. See the Agilent B2200 User's Guide for details.
Syntax
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B2200_ground_init(<addr>,<CardNumber>,<InputGroundPort>)
Where
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, or 4.
<InputGroundPort> is 1 to 14 (numeric input) or −1 to
disable ground port.
B2200_ground _outch_enable Ground-enables or
ground-disables output ports. When Ground Mode is turned
ON, the ground-enabled output ports that have not been
connected to any other input port are connected to the
input ground port. The input ports specified in channel lists
are ignored since the input port is always the Input Ground
Port. By default, all the outputs are ground-disabled after a
reset.
Syntax
B2200_ground _outch_enable(<addr>,<CardNumber>,<State>,
<Channel list>)
Where
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, or 4.
<State> is the port's state (allowed values are "ENABLE",
"DISABLE", "E", or "D").
<Channel list> is the list of channels, known as connection
routes. Example channel list: (@10102, 10203,
10305:10307)
B2200_ground _unused_inputs Specifies the ground-enabled
(or unused) input ports for the specified card. When Ground
Mode is turned ON, the ground-enabled input ports that
have not been connected to any other port are connected to
the input Ground Port. By default, all the inputs are
ground-disabled after a reset.
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Syntax
B2200_ground _unused_inputs(<addr>,<CardNumber>,<Input
Channels>)
Where
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<CardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, 4.
<Input Channels> is the list of input channels (e.g., "1, 2,
5"). Only input ports 1 to 8 can be defined as unused
(these are the input Kelvin Ports).
B2200_init Must be run first in the PEL program to
initialize the instrument and set the configuration mode.
When the instrument is in AUTO configuration mode and
multiple plug-in cards are installed in the B2200 slots from
slot 1 continuously, the installed cards are then treated as
one card (numbered 0). This function resets all the settings
to factory default before setting the configuration mode.
This function also sets the default connection rule for the
specified card. When the connection rule is FREE (default
mode), each input port can be connected to multiple output
ports and each output port can be connected to multiple
input ports. When the connection is SINGLE, each input port
can be connected to only one output. Connection sequence
specifies the open/close sequence of the relays when
changing from an existing connection to a new connection.
Syntax
B2200_init( <addr>, <cardNumber>, <config>,
<connectionRule>, <connectionSequence>)
Where
<addr> is the GPIB address of the Mainframe (must be a
positive number from 1 to 30).
<cardNumber> is 0(auto), 1, 2, 3, or 4.
<config> is "AUTO" or "NORMAL" (string input).
<connectionRule> is "FREE" or "SINGLE".
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<connectionSequence> is "NSEQ", "BBM", or "MBBR".
• NSEQ (No SEQuence): Disconnect old route, connect
new route.
• BBM (Break Before Make): Disconnect old route, wait,
connect new route.
• MBBR (Make Before BReak): Connect new route, wait,
disconnect old route.
B2200_open_interface Opens and initializes the GPIB
interface and must be run first in the PEL program. The
interface handler is saved in a static variable so that the
interface will be shared by all the other B2200's function
calls. You can drive multiple B2200 instruments as long as
they are on the same interface bus (obviously, they must
have different addresses).
Syntax
B2200_open_interface(<Interface Name>)
Where
<Interface Name> is the name of the GPIB interface.
BJT_dc_model Calculates collector current (IC), base current
(IB) or gain (BETA) versus terminal voltages for a bipolar
transistor using the UCB DC bipolar model. Set the Output
field to IC, IB, or BETA. Use this function in place of an
actual simulation for fast optimizations. The source code for
this function is provided as an example in the userc.c file.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
VC, VB, VE
Strings/Pars/Vars
Output
Output:
Array of real numbers; size
determined by inputs
Automatic Invocation: None
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BJTAC_high_freq Standard extraction for the UCB Bipolar
model. Extracts AC parameters from a common emitter
measurement of H-parameters. Requires the following setup:
H versus Vbe, with Vce = 1V and 3V, and Freq constant.
The frequency value must be past the pole frequency of the
device. Optimization can be used to tune the parameter
values; typically, it should not be required.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Base Voltage, Frequency, Col
Voltage, Sub Voltage, H-Par Output
Output:
None
Extracts:
TF, ITF, XTF, VTF, PTF
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
BJTAC_rb_rbm_irb Standard extraction for the UCB Bipolar
model. Extracts base resistance parameters from a common
emitter measurement of H11. Requires the following setups:
Ib versus Vbe, with Vce = constant
H11 versus Freq versus Vbe, with Vce = constant
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
IB Data, RBB Data
Output:
None
Extracts:
RB, RBM, IRB
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
BJTCV_stoc Calculates capacitance data from S-parameter
data using the following equations:
Cbc(Vbc) = − imag(Y12)/(2*pi*freq)
Cbe(Vbe) = imag(Y11)/(2*pi*freq) - Cbc(Vbc)
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8
This allows base-collector and base-emitter capacitance to
be calculated from network analyzer measurements. The
output of this function can be used in place of actual
capacitance data to extract capacitance related parameters.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
FREQ data, S data
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Node (C/E)
Output:
Array of real numbers; size
determined by inputs
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
BJTDC_fwd_gummel Standard extraction for the UCB
Bipolar model. Extracts forward Gummel parameters from
forward Gummel plot measurements. Requires the following
setup:
Ic and Ib versus Vbe, with Vcb = 0V.
The measured data should include high and low current
roll-off effects in the gain. The Vbe lower limit for extraction
is automatically selected. If the OVERRIDE_LIMITS variable
is true, this limit can be specified manually with the X_LOW
variable, which can be set from the Plot menu. Optimization
can be used to tune the parameter values, but should not
typically be required.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Fwd VBE, Fwd IC, Fwd IB, Fwd
Beta
Output:
None
Extracts:
ISE, NE, BF, IKF
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
BJTDC_is_nf Standard extraction for the UCB Bipolar
model. Extracts saturation current parameters from forward
gummel plot measurements. Requires the following setup:
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Ic and Ib versus Vbe, with Vcb = 0V.
The Vbe limits for extraction are automatically selected. If
the OVERRIDE_LIMITS variable is true, these limits can be
specified manually with the X_LOW and X_HIGH variables,
which can be set from the Plot menu. Optimization can be
used to tune the parameter values, but should not typically
be required.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Fwd VBE, Log10 Fwd IC
Output:
None
Extracts:
IS, NF
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
BJTDC_nr Standard extraction for the UCB Bipolar model.
Extracts NR from reverse Gummel Plot measurements.
Requires the following setup:
Ie and Ib versus Vbc, with Veb = 0V.
The Vbc limits for extraction are automatically selected. If
the OVERRIDE_LIMITS variable is true, these limits can be
specified manually with the X_LOW and X_HIGH variables,
which can be set from the Plot menu. Optimization can be
used to tune the parameter value, but should not typically
be required.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Rev VBC, Log10 Rev IE
Output:
None
Extracts:
NR
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
BJTDC_rc Standard extraction for the UCB Bipolar model.
Extracts collector resistance in the saturation region.
Requires the following setup:
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Ic versus Vce, with Vbe = typical operating value.
Depending on the device, optimization to this and other DC
measurements may be required to tune the parameter value.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
VC Data, IC Data
Output:
None
Extracts:
RC
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
BJTDC_rcfb Alternate extraction for the UCB Bipolar model.
Extracts collector resistance using the flyback technique.
Requires the following setup:
Vec versus Ib, with the emitter floating.
Depending on the device, optimization to this and other DC
measurements may be required to tune the parameter value.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
IB Data, VE Data
Output:
None
Extracts:
RC
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
BJTDC_re Standard extraction for the UCB Bipolar model.
Extracts emitter resistance using the flyback technique.
Requires the following setup:
Vce versus Ib, with the collector floating.
Depending on the device, optimization to this and other DC
measurements may be required to tune the parameter value.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
IC-CAP Reference
IB Data, VC Data
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Output:
None
Extracts:
RE
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
BJTDC_rev_gummel Standard extraction for the UCB Bipolar
model. Extracts reverse Gummel parameters from reverse
Gummel plot measurements. Requires the following setup:
Ie and Ib versus Vbc, with Veb = 0V.
The measured data should include high and low current
roll-off effects in the gain. The Vbc lower limit for extraction
is automatically selected. If the OVERRIDE_LIMITS variable
is true, this limit can be specified manually with the X_LOW
variable, which can be set from the Plot menu. Optimization
can be used to tune the parameter values, but should not
typically be required.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Rev VBC, Rev IE, Rev IB, Rev Beta
Output:
None
Extracts:
ISC, NC, BR, IKR
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
BJTDC_vaf_var Standard extraction for the UCB Bipolar
model. Extracts forward and reverse early voltages from
common emitter and common collector curves. Requires the
following setups:
Ic versus Vce versus Vbe.
Ie versus Vec versus Vbc.
The setups should have the same number of base voltage
steps. The base voltages should be chosen so that current
levels correspond to the peak gain regions of the device. No
more than 20 percent of the data should be in the saturation
region. Optimization can be used to tune the parameter
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values, but should not typically be required. Optimization of
these parameters should be performed only after extracting
the complete DC model.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Forward VC, Forward VB, Forward
IC, Reverse VE, Reverse VB,
Reverse IE
Output:
None
Extracts:
VAF, VAR
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
BPOPAMP_macro_model Extraction function for the
Boyle-Pederson- Solomon-Cohn Opamp macromodel written
in C code. (Refer to IEEE JSSC vol. SC-9, no. 6, Dec. 1974.)
Extracts circuit element values for a specified set of opamp
performance measurements. The data set inputs to the
extraction function may be from outputs of Setups that measure
the specific opamp performance or from values known via other
sources such as specifications on a data sheet. The real and
integer inputs are not generally measurable and are taken from
the knowledge of the design of the opamp being modeled. An
expanded description of the inputs is given in parentheses
where applicable.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
IC-CAP Reference
Slew Rate +(V/uS), Slew Rate
-(V/uS), Bias Current(Amps), Bias
Offset(Amps), Volt Offset(Volts),
Av(DM) (gain-no unit), BW(Hz),
Excess Phase(radians), CMRR (dB),
Rout(ohms), Rout-ac(ohms), Isc
+(Amps), Isc -(Amps), Vout_max
+(Volts), Vout_min -(Volts), Power
Diss(Watts), Vcc supply(Volts), Vee
supply(Volts)
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Reals or Integers:
Nom. Q.IS(nominal input transistor
saturation current), R2(mid-stage
gain setting resistor), Comp.
Cap.(compensation capacitance),
Temp.(C), Inputs PNP?(=1 if input
stage uses pnps), Debug?(=1 print
debug information during
extraction)
Output:
None
Extracts:
NPN1.BF, NPN1.IS, NPN2.BF,
NPN2.IS, C1, RC1, RC2, RE1, RE2,
RE, CE, RP, GCM, GA, R2, C2, GB,
RO2, RC, RO1, DMOD1.IS,
DMOD2.IS, VC, VE, IEE
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
BSIM1DC_geom_indep
This function is obsolete.
Generates the BSIM geometry independent parameters (all
parameters scaled to channel length and width) from a
device file generated either by the BSIM extraction routines
in IC-CAP or from a compatible BSIM characterization
system.
440
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
None
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Extracts:
VFB, LVFB, WVFB, PHI, LPHI,
WPHI, K1, LK1, WK1, K2, LK2,
WK2, ETA, LETA, WETA, MUZ, U1,
LU1, WU1, DL, DW, X2E, LX2E,
WX2E, X3D, LX3E, WX3E, X2MZ,
LX2MZ, WX2MZ, MUS, LMUS,
WMUS, X2MS, LX2MS, WX2MS,
X3MS, LX3MS, WX3MS, X2U0,
LX2U0, WX2U0, X2U1, LX2U1,
WX2U1, X3U1, LX3U1, WX3U1
If subthreshold parameters are
extracted, the following geometry
independent parameters are also
extracted: N0, LN0, WN0, NB, LNB,
WNB, ND, LND, WND
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
BSIM1DC_lin_sat
This function is obsolete.
Extracts the linear and saturation region parameters of the
BSIM model using Id versus Vg curves for a single device.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Gate V, Bulk V, Drain V, Drain I
Output:
None
Extracts:
The linear region parameters: VFB,
PHI, K1, K2, U0, X2U0.
The saturation region parameters:
ETA, MUZ, U1, X2MZ, X2E, X3E,
X2U1, MUS, X2MS, X3MS, X3U1.
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
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BSIM1DC_sub
This function is obsolete.
Extracts the BSIM subthreshold parameters for a single
device using 4 Id versus Vg curves.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Gate V, Bulk V, Drain V, Drain I 1,
Drain I 2, Drain I 3, Drain I 4
Output:
None
Extracts:
N0, NB, ND
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
BSIM2_lin_plot
This function is obsolete.
Acquires specified parameter value data versus 1/W or 1/L
and displays plot.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Input an output data set with both
measured and simulated data types
set
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Parameter name of parameter to be
plotted against 1/W or 1/L, Sort
Key - W or L
Output:
Array of real numbers; size
determined by inputs
Automatic Invocation: None
BSIM2_save_dev_pars
This function is obsolete.
Appends the set of BSIM2 extracted parameters for a single
device to the device file in the user’s home directory.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
None
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
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BSIM2DC_geom_indep
This function is obsolete.
Generates the BSIM2 geometry independent parameters (all
parameters scaled to channel length and width) from a
device file generated by the BSIM2 extraction routines in
IC-CAP or from a compatible BSIM2 characterization system.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
None
Extracts:
VFB, LVFB, WVFB, PHI, LPHI,
WPHI, K1, LK1, WK1, K2, LK2,
WK2, ETA0, LETA0, WETA0, MU0,
DL, DW, UA0, LUA0, WUA0, U10,
LU10, WU10, MU0B, LMU0B,
WMU0B, ETAB, LETAB, WETAB,
UB0, LUB0, WUB0, UAB, LUAB,
WUAB, U1B, LU1B, WU1B, MUS0,
LMUS0, WMUS0, MUSB, LMUSB,
WMUSB, UBB, LUBB, WUBB, U1D,
LU1D, WU1D, N0, LN0, WN0, NB,
LNB, WNB, ND, LND, WND, MU20,
LMU20, WMU20,MU2B, LMU2B,
WMU2B, MU2G, LMU2G, WMU2G,
MU30, LMU30, WMU30, MU3B,
LMU3B, WMU3B, MU3G, LMU3G,
WMU3G, MU40, LMU40, WMU40,
MU4B, LMU4B, WMU4B, MU4G,
LMU4G, WMU4G, VOF0, LVOF0,
WVOF0, VOFB, LVOFB, WVOFB,
VOFD, LVOFD, WVOFD, AI0, LAI0,
WAI0, AIB, LAIB, WAIB, BI0, LBI0,
WBI0, BIB, LBIB, WBIB, VGHIGH,
LVGHIGH, WVGHIGH, VGLOW,
LVGLOW, WVGLOW
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
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BSIM2DC_lin_sat
This function is obsolete.
Extracts the linear, saturation, and subthreshold region
parameters of the BSIM2 model using 2 families of Id versus
Vg curves for a single device. Also extracts the output
resistance parameters of the BSIM2 model using 2 families
of Id versus Vd curves for a single device.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Gate V, Bulk V, Drain V, Drain I vs
Vg, Drain I vs Vd
Output:
None
Extracts:
The linear region parameters: VFB,
PHI, K1, K2, MU0, MU0B, UA0,
UAB, UB0, UBB, VGHIGH, VGLOW.
The saturation region parameters:
MUS0, MUSB, U10, U1B, ETA0,
ETAB, VOF0, VOFD, VOFB.
The subthreshold region
parameters: N0, NB, ND.
The output resistance parameters:
MU20, MU2B, MU2G, MU30, MU3B,
MU3G, MU40, MU4B, MU4G, AI0,
AIB, BI0, BIB, U1D
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
BSIM3_calculate Calculates the drain current of the
BSIM3v3.2 model and different internal states of the model
for the given terminal voltages vd, vg, vs, and vb. The type
of internal state, for example, the drain source resistance
rds can be selected by the select output flag. In some cases
it is necessary to use a measured value for the threshold
voltage instead of the calculated. Use the select input flag to
select measured or calculated. If this is not equal to zero,
then the value in value input is used for vth instead of the
calculated one.
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8
Input Arguments:
IC-CAP Reference
Variables:
vd Drain voltage
vg Gate voltage
vs Source voltage
vb Bulk voltage
Length (L) Gate length
Width (W) Gate width
select input (if 1 use value input
for Vth)
value input (value input for Vth if
select input = 1)
Parameters:
None
Output:
Value to calculate or failure
indicator
output[0] = lx;
output[1] = wx;
output[2] = vbseff;
output[3] = vt0;
output[4] = nonlat;
output[5] = dvtx;
output[6] = dvtx_w;
output[7] = k3w0;
output[8] = eta_vd;
output[9] = vth;
output[10] = vgsteff;
output[11] = abulk;
output[12] = ueff;
output[13] = rds;
output[14] = vdsat;
output[15] = vdseff;
output[16] = idlin;
output[17] = idr;
output[18] = vasat;
output[19] = vaclm;
output[20] = vadiblc;
output[21] = inv_vascbe;
output[22] = va;
output[23] = idout;
Extracts:
Nothing
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BSIM3_check_par Checks whether a model parameter is in
a predefined range. The range information for this parameter
must be given in a variable in the referenced path. The
range information is stored in a string in the following
format:
range_A0
>-1 0
10 | |
| |___
| |
|______
| |___________
|______________
upper
upper
lower
lower
error condition ({operator(<,<=), value}{-)}
optimization boundary
optimization boundary
error condition ({operator(>,>=), value}{-)}
Input Arguments:
Variables:
Actual value of parameter to check
Parameters:
Parameter name
Path to parameter range definition
Output:
Flag for correct operation:
0: parameter is in specified range
−1: parameter is outside specified
range
−2: error during function execution
(e.g., variable 'range_xx' not found)
Example call in PEL:
check = BSIM3_check_par(prwg,"PRWG",
"/BSIM3_DC_CV/Extraction_configuration/Boundaries")
BSIM3_DC_calc_bin_parameter This function calculates from
the input the 4 binning parameters P0, PL, PW, and PP. If the
calculation is done correctly, outputs[0] will return 0.
Otherwise, outputs[0] will result in a negative number. In such
a case, the error will be printed in detail in the output window.
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Input Arguments:
Inputs:
Array with 4 parameters P1 .. P4
of the bin corners
Array with 4 gate lengths L1 .. L4
of the bin corners
Array with 4 gate widths W1 .. W4
of the bin corners
Array with 4 values for the number
of gate fingers NF1 .. NF4 of the
bin corners
Parameter set (get with
'BSIM3_DC_get_parameter()')
Output:
Array containing error condition
and binning parameters
outputs[0] = error condition
(0=o.k., any other number
indicates an error)
outputs[1] = P0
outputs[2] = PL
outputs[3] = PW
outputs[4] = PP
Extracts:
Binning parameters P0, PL, PW, PP
Example call in PEL:
complex l[4]
complex w[4]
:
l[0]= 1u
:
par
= BSIM3_DC_get_parameter()
bin_par = BSIM3_DC_calc_bin_parameter(p, l, w, par)
BSIM3_DC_calculate Calculates the drain current of the
BSIM3v3.2 model and different internal states of the model for
the given terminal voltages vd, vg, vs, and vb. The type of
internal state, for example, the drain source resistance rds can
be selected by the select output flag. In some cases, it is
necessary to use a measured value for the threshold voltage
instead of the calculated. Use the select input flag to select
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measured or calculated. If this is not equal to zero, then the
value in value input is used for vth instead of the calculated
one.
Input Arguments:
Variables:
448
vd Drain voltage
vg Gate voltage
vs Source voltage
vb Bulk voltage
Length (L) Gate length
Width (W) Gate width
select input (if 1 use value input
for
Vth)
value input (value input for Vth if
select input = 1)
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Output:
Vector with BSIM4 internal states
for the given DC bias point.
By setting debug = 1, this vector is
printed with explanations:
0. leff
1. weff
2. 3. 4. dl
5. dws
6. vtm0
7. eg0
8. ni
9. vbi
10. vbc
11. xdep0
12. xdep
13. cdep
14. cox
15. 16. 17. lt0
18. lt
19. ltw
20. phi
21. phis
22. VFB
23. -
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24. vgsteff
25. vbseff
26. vdseff
27. vth0
28. 29. 30. pocket implant =nonlat
31. narrow channel effect = k3w0
32. short channel effect = dvtx
33. small channel effect = dvtx_w
34. high vds effect = eta_vd
35. vth
36. 37. abulk
38. litl
39. ueff
40. esat
41. rds
42. 43. 44. vdsat
45. ids0 (without resistance)
46. idsr (with resistance)
47. vasat
48. vaclm
49. va
50. 51. 52. vadibl
53. inv_vascbe
54. ids (with output resistance)
55. 56. n
57. 58. actual version
Example call in PEL:
erg = BSIM3_DC_calculate(par, point_vd, point_vg, 0,
point_vb, MAIN.L, MAIN.W, 0, 0, TEMP, TYPE, 0)
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BSIM3_DC_get_parameter This function loads all BSIM3
model parameters from the actual model parameter set and
checks them for consistency. Without finding errors, the
function gives back an array with model parameters in a
given order.
Output:
Array of BSIM3 model parameters
in the following order:
error = outputs[0]; ! in case of an
! error during the parameter
check
! error would be set to 1e-99
LEVEL = outputs[1];
VERSION = outputs[2];
MOBMOD = outputs[3];
TOX = outputs[4]
TOXM = outputs[5]
XJ = outputs[6]
NCH = outputs[7]
NGATE = outputs[8]
RSH = outputs[9]
VTH0 = outputs[10]
K1 = outputs[11]
K2 = outputs[12]
K3 = outputs[13]
K3B = outputs[14]
W0 = outputs[15]
NLX = outputs[16]
VBM = outputs[17]
DVT0 = outputs[18]
DVT1 = outputs[19]
DVT2 = outputs[20]
DVT0W = outputs[21]
DVT1W = outputs[22]
DVT2W = outputs[23]
U0 = outputs[24]
UA = outputs[25]
UB = outputs[26]
UC = outputs[27]
VSAT = outputs[28]
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A0 = outputs[29]
AGS = outputs[30]
B0 = outputs[31]
B1 = outputs[32]
KETA = outputs[33]
A1 = outputs[34]
A2 = outputs[35]
WINT = outputs[36]
LINT = outputs[37]
DWG = outputs[38]
DWB = outputs[39]
VOFF = outputs[40]
NFACTOR = outputs[41]
ETA0 = outputs[42]
ETAB = outputs[43]
DSUB = outputs[44]
CIT = outputs[45]
CDSC = outputs[46]
CDSCB = outputs[47]
CDSCD = outputs[48]
PCLM = outputs[49]
PDIBLC1 = outputs[50]
PDIBLC2 = outputs[51]
PDIBLCB = outputs[52]
DROUT = outputs[53]
PSCBE1 = outputs[54]
PSCBE2 = outputs[55]
PVAG = outputs[56]
DELTA = outputs[57]
RDSW = outputs[58]
PRWG = outputs[59]
PRWB = outputs[60]
WR = outputs[61]
ALPHA0 = outputs[62]
ALPHA1 = outputs[63]
BETA0 = outputs[64]
TNOM = outputs[65]
UTE = outputs[66]
KT1 = outputs[67]
KT1L = outputs[68]
KT2 = outputs[69]
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UA1 = outputs[70]
UB1 = outputs[71]
UC1 = outputs[72]
AT = outputs[73]
PRT = outputs[74]
WL = outputs[75]
WLN = outputs[76]
WW = outputs[77]
WWN = outputs[78]
WWL = outputs[79]
LL = outputs[80]
LLN = outputs[81]
LW = outputs[82]
LWN = outputs[83]
LWL = outputs[84]
WLC = outputs[85]
WWC = outputs[86]
WWLC = outputs[87]
BINUNIT = outputs[88]
Example call in PEL:
par = BSIM3_DC_get_parameter()
BSIM3_DC_vth Picks up 1 single sweep curve of id=f(vg) of
a specified setup and extracts the threshold voltage vth. The
setup is specified by the parameters path to vd, ... etc. This
makes it easier to call the function with variable inputs
inside the PEL programs.
The 'Flag' variable is used to define certain conditions, for
example, the extraction of vth for the large device that does
not need to calculate all the early voltage values.
Input Arguments:
Input:
IC-CAP Reference
parameter set (get with
'BSIM3_DC_get_parameter()')
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Variables:
Length (L)
Width (W)
Flag for extraction options
flag:
0 Large device @ low vds
1 Short and small device @ low
vds
2 Short and small device @
high vds
3 A constant reference current
Idref = ID_REF_VTH*W/L is
used where ID_REF_VTH is
a model variable.
# of curve
Temperature (Degree C)
Type (1=NMOS, -1=PMOS)
Debug (1: show internal states of
the function 0: )
Parameters:
path to setup
vd
vg
vb
id
type id
Output:
Value vth or failure indicator
Extracts:
Vth (1e99 indicates error)
Example call in PEL:
erg = BSIM3_DC_vth(par, MAIN.L, MAIN.W, flag, i,
TEMP, TYPE, 0, ".", "vd","vg","vb","id","M")
BSIM3_error This function takes a set of measured and
simulated data and calculates the error between simulation
and measurement in the specified range (xmin, xmax, ymin,
ymax). The error is given back as output. In addition, the
maximum error and the root mean square (RMS) error are
given back through an IC-CAP system variable.
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Input Arguments:
Inputs:
x-coordinate values
measured y-coordinate values
simulated y-coordinate values
Variables:
x_min
x_max
y_min
y_max
Parameters:
IC-CAP Variable to write
MAX_ERROR
IC-CAP Variable to write
RMS_ERROR
Output:
error in the specified range, all
other points of the output = 0
Example call in PEL:
error = BSIM3_error(vg,id.m,id.s,0,3,0,1e-6,"MAX_ERROR",
"RMS_ERROR")
BSIM3_set_opt The function accepts a list of model
parameters, separated by blanks (e.g., “A0 AGS KETA”) and
searches the range information for these parameters in the
range_<PARAMETER> variables in the referenced path.
After analyzing the range information for each parameter,
the variables min_<PARAMETER> and max_<PARAMETER>
in the local setup/DUT are set. These variables can be used
as upper/lower limit in an optimizer call.
The range information is stored in a string in the following
format:
range_A0
>-1 0
10 | |
| |___
| |
|______
| |___________
|______________
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upper
upper
lower
lower
error condition ({operator(<,<=), value}{-)}
optimization boundary
optimization boundary
error condition ({operator(>,>=), value}{-)}
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Input Arguments:
Parameters:
Output:
Parameter names, separated by
blanks
Path to parameter range definition
Flag for correct operation:
0: everything is ok
-1: error during function
execution (e.g., variable 'range_xx'
not found)
Example call in PEL:
erg = BSIM3_set_opt("RDSW PRWG
PRWB","Extraction_configuration/Boundaries")
BSIM3_toolkit_vth Picks up 1 single sweep curve of id=f(vg) of
a specified setup and extracts the threshold voltage vth. The
setup is specified by the parameters path to vd and so on. This
makes it easier to call the function with variable inputs inside
the PEL programs.
The Flag variable is used to define certain conditions. For
example, the extraction of vth for the large device, which does
not need to calculate all the early voltage values.
Input arguments
Variables:
Length (L)
Width (W)
Flag for extraction options
flag: 0 Large device q low vds
1 Short and small device
@
low vds
2 Short and small device
@
high vds
# of curve
Parameters:
456
path to setup, vd, vg, vb, id, type
id
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Output:
Value vth or failure indicator
Extracts:
Vth (1e99 indicates error)
BSIM3CV_total_cap
Extracts the total PN junction
capacitance parameters from the bottom and sidewall for the
BSIM3 model. Requires C-V measurement on 2 different
geometries. The first measurement should be on a device in
which the bottom capacitance dominates. The second
measurement should be on a device in which the sidewall
capacitance dominates.
Extracts:
CJ, MJ, CJSW, MJSW, PB
BSIM3CVmodCBD
BSIM3 Bulk to Drain Capacitance
model. Calculates CBD from the input voltage.
BSIM3CVmodCBS
BSIM3 Bulk to Source Capacitance
model. Calculates CBS from the input voltage.
BSIM3DC_bulk_short Standard extraction for the BSIM 3
model. Extracts substrate current parameters using Ib versus
Vg measured on a set of devices with a large and fixed
width and different length.
Extracts:
ALPHA0, BETA0
BSIM3DC_lin_large
Standard extraction for the BSIM 3
model. Extracts linear region parameters using Id versus Vg
measured on a large device.
Extracts:
IC-CAP Reference
VTH0, K1, K2, U0, UA, UB, UC,
VOFF
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BSIM3DC_lin_narrow
Standard extraction for the BSIM 3
model. Extracts width effect parameters using Id versus Vg
measured on a set of devices with a large and fixed length
and different width.
Extracts:
K3, W0, K3B, WINT, DWB
BSIM3DC_lin_short
Standard extraction for the BSIM 3
model. Extracts length effect parameters using Id versus Vg
measured on a set of devices with a large and fixed width
and different length.
Extracts:
DVT0, DVT1, DVT2, LINT, RDSW,
NLX, PRWB
BSIM3DC_lin_small Standard extraction for the BSIM 3
model. Extracts small effect parameters using Id versus Vg
measured on a set of devices with a short and fixed length
and different width.
Extracts:
WR, DVT0W, DVT1W, DVT2W
BSIM3DC_model UCB BSIM3 MOS model. Calculates Id, Gd,
Rout, or Ib from voltages.
BSIM3DC_sat_narrow Standard extraction for the BSIM 3
model. Extracts saturation parameters using Id versus Vd
measured on a set of devices with a large and fixed length
and different width.
Extracts:
B0, B1
BSIM3DC_sat_short
Standard extraction for the BSIM 3
model. Extracts saturation and output resistance parameters
using Id versus Vd measured on a set of devices with a large
and fixed width and different length.
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Extracts:
A0, A1, A2, DROUT, VSAT, PCLM,
PDIBLC1, PDIBLC2, PSCBE1,
PSCBE2, PVAG
BSIM3DC_sat_short2 Standard extraction for the BSIM 3
model. Extracts saturation parameters using Id versus Vd
measured on a set of devices with a large and fixed width
and different length.
Extracts:
KETA, PDIBLCB
BSIM3DC_sub_short Standard extraction for the BSIM 3
model. Extracts subthreshold parameters using Id versus Vg
measured on a set of devices with a large and fixed width
and different length.
Extracts:
CDSC, CDSCB, NFACTOR
BSIM3DC_sub_short2 Standard extraction for the BSIM 3
model. Extracts subthreshold parameters at high drain
voltage using Id versus Vg measured on a set of devices with
a large and fixed width and different length.
Extracts:
ETA0, ETAB, CDSCD
BSIM3DC_vth Calculates the threshold voltage from Id
versus Vg measurements.
BSIM3DC_vth_sim Calculates the threshold voltage from the
model parameters.
BSIM3DC_vth_versus Acquires threshold voltage data versus
length or width to display in plot.
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BSIM4_check_par Checks whether a model parameter is in
a predefined range. The range information for this parameter
must be given in a variable in the referenced path. The
range information is stored in a string in the following
format:
range_A0
>-1 0
10 | |
| |___
| |
|______
| |___________
|______________
upper
upper
lower
lower
error condition ({operator(<,<=), value}{-)}
optimization boundary
optimization boundary
error condition ({operator(>,>=), value}{-)}
Input Arguments:
Variables:
Actual value of parameter to check
Parameters:
Parameter name
Path to parameter range definition
Output:
Flag for correct operation:
0: parameter is in specified range
−1: parameter is outside specified
range
−2: error during function execution
(e.g. variable 'range_xx' not found)
Example call in PEL:
check = BSIM4_check_par(prwg,"PRWG",
"/BSIM4_DC_CV/Extraction_configuration/Boundaries")
BSIM4_DC_calc_bin_parameter This function calculates from
the input the 4 binning parameters P0, PL, PW, and PP. If the
calculation is done correctly, outputs[0] will return 0.
Otherwise, outputs[0] will result in a negative number. In such
a case, the error will be printed in detail in the output window.
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Input Arguments:
Inputs:
Array with 4 parameters P1 .. P4
of
the bin corners
Array with 4 gate lengths L1 .. L4
of
the bin corners
Array with 4 gate widths W1 .. W4
of
the bin corners
Array with 4 values for the number
of gate fingers NF1 .. NF4 of the
bin
corners
Parameter set (get with
'BSIM4_DC_get_parameter()')
Output:
Array containing error condition
and binning parameters
outputs[0] = error condition
(0=o.k.,
any other number indicates an
error)
outputs[1] = P0
outputs[2] = PL
outputs[3] = PW
outputs[4] = PP
Extracts:
Binning parameters P0, PL, PW,
PW
Example call in PEL:
complex l[4]
complex w[4]
:
l[0]= 1u
:
par
= BSIM4_DC_get_parameter()
bin_par = BSIM4_DC_calc_bin_parameter(p, l, w, nf, par)
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BSIM4_DC_calculate Calculates the drain current of the
BSIM4.2.0 model and different internal states of the model
for the given terminal voltages vd, vg, vs, and vb. The type
of internal state, for example, the drain source resistance
rds can be selected by the select output flag. In some cases,
it is necessary to use a measured value for the threshold
voltage instead of the calculated. Use the select input flag to
select measured or calculated. If this is not equal to zero,
then the value in value input is used for vth instead of the
calculated one.
Input Arguments:
462
Input:
Parameter set (get with
'BSIM4_DC_get_parameter()')
Variables:
vd Drain voltage
vg Gate voltage
vs Source voltage
vb Bulk voltage
Length (L) Gate length
Width (W) Gate width
Number fingers (NF) Number of
gate
fingers
select input (if 1 use value input
for
Vth)
value input (value input for Vth if
select input = 1)
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Output:
Vector with BSIM4 internal states
for the given DC bias point.
By setting debug = 1, this vector is
printed with explanations:
0. leff
1. weff
2. weffs
3. weffcj
4. dl
5. dws
6. vtm0
7. eg0
8. ni
9. vbi
10. vbc
11. xdep0
12. xdep
13. cdep
14. coxe
15. coxp
16. coxeff
17. lt0
18. lt
19. ltw
20. phi
21. phis
22. VFB
23. vgse
24. vgsteff
25. vbseff
26. vdseff
27. vth0
28. bulk effect k1 = term[0]
29. bulk effect k2 = term[1]
30. pocket implant = term[2]
31. narrow channel effect = term[3]
32. short channel effect = term[4]
33. small channel effect = term[5]
34. high vds effect = term[6]
35. vth
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36. f_doping
37. abulk
38. litl
39. ueff
40. esat
41. rds
42. rd
43. rs
44. vdsat
45. ids0 (without resistance)
46. idsr (with resistance)
47. vasat
48. vaclm
49. va
50. cclm
51. vadits
52. vadibl
53. inv_vascbe
54. ids (with output resistance)
55. vth_dits
56. n
57. vfbsd
58. actual version
Example call in PEL:
erg = BSIM4_DC_calculate(par, point_vd, point_vg, 0,
point_vb, MAIN.L, MAIN.W, MAIN.NF, 0, 0, TEMP, TYPE, 0)
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BSIM430_DC_calculate Calculates the drain current of the
BSIM4.3.0 model and different internal states of the model
for the given terminal voltages vd, vg, vs and vb. The type of
internal state, for example, the drain source resistance rds
can be selected by the select output flag. In some cases, it is
necessary to use a measured value for the threshold voltage
instead of the calculated. Use the select input flag to select
measured or calculated. If this is not equal to zero, then the
value in value input is used for vth instead of the calculated
one.
Input arguments:
IC-CAP Reference
Input:
Parameter set (get with
'BSIM4_DC_get_parameter()')
Variables:
vd Drain voltage
vg Gate voltage
vs Source voltage
vb Bulk voltage
Length (L) Gate length
Width (W) Gate width
SA Distance between OD edge to
poly from one side
SB Distance between OD edge to
poly from other side
SD Distance between neighboring
fingers
Number fingers (NF) Number of
gate fingers
select input (if 1 use value input
for Vth)
value input (value input for Vth if
select input = 1)
Parameters:
-
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Output:
466
Vector with BSIM4 internal states
for the given DC bias point.
By setting debug = 1, this vector is
printed with explanations:
0. leff
1. weff
2. weffs
3. weffcj
4. dl
5. dws
6. vtm0
7. eg0
8. ni
9. vbi
10. vbc
11. xdep0
12. xdep
13. cdep
14. coxe
15. coxp
16. coxeff
17. lt0
18. lt
19. ltw
20. phi
21. phis
22. VFB
23. vgse
24. vgsteff
25. vbseff
26. vdseff
27. vth0
28. bulk effect k1 = term[0]
29. bulk effect k2 = term[1]
30. pocket implant = term[2]
31. narrow channel effect = term[3]
32. short channel effect = term[4]
33. small channel effect = term[5]
34. high vds effect = term[6]
35. vth
36. f_doping
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37. abulk
38. litl
39. ueff
40. esat
41. rds
42. rd
43. rs
44. vdsat
45. ids0 (without resistance)
46. idsr (with resistance)
47. vasat
48. vaclm
49. va
50. cclm
51. vadits
52. vadibl
53. inv_vascbe
54. ids (with output resistance)
55 vth_dits
56. n
57. vfbsd
58. actual version
Example call in PEL:
erg = BSIM430_DC_calculate(par, point_vd, point_vg, 0,
point_vb, MAIN.L, MAIN.W, MAIN.NF, MAIN.SA, MAIN.SB,
MAIN.SD, 0, 0, TEMP, TYPE, 0)
BSIM450_DC_calculate Calculates the drain current of the
BSIM4.3.0 model and different internal states of the model
for the given terminal voltages vd, vg, vs and vb. The type of
internal state, e.g. the drain source resistance rds can be
selected by the select output flag. In some cases, it is
necessary to use a measured value for the threshold voltage
instead of the calculated. Use the select input flag to select
measured or calculated. If this is not equal to zero, then the
value in value input is used for vth instead of the calculated
one.
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Input Arguments:
468
Input:
Parameter set (get with
'BSIM4_DC_get_parameter()')
Variables:
vd Drain voltage
vg Gate voltage
vs Source voltage
vb Bulk voltage
Length (L) Gate length
Width (W) Gate width
SA Distance between OD edge to
poly from one side
SB Distance between OD edge to
poly from other side
SD Distance between neighboring
fingers
SCA Integral of the first
distribution function for scattered
well dopant
SCB Integral of the second
distribution function for scattered
well dopant
SCC Integral of the third
distribution function for scattered
well dopant
SC Distance to a single well edge
Number fingers (NF) Number of
gate fingers
select input (if 1 use value input
for Vth)
value input (value input for Vth if
select input = 1)
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Parameters:
Output:
IC-CAP Reference
Vector with BSIM4 internal states
for the given DC bias point.
By setting debug = 1, this vector is
printed with explanations:
0. leff
1. weff
2. weffs
3. weffcj
4. dl
5. dws
6. vtm0
7. eg0
8. ni
9. vbi
10. vbc
11. xdep0
12. xdep
13. cdep
14. coxe
15. coxp
16. coxeff
17. lt0
18. lt
19. ltw
20. phi
21. phis
22. VFB
23. vgse
24. vgsteff
25. vbseff
26. vdseff
27. vth0
28. bulk effect k1 = term[0]
29. bulk effect k2 = term[1]
30. pocket implant = term[2]
31. narrow channel effect = term[3]
32. short channel effect = term[4]
33. small channel effect = term[5]
34. high vds effect = term[6]
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35. vth
36. f_doping
37. abulk
38. litl
39. ueff
40. esat
41. rds
42. rd
43. rs
44. vdsat
45. ids0 (without resistance)
46. idsr (with resistance)
47. vasat
48. vaclm
49. va
50. cclm
51. vadits
52. vadibl
53. inv_vascbe
54. ids (with output resistance)
55 vth_dits
56. n
57. vfbsd
58. actual version
Example call in PEL:
erg = BSIM450_DC_calculate(par, point_vd, point_vg, 0,
point_vb, MAIN.L, MAIN.W, MAIN.NF, MAIN.SA, MAIN.SB,
MAIN.SD, MAIN.SCA, MAIN.SCB, MAIN.SCC, MAIN.SC, 0, 0,
TEMP, TYPE, 0)
BSIM4_DC_extr_A0_AGS_KETA Extract model parameters A0,
AGS, KETA from the measurement:
id = f(Vgs) @ diff. Vbs @ high Vds
from a transistor with large and wide gate length.
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8
Input Arguments:
Input:
parameter set (get with
'BSIM4_DC_get_parameter()')
Variables:
Length (L)
Width (W)
Number fingers (NF)
Temperature (Degree C)
Type (1=NMOS, -1=PMOS)
Debug (1: show internal states of
the function 0: )
Parameters:
path to setup
vd
vg
vb
id
type id
Output:
Value of:
output[0] = a0
output[1] = ags
output[2] = keta
In the case of an error, all 3
outputs are set to 1e99
Extracts:
A0, AGS, KETA
Example call in PEL:
erg = BSIM4_DC_extr_A0_AGS_KETA(par, MAIN.L, MAIN.W,
MAIN.NF, TEMP, TYPE, 0,".","vd","vg","vb","id")
BSIM4_DC_get_parameter This function loads all BSIM4
model parameters from the actual model parameter set and
checks them for consistency. Without finding errors, the
function gives back an array with model parameters in a
given order.
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Output:
Array of BSIM4 model parameters
in the following order:
error = outputs[0]; ! in case of an
! error during the parameter
check
! error would be set to 1e-99
LEVEL = outputs[1];
VERSION = outputs[2];
MOBMOD = outputs[3];
RDSMOD = outputs[4];
IGCMOD = outputs[5];
IGBMOD = outputs[6];
GEOMOD = outputs[7];
EPSROX = outputs[8];
TOXE = outputs[9];
TOXP = outputs[10];
TOXM = outputs[11];
DTOX = outputs[12];
XJ = outputs[13];
NDEP = outputs[14];
NGATE = outputs[15];
NSD = outputs[16];
XT = outputs[17];
RSH = outputs[18];
RSHG = outputs[19];
VTH0 = outputs[20];
PHIN = outputs[21];
K1 = outputs[22];
K2 = outputs[23];
K3 = outputs[24];
K3B = outputs[25];
W0 = outputs[26];
LPE0 = outputs[27];
LPEB = outputs[28];
VBM = outputs[29];
DVT0 = outputs[30];
DVT1 = outputs[31];
DVT2 = outputs[32];
DVTP0 = outputs[33];
DVTP1 = outputs[34];
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DVT0W = outputs[35];
DVT1W = outputs[36];
DVT2W = outputs[37];
U0 = outputs[38];
UA = outputs[39];
UB = outputs[40];
UC = outputs[41];
EU = outputs[42];
VSAT = outputs[43];
A0 = outputs[44];
AGS = outputs[45];
B0 = outputs[46];
B1 = outputs[47];
KETA = outputs[48];
A1 = outputs[49];
A2 = outputs[50];
WINT = outputs[51];
LINT = outputs[52];
DWG = outputs[53];
DWB = outputs[54];
VOFF = outputs[55];
VOFFL = outputs[56];
MINV = outputs[57];
NFACTOR = outputs[58];
ETA0 = outputs[59];
ETAB = outputs[60];
DSUB = outputs[61];
CIT = outputs[62];
CDSC = outputs[63];
CDSCB = outputs[64];
CDSCD = outputs[65];
PCLM = outputs[66];
PDIBLC1 = outputs[67];
PDIBLC2 = outputs[68];
PDIBLCB = outputs[69];
DROUT = outputs[70];
PSCBE1 = outputs[71];
PSCBE2 = outputs[72];
PVAG = outputs[73];
DELTA = outputs[74];
FPROUT = outputs[75];
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PDITS = outputs[76];
PDITSL = outputs[77];
PDITSD = outputs[78];
RDSW = outputs[79];
RDSWMIN = outputs[80];
RDW = outputs[81];
RDWMIN = outputs[82];
RSW = outputs[83];
RSWMIN = outputs[84];
PRWG = outputs[85];
PRWB = outputs[86];
WR = outputs[87];
ALPHA0 = outputs[88];
ALPHA1 = outputs[89];
BETA0 = outputs[90];
AGIDL = outputs[91];
BGIDL = outputs[92];
CGIDL = outputs[93];
EGIDL = outputs[94];
AIGBACC = outputs[95];
BIGBACC = outputs[96];
CIGBACC = outputs[97];
NIGBACC = outputs[98];
AIGBINV = outputs[99];
BIGBINV = outputs[100];
CIGBINV = outputs[101];
EIGBINV = outputs[102];
NIGBINV = outputs[103];
AIGC = outputs[104];
BIGC = outputs[105];
CIGC = outputs[106];
AIGSD = outputs[107];
BIGSD = outputs[108];
CIGSD = outputs[109];
DLCIG = outputs[110];
NIGC = outputs[111];
POXEDGE = outputs[112];
PIGCD = outputs[113];
NTOX = outputs[114];
TOXREF = outputs[115];
DWJ = outputs[116];
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TNOM = outputs[117];
UTE = outputs[118];
KT1 = outputs[119];
KT1L = outputs[120];
KT2 = outputs[121];
UA1 = outputs[122];
UB1 = outputs[123];
UC1 = outputs[124];
AT = outputs[125];
PRT = outputs[126];
WL = outputs[127];
WLN = outputs[128];
WW = outputs[129];
WWN = outputs[130];
WWL = outputs[131];
LL = outputs[132];
LLN = outputs[133];
LW = outputs[134];
LWN = outputs[135];
LWL = outputs[136];
WLC = outputs[137];
WWC = outputs[138];
WWLC = outputs[139];
XL = outputs[140];
XW = outputs[141];
BINUNIT = outputs[142];
LAMBDA = outputs[143];
VTL = outputs[144];
XN = outputs[145];
LC = outputs[146];
SAREF = outputs[147];
SBREF = outputs[148];
WLOD = outputs[149];
KU0 = outputs[150];
KVSAT = outputs[151];
TKU0 = outputs[152];
LKU0 = outputs[153];
WKU0 = outputs[154];
PKU0 = outputs[155];
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LLODKU0 = outputs[156];
WLODKU0 = outputs[157];
KVTH0 = outputs[158];
LKVTH0 = outputs[159];
WKVTH0 = outputs[160];
PKVTH0 = outputs[161];
LLODVTH = outputs[162];
WLODVTH = outputs[163];
STK2 = outputs[164];
LODK2 = outputs[165];
STETA0 = outputs[166];
LODETA0 = outputs[167];
TEMPMOD = outputs[168];
UD = outputs[169];
UP = outputs[170];
LP = outputs[171];
UD1 = outputs[172];
TVFBSDOFF = outputs[173];
TVOFF = outputs[174];
WEB = outputs[175];
WEC = outputs[176];
KVTH0WE = outputs[177];
K2WE = outputs[178];
KU0WE = outputs[179];
SCREF = outputs[180];
WPEMOD = outputs[181];
Example call in PEL:
par = BSIM4_DC_get_parameter()
BSIM4_DC_vth Picks up 1 single sweep curve of id=f(vg) of
a specified setup and extracts the threshold voltage vth. The
setup is specified by the parameters path to vd, ... etc. This
makes it easier to call the function with variable inputs
inside the PEL programs.
The 'Flag' variable is used to define certain conditions, for
example, the extraction of vth for the large device that does
not need to calculate all the early voltage values.
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8
Input Arguments:
Input:
parameter set (get with
'BSIM4_DC_get_parameter()')
Variables:
Length (L)
Width (W)
Flag for extraction options
flag: 0 Large device @ low vds
1 Short and small device @
low vds
2 Short and small device @
high vds
3 A constant reference
current Idref =
ID_REF_VTH*W/L is used
where ID_REF_VTH is a
model variable.
# of curve
Number fingers (NF)
Temperature (Degree C)
Type (1=NMOS, -1=PMOS)
Debug (1: show internal states of
the function 0: nothing)
Parameters:
path to setup
vd
vg
vb
id
type id
Output:
Value vth or failure indicator
Extracts:
Vth (1e99 indicates error)
Example call in PEL:
erg = BSIM4_DC_vth(par, MAIN.L, MAIN.W, flag, i, MAIN.NF,
TEMP, TYPE, 0, ".", "vd","vg","vb","id","M")
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BSIM430_DC_vth "Picks up one single sweep curve of
id=f(vg) of a specified setup and extracts the threshold
voltage Vth. The setup is specified by the parameters path to
vd, ... etc. This function should only be used with model
versions BSIM4.3 and higher.
Input Arguments:
478
Input:
Parameter set (get with
'BSIM4_DC_get_parameter()')
Variables:
Length(L)
Width (W)
Number fingers (NF)
SA
SB
SD
Flag for extraction options
flag: 0 Large device @ low vds
1 Short and small device @
low vds
2 Short and small device @
high vds
3 A constant reference
current
Idref = ID_REF_VTH*W/L is used
Reference current ID_REF_VTH for
extraction options 3
# of curve
Temperature (Degree C)
Type (1=NMOS, -1=PMOS)
Debug (1: show internal states of
the function 0: nothing)
Parameters:
path to setup
vd
vg
vb
id
type id
Output:
Value vth or failure indicator
Extracts:
Vth (1e99 indicates error)
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Example call in PEL:
erg = BSIM430_DC_vth(par, MAIN.L, MAIN.W, MAIN.NF,
MAIN.SA, MAIN.SB, MAIN.SD, flag, ID_REF_VHT, i, TEMP,
TYPE, 0, ".", "vd","vg","vb","id","M")
BSIM450_DC_vth Picks up one single sweep curve of
id=f(vg) of a specified setup and extracts the threshold
voltage Vth. The setup is specified by the parameters path to
vd, ... etc. This function should only be used with model
versions BSIM4.5 and higher.
Input Arguments:
IC-CAP Reference
Input:
Parameter set (get with
'BSIM4_DC_get_parameter()')
Variables:
Length(L)
Width (W)
Number fingers (NF)
SA
SB
SD
SCA
SCB
SCC
SC
Flag for extraction options
flag: 0 Large device @ low vds
1 Short and small device @
low vds
2 Short and small device @
high vds
3 A constant reference
current Idref =
ID_REF_VTH*W/L is used
4 A constant reference
current Idref =
ID_REF_VTH*(W-2*Delta
W)/(L-2*Delta L)
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Reference current ID_REF_VTH for
extraction options 3,4
Delta L (one side) for extraction
options 4
Delta W (one side) for extraction
options 4
# of curve
Temperature (Degree C)
Type (1=NMOS, -1=PMOS)
Debug (1: show internal states of
the function 0: nothing)
Parameters:
path to setup
vd
vg
vb
id
type id
Output:
Value vth or failure indicator
Extracts:
Vth (1e99 indicates error)
Example call in PEL:
erg = BSIM450_DC_vth(par, MAIN.L, MAIN.W, MAIN.NF,
MAIN.SA, MAIN.SB, MAIN.SD, MAIN.SC, MAIN.SCA, MAIN.SCB,
MAIN.SCC, flag, i, TEMP, TYPE, 0, ".",
"vd","vg","vb","id","M")
BSIM4_error This function takes a set of measured and
simulated data and calculates the error between simulation
and measurement in the specified range (xmin, xmax, ymin,
ymax). The error is given back as output. In addition, the
maximum error and the root mean square (RMS) error are
given back through an IC-CAP system variable.
Input Arguments:
Inputs:
480
x-coordinate values
measured y-coordinate values
simulated y-coordinate values
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Variables:
x_min
x_max
y_min
y_max
Parameters:
IC-CAP Variable to write
MAX_ERROR
IC-CAP Variable to write
RMS_ERROR
Output:
error in the specified range, all
other points of the output = 0
Example call in PEL:
error = BSIM4_error(vg,id.m,id.s,0,3,0,1e-6,"MAX_ERROR",
"RMS_ERROR")
BSIM4_set_opt The function accepts a list of model
parameters, separated by blanks (e.g., “A0 AGS KETA”) and
searches the range information for these parameters in the
range_<PARAMETER> variables in the referenced path.
After analyzing the range information for each parameter,
the variables min_<PARAMETER> and max_<PARAMETER>
in the local setup/DUT are set. These variables can be used
as upper/lower limit in an optimizer call.
The range information is stored in a string in the following
format:
range_A0
>-1 0
10 | |
| |___
| |
|______
| |___________
|______________
upper
upper
lower
lower
error condition ({operator(<,<=), value}{-)}
optimization boundary
optimization boundary
error condition ({operator(>,>=), value}{-)}
Input Arguments:
Parameters:
IC-CAP Reference
Parameter names, separated by
blanks
Path to parameter range definition
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Output:
Flag for correct operation:
0: everything is ok
-1: error during function
execution (e.g., variable 'range_xx'
not found)
Example call in PEL:
erg = BSIM4_set_opt("RDSW PRWG
PRWB","Extraction_configuration/Boundaries")
BSIMCV_total_cap
This function is obsolete.
Extracts the total PN junction capacitance parameters from the
bottom and sidewall for the BSIM1 and BSIM2 models. Requires
C-V measurement on 2 different geometries. The first
measurement should be on a device in which the bottom
capacitance dominates. The second measurement should be on
a device in which the sidewall capacitance dominates.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Cap 1, Cap 2, Junction V
Reals or Integers:
Cap 1 Area, Cap 1 Perim, Cap 2
Area, Cap 2 Perim
Output:
None
Extracts:
CJ, MJ, CJSW, MJSW, PB
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
ceil
Returns the smallest integer not less than the given
value.
Input Arguments:
Reals:
Output:
Number
Single real
Automatic Invocation: On Input Change
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check_error_log
Checks the .icerrlog file to see if any
error messages were logged during the execution of the
previous function. The log file can be viewed using any text
editor (or in a terminal window using more .icerrlog). Note:
the .icerrlog file is cleared each time you start IC-CAP.
Input Arguments:
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Output:
mpme
Returns 0 if no errors; non-zero
if errors are logged.
Automatic Invocation: MANUAL
PEL Example
x = check_error_log()
circlefit
Performs a circlefit on a set of complex data
centered on the REAL axis. Returns a 2 point data set
containing the center and radius. If the OVERRIDE_LIMITS
variable is TRUE, the limits can be specified manually with
the X_LOW and X_HIGH variables. These limits will always
apply to the first Sweep in the Setup.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Input
Reals or Integers:
Step Number (0 is first)
Output:
Array of 2 points: center then
radius
Automatic Invocation: None
conjg
Complex conjugate function.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
IC-CAP Reference
Input 1
Complex number, matrix, complex
array, or matrix array (depends on
input argument)
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Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
Connect
Switching matrix function. Used to connect or
disconnect the specified port and pin. Initialize the
switching matrix with SWM_init before this function. For
more information regarding this function, refer to “External
Matrix Driver User Functions” on page 166.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
Port Addr, Pin Number
Single number with exit status.
Automatic Invocation: None
copy2output
Copies the input data set to a measured or
simulated output data set.
correlation
Calculates the correlation coefficient for 1
data set versus another, at a particular curve (step number).
Indicates the degree to which the 2 data sets share a linear
dependence.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Input 1, Input 2
Reals or Integers:
Step Number (0 is first)
Output:
single value in the interval [-1,1]
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
cos
Cosine of an angle in radians.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
484
Input 1
Complex number, matrix, complex
array, or matrix array (depends on
input argument)
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Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
cosh
Hyperbolic cosine.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Input 1
Complex number, matrix, complex
array, or matrix array (depends on
input argument)
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
dataset Enables you to access the dataset referred to by a
string. A second argument may be specified that is a variable to
receive any error string normally going to a red error box.
Example:
x=dataset("/npn/dc/fgummel/vb")
print x[4]
x=dataset("/npn/dc/fgummel/badname",errstr)
if errstr<>"" then print errstr
If you try to run a transform that uses the dataset()
function, a warning message appears in the Status window.
The message appears since you are creating a transform that
depends on data in another output or transform. However,
each time you run the transform, you could depend on a
different set of data because the argument to dataset() is
only known at run-time and could change each time you run
the transform.
IC-CAP can’t track this dependency as it does all other
dependencies. Since it can’t track the dependency, it cannot
automatically execute the transform, and it sends the
warning message to the Status window.
To prevent the error message from appearing, you can set up
a transform that does not require automatic updating when
the argument in dataset() is updated. If automatic updating
is not needed, you can suppress the warning by prepending
the word quiet to the dataset() argument as shown in this
example:
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x=dataset("quiet "&mydata)
where mydata is the string containing the name of the data
you want to access.
derivative
This function has been deprecated. Use the
derivative2 function instead for calculating derivatives.
Calculates the derivative of data set Y relative to data set X. The
order can be specified. A 3-point numerical derivative formula
is used, except for the endpoints, where a 2-point formula is
used.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
X Data, Y Data
Reals or Integers:
Order
Output:
Array of real numbers; size
determined by number of points in
setup
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
derivative2 Calculates the derivative of data set Y relative to
data set X. The order can be specified. The number of points per
sweep can be specified. If number of points per sweep is set to
0, then the data is assumed to be a single curve. If number of
points per sweep is set to -1, then the function will act as the
same derivative function, requiring the local setup to determine
the number of points per curve. If number of points is >=0 then
the function may be called on any arbitrary sets of data of the
same size, even from a macro.
A 3-point numerical derivative formula is used, except for the
endpoints, where a 2-point formula is used.
Input Arguments:
486
Data Sets:
X Data, Y Data
Reals or Integers:
Order, Points per sweep
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Output:
Array of real numbers; size
determined by inputs
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
DIODEDCmod_ia
Given the forward diode voltage, the anode
current is calculated according to the UCB diode model.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Diode V
Array of real numbers; size
determined by inputs
Automatic Invocation: None
EEbjt2_ce_dc_iv
Solves for the dependent terminal
characteristic (current or voltage) at the input or output
port given any combination of independent variables.
Usage:
EEbjt2_ce_dc_iv(<Port 1 Input>,
<Port 2 Input>, <Port 1 Mode>,
<Port 2 Mode>, <Output Port>)
Input Arguments:
<Port 1 Input>
Current or voltage dataset for port
1
<Port 2 Input>
Current or voltage dataset for port
2
<Port 1 Mode>
Port 1 mode, “V” for voltage or “I”
for current
<Port 2 Mode>
Port 2 mode, “V” for voltage or “I”
for current
<Output Port>
Port number for output dataset
(“1” or “2”)
Example PEL statement:
icf_gummel = EEbjt2_ce_dc_iv(vb, vc, "V", "V", "2")
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EEbjt2_ce_ss_elements
Computes the intrinsic
conductance, transconductance, capacitance or
transcapacitance at the input or output port of the bjt2
model.
Usage:
EEbjt2_ce_ss_elements(<Port 1
Input>, <Port 2 Input>, <Port 1
Mode>, <Port 2 Mode>, <Element
Name>)
Input Arguments:
<Port 1 Input>
Current or voltage dataset for port
1
<Port 2 Input>
Current or voltage dataset for port
2
<Port 1 Mode>
Port 1 mode, “V” for voltage or “I”
for current
<Port 2 Mode>
Port 2 mode, “V” for voltage or “I”
for current
<Element Name>
Desired linear conductance (“G11”,
“G12”, “G21”, “G22”) or capacitance
(“C11”, “C12”, “C21”, “C22”)
Example PEL statement:
g11 = EEbjt2_ce_ss_elements(ibase, vce, "I", "V", "G11")
EEbjt2_extrinsic_ckt
Embeds the effect of the extrinsic
elements onto s-parameter data, or de-embeds the effect of
the extrinsic elements from s-parameter data. Resistances
and inductances are series elements separated by the shunt
capacitances Cxbc, Cxbe and Cxce. If the input s-parameter
dataset is of the same size as the frequency dataset in the
referenced setup, then it is assumed that the s-parameters
vary over the frequencies specified and these frequencies
will be used in the embedding or de-embedding operation.
In this case, the <Frequency> parameter is not used. If
however, the input s-parameter dataset has a size which
differs from that of the frequency dataset in the referenced
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setup, the data points is assumed to be at a single
frequency. This frequency value is specified by the
<Frequency> parameter.
Usage:
EEbjt2_extrinsic_ckt(<S-pars>,
<de-embed ?>, <Frequency>, <Setup
path>, <Lb>, <Lc>, <Le>, <Cxbc>,
<Cxbe>, <Cxce>, <Rb>, <Rc>, <Re>)
Input Arguments:
<S-pars>
S-parameter dataset name to be
embedded or de-embedded
<de_embed ?>
Controls whether the function
embeds (“no”) or de-embeds (“yes”)
<Frequency>
Variable containing the frequency
value of the s-parameter data
<Setup path>
Variable containing the setup path
of the frequency dataset
<Lb>
Parameter for base inductance
<Lc>
Parameter for collector inductance
<Le>
Parameter for emitter inductance
<Cxbc>
Parameter for base-collector
capacitance
<Cxbe>
Parameter for base-emitter
capacitance
<Cxce>
Parameter for collector-emitter
capacitance
<Rb>
Parameter for base resistance
<Rc>
Parameter for collector resistance
<Re>
Parameter for emitter resistance
Example PEL statement:
s_mod = EEbjt2_extrinsic_ckt(s_mod_int, "no", FREQ_CAP,
PATH, Lb, Lc, Le, C1, C2, C3, Rb, Rc, Re)
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EEbjt2_Is_N
Extracts saturation current and ideality
factor for diodes or Gummel-Poon type BJTs. For extraction
of Gummel-Poon collector currents, the value of the early
voltage can be input. For standard diodes or Gummel-Poon
base currents, a large value for <Fwd/Rev Va> should be
used so as to remove this effect from the extraction.
Usage:
EEbjt2_Is_N(<Vj>, <Ij>, <Fwd/Rev
Is>, <Fwd/Rev N>, <Fwd/Rev Va>,
<Vmin>, <Vmax>)
Input Arguments:
<Vj>
Input dataset containing voltage
data
<Ij>
Input dataset containing current
data
<Fwd/Rev Is>
Model parameter to be assigned the
extracted Is value
<Fwd/Rev N>
Model parameter to be assigned the
extracted N value
<Fwd/Rev Va>
Parameter or variable that contains
the early voltage value
<Vmin>
Variable that contains the minimum
voltage value of data to be used in
the extraction
<Vmax>
Variable that contains the maximum
voltage value of data to be used in
the extraction
EEbjt2_mdl
file.
Saves model parameters to a Series IV formatted
Usage:
EEbjt2_mdl(<Mdl File Name>)
Input Arguments:
<Mdl File Name>
490
The file name that will contain the
“MDIF” formatted data
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Example PEL statement:
dummy_result = EEbjt2_mdl("generic_bjt.txt")
EEfet3_ckt Returns the value of the selected linear
equivalent circuit element.
Usage: EEfet3_ckt(Vg, Vd, <ckt_par_name>)
Vg and Vd are data sets that contain the bias conditions
where the linear equivalent circuit is computed. The desired
equivalent circuit element name is supplied in the third
parameter as a text string. Equivalent circuit element names
are: cgs, cgd, cds, ris, rid, gm and gds. The conductances
gma and gds are AC values and should be compared with
those extracted from S-parameter data.
PEL example that returns the computed requested element
value.
Cgs_data = EEfet3_ckt(Vg, Vd, “cgs”)
Cgd_data = EEfet3_ckt(Vg, Vd, “cgd”)
Cds_data = EEfet3_ckt(Vg, Vd, “cds”)
Ris_data = EEfet3_ckt(Vg, Vd, “ris”)
Rid_data = EEfet3_ckt(Vg, Vd, “rid”)
Gm_data = EEfet3_ckt(Vg, Vd, “gm”)
Tau_data = EEfet3_ckt(Vg, Vd, “tau”)
Gds_data = EEfet3_ckt(Vg, Vd, “gds”)
EEfet3_cs_dc_iv
response.
Usage:
Computes the model’s common source bias
EEfet3_cs_dc_iv (Data_port_1, Data_port_2,
Mode_port_1, Mode_port_2, response_port)
This function returns a data set containing the bias response
at the port specified by the fifth parameter (response_port).
The first 2 parameters are data sets that contain the bias
conditions forced at the respective ports. The next 2
parameters are strings that indicate whether current “I” or
voltage “V” is being forced. The fifth parameter is an index
that specifies which port’s (1 or 2) bias response will be
contained in the data set returned.
PEL Example:
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IC-CAP Functions
Ids
Igs
Vds
Vgs
=
=
=
=
EEfet3_cs_dc_iv(Vg,
EEfet3_cs_dc_iv(Vg,
EEfet3_cs_dc_iv(Vg,
EEfet3_cs_dc_iv(Ig,
Vd,
Vd,
Id,
Vd,
“V”,
“V”,
“V”,
“I”,
“V”,
“V”,
“I”,
“V”,
2)
1)
2)
1)
EEfet3_lecp Returns the requested linear equivalent circuit
parameter value extracted from measured S-parameter data.
Usage: EEfet3_lecp (Vg, Vd, <ckt_par_name>)
This function is used in conjunction with EEfet3_s2ckt() to
extract and display linear equivalent circuit parameters from
measured S-parameter data. EEfet3_s2ckt does the
extraction of linear equivalent circuit parameters from
measured S-parameters and stores them internally to ICCAP.
EEfet3_lecp retrieves the linear equivalent circuit parameter
values. The specific element returned is requested by the
string in the third field of the function call. Valid equivalent
circuit element names are cgs, cdg, cds, ris, rid, gm, and gds.
An error condition will be flagged if a bias condition is
specified in EEfet3_lecp that was not in the data stored by a
previous call to EEfet3_s2ckt.
PEL example that returns the computed requested element
value.
Cgs_data = EEfet3_lecp(Vg, Vd, “cgs”)
Cgd_data = EEfet3_lecp(Vg, Vd, “cgd”)
Cds_data = EEfet3_lecp(Vg, Vd, “cds”)
Ris_data = EEfet3_lecp(Vg, Vd, “ris”)
Rid_data = EEfet3_lecp(Vg, Vd, “rid”)
Gm_data = EEfet3_lecp(Vg, Vd, “gm”)
Tau_data = EEfet3_lecp(Vg, Vd, “tau”)
Gds_data = EEfet3_lecp(Vg, Vd, “gds”)
EEfet3_mdl
file.
Saves model parameters to a Series IV formatted
Usage: EEfet3_mdl(“file_name.txt”)
This function returns no data or result code. Upon
execution, an “MDIF” formatted data file containing the
existing set of model parameters is written to the current
working directory.
PEL example that saves a data file that can be read by
Series IV simulators.
dummy_result = EEfet3_mdl(“MRF_901.par”)
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EEfet3_model_name A utility function that copies the model
name into the variable passed in as the argument.
Usage: EEfet3_model_name(variable):
Since PEL only has direct access to the relative path name
of local transforms and variables, this function parses out
the model’s “root” name and copies it as a string to the
variable specified as the argument. After execution, the
argument variable will contain a string containing the model
name.
Note: This function can be used with any model file; it is not
restricted to EEfet3.
PEL example that copies the model name into the variable
“MyName.”
dummy_result = EEfet3_modle_name(MyName)
EEfet3_package A utility function that can either “embed or
de-embed” the effects of a package from S-parameter data
provided as input. The resultant set of S-parameters is
returned as a data set with the same frequency and bias
conditions as the input S-parameter data set.
Usage:
Efet3_package(S_parameter_data_set,
embed/deembed_flag, Rg, Rd, Rs, Lg, Ld,
Ls, Cxgs, Cxds, Cxgd, Z0_gate, length,
effective_velocity, Z0_drain, length,
effective_velocity, Z0_source, length,
effective_velocity)
This function either embeds or de-embeds the S-parameters
provided as input. The package topology used here is a very
simple series shunt representation of a component’s package.
The elements represented in the argument list work from the
intrinsic device to the outside wall of the package. The bond
wire and contact resistances are represented by the
arguments: Rg, Rd, Rs, Lg, Ld, Ls. The arguments Rg and Lg
are the input port’s (gate) series inductance and resistance.
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Rs and Ls are the common lead’s inductance and resistance.
Rd and Ld are the output lead’s contact resistance and bond
inductance.
Three shunt capacitances are next and represent stray
capacitance of the package. Cxgs is connected from the
outside of the series impedances from gate-to-source nodes
just described. Cxgd is connected from the outside of the
series impedance from the gate to drain nodes just
described. Cxds is connected from the outside of the series
impedance from drain to source as just described.
The final series elements of the package model are
transmission lines. Z0_gate, length and effective velocity
describe the input transmission line connected at the gate
terminal of the package to the modified gate node just
outlined above. Z0_drain, length and effective velocity
describe the output transmission line connected at the drain
terminal of the package to the modified drain node just
outlined above. There is no common lead transmission line
in this package model.
Because you must use the same values for each of these
arguments in many places in the IC-CAP model file, this
function is constructed to use model variables as arguments.
First: create 1 variable, in the model variable table, for each
of the function arguments (thus making it global to the
entire model in use). Then use the variables each time the
function is used. In this manner you can ensure that the
same values are being used to embed the model as were
extracted from measurements.
The first argument is the data set upon which the function
will operate. The second argument is a text string or
variable containing a text string “embed” or “deembed.” The
function will operate on the input data set as indicated by
the second argument.
PEL example that de-embeds a package from a
measurement:
s_intrinsic = EEfet3_package(measured_s, “deembed”, Rin,
Rout, Rcommon, Lin, Lout, Lcommon, Cx_InToCommon, CxInToOut,
CxOutToCommon, Z0_in, L_in, Evel, Z0_out, L_out, Evel)
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EEfet3_ResCheck Verifies and adjusts variables that are used
to control swept measurements.
Usage:
EEfet3_ResCheck(Start, Stop,
Number_of_Points, resolution)
Each argument of EEfet3_ResCheck is a model variable.
These variables are used in DUT/Setups to control
measurements. Each type of measurement equipment has
resolution limitations. Start, stop, and step size must be
within the equipment’s resolution before a measurement can
be successful. For example, the HP/Agilent 4142 cannot
resolve voltages with greater accuracy than 1 millivolt. There
are several conditions that must be accounted for to
guarantee proper control of the measurement equipment in
use.
The following sequence of steps should be followed to ensure
that equipment limitations are not violated. First, the start
value is rounded to a “resolvable” measurement value as
specified by the argument “resolution.” The end point is then
rounded. The step size is then calculated [step = (stop-start)
/ points] and rounded to the proper resolution. The end
point is then re-computed and adjusted to exactly fit the
number of steps requested [stop = start + step * points].
Because of this adjustment, you may see the “stop” point
change after this function is called. The last case is where
the step size is below the minimum resolution. In this case,
the step size is set to the minimum resolution and the
starting point is placed that number of points away and the
number of points is adjusted. The “resolution” argument is
the only value that will not change upon execution of this
function.
PEL Example:
dummy_result = EEfet3ResCheck(Vstart, Vstop, NumPoints,
v_res)
EEfet3_Rs_delta_m Returns a data set that contains the
change in measured Vgs when very specific bias currents are
forced at the gate and drain terminals.*
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Usage: EEfet3_Rs_delta_m (Ig, Id, Vg, Vd)
Vgs is measured at 2 values of Ids while Igs is swept. Ids is
chosen such that Vds is on the order of 2 tenths of a volt
(the FET must be in the region of linear operation). Igs is
fifty to one hundred times smaller than Ids. The change in
Vgs is then proportional to Rs.
The expressions for the change in Vgs are a complicated
function of Rs. Since these expressions cannot be solved for
Rs directly, optimization is used to find a value of Rs that
makes measured and simulated values of delta Vgs match.
PEL Example:
Delta_Vgs = EEfet3_Rs_delta_m(Ig,Id,Vg,Vd)
*This method of extracting Rs is based on: “New Method to
Measure the Source and Drain Resistance of the GaAs
MESFET” Long Yang and Steven Long, IEEE Electron Device
Letters Vol EDL-7 No. 2, February 1986.
EEfet3_Rs_delta_s Returns a data set that contains the
change in simulated Vgs given the same bias conditions
specified when EEfet3_Rs_delta_m was extracted.*
Usage: EEfet3_Rs_delta_s (Ig, Id, Vg, Vd)
This simulation function for delta Vgs uses EEfet3 model
parameters Rs and N, the gate diode's emission coefficient.
Since these expressions cannot be solved for Rs directly,
optimization is used to find a value of Rs that makes
measured and simulated values of delta Vgs match. Note that
N must be accurately determined before this method of
extracting Rs can be successful.
PEL Example:
Delta_Vgs_Simulated = EEfet3_Rs_delta_s(Ig,Id,Vg,Vd)
*This method of extracting Rs is based on: “New Method to
Measure the Source and Drain Resistance of the GaAs
MESFET” Long Yang and Steven Long, IEEE Electron Device
Letters Vol EDL-7 No. 2, February 1986.
EEfet3_s2ckt Converts S-parameters to a table of linear
equivalent circuit element values.
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Usage:
EEfet3_ s2ckt (S_parameter, Frequency, Vg,
Vd, Conductance_Frequency,
Capacitance_Frequency, Delay_Frequency)
This function returns a data set containing S-parameters
computed from a linear equivalent circuit model. Element
values for the linear equivalent circuit model are extracted
from the input S-parameter data set. The table of element
values for the linear equivalent circuit model are stored
internally to IC-CAP and can be accessed using
EEfet3_lecp(). In this manner, you can both examine how
well the linear equivalent circuit model fits measured
S-parameter data over frequency and see how the element
values behave over bias.
The reason for this 2-step process is that each IC-CAP
function can only return a data set of the same type and
dimension as the input data set. In the first step
(EEfet3_s2ckt) S-parameters are input (over frequency and
bias) and a computed set of S-parameters is returned (over
frequency and bias). The values of the linear equivalent
circuit model extracted are saved in a special internal
structure. The second step is to create a DUT/Setup that
only sweeps bias, not frequency. The function EEfet3_lecp is
then used to access the internal data structure and return
the linear equivalent circuit element value requested. The
output is then of the same type and array size as the bias
range. Element values can then be plotted against bias.
PEL Example:
computed_s_parameters = EEfet3_s2ckt(s_data, freq, Vg, Vd,
FG, FC, Ftau)
and in another DUT/Setup the next function recalls Cgs
saved
Cgs_data = EEfet3_lecp(Vg, Vd, “cgs”)
EEfet3_spars Computes modeled S-parameters based on the
current set of model parameters.
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Usage:
EEfet3_ spars
(measured_S_parameter_data_set,
Frequency, Vg, Vd)
Computes the bias-dependent model's intrinsic S-parameters
at each bias and frequency specified. The S-parameter data
set used as an input is only for the purpose of defining the
type and quantity of data this function will supply as an
output. Typical use would be comparing the computed set of
S-parameters to a set of measured data and using that
measured data as the S-parameter data set supplied as
input to this function
PEL Example:
computed_s_parameters = EEfet3_spars(s_data, freq, Vg, Vd)
EEmos1_ckt
This function is obsolete.
Returns the value of the selected linear equivalent circuit
element
Usage: EEmos1_ckt(Vg, Vd, <ckt_par_name>)
Vg and Vd are data sets that contain the bias conditions
where the linear equivalent circuit is computed. The desired
equivalent circuit element name is supplied in the third
parameter as a text string. Equivalent circuit element names
are: cgs, cgd, cds, ris, rid, gm and gds. The conductances
gma and gds are AC values and should be compared with
those extracted from S-parameter data.
PEL example that returns the computed requested element
value.
Cgs_data = EEmos1_ckt(Vg, Vd, “cgs”)
Cgd_data = EEmos1_ckt(Vg, Vd, “cgd”)
Cds_data = EEmos1_ckt(Vg, Vd, “cds”)
Ris_data = EEmos1_ckt(Vg, Vd, “ris”)
Rid_data = EEmos1_ckt(Vg, Vd, “rid”)
Gm_data = EEmos1_ckt(Vg, Vd, “gm”)
Tau_data = EEmos1_ckt(Vg, Vd, “tau”)
Gds_data = EEmos1_ckt(Vg, Vd, “gds”)
EEmos1_cs_dc_iv
This function is obsolete.
Computes the model’s common source bias response.
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Usage:
EEmos1_cs_dc_iv (Data_port_1,
Data_port_2, Mode_port_1, Mode_port_2,
response_port)
This function returns a data set containing the bias response
at the port specified by the fifth parameter (response_port).
The first 2 parameters are data sets that contain the bias
conditions forced at the respective ports. The next 2
parameters are strings that indicate whether current “I” or
voltage “V” is being forced. The fifth parameter is an index
that specifies which port’s (1 or 2) bias response will be
contained in the data set returned.
PEL Example:
Ids
Igs
Vds
Vgs
=
=
=
=
EEmos1_cs_dc_iv(Vg,
EEmos1_cs_dc_iv(Vg,
EEmos1_cs_dc_iv(Vg,
EEmos1_cs_dc_iv(Ig,
EEmos1_lecp
Vd,
Vd,
Id,
Vd,
“V”,
“V”,
“V”,
“I”,
“V”,
“V”,
“I”,
“V”,
2)
1)
2)
1)
This function is obsolete.
Returns the requested linear equivalent circuit parameter
value extracted from measured S-parameter data.
Usage: EEmos1_lecp (Vg, Vd, <ckt_par_name>)
This function is used in conjunction with EEmos1_s2ckt() to
extract and display linear equivalent circuit parameters from
measured S-parameter data. EEmos1_s2ckt does the
extraction of linear equivalent circuit parameters from
measured S-parameters and stores them internally to ICCAP.
EEmos1_lecp retrieves the linear equivalent circuit
parameter values. The specific element returned is requested
by the string in the third field of the function call. Valid
equivalent circuit element names are cgs, cdg, cds, ris, rid,
gm, and gds. An error condition will be flagged if a bias
condition is specified in EEmos1_lecp that was not in the
data stored by a previous call to EEmos1_s2ckt.
PEL example that returns the computed requested element
value.
Cgs_data = EEmos1_lecp(Vg, Vd, “cgs”)
Cgd_data = EEmos1_lecp(Vg, Vd, “cgd”)
Cds_data = EEmos1_lecp(Vg, Vd, “cds”)
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Ris_data = EEmos1_lecp(Vg, Vd, “ris”)
Rid_data = EEmos1_lecp(Vg, Vd, “rid”)
Gm_data = EEmos1_lecp(Vg, Vd, “gm”)
Tau_data = EEmos1_lecp(Vg, Vd, “tau”)
Gds_data = EEmos1_lecp(Vg, Vd, “gds”)
EEmos1_mdl
This function is obsolete.
Saves model parameters to a Series IV formatted file.
Usage: EEmos1_mdl(“file_name.txt”)
This function returns no data or result code. Upon
execution, an “MDIF” formatted data file containing the
existing set of model parameters is written to the current
working directory.
PEL example that saves a data file that can be read by
Series IV simulators.
dummy_result = EEmos1_mdl(“MRF_901.par”)
EEmos1_model_name
This function is obsolete.
A utility function that copies the model name into the
variable passed in as the argument.
Usage: EEmos1_model_name(variable):
Since PEL only has direct access to the relative path name
of local transforms and variables, this function parses out
the model’s “root” name and copies it as a string to the
variable specified as the argument. After execution, the
argument variable will contain a string containing the model
name.
Note: This function can be used with any model file; it is not
restricted to EEmos1.
PEL example that copies the model name into the variable
“MyName.”
dummy_result = EEmos1_modle_name(MyName)
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EEmos1_package
This function is obsolete.
A utility function that can either “embed or de-embed” the
effects of a package from S-parameter data provided as
input. The resultant set of S-parameters is returned as a
data set with the same frequency and bias conditions as the
input S-parameter data set.
Usage:
Efet3_package(S_parameter_data_set,
embed/deembed_flag, Rg, Rd, Rs, Lg, Ld,
Ls, Cxgs, Cxds, Cxgd, Z0_gate, length,
effective_velocity, Z0_drain, length,
effective_velocity)
This function either embeds or de-embeds the S-parameters
provided as input. The package topology used here is a very
simple series shunt representation of a component’s package.
The elements represented in the argument list work from the
intrinsic device to the outside wall of the package. The bond
wire and contact resistances are represented by the
arguments: Rg, Rd, Rs, Lg, Ld, Ls. The arguments Rg and Lg
are the input port’s (gate) series inductance and resistance.
Rs and Ls are the common lead’s inductance and resistance.
Rd and Ld are the output lead’s contact resistance and bond
inductance.
Three shunt capacitances are next and represent stray
capacitance of the package. Cxgs is connected from the
outside of the series impedances from gate-to-source nodes
just described. Cxgd is connected from the outside of the
series impedance from the gate to drain nodes just
described. Cxds is connected from the outside of the series
impedance from drain to source as just described.
The final series elements of the package model are
transmission lines. Z0_gate, length and effective velocity
describe the input transmission line connected at the gate
terminal of the package to the modified gate node just
outlined above. Z0_drain, length and effective velocity
describe the output transmission line connected at the drain
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terminal of the package to the modified drain node just
outlined above. There is no common lead transmission line
in this package model.
Because you must use the same values for each of these
arguments in many places in the IC-CAP model file, this
function is constructed to use model variables as arguments.
First: create 1 variable, in the model variable table, for each
of the function arguments (thus making it global to the
entire model in use). Then use the variables each time the
function is used. In this manner you can ensure that the
same values are being used to embed the model as were
extracted from measurements.
The first argument is the data set upon which the function
will operate. The second argument is a text string or
variable containing a text string “embed” or “deembed.” The
function will operate on the input data set as indicated by
the second argument.
PEL example that de-embeds a package from a
measurement:
s_intrinsic = EEmos1_package(measured_s, “deembed”, Rin,
Rout, Rcommon, Lin, Lout, Lcommon, Cx_InToCommon, CxInToOut,
CxOutToCommon, Z0_in, L_in, Evel, Z0_out, L_out, Evel)
EEmos1_ResCheck
This function is obsolete.
Verifies and adjusts variables that are used to control swept
measurements.
Usage:
EEmos1_ResCheck(Start, Stop,
Number_of_Points, resolution)
Each argument of EEmos1_ResCheck is a model variable.
These variables are used in DUT/Setups to control
measurements. Each type of measurement equipment has
resolution limitations. Start, stop, and step size must be
within the equipment’s resolution before a measurement can
be successful. For example, the HP/Agilent 4142 cannot
resolve voltages with greater accuracy than 1 millivolt. There
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are several conditions that must be accounted for to
guarantee proper control of the measurement equipment in
use.
The following sequence of steps should be followed to ensure
that equipment limitations are not violated. First, the start
value is rounded to a “resolvable” measurement value as
specified by the argument “resolution.” The end point is then
rounded. The step size is then calculated [step = (stop-start)
/ points] and rounded to the proper resolution. The end
point is then re-computed and adjusted to exactly fit the
number of steps requested [stop = start + step * points].
Because of this adjustment, you may see the “stop” point
change after this function is called. The last case is where
the step size is below the minimum resolution. In this case,
the step size is set to the minimum resolution and the
starting point is placed that number of points away and the
number of points is adjusted. The “resolution” argument is
the only value that will not change upon execution of this
function.
PEL Example:
dummy_result = EEmos1ResCheck(Vstart, Vstop, NumPoints,
v_res)
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IC-CAP Functions
EEmos1_s2ckt
This function is obsolete.
Converts S-parameters to a table of linear equivalent circuit
element values.
Usage:
EEmos1_ s2ckt (S_parameter, Frequency,
Vg, Vd, Conductance_Frequency,
Capacitance_Frequency, Delay_Frequency)
This function returns a data set containing S-parameters
computed from a linear equivalent circuit model. Element
values for the linear equivalent circuit model are extracted
from the input S-parameter data set. The table of element
values for the linear equivalent circuit model are stored
internally to IC-CAP and can be accessed using
EEmos1_lecp(). In this manner, you can both examine how
well the linear equivalent circuit model fits measured
S-parameter data over frequency and see how the element
values behave over bias.
The reason for this 2-step process is that each IC-CAP
function can only return a data set of the same type and
dimension as the input data set. In the first step
(EEmos1_s2ckt) S-parameters are input (over frequency and
bias) and a computed set of S-parameters is returned (over
frequency and bias). The values of the linear equivalent
circuit model extracted are saved in a special internal
structure. The second step is to create a DUT/Setup that
only sweeps bias, not frequency. The function EEmos1_lecp
is then used to access the internal data structure and return
the linear equivalent circuit element value requested. The
output is then of the same type and array size as the bias
range. Element values can then be plotted against bias.
PEL Example:
computed_s_parameters = EEmos1_s2ckt(s_data, freq, Vg, Vd,
FG, FC, Ftau)
and in another DUT/Setup the next function recalls Cgs
saved
Cgs_data = EEmos1_lecp(Vg, Vd, “cgs”)
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EEmos1_spars
This function is obsolete.
Computes modeled S-parameters based on the current set of
model parameters.
Usage:
EEmos1_ spars
(measured_S_parameter_data_set,
Frequency, Vg, Vd)
Computes the bias-dependent model's intrinsic S-parameters
at each bias and frequency specified. The S-parameter data
set used as an input is only for the purpose of defining the
type and quantity of data this function will supply as an
output. Typical use would be comparing the computed set of
S-parameters to a set of measured data and using that
measured data as the S-parameter data set supplied as
input to this function
PEL Example:
computed_s_parameters = EEmos1_spars(s_data, freq, Vg, Vd)
equation Uses the Parameter Extraction Language
interpreter to evaluate an expression and produce a data
set. This function is rarely needed, since arithmetic
expressions are directly accepted in plot definitions and in
the input fields to all of the other functions listed here.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Input (must be IC-CAP recognized
data names and not strings in
quote marks)
Complex number, matrix, complex
array, or matrix array (depends on
input argument)
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
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exp The arithmetic exponential function; the inverse of the
function log.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Input 1
Complex number, matrix, complex
array, or matrix array (depends on
input argument)
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
fit_line Calculates and returns a least-squares fitted line.
Accepts an X data set followed by a Y data set. If the Y data
has multiple curves (steps), fit_line yields multiple fitted
lines, 1 for each curve. Use linfit for the slope and intercept,
rather than a plottable data set. If the OVERRIDE_LIMITS
variable is TRUE, the limits can be specified manually with
the X_LOW and X_HIGH variables, which can be set from
the Plot menu. Note: the imaginary part of the input data
sets is disregarded.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
X Data, Y Data
Array of real numbers; size
determined by inputs
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
floor Returns the largest integer not greater than the given
value.
Input Arguments:
Reals:
Output:
Number
Single real
Automatic Invocation: On Input Change
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FNPort Switching matrix function. Returns the port address
for the specified port number. The port address is used by
the Connect function. For more information regarding this
function, refer to “External Matrix Driver User Functions” on
page 166 for more information.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
Port Number
Single number with exit status
Automatic Invocation: None
GAASAC_calc_rc Calculates capacitance and AC parameters
from S-parameter measurements. Requires the following
setup:
S versus Freq, with Vds and Vgs = typical operating values
If S-parameter data from the parasitic_r_l setup is supplied
as an input, this data is converted to Z-parameters and
subtracted before calculating the intrinsic values for Zds.
This function can be used to plot the data that is used for
extraction in the GAASAC_r_and_c function. Output is a
complex array that is controlled by the Mode input. Valid
modes are:
GS - RGS in real array, CGS in complex array
GD - RGD, CGD
DS - RDS, CDS
A5 - TAU, A5
G0 - CGS0, CGD0
GM - YGM
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
IC-CAP Reference
F Swp, S Parameters, VG, VD, S
Pars RL
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Mode
Output:
Array of complex numbers; size
determined by inputs
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Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
GAASAC_calc_rl Calculates inductances and resistances
from an S-parameter measurement made at a single bias.
Requires the following setup:
S versus Freq, with high Vgs and Vds = 0
Determine the bias point by measuring the device with the
gate strongly forward biased. Typically, Vd = Vs = 0 with Vg
positive. Ig should be more than 100 mA/mm, with Id
approximately equal to Ig/2 at a typical operating frequency.
This function can be used to plot the resistance and
inductance data that is used for extraction in the
GAASAC_l_and_r function. Output is in the form of Z data
for the G, D, or S Node. If IG is specified as an input, the
dynamic resistance is subtracted during the calculation of
RG. If Deembed is TRUE, the bond inductance and pad
capacitance are used in the calculation of resistance and
inductance.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
F Swp, S Parameters, IG
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Deembed, Node
Output:
Array of complex numbers; size
determined by inputs
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
GAASAC_cur Standard extraction for the Curtice GaAs
model. Extracts the capacitance and AC parameters from
S-parameter measurements. Requires the following setup:
S versus Freq, with Vds and Vgs = typical operating values
If the variables LINEAR_CGS, LINEAR_CGD, or
CONSTANT_TAU are true, CGS, CGD, or TAU are extracted,
respectively. Depending on the device, optimization may be
required to tune the parameter values.
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Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Frequency, Gate V, Drain V, S Par
Output
Output:
None
Extracts:
LD, LG, LS, RD, RG, RS
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
GAASAC_l_and_r Standard extraction for the UCB and
Curtice GaAs models. Extracts inductances and resistances
from an S-parameter measurement made at a single bias.
Requires the following setup:
S versus Freq, with high Vgs and Vds = 0
Determine the bias point by measuring the device with the
gate strongly forward biased. Typically, Vd = Vs = 0 with Vg
positive. Ig should be more than 100 mA/mm, with Id
approximately equal to Ig/2 at a typical operating frequency.
The frequency can be either constant or swept. The
extracted parameter values are averaged over a frequency
range specified by the X_LOW and X_HIGH variables, which
can be set from the Plot menu. If these variables are not set,
the entire frequency range is used. If IG is specified as an
input, the dynamic resistance is subtracted during the
calculation of RG. If Deembed is true, the bond inductance
and pad capacitance are used in the calculation of resistance
and inductance. Optimization can be used to tune the
parameter values, but should not typically be required.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Const F Swp, S Parameters, IG
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Deembed
Output:
None
Extracts:
LD, LG, LS, RD, RG, RS
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
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GAASAC_r_and_c Alternate AC extraction for the UCB and
Curtice GaAs models. Extracts the capacitance and AC
parameters from S-parameter measurements. Requires the
following Setup:
S versus Freq, with Vds and Vgs = typical operating
values.
The extracted parameter values are averaged over a
frequency range specified by the X_LOW and X_HIGH
variables, which can be set from the Plot menu. If these
variables are not set, the entire frequency range is used. For
the Curtice model, if the variables LINEAR_CGS,
LINEAR_CGD, or CONSTANT_TAU are TRUE, CGS, CGD, or
TAU are extracted, respectively. Also for the Curtice Model,
the parameters CGDN, RGDN, and RDS are extracted if they
are defined as either parameters or variables. If CGDN is
defined, then both CGD and CGDO are set to 0. For the UCB
model, CDS is extracted if it is defined as a parameter or
variable. For both models, YGM_MAG and YGM_PHASE are
extracted if they are defined as variables. If S-parameter
data from the parasitic_r_l Setup is supplied as an input,
this data is converted to Z- parameters and subtracted
before calculating the intrinsic values for Zds. Depending on
the device, optimization may be required to tune the
parameter values.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
F Swp, S Parameters, VG, VD, S
Pars RL
Output:
None
Extracts:
Curtice:
CGSO, CGDO, CDS, RIN, A5
Optionally - CGS, CGD, TAU,
CGDN, RGDN, RDS, YGM_MAG,
YGM_PHASE UCB: CGS, CGD
Optionally - CDS, YGM_MAG,
YGM_PHASE
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Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
GAASCV_cgs_cgd Standard extraction for the UCB GaAs
model. Extracts junction capacitances from S-parameter data
measured with VGS and VDS held constant. Requires the
following Setup:
S versus Freq, with Vds and Vgs = typical operating
values.
Optimization can be used to tune the parameter values, but
should not typically be required.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Freq Sweep, Const Vgs Sw, Const
Vds Sw, S Par Output
Output:
None
Extracts:
CGD, CGS
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
GAASDC_cur1 Standard extraction for the Curtice GaAs
model. Extracts the threshold parameters from DC
measurements. Requires the following Setup:
Id versus Vgs, with high Vds.
Depending on the device, optimization may be required to
tune the parameter values. The optimization should not
include too much of the pinch-off region.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Gate V, Drain V, Drain I
Output:
None
Extracts:
Level 1: VTO Level 2: A0, A1, A2,
A3
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
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GAASDC_cur2 Standard extraction for the Curtice GaAs
model. Extracts the linear and saturation parameters from
DC measurements. Requires the following Setup:
Id versus Vds versus Vgs.
Optimization is typically required to tune the parameter
values.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Drain V, Gate V, Drain I
Output:
None
Extracts:
Level 1: BETA, LAMBDA, ALPHA
Level 2: BETA, GAMMA
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
GAASDC_lev1 Standard extraction for the UCB and Curtice
GaAs models. Extracts diode (and optionally resistance)
parameters from DC measurements. Requires the following
Setups:
Ig versus Vg, with Vd = 0 and S floating.
Ig versus Vg, with Vd less than 50 mV.
Ig versus Vg, with Vs = 0 and D floating.
The Vg limits for the diode parameter extraction are
automatically selected. If the OVERRIDE_LIMITS variable is
TRUE, these limits can be specified manually with the
X_LOW and X_HIGH variables, which can be set from the
Plot menu. Omit the resistance extraction (useful if
resistances were extracted using GAASAC_l_and_r) by
specifying only the first Setup of the 3 listed above.
Optimization can be used to tune the parameter values, but
should not typically be required.
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Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
VG (S Flt), IG (S Flt), VG (low
Vds), VD (low Vds), ID (low Vds),
VG (D Flt), IG (D Flt)
Output:
None
Extracts:
UCB: PB, IS, XN
Curtice: VBI, IS, N
Optionally: RD, RS
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
GAASDC_lev2 Standard extraction for the UCB GaAs model.
Extracts the drain current parameters from DC
measurements. Requires the following setups:
Id versus Vd versus Vg
Id versus Vg, with Vd = constant
Depending on the device, the following parameters may
require optimization: VTO, BETA, ALPHA, LAMBDA over Id
versus Vd. VTO, BETA, B over Id versus Vg.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
IdVg VG, IdVg VD, IdVg ID, IdVg IG,
IdVd VD, IdVd VG, IdVd ID, IdVd
IG
Output:
None
Extracts:
VTO, BETA, ALPHA, LAMBDA, B
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
GAASDC_rd DC RD extraction for the UCB and Curtice
GaAs models. Requires the following setup:
Vsd versus Ig, with the source floating and the drain
grounded
This extraction can be used to extract RD when AC
measurements are not available, or to verify the value
extracted from the GAASAC_l_and_r function.
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Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
IG, VS
Output:
None
Extracts:
RD
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
GAASDC_rs DC RS extraction for the UCB and Curtice
GaAs models. Requires the following setup:
Vds versus Ig, with the drain floating and the source
grounded
This extraction can be used to extract RS when AC
measurements are not available, or to verify the value
extracted from the GAASAC_l_and_r function.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
IG, VD
Output:
None
Extracts:
RS
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
GAASmod_cgd Given the drain, gate, and source voltages,
calculates gate-drain capacitance according to the UCB GaAs
model.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Drain V, Gate V, Source V
Array of real numbers; size
determined by inputs
Automatic Invocation: None
GAASmod_cgs Given the drain, gate, and source voltages,
calculates gate-source capacitance according to the UCB
GaAs model.
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8
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Drain V, Gate V, Source V
Array of real numbers; size
determined by inputs
Automatic Invocation: None
GAASmod_id Given the drain, gate, and source voltages,
calculates drain current according to the UCB GaAs model.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Drain V, Gate V, Source V
Array of real numbers; size
determined by inputs
Automatic Invocation: None
GAASmod_ig Given the drain, gate, and source voltages,
calculates gate current according to the UCB GaAs model.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Drain V, Gate V, Source V
Array of real numbers; size
determined by inputs
Automatic Invocation: None
H11corr Produces an input impedance curve corrected for
the effects of base to collector feedthrough impedance. The
corrected output is used as input to the RBBcalc function
described below.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
IC-CAP Reference
FREQ, VB, VC, H11
Array of complex numbers; size
determined by inputs
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Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
HFBJT_linear_elem_extr
time.
HFBJT_linear_ssmod_sim
time.
No documentation available at this
No documentation available at this
HFMOD_get_bias_size Finds the number of bias points in a
data set. For sweeps that don't include a frequency sweep, this
is the same as the total number of points in the dataset.
Usage: HFMOD_get_bias_size(<Dataset name>, <Setup
path>)
Input Arguments:
<Dataset name>
Name if dataset to be checked
<Setup path>
Variable containing path of dataset
Example PEL statement:
data_size = HFMOD_get_bias_size("s", PATH)
HFMOD_get_freq_index Finds the array index of the
frequency point nearest to (>=) the specified frequency value.
Usage:
HFMOD_get_freq_index(<Setup
path>, <Freq value>)
Input Arguments:
<Setup path>
Variable containing path of dataset
<Freq value>
Variable containing frequency value
Example PEL statement:
index_freq_cap = HFMOD_get_freq_index(PATH, FREQ_CAP)
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HFMOD_get_freq_value
an index value.
Usage:
Finds a specific frequency value, given
HFMOD_get_freq_value(<Setup
path>, <Freq index>)
Input Arguments:
<Setup path>
Variable containing path of dataset
<Freq index>
Variable containing frequency index
Example PEL statement:
freq_cap = HFMOD_get_freq_value(PATH, index_freq_cap)
HFMOD_remove_freq_dbl Reduces a matrix of bias and
frequency dependent data (type double) down to a bias
dependent matrix only.
Usage:
HFMOD_remove_freq_dbl(<Input
double>, <Dataset name>, <Setup
path>)
Input Arguments:
<Input double>
Dummy input matrix (must be
dimensioned to desired size of
output matrix)
<Dataset name>
Name of dataset to be reduced
<Setup path>
Variable containing path of dataset
to be reduced
HFMOD_remove_freq_mat Reduces a complex matrix of bias
and frequency dependent 2-port parameters down to a bias
dependent matrix only.
Usage:
HFMOD_remove_freq_mat(<Input
matrix>, <Freq Index>, <Dataset
name>, <Setup path>)
Input Arguments:
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<Input matrix>
Dummy input matrix (must be
dimensioned to desired size of
output matrix)
<Freq Index>
Variable containing frequency index
of desired frequency point
<Dataset name>
Name of dataset to be reduced
<Setup path>
Variable containing path of dataset
to be reduced
Example PEL statement:
s_cond = HFMOD_remove_freq_mat(dummy_mat, INDEX_FREQ_CAP,
"s", PATH)
HFMOS3_capas
This function is obsolete.
Extracts the overlap capacitances CGSO and CGDO and the
oxide thickness TOX from the capacitance data.
Extracts:
HFMOS3_lin_large
CGDO, CGSO, TOX
This function is obsolete.
Standard extraction for the HF MOS Level 3 model. Extracts
classical Level 3 parameters, using Id versus Vg data from a
large device.
Extracts:
HFMOS3_lin_narrow
VTO, NSUB, UO, THETA, DELTA,
RDS
This function is obsolete.
Standard extraction for the HF MOS Level 3 model. Extracts
Level 3 width parameters, using Id versus Vg data from a
narrow device.
Extracts:
518
WD, DELTA
IC-CAP Reference
IC-CAP Functions
HFMOS3_lin_short
8
This function is obsolete.
Standard extraction for the HF MOS Level 3 model. Extracts
Level 3 length effect parameters, using Id versus Vg data
from a short device.
Extracts:
XJ, LD, RDS
HFMOS3_modcap
This function is obsolete.
Calculates the Gate-Source and Gate-Drain capacitances
according to the Meyer model or Bulk-Drain junction
capacitance according to the UCB MOS model.
HFMOS3_paras
This function is obsolete.
Extracts gate, drain and source parasitic resistances and
inductances from the impedance data.
Extracts:
RS, RD, RG, LSS, LDD, LGG
HFMOS3_sat_short
This function is obsolete.
Standard extraction for the HF MOS Level 3 model. Extracts
Level 3 saturation parameters, using Id versus Vd data from
a short device.
Extracts:
HFMOS3_StoC
VMAX, KAPPA
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates capacitance data from S-parameter
data, allowing gate-source , gate-drain, and junction
capacitances to be calculated from network analyzer
measurements. The output of this function can be used in
place of actual capacitance data to extract capacitance
related parameters.
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IC-CAP Functions
HFMOS3_StoZ
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates impedance data from S-parameter
data, allowing gate, drain, and source impedances to be
calculated from network analyzer measurements. The output
of this function can be used in place of actual impedance
data to extract the parasitics parameters.
HFMOS3_sub_large
This function is obsolete.
Standard extraction for the HF MOS Level 3 model. Extracts
Level 3 subthreshold parameters, using Id versus Vg data
from a large device. Initializes ETA for later optimization.
Extracts:
HFMOS3_total_cap
NFS, ETA
This function is obsolete.
Extracts the total PN junction capacitance parameters from
the bottom and sidewall. Requires C-V measurement on 2
different geometries. The first measurement should be on a
device in which the bottom capacitance dominates. The
second measurement should be on a device in which the
sidewall capacitance dominates.
Extracts:
CJ, MJ, CJSW, MJSW, PB
HP5250_bias_card HP 5250A Switching Matrix function.
Bias-enables all the output ports for the specified card.
Syntax
HP5250_bias_card(CardNumber, “CardState”)
Where
CardNumber specifies the card (allowed values 0-4, 0 =
auto configuration mode)
“CardState” is the card's state (allowed values are
ENABLE/DISABLE or E/D)
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HP5250_bias_channel HP 5250A Switching Matrix function.
Bias-enables the specified output ports in the channel list.
Note that the input ports are ignored since the input port is
always the Bias Input Port.
Syntax
HP5250_bias_channel (“State”, “Channel list”)
Where
“State” is the output port's state (allowed values are
ENABLE/DISABLE or E/D)
“Channel list” is the list of channels, known as connection
routes. Example channel list: (@10102, 10203,
10305:10307)
HP5250_bias_init HP 5250A Switching Matrix function.
Selects the bias port. When using the HP E5255A card, the
Input Bias Port is the dedicated bias port; however, for the
HP E5252A the Input Bias Port must be selected using this
function.
Syntax
HP5250_bias_init(CardNumber, InputBiasPort)
Where
Card Number specifies the card (allowed values 0-4, 0 =
auto configuration mode)
InputBiasPort specifies the input bias port number
(allowed values are 1-10)
HP5250_bias_setmode HP 5250A Switching Matrix function.
Enables the bias mode for the specified card once Input Bias
Port and Enabled Output ports have been specified.
Syntax
HP5250_bias_setmode (CardNumber, “BiasMode”)
Where
CardNumber specifies the card (allowed values 0-4, 0 =
auto configuration mode)
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“BiasMode” sets the bias mode on or off (allowed values
are ON/OFF or 1/0)
When Bias Mode is ON, the Input Bias Port is connected to
all the Bias Enabled output ports that are not connected to
any other input ports. Bias Disabled output ports are never
connected to an Input Bias Port when Bias Mode is ON.
• If another input port is disconnected from a bias enabled
output port, this port is automatically connected to the
Input Bias Port.
• If another input port is connected to a Bias Enabled
output port, the output port is automatically disconnected
from the Bias Input port.
When Bias Mode is OFF, the Input Bias Port is the same as
the other ports.
HP5250_card_config HP 5250A Switching Matrix function.
Changes the default configuration for the specified card.
When the connection rule is FREE (default mode), each
input port can be connected to multiple output ports and
each output port can be connected to multiple input ports.
When the connection is SINGLE, each input port can be
connected to only 1 output. Connection sequence specifies
the open/close sequence of the relays when changing from
an existing connection to a new connection.
Syntax
HP5250_card_config (CardNumber, “ConnRule”,
“ConnSequence”)
Where
CardNumber specifies the card (0 for AUTO configuration
mode)
“ConnRule” is FREE/SINGLE (default is FREE)
“ConnSequence” is NSEQ/BBM/MBBR (default is BBM)
NSEQ (No SEQuence): Disconnect old route, connect new
route.
BBM (Break Before Make): Disconnect old route, wait,
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connect new route.
MBBR (Make Before BReak): Connect new route, wait,
disconnect old route.
HP5250_compensate_cap HP 5250A Switching Matrix
function. Equivalent to IC-CAP C routine for the HP BASIC
capacitance compensation routine called Ccompen_5250
supplied with the HP 5250A. It returns a 2 by 1 matrix (2
rows, 1 column) defined as follows:
output.11 represents compensated capacitance data [F].
output.21 represents compensated conductance data [S].
Syntax
HP5250_compensate_cap (RawCap, RawCond, Freq,
HPTriaxLength, UserTriaxLengthHigh,
UserTriaxLengthLow,
UserCoaxLengthHigh,
UserCoaxLengthLow)
Where
RawCap is Input Dataset containing raw capacitance data
[F]
RawCond is the Input Dataset containing raw conductance
data [S]
Freq is the measured frequency [Hz]
HPTriaxLength is the Triax Cable Length [m]
UserTriaxLengthHigh is the user Triax Cable Length
(High) [m]
UserTriaxLengthLow is the user Triax Cable Length (Low)
[m]
UserCoaxLengthHigh is the user Coax Cable Length (High)
[m]
UserCoaxLengthLow is the user Coax Cable Length (Low)
[m]
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HP5250_connect HP 5250A Switching Matrix function.
Connects or disconnects specified channels. Note that Bias
Mode and/or coupling Mode are also taken into account
when a channel is closed or opened.
Syntax
HP5250_connect (“Action”, “Channel list”)
Where
“Action” connects or disconnects channels (allowed values
are C and D)
“Channel list” is the list of connection routes to be
switched Example: In the list (@10102, 10203:10205), the
following channels are connected or disconnected on card
1:
• Input port 1 to output port 2.
• Input port 2 to output port 3, 4, and 5.
HP5250_couple_enable HP 5250A Switching Matrix function.
Enables couple port mode. Couple port allows synchronized
connection of 2 adjacent input ports to 2 adjacent output
ports.
Syntax
HP5250_couple_enable (CardNumber, “CoupleState”)
Where
CardNumber specifies the card (allowed values 0-4, 0 =
auto configuration mode)
“CoupleState” is the coupled state (allowed values are
ON/OFF or 1/0)
HP5250_couple_setup HP 5250A Switching Matrix function.
Sets up couple ports for making kelvin connections.
Syntax
HP5250_couple_setup (CardNumber, “InputPorts”)
Where
CardNumber specifies the card (allowed values 0-4, 0 =
auto configuration mode)
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8
“InputPorts” is the list of coupled ports Example: In the
list “1,3,5,7,9” the coupled ports are 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8,
9-10
HP5250_debug HP 5250A Switching Matrix function. Used
only for debugging. When the debug flag is set to 1, all the
functions print out all the command strings that are sent to
the instruments. Set flag using the values 1 or 0, or use YES
or NO.
Syntax
HP5250_debug(<flag>)
HP5250_disconnect_card HP 5250A Switching Matrix
function. Opens all relays or channels in the specified cards.
Syntax
HP5250_disconnect_card (CardNumber)
Where
CardNumber specifies the card (allowed values 0-4, 0 =
auto configuration mode)
HP5250_init HP 5250A Switching Matrix function. Must be
run first to initialize the instrument with the address and
interface. Using this transform the configuration mode can
be set to AUTO. When the instrument is in AUTO
configuration mode the same type of card must be installed
in the HP 5250 slots from slot 1 continuously. The installed
cards are then treated as 1 card (numbered 0).
Syntax
HP5250_init (BusAddress, “Interface”, “Configuration”)
Where
BusAddress is interface bus address (default is 22)
“Interface” is interface name (default is hpib)
“Configuration” is AUTO/NORMAL A/N (default is
NORMAL)
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HP5250_show HP 5250A Switching Matrix function. Has no
inputs. Returns to the standard output (screen or file) the
following data about the instrument status:
Instrument Name
Instrument Configuration (AUTO/NORMAL).
The following information is output for each card installed in
the instrument (card 0 if the instrument is in auto
configuration mode):
Connection mode
Connection sequence
Input Bias Port
Enabled Output Bias Ports
Bias Sate (ON/OFF)
Coupled Input Ports (only lower number is listed, e.g.,
“3,5” means ports 3 and 4 are coupled)
Couple Port Mode (ON/OFF)
Connection Matrix Inputs(10)xOutputs(12,24,36, or48).
HPdiode_C Produces an array of data that contains the
high-frequency intrinsic capacitance at measured bias points
for the Agilent Root Diode model.
Output:
Array of real numbers; size
determined by the setup
Automatic Invocation: None
HPdiode_C2 Produces an array of data that contains the
high-frequency intrinsic capacitance at measured bias points
for the Agilent Root Diode model.
Output Array of real numbers; size determined by the
setup
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HPdiode_I Produces an array of data that contains the
current values at measured bias points for the Agilent Root
Diode model.
Output Array of real numbers; size determined by the
setup
HPdiode_Q Produces an array of data that contains the
charge values at measured bias points for the Agilent Root
Diode model.
Output Array of real numbers; size determined by the
setup
HPdiode_R Produces an array of data that contains the
intrinsic resistance at measured bias points for the
Agilent Root Diode model.
Output Array of real numbers; size determined by the
setup
HPdiode_S11i Produces an array of data that contains the
imaginary part of S11 at measured bias points for the
Agilent Root Diode model.
Output Array of real numbers; size determined by the
setup
HPdiode_S11r Produces an array of data that contains the
real part of S11 at measured bias points for the Agilent Root
Diode model.
Output Array of real numbers, size determined by the
setup
HPdiode_V Produces an array of data that contains the
voltage values at measured bias points for the Agilent Root
Diode model.
HPdiode_data_acqu Extraction function for acquiring data
for the Agilent Root Diode model. Adaptively takes data
throughout the safe operating range of the device.
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IC-CAP Functions
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Vmax, Vmin, Max step, Min step,
Noise level, Eps
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
HPdiode_fgrt
No documentation available at this time
HPdiode_fless
No documentation available at this time
HPdiode_iextr
No documentation available at this time
HPdiode_mdl Extraction function for generating the
Agilent Root Diode model.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Extracts:
LowBound V, HighBound V,
Extraction f
Generates the model function and
look-up table
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
HPdiode_para_at_f Calculates parasitics at the specified
frequency for the Agilent Root Diode model.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Extracts:
Extraction f
cac, cag, ccg, R, L_tot
HPdiode_para_f Extracts parasitic elements and writes them
to the Para.data file.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Reals or Integers:
528
Freq, S param, I
Ideality
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Output:
HPdiode_wr
None
Writes the inputs to the Measured.data file.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
HPIB_abort
Freq, S param, I, V
Breaks GPIB communication and resets the bus.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
File descriptor returned from
HPIB_open()
0 for success, -1 for error.
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
x = HPIB_abort(file_num)
HPIB_clear Sends a Device Clear command to an
instrument.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
File descriptor returned from
HPIB_open(), target GPIB address.
0 for success, -1 for error.
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
x = HPIB_clear(file_num, 16)
HPIB_close
resources.
IC-CAP Reference
Terminates GPIB communication and releases
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Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
File descriptor returned from
HPIB_open().
0 for success, -1 for error.
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
x = HPIB_close(file_num)
HPIB_command
bus.
Sends a single GPIB command byte on the
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
File descriptor returned from
HPIB_open(), command byte.
0 for success, −1 for error.
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
x = HPIB_command(file_num, 20) ! DCL
HPIB_eoi Enables or disables if eoi is sent with last byte
transmitted.
Usage:
HPIB_eio(EID,eoiFlag)
Input Arguments:
EID
Specifies the descriptor returned
from HPIB_open()
eoiFlag
0 for disable, 1 for enable
Output:
0 for success, −1 for error
HPIB_fwrite Formatted write to GPIB. Writes a variety of
formats to the designated instrument.
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Usage:
HPIB_fwrite(EID,Address,numBytes,
numericalData,convertChar)
Input Arguments:
EID
Specifies the descriptor returned
from HPIB_open()
Address
Specifies the address of the
instrument
numBytes
Specifies how many bytes to read
from the bus
numericalData
Specifies the number to be written
out
convertChar
Specifies how to interpret the bytes
as follows:
“F” Must request numBytes=4 or
numBytes=8
Numerical data will be converted
to a single or double precision
number and sent across the bus.
“I” Must request numBytes=2 or
numBytes=4
Numerical data will be converted
to a 2’s complement number of the
specified size and sent across the
bus.
Output:
0 for success, −1 for error
HPIB_open Initiates GPIB communication and reserves
resources. Instrument control through GPIB should use this
function family to be portable across platforms. Defined in
userc_io.c.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
IC-CAP Reference
Interface file name. Refer to
Measurement chapter.
File descriptor.
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Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
file_num = HPIB_open("hpib") ! for s700
file_num = HPIB_open("/dev/gpib0") ! for Sun
HPIB_read Reads a variety of formats from the designated
instrument.
Usage:
HPIB_read(EID,Address,numBytes,F
ormat,Variable)
Input Arguments:
EID
Specifies the descriptor returned
from HPIB_open()
Address
Specifies the address of the
instrument
numBytes
Specifies how many bytes to read
from the bus
Format
Specifies how to interpret the bytes
as follows:
“A” Return an ASCII string less
than or equal to numBytes in
length (depending on EOI and Null
characters read.) Allow for a
terminator in your numBytes
length, but this terminator will be
stripped from the return.
“F” Must request numBytes=4 or
numBytes=8 Result will be these
bytes interpreted as a normal
ordered single or double precision
number.
“I” Must request numBytes=2 or
numBytes=4 Result will be these
bytes interpreted as a normal
ordered 2’s complement integer.
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“C” Must request numBytes=1.
Result will be this byte interpreted
as a normal ordered unsigned
integer.
“H” Interprets a string of
characters as a hexadecimal
number and outputs the decimal
equivalent. NumBytes may be any
length. Hexadecimal interpretation
will continue until a non
hexadecimal character or NULL
byte is encountered. hexadecimal
character set [0-9, a-f, A-F].
“O” Interprets a string of
characters as an octal number and
outputs the decimal equivalent.
NumBytes may be any length. Octal
interpretation will continue until a
non-octal character or NULL byte
is encountered. octal character set
[0-7].
Variable
Specifies the name of a variable in
a variable table will receive the read
data.
Output:
0 for success, −1 for error
HPIB_read_reals This function was obsoleted and replaced
by “HPIB_read” on page 532.
Reads multiple real numbers from a designated instrument.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
IC-CAP Reference
File descriptor returned from
HPIB_open(), target GPIB address,
an optional scanf() format to pick
up a real number. If the format is
blank, “%lf” is used.
Array of real numbers.
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Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
x = HPIB_read_reals(file_num, 16, "%lf\n")
HPIB_readnum This function was obsoleted and replaced by
“HPIB_read” on page 532.
Reads a single real number from a designated instrument.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
File descriptor returned from
HPIB_open(), target GPIB address,
an optional scanf() format to pick
up a real number. If the format is
blank, “%lf” is used.
a real number (the value
9.99998E+37 means an error
occurred).
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
data = HPIB_readnum(file_num, 16, "")
HPIB_readstr This function was obsoleted and replaced by
“HPIB_read” on page 532.
Reads a single character string from a designated
instrument.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
534
File descriptor returned from
HPIB_open(), target GPIB address,
an optional scanf() format to pick
up a real number, a variable name
that receives the character string.
If the format is blank, “%[^\r\n]*”
is used to exclude CR/LF.
0 for success, -1 for error.
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8
IC-CAP Functions
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
x = HPIB_readstr(file_num, 16, "%s\n", "IC-CAP_variable")
HPIB_spoll Reads a status byte from a designated
instrument.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
File descriptor returned from
HPIB_open(), target GPIB address.
status byte (real number)
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
status = HPIB_spoll(file_num, 16)
HPIB_srq
Tests if SRQ line of the bus is True or False.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
File descriptor returned from
HPIB_open().
1 for True, 0 for False, −1 for error
Output:
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
srq = HPIB_srq(file_num)
HPIB_timeout
Sets the GPIB timeout.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
File descriptor returned from
HPIB_open(), timeout in seconds.
0 for success, −1 for error
Automatic Invocation: None
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Example PEL Statement:
x = HPIB_timeout(file_num, 10) ! timeout on 10 sec
HPIB_write This function was obsoleted and replaced by
“HPIB_fwrite” on page 530.
Sends a character string to a designated instrument.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
File descriptor returned from
HPIB_open(), target GPIB address,
a character string to be sent that
allows normal C escapes.
0 for success, −1 for error
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
x = HPIB_write(file_num, 16, "*IDN?\n")
HPMOS_process_pars Allows specification of initial values
for the Agilent MOS process related parameters LD, RS,
RSH, TOX, WD, and XJ. The drain resistance RD is set equal
to the specified value of RS.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Lateral Diffusion, Source
Resistance, Sheet Resistance, Oxide
Thickness, Width Reduction
Output:
None
Extracts:
(not applicable)
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
HPMOSDC_lin_large Standard extraction for the Agilent
MOS model. Extracts classical parameters using Id versus Vg
measured on a large device.
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Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Gate V, Bulk V, Drain V, Drain I
Output:
None
Extracts:
VTO, NSUB, UO, VNORM
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
HPMOSDC_lin_narrow Standard extraction for the Agilent
MOS model. Extracts width effect parameters using Id versus
Vg measured on a narrow device.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Gate V, Bulk V, Drain V, Drain I
Output:
None
Extracts:
WD, VWFF, WFF
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
HPMOSDC_lin_short Standard extraction for the Agilent MOS
model. Extracts length effect parameters using Id versus Vg
measured on a short device.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Gate V, Bulk V, Drain V, Drain I
Output:
None
Extracts:
LD, VDFF, LFF
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
HPMOSDC_sat_short Standard extraction for the Agilent
MOS model. Extracts saturation parameters using Id versus
Vd measured on a short device.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
IC-CAP Reference
Gate V, Bulk V, Drain V, Drain I
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8
IC-CAP Functions
Output:
None
Extracts:
ETRA, ECRIT, DESAT
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
HPRoot_data_acqu Extraction function for acquiring data for
the Agilent Root model. Adaptively takes data throughout
the safe operating range of the device.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
None
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
HPRoot_FET Extraction function for generating the
Agilent Root FET model.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
None
Extracts:
Generates the model functions and
look-up table.
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
HPRoot_fet_acqu Extraction function for acquiring data for
the Agilent Root FET model. Adaptively takes data
throughout the safe operating range of the device.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
Power level, I_Brk, I_Fwd, Min Vd,
Max Vd, Min Vg, Max Vg, Min step,
Max step, Vp, Delta, Vdiode. Eps,
Noise thresh, SMU Compl
None
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
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HPRoot_FET_t Extraction function for generating the
Agilent Root FET model.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Extracts:
vd_start, vg_start, t_dispersion
Generates the model function and
look-up table
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
HPRoot_Id Produces array of data that contains the drain
current values at measured bias points for Agilent Root FET
model.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Array of real numbers; size
determined by setup
Automatic Invocation: None
HPRoot_Idh Produces array of data that contains the high
frequency current values at measured bias points for
Agilent Root FET model.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Array of real numbers; size
determined by setup
Automatic Invocation: None
HPRoot_Ig Produces array of data that contains the gate
current values at measured bias points for Agilent Root FET
model.
IC-CAP Reference
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Array of real numbers; size
determined by setup
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IC-CAP Functions
Automatic Invocation: None
HPRoot_initial Initializes plots displayed with the
Agilent Root FET model.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
None
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
HPRoot_mos_acqu Extraction function for acquiring data for
the Agilent Root MOSFET model. Adaptively takes data
throughout the safe operating range of the device.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Power level, I Breakdown, Min Vd,
Max Vd, Min Vg, Max Vg, Min step,
Max step, Vth, Delta, Eps, Noise
thresh, SMU Compl
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
HPRoot_mos_para Calculates Z matrix from S parameter
input and extracts the parasitic elements for the
Agilent Root MOS model.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
S param, Freq
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Mode ( Z / EXTR )
Output:
540
Matrix array, size determined by
inputs
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HPRoot_MOSFET Extraction function for generating the
Agilent Root FET model.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Extracts:
vd_start, vg_start, t_dispersion
Generates the model function and
look-up table
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
HPRoot_n Extracts the ideality parameter for the
Agilent Root FET and Agilent Root Diode models.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
V, N array
Reals or Integers:
LowBound V, HighBound V, Max
Output:
None
Extracts:
N
Automatic Invocation: None
HPRoot_parasitic Measures the parasitic elements of a
device for the Agilent Root FET model.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
None
Extracts:
The parasitic resistors Rs, Rd, and
Rg, and the parasitic inductors
Ls_tot, Ld_tot, and Lg_tot.
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
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HPRoot_para_cal Calculates the parasitic elements of a device
for the Agilent Root FET and Agilent Root MOS models.
Input Arguments:
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Extracts:
Mode ( Mesfet / Mosfet)
Rg, Rs, Rd, Lg_tot, Ls_tot, Ld_tot
Automatic Invocation: None
HPRoot_Qd Produces array of data that contains the drain
charge values at measured bias points for Agilent Root FET
model.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Array of real numbers; size
determined by setup
Automatic Invocation: None
HPRoot_Qg Produces array of data that contains the gate
charge values at measured bias points for Agilent Root FET
model.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Array of real numbers; size
determined by setup
Automatic Invocation: None
HPRoot_Vd Produces array of data that contains the drain
voltage values of the bias distribution of the whole operating
range of the device for Agilent Root FET model.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Array of real numbers; size
determined by setup
Automatic Invocation: None
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HPRoot_Vg Produces array of data that contains the gate
voltage values of the bias distribution of the whole operating
range of the device for Agilent Root FET model.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Array of real numbers; size
determined by setup
Automatic Invocation: None
HPRoot_wr Reads measured parasitic data and extracted
frequency and calculates parasitic resistances, inductances
and computes the intrinsic matrix Zp and Yp for linear AC
de-embedding.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
trings/Pars/Vars:
Freq, S param, IG, ID, VG, VD
S Mode ( s / p )
HPRoot_Y11i Produces array of data that contains the
imaginary part of Y11 at measured bias points for
Agilent Root FET model.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Array of real numbers; size
determined by setup
Automatic Invocation: None
HPRoot_Y11r Produces array of data that contains the real
part of Y11 at measured bias points for Agilent Root FET
model.
IC-CAP Reference
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Array of real numbers; size
determined by setup
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Automatic Invocation: None
HPRoot_Y12i Produces array of data that contains the
imaginary part of Y12 at measured bias points for
Agilent Root FET model.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Array of real numbers; size
determined by setup
Automatic Invocation: None
HPRoot_Y12r Produces array of data that contains the real
part of Y12 at measured bias points for Agilent Root FET
model.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Array of real numbers; size
determined by setup
Automatic Invocation: None
HPRoot_Y21i Produces array of data that contains the
imaginary part of Y21 at measured bias points for
Agilent Root FET model.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Array of real numbers; size
determined by setup
Automatic Invocation: None
HPRoot_Y21r Produces array of data that contains the real
part of Y21 at measured bias points for Agilent Root FET
model.
Input Arguments:
544
None
IC-CAP Reference
IC-CAP Functions
Output:
8
Array of real numbers; size
determined by setup
Automatic Invocation: None
HPRoot_Y22i Produces array of data that contains the
imaginary part of Y22 at measured bias points for
Agilent Root FET model.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Array of real numbers; size
determined by setup
Automatic Invocation: None
HPRoot_Y22r Produces array of data that contains the real
part of Y22 at measured bias points for Agilent Root FET
model.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Array of real numbers; size
determined by setup
Automatic Invocation: None
HPTFT_param
This function is obsolete.
The dielectric constant of oxide film in the Agilent A-Si:H
TFT model is calculated.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
EPSFM
The value of EPSFM
Automatic Invocation: None
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HPTFTCV_model_cgd
This function is obsolete.
Agilent A-Si:H TFT Gate to Drain Capacitance model.
Calculates Cgd from voltages.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Drain V, Gate V, Source V
Gate to Drain C
Automatic Invocation: None
HPTFTCV_model_cgs
This function is obsolete.
Agilent A-Si:H TFT Gate to Source Capacitance model.
Calculates Cgs from voltages.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Drain V, Gate V, Source V
Gate to Source C
Automatic Invocation: None
HPTFTDC_model_id
This function is obsolete.
Agilent A-Si:H TFT DC model. Calculates Id from voltages.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Drain V, Gate V, Source V
Drain I
Automatic Invocation: None
HPTFTDC_lin
This function is obsolete.
Standard extraction for the Agilent a-Si TFT model. Extracts
linear region parameters using Id versus Vg measured on
a-Si TFT device.
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8
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Drain V, Gate V, Source V, Drain I
Output:
None
Extracts:
VTO, UO, PHI, THETA, NFS, GO
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
HPTFTDC_sat
This function is obsolete.
Standard extraction for the Agilent A-Si:H TFT model.
Extracts saturation region parameters using Id versus Vd
measured on a-Si:H TFT device.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Drain V, Gate V, Source V, Drain I
Output:
None
Extracts:
VMAX, ETA
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
icdb_add_comment
the opened file.
Writes an arbitrary comment string to
Syntax
x=icdb_add_comment(strVal)
Where
strVal
is an arbitrary string.
The return value (x) is undefined.
icdb_close
Closes a file that has been opened with icdb_open.
Syntax
x=icdb_close()
Where
The return value (x) is not defined.
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icdb_export_data Exports the measured or simulated data
from the specified setup to the opened file. Header information
containing current information about the values of the
registered sweep parameters is automatically appended to the
file.
Syntax
x=icdb_export_data(setupName,dataType)
Where
setupName
is a string giving a proper path to the
setup that contains data to export.
dataType
exports simulated data if dataType is "S".
Exports measured data for any other
value, but "M" recommended.
The return value (x) is undefined.
icdb_get_sweep_value Returns the current value of the
specified user sweep at any point in the export loop.
Syntax
curVal=icdb_get_sweep_value(index,swpName)
Where
index
is the point number requested
swpName
is the name of the registered sweep
icdb_open Opens a file for exporting measured data in
IC-CAP's data management file format (.mdm).
Syntax
x=icdb_open(filename)
Where
filename
548
is a string pointing at the MDM file to be
opened.
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The return value (x) is not defined.
icdb_register_con_sweep Creates a CON type sweep of an
arbitrary parameter in the exported file. Intended primarily to
create sweeps of parameters that cannot be swept during a
measurement. Returns the total number of points in all the
registered sweeps.
Syntax
numPts=icdb_register_lin_sweep(conValue,swpName)
Where
conValue
is the constant value to use for this con
sweep
swpName
is the name of the 'User Input' as it will
appear in the MDM file, or how it will be
referenced when reading the MDM back in
icdb_register_lin_sweep Creates a LIN type sweep of an
arbitrary parameter in the exported file. Intended primarily to
create sweeps of parameters that cannot be swept during a
measurement. Returns the total number of points in all the
registered sweeps.
Syntax
numPts=icdb_register_lin_sweep(swpOrder,start,stop,
numSwpPts,swpName)
Where
IC-CAP Reference
swpOrder
is the sweep order for the registered
sweep
start
is the start value for the linear sweep
stop
is the stopping value for the linear sweep
numSwpPts
is the number of points for this sweep
swpName
is the name of the 'User Input' as it will
appear in the MDM file, or how it will be
referenced when reading the MDM back in
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icdb_register_list_sweep Creates a LIST type sweep of an
arbitrary parameter in the exported file. Intended primarily to
create sweeps of parameters that cannot be swept during a
measurement. Returns the total number of points in all the
registered sweeps.
Syntax
numPts=icdb_register_list_sweep(swpOrder,swpName,
arrayName)
Where
swpOrder
is the sweep order for the registered
sweep
swpName
is the name of the 'User Input' as it will
appear in the MDM file, or how it will be
referenced when reading the MDM back in
arrayName
is a string naming a variable in a Variable
table that has been set to an
ICCAP_ARRAY[]. This array declares the
points that will be used for the list sweep.
icdb_register_lsync_sweep Creates an LSYNC type sweep of an
arbitrary parameter in the exported file. Intended primarily to
create sweeps of parameters that cannot be swept during a
measurement. Returns the total number of points in all
registered sweeps.
Syntax
numPts=icdb_register_list_sweep(swpName,masterSweepName,
arrayName)
Where
swpName
is the name of the 'User Input' as it will
appear in the MDM file, or how it will be
referenced when reading the MDM back
in.
masterSweepName is the name of a previously registered
sweep to which this sweep will be
synchronized.
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arrayName
8
is a string naming a variable in a Variable
table that has been set to an
ICCAP_ARRAY[]. This array declares the
points that will be used for the list sweep.
This array should have the same number
of points as the already registered Master
Sweep.
icdbf_add_comment
opened file.
Writes an arbitrary comment string to the
Syntax
x=icdbf_add_comment(fNum,strVal)
Where
fNum
is the number returned from an
icdbf_open() call.
strVal
is an arbitrary string.
The return value (x) is undefined.
icdbf_close
Closes a file that has been opened with icdbf_open.
Syntax
x=icdbf_close(fNum)
Where
fNum
is the number returned from an
icdbf_open() call.
The return value (x) is not defined.
icdbf_export_data Exports the measured or simulated data
from the specified setup to the opened file. Header information
containing current information about the values of the
registered sweep parameters is automatically appended to the
file.
Syntax
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x=icdbf_export_data(fNum,setupName,dataType)
Where
fNum
is the number returned from an
icdbf_open() call.
setupName
is a string giving a proper path to the
setup that contains data to export.
dataType
exports simulated data if dataType is "S".
Exports measured data for any other
value, but "M" recommended.
The return value (x) is undefined.
icdbf_get_sweep_value Returns the current value of the
specified user sweep at any point in the export loop.
Syntax
curVal=icdbf_get_sweep_value(fNum,index,swpName)
Where
fNum
is the number returned from an
icdbf_open() call.
index
is the point number requested
swpName
is the name of the registered sweep
icdbf_open Opens a file for exporting measured data in
IC-CAP's data management file format (.mdm).
Syntax
fNum=icdbf_open(filename)
Where
filename
is a string pointing at the MDM file to be
opened.
The return value (fNum) is a unique number associated
with this file. This number is valid during the current run
of PEL or until icdbf_close is called.
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icdbf_register_con_sweep Creates a CON type sweep of an
arbitrary parameter in the exported file. Intended primarily to
create sweeps of parameters that cannot be swept during a
measurement. Returns the total number of points in all the
registered sweeps.
Syntax
numPts=icdbf_register_lin_sweep(fNum,conValue,swpName)
Where
fNum
is the number returned from an
icdbf_open() call.
conValue
is the constant value to use for this con
sweep
swpName
is the name of the 'User Input' as it will
appear in the MDM file, or how it will be
referenced when reading the MDM back in
icdbf_register_lin_sweep Creates a LIN type sweep of an
arbitrary parameter in the exported file. Intended primarily to
create sweeps of parameters that cannot be swept during a
measurement. Returns the total number of points in all the
registered sweeps.
Syntax
numPts=icdbf_register_lin_sweep(fNum,swpOrder,start,stop,
numSwpPts,swpName)
Where
IC-CAP Reference
fNum
is the number returned from an
icdbf_open() call.
swpOrder
is the sweep order for the registered
sweep
start
is the start value for the linear sweep
stop
is the stopping value for the linear sweep
numSwpPts
is the number of points for this sweep
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swpName
is the name of the 'User Input' as it will
appear in the MDM file, or how it will be
referenced when reading the MDM back in
icdbf_register_list_sweep Creates a LIST type sweep of an
arbitrary parameter in the exported file. Intended primarily to
create sweeps of parameters that cannot be swept during a
measurement. Returns the total number of points in all the
registered sweeps.
Syntax
numPts=icdb_register_list_sweep(fNum,swpOrder,swpName,arr
ayName)
Where
fNum
is the number returned from an
icdbf_open() call.
swpOrder
is the sweep order for the registered
sweep
swpName
is the name of the 'User Input' as it will
appear in the MDM file, or how it will be
referenced when reading the MDM back in
arrayName
is a string naming a variable in a Variable
table that has been set to an
ICCAP_ARRAY[]. This array declares the
points that will be used for the list sweep.
icdbf_register_lsync_sweep Creates an LSYNC type sweep of
an arbitrary parameter in the exported file. Intended primarily
to create sweeps of parameters that cannot be swept during a
measurement. Returns the total number of points in all the
registered sweeps.
Syntax
numPts=icdbf_register_list_sweep(fNum,swpName,
masterSweepName,arrayName)
Where
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fNum
is the number returned from an
icdbf_open() call.
swpName
is the name of the 'User Input' as it will
appear in the MDM file, or how it will be
referenced when reading the MDM back
in.
masterSweepName is the name of a previously registered
sweep to which this sweep will be
synchronized.
arrayName
is a string naming a variable in a
Variable table that has been set to an
ICCAP_ARRAY[]. This array declares
the points that will be used for the list
sweep. This array should have the same
number of points as the already
registered Master Sweep.
ICMSarray Returns an array result from an IC-CAP Macro
algorithm to the IC-MS result array during test execution. This
function is used internally by IC-MS and should never be called
directly by the user.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Array Result
Reals or Integers:
Array Size, Result Data Index
Output:
None
Automatic Invocation: None
ICMSchar Returns a single character result from an IC-CAP
Macro algorithm to the IC-MS result array during test execution.
This function is used internally by IC-MS and should never be
called directly by the user.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
IC-CAP Reference
Result Data Index
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Strings/Pars/Vars:
Output:
Character Result
None
Automatic Invocation: None
ICMSint Returns an integer result from an IC-CAP Macro
algorithm to the IC-MS result array during test execution. This
function is used internally by IC-MS and should never be called
directly by the user.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
Integer Result, Result Data Index
None
Automatic Invocation: None
ICMSpin Used in an IC-CAP Macro to determine the matrix
connections of the device under test. ICMSpin returns the
matrix pin number that corresponds to a specified terminal
index on the device. This function only returns valid data when
IC-MS test execution is running. Refer to the IC-MS User’s
Manual for more information on using ICMSpin.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
Terminal Index
Matrix pin number corresponding
to the specified device terminal
index
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
pin_num = ICMSpin(1)
ICMSreal Returns a floating point result from an IC-CAP
Macro algorithm to the IC-MS result array during test execution.
This function is used internally by IC-MS and should never be
called directly by the user.
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Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
Real Result, Result Data Index
None
Automatic Invocation: None
ICMSstr Returns a character string result from an IC-CAP
Macro algorithm to the IC-MS result array during test
execution. This function is used internally by IC-MS and
should never be called directly by the user.
Input Arguments:
Result Data Index:
Output:
String Result
None
Automatic Invocation: None
icstat_activate Activates a deactivated row or column in the
PARAMETERS spreadsheet.
Synopsis:
icstat_activate(<Number>, <Mode>)
Arguments:
Number:
Row or column number to be
activated
Mode:
“ROW” or “COLUMN”
Example:
retVal = icstat_activate(4, "ROW")
return
icstat_analysis Emulates the Analysis command on the
Analysis menu. This function generates the “active data” that
is, data devoid of the attribute, deactivated, filtered and
constant values column. Displays the results in the
ANALYSIS spreadsheet.
Synopsis:
IC-CAP Reference
icstat_analysis()
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Arguments:
NONE
Example:
retVal = icstat_analysis()
return
icstat_attribute_2_parameter Changes the Attribute column to
a Parameters column in the PARAMETERS spreadsheet.
Synopsis:
icstat_attribute_2_parameter
(<Number>)
Arguments:
Number: attribute column number
to be changed to parameter type
Example:
retVal = icstat_attribute_2_parameter(4)
return
icstat_clear Clears rows or columns in the PARAMETERS
spreadsheet.
Synopsis:
icstat_clear(<Start>,
<Number>, <Mode>)
Arguments:
Start Row/Column number
Row or column from which
to clear
Number of rows/columns
Number of rows/columns to
be cleared
Mode:
“ROW” or “COLUMN”
Example (clears 4 rows from the 4th row onward):
retVal = icstat_clear(4, 4, "ROW")
return
icstat_close_sdf_file
Synopsis:
Closes the SDF file.
icstat_close_sdf_file(<Filename>)
Arguments:
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Filename:
Name of the SDF file to close.
Example:
retVal = icstat_close_sdf_file
("/tmp/examples/icstat/bsim3.sdf")
return
icstat_correlation Emulates the Correlation command on the
Analysis menu. This function generates the correlation
matrix from the data in the PARAMETERS spreadsheet.
Displays the results in the CORRELATION spreadsheet.
Synopsis:
icstat_correlation()
Argument:
NONE
Example:
retVal = icstat_correlation()
return
icstat_deactivate Deactivates an activated row or column in
the PARAMETERS spreadsheet.
Synopsis:
icstat_deactivate(<Number>,
<Mode>)
Input Arguments:
Number:
Row or column number to be
deactivated
Mode:
“ROW” or “COLUMN”
Example:
retVal = icstat_deactivate(4, "ROW")
return
icstat_delete Deletes rows or columns in the PARAMETERS
spreadsheet.
Synopsis:
icstat_delete(<Start>,
<Number>, <Mode>)
Arguments:
IC-CAP Reference
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IC-CAP Functions
Start Row/Column number
Row or column from which
to delete
Number of rows/columns
Number of rows/columns to
be deleted
Mode:
“ROW” or “COLUMN”
Example (deletes 4 rows from the 4th row onward):
retVal = icstat_delete(4, 4, "ROW")
return
icstat_equations Emulates the Equations command on the
Analysis menu. This function either generates the equations
from the factors or the parameters. The results are displayed
in the respective spreadsheets: FACTOR EQUATIONS or
PARAMETER EQUATIONS.
Synopsis:
icstat_equations(<Type>)
Arguments:
Type:
Either FACTORS or DOMINANT
Example:
retVal = icstat_equations("FACTORS")
return
icstat_exit
Exits the Statistical Analysis program.
Synopsis:
icstat_exit()
Arguments:
None
Example:
retVal = icstat_exit()
return
icstat_factor_analysis Emulates the Factor Analysis
command on the Analysis menu. This function performs the
factor analysis. The results are displayed in the FACTOR
LOADINGS and PARAMETER VARIANCE spreadsheets.
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Synopsis:
icstat_factor_analysis(<Number-of-f
actors>, <Method-index>,
<Rotation-Index>, <Maximum
Iterations>, <Maximum Steps>,
<Convergence Iteration>,
<Convergence - 2nd derivative>
Arguments:
Number of factors:
Number of factors
Method Index:
0 = Principal Component
1 = Principal Factor
2 = Unweighted Least Squares
Rotation Index:
0 = Varimax
1 = Quartimax
2 = Equamax
3 = None
Maximum Iterations:
Maximum number of iterations
(default = 30)
Maximum Steps:
Maximum number of steps
(default = 8)
Convergence Iteration: Convergence criterion iterations
(default = 0.0001)
Convergence
2nd derivative
Convergence criterion
2nd derivative (default = 0.1)
Example:
retVal = icstat_factor_analysis(8, 0, 0, 30, 8, 0.0001,
0.1)
return
icstat_from_partable Updates the PARAMETERS spreadsheet
with values from the Parameters table. If a particular
spreadsheet parameter is not found in the Parameters table
or the Parameters table parameter is not found in the
spreadsheet, then the value is not updated.
Synopsis:
IC-CAP Reference
icstat_from_partable(<Number>,
<Path>, <From Parameter Table>)
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IC-CAP Functions
Arguments:
Row Number:
Row number to get the data from
Path:
The name of the model or DUT
from which you want to get
parameters. Specify
<“model_name”> to get parameters
from the Model Parameters table;
specify <“model_name/DUT_name”>
to get parameters from the DUT
Parameters table.
(To specify the current DUT, “.” is
sufficient.)
From:
Specify 1 of the following
parameter tables from which to get
the data: “MODEL PARAMETERS”,
“DUT PARAMETERS“
If left blank, “MODEL
PARAMETERS” is used.
Example:
retVal = icstat_from_partable(2, "/CGaas1", "MODEL
PARAMETERS")
return
icstat_get_attribute_columns Returns an array of attribute
column numbers in the PARAMETERS spreadsheet.
Synopsis:
icstat_get_attribute_columns(<input
-array>)
Arguments:
Input:
Array containing the values to be
returned
Example:
arrSize = icstat_num_attributes()
complex colArr[arrSize]
retArr = icstat_get_attribute_columns(colArr)
PRINT retArr
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icstat_get_cell Returns the values in the cell. If the cell
contains text, a 0 is returned. Note: To get cells with text,
use the icstat_get_text_cell function. To get values from a
large number of cells, use icstat_get_column or
icstat_get_row.
Synopsis:
icstat_get_cell(<row-number>,
<column-number>,
<Spreadsheet-name>)
Arguments:
Row Number:
Integer
Column Number:
Integer
Spreadsheet Name:
One of the Spreadsheet Names
Spreadsheet Names:
PARAMETERS, ANALYSIS,
STATSUMM, CORRELATION,
FACTOR LOADINGS, PARAMETER
VARIANCE, FACTOR EQUATIONS,
PARAMETER EQUATIONS,
PARAMETRIC, NON PARAMETRIC
Example:
rCell = icstat_get_cell(8, 8, "PARAMETERS")
PRINT rCell
return
icstat_get_column Returns the values in the column. If the
cell contains text, a 0 is returned. Typically the first column
for any spreadsheet is of string type. For the PARAMETERS
spreadsheet, the values returned include the deactivated and
filtered cells.
Synopsis:
icstat_get_column(<Input-array>,
<Column number>, <Spreadsheet
Name>)
Arguments:
IC-CAP Reference
Input:
Array for the returned value
Column Number:
Integer
Spreadsheet Name:
One of the Spreadsheet Names
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Spreadsheet Names:
PARAMETERS, ANALYSIS,
STATSUMM, CORRELATION,
FACTOR LOADINGS, PARAMETER
VARIANCE, FACTOR EQUATIONS,
PARAMETER EQUATIONS,
PARAMETRIC, NON PARAMETRIC
Example:
arrSize = icstat_num_rows("PARAMETERS")
complex colArr[arrSize]
retArr = icstat_get_column(colArr, 7, "PARAMETERS")
PRINT retArr
icstat_get_deactivated Returns an array of deactivated rows
or columns in the PARAMETERS spreadsheet.
Synopsis:
icstat_get_deactivated(<input-array>
, <Mode>)
Arguments:
Input:
Array containing the values to be
returned
Mode:
“ROW” or “COLUMN”
Example:
arrSize = icstat_num_deactivated("ROW")
complex rowArr[arrSize]
retArr = icstat_get_deactivated(rowArr, "ROW")
PRINT retArr
icstat_get_filtered_rows Returns an array of filtered rows in
the PARAMETERS spreadsheet.
Synopsis:
icstat_get_filtered_rows
(<input-array>)
Arguments:
Input:
564
Array containing the values to be
returned
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8
IC-CAP Functions
Example:
arrSize = icstat_num_filtered()
complex rowArr[arrSize]
retArr = icstat_get_filtered_rows(rowArr)
PRINT retArr
icstat_get_row Returns the values in the row. If any cells
contain text, a 0 is returned. Typically the first column for
any spreadsheet contain labels, that is, text. For the
PARAMETERS spreadsheet, the first several columns could
be attribute parameters that is, text. The function excludes
the cells in these columns, and returns only real values.
Synopsis:
icstat_get_row(<Input-array>,
<Number>, <Spreadsheet Name>)
Arguments:
Input:
Array for the returned value
Row Number
Integer
Spreadsheet Name:
One of the Spreadsheet Names
Spreadsheet Names:
PARAMETERS, ANALYSIS,
STATSUMM, CORRELATION,
FACTOR LOADINGS, PARAMETER
VARIANCE, FACTOR EQUATIONS,
PARAMETER EQUATIONS,
PARAMETRIC, NON PARAMETRIC
Example:
iNumAttribs = icstat_num_attributes()
iNumCols = icstat_num_columns("PARAMETERS")
iNumCells = iNumCols - iNumAttribs
complex rowArr[iNumCells]
retArr = icstat_get_row(rowArr, 4, "PARAMETERS")
PRINT retArr
icstat_get_text_cell Gets the text in the specified cell and
sets the referenced variable with the text.
Synopsis:
IC-CAP Reference
icstat_get_text_cell(<Row-Number>,
<Column-Number>, <Spreadsheet
Name>, <Variable Name>)
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Arguments:
Row Number
Integer
Column Number:
Integer
Spreadsheet Name:
One of the Spreadsheet Names
Variable Name:
Variable name from the variable
table
Spreadsheet Names:
PARAMETERS, ANALYSIS,
STATSUMM, CORRELATION,
FACTOR LOADINGS, PARAMETER
VARIANCE, FACTOR EQUATIONS,
PARAMETER EQUATIONS,
PARAMETRIC, NON PARAMETRIC
Example:
sString = "Hi, I am a string"
dummy = icstat_set_text_cell(2, 1, sString)
dummy = icstat_get_text_cell(2, 2, "PARAMETERS",
"CELLVAL")
PRINT CELLVAL
return
icstat_insert Insert rows or columns in the PARAMETERS
spreadsheet.
Synopsis:
icstat_insert(<Start>,
<Number>, <Mode>)
Arguments:
Start Row/Column number
Row or column from which
to insert
Number of rows/columns
Number of rows/columns to
be inserted
Mode
“ROW” or “COLUMN”
Example (inserts 4 rows from the 4th row onward):
retVal = icstat_insert(4, 4, "ROW")
return
icstat_nonparametric_models
analysis function.
566
Emulates the non-parametric
IC-CAP Reference
8
IC-CAP Functions
Synopsis:
icstat_nonparametric_models(<B
oundary Points>, <% Enclosed>,
<Diversity Oversampling>,
<Density Estimator %>,
<Distance Metric>)
Arguments:
Number of Boundary
Points:
Number of boundary models
(integer)
Percent Enclosed:
Integer
Diversity
Oversampling:
Real number
Density Estimator %:
Integer
Distance Metric:
“EUCLIDEAN” or “L_1” or
“L_INFINITY”
Example:
retVal = icstat_open()
retVal = icstat_open_sdf_file
("/tmp/examples/icstat/bsim3.sdf")
retVal = icstat_nonparametric_models(8, 80, 2, 98,
"EUCLIDEAN")
return
icstat_num_attributes Returns the number of attribute
columns in the PARAMETERS spreadsheet.
Synopsis:
icstat_num_attributes()
Argument:
None
Example:
iNumAttrCols = icstat_num_attributes()
PRINT iNumAttrCols
icstat_num_columns Returns the number of columns in the
spreadsheet. For the PARAMETERS spreadsheet, that
includes the attribute and deactivated columns.
Synopsis:
IC-CAP Reference
icstat_num_columns(<Spreadsheet
-name>)
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Argument:
Spreadsheet Name:
Spreadsheet Names:
One of the Spreadsheet Names
PARAMETERS, ANALYSIS,
STATSUMM, CORRELATION,
FACTOR LOADINGS, PARAMETER
VARIANCE, FACTOR EQUATIONS,
PARAMETER EQUATIONS,
PARAMETRIC, NON PARAMETRIC
Example:
iNumCols = icstat_num_columns("PARAMETERS")
PRINT iNumCols
icstat_num_deactivated Returns the number of deactivated
rows or columns in the PARAMETERS spreadsheet.
Synopsis:
icstat_num_deactivated(<mode>)
Argument:
Mode:
“ROW” or “COLUMN”
Example:
iNumDeactRows = icstat_num_deactivated("ROW")
PRINT iNumDeactRows
icstat_num_filtered Returns the number of filtered rows in
the PARAMETERS spreadsheet.
Synopsis:
icstat_num_filtered(<mode>)
Argument:
None
Example:
iNumFilteredRows = icstat_num_filtered()
PRINT iNumFilteredRows
icstat_num_rows Returns the number of rows in the
spreadsheet, excluding the Label row (which is usually R1).
For the PARAMETERS spreadsheet, it includes the filtered
and deactivated rows.
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Synopsis:
icstat_num_rows(<Spreadsheet
-name>)
Argument:
Spreadsheet Name:
Spreadsheet Names:
One of the Spreadsheet Names
PARAMETERS, ANALYSIS,
STATSUMM, CORRELATION,
FACTOR LOADINGS, PARAMETER
VARIANCE, FACTOR EQUATIONS,
PARAMETER EQUATIONS,
PARAMETRIC, NON PARAMETRIC
Example:
iNumRows = icstat_num_rows("PARAMETERS")
PRINT iNumRows
icstat_open
Opens the Statistical Analysis window.
Synopsis:
icstat_open()
Argument:
None
Example:
retVal = icstat_open()
return
icstat_open_sdf_file
Synopsis:
Opens the SDF file.
icstat_open_sdf_file(<Filename>)
Arguments:
Filename:
name of the SDF file to open.
Example:
retVal = icstat_open_sdf_file
("/tmp/examples/icstat/bsim3.sdf")
return
icstat_parameter_2_attribute Changes the Parameters column
to an Attribute column in the PARAMETERS spreadsheet.
IC-CAP Reference
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Synopsis:
Argument:
icstat_parameter_2_attribute
(<Number>)
parameters column number to
be changed to attribute type
Example:
retVal = icstat_parameter_2_attribute(4)
return
icstat_parametric_models Emulates the Parametric Models
command on the Analysis menu. This function either
performs the Monte Carlo, corner or boundary modeling
analysis. The results are displayed in the PARAMETRIC
spreadsheet.
Synopsis:
icstat_parametric_models(<Number
Models/Sigma>, <Type>)
Arguments:
# Models/Sigma:
If Monte Carlo analysis, the value
represents the number of Models.
If CORNER or BOUNDARY, the
value is the +/-sigma.
Type:
One of MONTE CARLO, CORNER
or BOUNDARY
Example:
retVal = icstat_parametric_models(200, "MONTE CARLO")
return
icstat_plot_graph Emulates the Plot Graph command on the
Graph menu. For the HISTOGRAM or CDF, multiple graphs
can be plotted with a single call. For the scatter plot, only 1
graph can be plotted. The scatter plot requires the column
numbers of 2 parameters that are to be plotted.
Synopsis:
570
icstat_plot_graph
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8
IC-CAP Functions
Arguments:
Input:
Array of column numbers to plot
Spreadsheet Name:
One of the Spreadsheet Names
Plot Type:
HISTOGRAM, CDF or SCATTER
Spreadsheet Names:
PARAMETERS, PARAMETRIC
Example:
complex colArr[2]
colArr[0] = 7
colArr[1] = 9
retVal = icstat_plot_graph(colArr, "PARAMETERS",
"SCATTER")
retVal = icstat_plot_graph(colArr, "PARAMETERS",
"HISTOGRAM")
retVal = icstat_plot_graph(colArr, "PARAMETERS", "CDF")
return
icstat_save_sdf_file Saves the data in the PARAMETERS,
CORRELATION, FACTOR LOADINGS, PARAMETER
VARIANCE, FACTOR EQUATIONS and PARAMETER
EQUATIONS analysis spreadsheets to the named SDF file.
Synopsis:
icstat_save_sdf_file(<Filename>,
<Options>)
Arguments:
Filename:
Name of the SDF file to save the
data.
Options:
comma separated value
TRUE|FALSE for the spreadsheets.
For example: TRUE, TRUE, FALSE,
FALSE, FALSE, FALSE
Example:
retVal = icstat_open()
sFileName = "/tmp/examples/icstat/bsim3.sdf"
retVal = icstat_open_sdf_file(sFileName)
retVal = icstat_save_sdf_file(sFileName, "TRUE, FALSE,
FALSE, FALSE, FALSE, FALSE")
retVal = icstat_close()
return
IC-CAP Reference
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icstat_set_cell Sets the value of the particular cell in the
PARAMETERS spreadsheet. Note: To set values in a large
number of cells, use icstat_set_column or icstat_set_row.
Synopsis:
icstat_set_cell(<number>,
<row-number>, <column-number>)
Arguments:
Input:
Value to set
Row Number:
Integer
Column Number:
Integer
Example:
rVal = 0.6
dummy = icstat_set_cell(rVal, 8, 8)
return
icstat_set_column Updates the real values in the particular
column of the PARAMETERS spreadsheet with new values.
The first row (R1), which is usually the label row, is not
updated.
Synopsis:
icstat_set_column(<Input-array>,
<Column number>, <Mode>)
Arguments:
Input:
Array containing the values to be
set
Column Number:
Integer
Mode:
Mode for updating the spreadsheet
column
“INSERT” inserts a new column
“OVERWRITE” overwrites the
existing values
Example:
arrSize = icstat_num_rows("PARAMETERS")
complex colArr[arrSize]
retArr = icstat_get_column(colArr, 9, "PARAMETERS")
dummy = icstat_set_column(retArr, 8, "OVERWRITE")
return
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icstat_set_param_column_labels Updates the PARAMETERS
spreadsheet column labels with parameter names from the
Parameters table.
Synopsis:
icstat_set_param_column_labels(
<Path>, <From Parameter Table>)
Arguments:
Path:
The name of the model or DUT
from which you want to get
parameter names. Specify
<“model_name”> to get parameters
from the Model Parameters table;
specify <“model_name/DUT_name”>
to get parameters from the DUT
Parameters table.
(To specify the current DUT, “.” is
sufficient.)
From:
Specify 1 of the following
parameter tables from which to get
the data: “MODEL PARAMETERS”,
“DUT PARAMETERS“. If left blank,
“MODEL PARAMETERS” is used.
Example:
retVal = icstat_set_param_column_labels("/CGaas1", "MODEL
PARAMETERS")
return
icstat_set_row Updates the real values in the specified row
of the PARAMETERS spreadsheet with new values. The cells
in the attribute columns (the first several columns), which
typically contain text, are not updated. To update the cells
in the attribute columns, use the icstat_set_text_cell
function.
Synopsis:
IC-CAP Reference
icstat_set_row(<Input-array>,
<Number>, <Mode>)
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IC-CAP Functions
Arguments:
Input:
Array containing the values to be
set
Row Number:
Integer
Mode:
Mode for updating the spreadsheet
row
“INSERT” inserts a new row
“OVERWRITE” overwrites the
existing values
Example:
iNumAttribs = icstat_num_attributes()
iNumCols = icstat_num_columns("PARAMETERS")
iNumCells = iNumCols - iNumAttribs
complex rowArr[iNumCells]
retArr = icstat_get_row(rowArr, 4, "PARAMETERS")
PRINT retArr
! set the 5th row
dummy = icstat_set_row(retArr, 4, "INSERT")
return
icstat_set_text_cell Sets the particular cell in the
PARAMETERS spreadsheet with the text in the
PARAMETERS spreadsheet.
Synopsis:
icstat_set_text_cell(<Row-Number>,
<Column-Number>, <Text>)
Arguments:
Row Number:
Integer
Column Number:
Integer
Text:
Value to be set in the cell
Example:
sString = "Hi, I am a string"
retVal = icstat_set_text_cell(2, 1, sString)
retVal = icstat_get_text_cell(2, 2, "PARAMETERS",
"CELLVAL")
PRINT CELLVAL
return
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icstat_stat_summary Emulates the Statistical Summary
command on the Analysis menu. This function generates the
statistical summary from the data in the PARAMETERS
spreadsheet. Displays the results in the STATSUMM
spreadsheet.
Synopsis:
icstat_stat_summary()
Argument:
None
Example:
retVal = icstat_stat_summary()
return
icstat_to_partable Updates the Parameters table with the
corresponding parameter value from the spreadsheet. If a
particular spreadsheet parameter is not found in the
Parameters table or the Parameters table parameter is not
found in the spreadsheet, then the value is not updated.
Synopsis:
icstat_to_partable(<Row_Number>,
<Path>, <From Spreadsheet Name>,
<To Parameter Table>)
Arguments:
IC-CAP Reference
Row Number:
Row number to get the data from
Path:
The name of the model or DUT you
want to update. Specify
<“model_name”> to update the
Model Parameters table; specify
<“model_name/DUT_name”> to
update the DUT Parameters table.
(To specify the current DUT, “.” is
sufficient.)
From:
Specify 1 of the following
parameter tables from which to get
the data: PARAMETERS,
ANALYSIS, PARAMETRIC, NON
PARAMETRIC
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IC-CAP Functions
To:
Specify 1 of the following
parameter tables to update:
“MODEL PARAMETERS”, “DUT
PARAMETERS”
Example:
retVal = icstat_to_partable(4, "/CGaas1", "PARAMETERS",
"MODEL PARAMETERS")
return
icstat_write_to_status_window Writes the input message to
the Statistical Analysis Status window.
Synopsis:
icstat_write_to_status_window
(<Text>)
Arguments:
Message Text:
Text to write to the Statistical
Analysis Status window.
Example:
sString = "Setting row number 1"
retVal = icstat_write_to_status_window(sString)
return
integral0 Returns an integral of the given Y data set against
the X data set using a simple trapezoid algorithm. The Y
data set should not cross the zero point. If the Y data set
has multiple curves, use integral3. Defined in userc.c.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
X Data, Y Data
Single real
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
integral3 Returns an integral of the given Y data set against
the X data set using a simple trapezoid algorithm. Each
curve is reported separately in the Output array. A zero
cross is allowed by interpolation. Defined in userc.c.
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IC-CAP Functions
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
X Data, Y Data
Real array
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
JUNCAP Philips JUNCAP (Junction Capacitance) Model.
Calculates the currents and capacitances from voltages.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Anode V, Cathode V
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Output ( I / IB / IS / IG / C / CB
/ CS / CG / Q / QB / QS / QG )
Output:
Array of complex, size determined
by inputs
Extracts:
N/A
JUNCAP_TR Allows the reference temperature of the model
TR in the JUNCAP model to be modified.
K707_init Keithley 707 Switch Matrix function. Initialize the
707 matrix. Do not use this function with the 708a matrix.
Syntax
int ret = K707_init(MatrixGPIBAddr)
Where
MatrixGPIBAddr is the GPIB address of the matrix
Examples:
ret = K707_init(6) // Init matrix at address 6
K708a_init Keithley 708a Switch Matrix function. Initialize
the 708a matrix. Do not use this function with the 707
matrix.
Syntax
int ret = K708a_init(MatrixGPIBAddr)
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IC-CAP Functions
Where
MatrixGPIBAddr is the GPIB address of the matrix
Examples:
ret = K708a_init(6) // Init matrix at address 6
K70X_clear_setup Keithley 707 Switch Matrix function.
Clears setup (opens all relays).
Syntax
int ret = K70X_clear_setup(MatrixGPIBAddr, Setup)
Where
MatrixGPIBAddr is the GPIB address of the matrix
Setup: setup to be cleared (all crosspoints are opened)
SetUp can be a memory setup or the actual relays
configuration 0 <= SetUp < 100.
Examples:
ret = K70X_clear_setup(6, 0) open all relays in the actual
matrix configuration
ret = K70X_clear_setup(6, 1) open all relays in the
memory setup number 2
K70X_close_crosspoints Keithley 707 Switch Matrix function.
Closes crosspoints in the matrix.
Syntax
int ret = K70X_close_crosspoints(MatrixGPIBAddr,
CrosspointList)
Where
MatrixGPIBAddr is the GPIB address of the matrix
CrosspointList: List of the crosspoint to be close (string).
Example:
ret = K70X_close_crosspoints(6, “A1,C12”) opens the
crosspoints specified in the list in the current edited
setup specified by the K70X_edit_setup function.
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IC-CAP Functions
K70X_config_trigger Keithley 707 Switch Matrix function.
Configures trigger.
Syntax
int ret = K70X_config_trigger(MatrixGPIBAddr,
TriggerEdge, TriggerSource)
Where
MatrixGPIBAddr is the GPIB address of the matrix.
TriggerEdge: “+” or “-”
TriggerSource: Possible configurations: “TALK” “GET” “X”
“EXT” “MAN”
Example:
ret = K70X_config_trigger(6, “+”, “EXT”) sets the switch
matrix to execute when receiving a positive edge from an
external trigger. See 70X manual for a more detailed
explanation about triggering the matrix.
K70X_connect_sequence Keithley 707 Switch Matrix function.
Sets the connection rule and the row connection sequence.
Syntax
int ret = K70X_connect_sequence(MatrixGPIBAddr,
ConnectionRule,
RowConnectionSequence)
Where
MatrixGPIBAddr is the GPIB address of the matrix
ConnectionRule: Break before Make “BM” or “MB”
RowConnectionSequence: byte row enable. Ex.: “11110011”
Example:
ret = K70X_connect_sequence(6,“BM”,“11110011”)
K70X_copy_setup Keithley 707 Switch Matrix function. Copy
setup into a new memory or actual location.
Syntax
int ret = K70X_copy_setup(MatrixGPIBAddr, Source,
Destination)
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IC-CAP Functions
Where
MatrixGPIBAddr is the GPIB address of the matrix
Source: Setup to be copied from.
Destination: Setup to be copied to.
Example:
ret = K70X_copy_setup(6, 3, 0) copies the memory setup 3
into the setup 0 (actual matrix configuration). In other
words, it executes setup 3.
K70X_debug Keithley 707 Switch Matrix function. Sets
debug flag on or off. When the debug mode is on, the
functions will print debug information in the Warning/Error
window
Syntax
int ret = K70X_debug(Debugflag)
Where
DebugFlag: 1/0 (Default is 0)
K70X_delete_setup Keithley 707 Switch Matrix function.
Deletes setup from memory.
Syntax
int ret = K70X_delete_setup(MatrixGPIBAddr, MemSetup)
Where
MatrixGPIBAddr is the GPIB address of the matrix
MemSetup: memory setup to be deleted. 1< MemSetup <
100
Example:
ret = K70X_delete_setup(6, 3) deletes memory setup
number 3.
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IC-CAP Functions
K70X_edit_setup Keithley 707 Switch Matrix function. Sets
the setup number to be edited with the following close and
open commands. Note that setup number 0 represents the
matrix actual configuration while Setup 1 to 100 represents
memory setups.
Syntax
int ret = K70X_edit_setup(MatrixGPIBAddr, SetUp)
Where
MatrixGPIBAddr is the GPIB address of the matrix
SetUp: Number of the setup to edit with the next close
and open commands.
Example:
ret = K70X_edit_setup(6, 1) sets to edit the memory setup
number 1.
K70X_init_interface Keithley 708a and 707 Switch Matrix
function. Initialize the interface card or lan. It must be
executed prior to any other Keithley transform.
Syntax
int ret = K70X_init_interface(InterfaceName)
Where
InterfaceName is the hardware interface.
Examples:
ret = K70X_init_interface(“hpib”)
ret = K70X_init_interface(“gpib0”)
ret = K70X_init_interface(“lan[xx.xx.xx.xx]:hpib”)
K70X_open_crosspoints Keithley 707 Switch Matrix function.
Opens crosspoints in the matrix.
Syntax
int ret = K70X_open_crosspoints(MatrixGPIBAddr,
CrosspointList)
Where
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IC-CAP Functions
MatrixGPIBAddr is the GPIB address of the matrix
CrosspointList: List of the crosspoint to be open (string).
Example:
ret = K70X_open_crosspoints(6, “A1,C12,D1”) opens the
crosspoints specified in the list in the current edited
setup specified by the K70X_edit_setup function.
K70X_trigger_disable
Disables trigger.
Keithley 707 Switch Matrix function.
Syntax
int ret = K70X_trigger_disable(MatrixGPIBAddr)
Where
MatrixGPIBAddr is the GPIB address of the matrix.
Example:
ret = K70X_trigger_disable(6)
K70X_trigger_enable
Enables trigger.
Keithley 707 Switch Matrix function.
Syntax
int ret = K70X_trigger_enable(MatrixGPIBAddr)
Where
MatrixGPIBAddr is the GPIB address of the matrix.
Example:
ret = K70X_trigger_enable(6)
linfit Fits a line to a specified curve (step) in a data set (X
versus Y). Returns a 3 point data set that defines slope,
intercept and regression coefficient. The index of steps
starts at 0. If the OVERRIDE_LIMITS variable is TRUE, the
limits can be specified manually with the X_LOW and
X_HIGH variables, which can be set from the Plot menu.
(Use the fit_line function to enable plotting of the data set,
rather than the slope and intercept.)
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IC-CAP Functions
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
X Data, Y Data
Reals or Integers:
Step Number (0 is first)
Output:
Array of 2 points: slope then
intercept
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
fit_data = linfit(vc,ic.m,0)
LINKarray Returns an array result from an IC-CAP Macro
algorithm to an IPC Link program during linked mode
execution. This function is used internally by IPC Link
programs and should never be called directly when using
IC-CAP interactively.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Array Result
Reals or Integers:
Array Size, Result Data Index
Output:
None
Automatic Invocation: None
LINKchar Returns a single character result from an IC-CAP
Macro algorithm to an IPC Link program during linked mode
execution. This function is used internally by IPC Link
programs and should never be called directly when using
IC-CAP interactively.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Result Data Index
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Character Result
Output:
None
Automatic Invocation: None
IC-CAP Reference
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IC-CAP Functions
LINKint Returns an integer result from an IC-CAP Macro
algorithm to an IPC Link program during linked mode
execution. This function is used internally by IPC Link
programs and should never be called directly when using
IC-CAP interactively.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
Integer Result, Result Data Index
None
Automatic Invocation: None
LINKpin Used in an IC-CAP Macro to determine the matrix
connections of the device under test. LINKpin returns the
matrix pin number that corresponds to a specified terminal
index on the device. This function only returns valid data
when an IPC Link program has provided a pin mapping.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
Terminal Index
Matrix pin number corresponding
to the specified device terminal
index
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
pin_num = LINKpin(1)
LINKreal Returns a floating point result from an IC-CAP
Macro algorithm to an IPC Link program during linked mode
execution. This function is used internally by IPC Link
programs and should never be called directly when using
IC-CAP interactively.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
584
Real Result, Result Data Index
None
IC-CAP Reference
8
IC-CAP Functions
Automatic Invocation: None
LINKstr Used to return a character string result from an
IC-CAP Macro algorithm to an IPC Link program during
linked mode execution. This function is used internally by
IPC Link programs and should never be called directly when
using IC-CAP interactively.
Input Arguments:
Result Data Index:
Output:
String Result
None
Automatic Invocation: None
log
Natural logarithm.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Input 1
Complex number, matrix, complex
array, or matrix array (depends on
input argument)
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
log10
Base 10 logarithm.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Input 1
Complex number, matrix, complex
array, or matrix array (depends on
input argument)
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
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IC-CAP Functions
lookup_par Enables you to access the value of a parameter
referenced by a string. A second argument may be specified that
is a variable to receive any error string normally going to a red
error box.
Example — looking up value for model parameter:
x=lookup_par("/npn.IS")
Example — looking up value for DUT parameter:
x=lookup_par(“/NPN/dc.rgate”)
Example — checking existence of parameter:
x=lookup_par("nonexistantparam",errstr)
if errstr<>"" then print errstr
lookup_var Enables you to access the value of a variable
referenced by a string. A second argument may be specified that
is a variable to receive any error string normally going to a red
error box.
Example — looking up value for model variable:
x=lookup_var("/npn/SIMULATOR")
Example — looking up value for DUT variable:
x=lookup_var(“/NPN/dc/TEMP”)
Example — looking up value for Setup variable:
x=lookup_var(“/NPN/dc/fgummel/Vdmax”)
Example — checking existence of variable:
x=lookup_var("nonexistantvar",errstr)
if errstr<>"" then print errstr
mean Calculates the arithmetic mean of a data set. Returns
a single value. Adequate for a real or complex data set, but
if a data set of matrices is received, only the 1,1 data is
considered. A data set specification like S.21 is adequate,
since this is a data set of complex numbers.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Input 1
Single real or complex number
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
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IC-CAP Reference
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IC-CAP Functions
mem_diag This function is reserved for factory use; it is
used in memory utilization regression tests, as part of the
IC-CAP quality assurance process.
Output:
A 12-point data set containing
memory utilization statistics
Automatic Invocation: None
MEXTRAM_stoc
Mextram model version: 504
This function calculates capacitance data from S-parameter
data, allowing base-collector and base-emitter capacitance to
be calculated from network analyzer measurements. The
output of this function can be used in place of actual
capacitance data to extract capacitance-related parameters.
Input Arguments:
FREQ data
Frequency
S data
s-parameter data (de-embedded)
Node (C/E/S)
Code to indicate type of extraction:
E base-emitter capacitance
C base-collector capacitance
S substrate-collector capacitance
Output:
Capacitance versus frequency data
Extracts:
Nothing
MM9
Calculates Id, Is or Ib from voltages.
Input Arguments:
IC-CAP Reference
Data Sets:
Drain V, Gate V, Bulk V, Source V
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Output ( D / S / B )
Output:
Drain I / Source I / Bulk I - array
of complex, size determined by
inputs
Extracts:
None
587
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IC-CAP Functions
MM9_COPY Copies an input array to a measured or
simulated output dataset.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Copy from ( Dataset Name)
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Copy to (Dataset Name) M or S
Output:
MM9_DATA
extraction.
None
Enables printing of the data measured for quick
Input Arguments:
“” or “<filename>”
Example:
x = MM9_DATA(““)
or
x = MM9_DATA(“mm9_print“)
If no argument is supplied, the data will be printed to the
Status window; if a filename is supplied, the data will be
appended to that file.
MM9_GEOMPAR Updates the simulated values of the
miniset parameters in the setups extract/par_vs_L,
extract/par_vs_W and extract/par_vs_R in the MOS Model 9.
MM9_GEOMSCAL Determines a first guess for the maxiset
parameters of a MOS Model 9 by regression.
MM9_KEEP Accepts an input array and copies it directly to
the transform output.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
588
Keep array (Dataset name)
Array of complex, size determined
by inputs
IC-CAP Reference
8
IC-CAP Functions
MM9_LIN_EXT
MOS Model 9.
Extracts the linear region parameters for the
Input Arguments:
None
Extracts:
VTO, KO, K, VSBX, BET, THE1,
THE2
MM9_SAT_EXT Extracts the saturation region parameters
for the MOS Model 9.
Input Arguments:
None
Extracts:
THE3, GAM1, ETADS, ALP, VP
MM9_SAVE_SPARS Saves the MOS Model 9 parameters of a
single device (miniset) to a file.
MM9_SETUP Allows you to specify the setups for the MOS
Model 9 parameter extraction.
MM9_STH_EXT Extracts the subthreshold region parameters
for the MOS Model 9.
Input Arguments:
None
Extracts:
GAMOO, MO, ZET1, VSBT
MM9_TEMPPAR Updates the simulated values of the miniset
parameters in the setups extract/par_vs_T in the MOS Model
9.
MM9_TEMPSCAL Determines a first guess for the maxiset
temperature parameters of a MOS Model 9 by regression.
MM9_WEAVAL_EXT Extracts the weak avalanche region
(substrate current) parameters for the MOS Model 9.
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IC-CAP Functions
Input Arguments:
None
Extracts:
A1, A2, A3
MOS_process_pars Allows you to specify initial values for
the MOS process related parameters LD, RS, RSH, TOX, WD,
and XJ. The drain resistance RD is set equal to the specified
value of RS.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Lateral Diffusion, Source
Resistance, Sheet Resistance, Oxide
Thickness, Width Reduction,
Junction Depth
Output:
None
Extracts:
(not applicable)
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
MOSCV_total_cap Extracts the total PN junction capacitance
parameters from the bottom and sidewall. Requires C-V
measurement on 2 different geometries. The first
measurement should be on a device in which the bottom
capacitance dominates. The second measurement should be
on a device in which the sidewall capacitance dominates.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Cap 1, Cap 2, Junction V
Reals or Integers:
Cap 1 Area, Cap 1 Perim, Cap 2
Area, Cap 2 Perim
Output:
None
Extracts:
CJ, MJ, CJSW, MJSW, PB
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
MOSCVmodCBD Calculates the Bulk-Drain junction
capacitance according to the UCB MOS model.
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IC-CAP Functions
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Junction V
Array of complex; size determined
by inputs
Automatic Invocation: None
MOSCVmodCBS Calculates the Bulk-Source junction
capacitance according to the UCB MOS model.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Junction V
Array of complex; size determined
by inputs
Automatic Invocation: None
MOSDC_lev2_lin_large Standard extraction for the UCB MOS
model. Extracts classical Level 2 parameters, using Id versus
Vg data from a large device. Initializes the parameter NFS
for later optimization.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Gate V, Bulk V, Drain V, Drain I
Output:
None
Extracts:
VTO, NSUB, UO, UEXP, VMAX
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
MOSDC_lev2_lin_narrow Standard extraction for the UCB
MOS model. Extracts Level 2 width parameters, using Id
versus Vg data from a narrow device.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
IC-CAP Reference
Gate V, Bulk V, Drain V, Drain I
None
591
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IC-CAP Functions
Extracts:
WD, DELTA
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
MOSDC_lev2_lin_short Standard extraction for the UCB MOS
model. Extracts Level 2 length effect parameters, using Id
versus Vg data from a short-channel device.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Gate V, Bulk V, Drain V, Drain I
Output:
None
Extracts:
XJ, LD
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
MOSDC_lev2_sat_short Standard extraction for the UCB
MOS model. Extracts Level 2 saturation parameters, using Id
versus Vd data from a short-channel device.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Gate V, Bulk V, Drain V, Drain I
Output:
None
Extracts:
VMAX, NEFF
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
MOSDC_lev3_lin_large Standard extraction for the UCB MOS
Level 3 model. Extracts classical Level 3 parameters, using Id
versus Vg data from a large device. Initializes the parameter
NFS for later optimization.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
592
Gate V, Bulk V, Drain V, Drain I
Output:
None
Extracts:
VTO, NSUB, UO, THETA, VMAX
IC-CAP Reference
8
IC-CAP Functions
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
MOSDC_lev3_lin_narrow Standard extraction for the UCB
MOS Level 3 model. Extracts Level 3 width parameters,
using Id versus Vg data from a narrow device.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Gate V, Bulk V, Drain V, Drain I
Output:
None
Extracts:
WD, DELTA
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
MOSDC_lev3_lin_short Standard extraction for the UCB MOS
Level 3 model. Extracts Level 3 length effect parameters,
using Id versus Vg data from a short device.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Gate V, Bulk V, Drain V, Drain I
Output:
None
Extracts:
RS, RD, LD, XJ
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
MOSDC_lev3_sat_short Standard extraction for the UCB
MOS Level 3 model. Extracts Level 3 saturation parameters,
using Id versus Vd data from a short device.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Gate V, Bulk V, Drain V, Drain I
Output:
None
Extracts:
VMAX, KAPPA, ETA
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
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IC-CAP Functions
MOSDC_lev6_lin_large Standard extraction for the HSPICE
MOS Level 6 model. Extracts classical Level 6 parameters,
using Id versus Vg data from a large device. Initializes the
parameter NFS for later optimization.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Gate V, Bulk V, Drain V, Drain I
Output:
None
Extracts:
PHI, VT, LGAMMA, GAMMA, VBO,
LAMBDA, UB, NFS
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
MOSDC_lev6_lin_narrow Standard extraction for the HSPICE
MOS Level 6 model. Extracts Level 6 width parameters,
using Id versus Vg data from a narrow device.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Gate V, Bulk V, Drain V, Drain I
Output:
None
Extracts:
NWM, WDEL, DELTA
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
MOSDC_lev6_lin_short Standard extraction for the HSPICE
MOS Level 6 model. Extracts Level 6 length effect
parameters, using Id versus Vg data from a short device.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Gate V, Bulk V, Drain V, Drain I
Output:
None
Extracts:
SCM, XJ, LDEL
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
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MOSmodel Simple, level 1 UCB MOS model. Calculates Id
from voltages.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Drain V, Gate V, Bulk V, Source V
Array of complex; size determined
by inputs
Automatic Invocation: None
MOSmodel2 Complete UCB MOS model, containing levels 1,
2, and 3. Calculates Id from voltages.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Drain V, Gate V, Bulk V, Source V
Array of complex; size determined
by inputs
Automatic Invocation: None
MXT_cbc
Mextram model version: 504
This function calculates the total base-collector depletion
capacitance Cbc vs. bias given vbc.
Inputs:
VBC:
Output:
base-collector voltage
calculated total base-collector
capacitance.
See Philips Report NL-UR 2001/801, section 2.5.2 for more
details.
MXT_cbe
Mextram model version: 504
This function calculates the total base-emitter depletion
capacitance Cbe vs. bias given vbe.
IC-CAP Reference
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8
IC-CAP Functions
Inputs:
VBE:
base-emitter voltage
Output:
calculated total base-emitter
depletion capacitance.
See Philips Report NL-UR 2001/801, section 2.5.1 for more
details.
MXT_cj0
Mextram model version: 504
This function extracts the zero-bias junction capacitance,
Cje0, Cjc0 or Cjs0 depending on which Output mode is
selected: E/C/S. The total bias range needs to include V = 0
V, but it is not necessary that one of the Vj value is indeed
zero.
See Philips Report NL-UR 2001/801, sections 2.5.1-2.5.3 for
more details.
MXT_csc
Mextram model version: 504
This function calculates the total substrate-collector
depletion capacitance Csc vs. bias given vsc.
Inputs:
VSC:
Output:
substrate-collector voltage
calculated total substrate-collector
depletion capacitance.
See Philips Report NL-UR 2001/801, section 2.5.3 for more
details.
MXT_forward_hfe
Mextram model version: 504
This function calculates hfe given veb,vcb and ic.m. When
the MODEL variable MXT_AUTO_RANGE is set to the value
1.0 the transform will use the measured collector current to
determine the upper limit for extracting the parameters: BF,
IBF and MLF. This limit is determined by the onset of
596
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IC-CAP Functions
high-injection. The function is used in the
dc_gummel/Forward setup to extract the non ideal base
current parameters IBF, MLF and the forward current gain
BF.
Inputs:
VEB:
emitter-base voltage.
VCB:
collector-base voltage (it should be
constant)
IC:
measured collector current
Output:
forward current gain Ic//Ib
See Philips Report NL-UR 2001/801, section 2.5.8 for more
details.
MXT_forward_ic
Mextram model version: 504
This function calculates ic given veb and vcb. When the
MODEL variable MXT_AUTO_RANGE is set to the value 1.0
this transform will also require ic.m as an input. The
transform uses the measured collector current to determine
the upper limit for extracting the parameter: IS. This limit is
set by the onset of high-injection. The function is used to
extract IS in the setup dc_gummel/Forward.
Inputs:
IC-CAP Reference
VEB:
emitter-base voltage.
VCB:
collector-base voltage (this should
be constant in a forward gummel
plot )
IC:
measured collector current (used
for auto-ranging)
Output:
calculated ideal forward collector
current (DO NOT include series
resistances, high injection,
quasi-sat etc.)
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8
IC-CAP Functions
See Philips Report NL-UR 2001/801, section 2.5.7 for more
details.
MXT_forward_vbe
Mextram model version: 504
This function calculates vbe given vcb, ic.m and ib.m. When
the MODEL variable MXT_AUTO_RANGE is set to the value
1.0, the transform will also require veb (ve-vb) as an input.
The transform is used to optimize RE in the setup
dc_gummel/Forward.
Inputs:
IC:
measured collector current.
IB:
measured base current.
VEB:
external measured Veb (used for
auto-ranging only)
Output:
external voltage Vbe.
See Philips Report NL-UR 2001/801, section 2.5.9 for more
details.
MXT_ft
Mextram model version: 504
This function calculates the cut-off frequency fT as a
function of Ic, Vbe and Vce. The function is used to extract
the transit time parameters as well as several other high
current parameters.
Inputs:
IC:
measured collector current.
VBE:
base-emitter voltage.
VCE:
collector-emitter voltage.
Output:
calculated fT.
See Philips Report NL-UR 2001/801, section 2.6 for more
details.
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IC-CAP Functions
MXT_hard_sat_isub
8
Mextram model version: 504
This function calculates the substrate current in hard
saturation. It is used in the dedicated setup
dc_paras/Rc_active to extract the parameter RCC.
Inputs:
VBC:
base-collector voltage.
IC:
measured collector current.
IB:
measured base current.
Output:
calculated substrate current in
hard saturation.
See Philips Report NL-UR 2001/801, section 2.5.10 for more
details.
MXT_ic_vce
Mextram model version: 504
This function calculates the collector current or the base
emitter voltage (depending on the selected Output) as
function of the voltage difference Vce and the base current
Ib. Ic is used to correct for series resistances. Vbe and Is are
used for setting initial values in the calculation and for
auto-ranging.
NO TE
Auto-ranging is always ON for this function, regardless of the value of the
variable MXT_AUTO_RANGE.
The function is used to extract the model variable RTH (thermal
resistance) and several other parameters in combination with
the MXT_ft transform. RTH along with Ic and Vce are used to
calculate a new simulation temperature. To remove RTH’s
influence on the simulation temperature, set RTH to zero.
IC-CAP Reference
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8
IC-CAP Functions
Inputs:
VCE:
collector-emitter voltage.
IB:
measured base current.
IC:
measured collector current.
VBE:
base-emitter voltage.
ISUB:
measured substrate current.
Output [i/v]:
choice of collector current (i) or
base-emitter voltage (v)
Avalanche [y/n]:
Yes/No flag.
Output:
calculated collector current or
base-emitter voltage.
See Philips Report NL-UR 2001/801, section 2.6 for more
details.
MXT_I0
Mextram model version: 504
This function extracts either IE0, IC0, or IB0 depending on
which Output mode is selected: E/C/B. The function requires a
terminal current as input. This transform uses the array of
current data Idata and takes the first value at index 0. The I0
value can be used in the forward-Early and reverse-Early
measurements to get a first estimate of the current offset. The
subsequent optimizations, which require either IE0, IB0 or IC0,
provide more robust results. Sometimes the optimizer will have
trouble converging to a proper solution if these currents are too
far from their final values.
Inputs:
Idata:
dataset with current data
Choice of outputs:
E/C/B
Output:
600
Sets the value of the model
variables IE0,IC0 or IB0
IC-CAP Reference
8
IC-CAP Functions
See Philips Report NL-UR 2001/801, section 2.5.4-2.5.6 for
more details.
MXT_jun_cap
Mextram model version: 504
This function calculates Cbe, Cbc, or Csc vs junction voltage
given vbe, vbc, or vsc. This function combines the
functionalities of the 3 functions: MXT_cbe, MXT_cbc,
MXT_csc.
Input Arguments:
VJUN
junction voltage: vbe, vbc, or vsc
OUTPUT: E/C/S
Code to indicate which junction to
calculate
E (default) Cbe: requires vbe as
VJUN input
C Cbc: requires vbc as VJUN input
S Csc: requires vsc as VJUN input
Output:
MXT_reverse_currents
junction capacitance vs junction
voltage data
Mextram model version: 504
Selecting Output=B calculates ib given vbc, vbe and ie. When
the MODEL variable MXT_AUTO_RANGE is set to the value
1.0, the transform will use the measured emitter current to
determine the lower limit for extracting the parameters:
XEXT and IKS. This limit is set by the onset of
high-injection.
Selecting Output=S calculates is given vbc, vbe and ie. When
the MODEL variable MXT_AUTO_RANGE is set to the value
1.0, the transform will use the measured emitter current to
determine the lower limit for extracting the parameters:
XEXT and IKS. This limit is set by the onset of
high-injection.
Selecting Output=E calculates ie given vbc, vbe and ie. When
the MODEL variable MXT_AUTO_RANGE is set to the value
1.0, the transform will use the measured emitter current to
IC-CAP Reference
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8
IC-CAP Functions
determine the lower limit for extracting the parameters:
XEXT and IKS. This limit is set by the onset of
high-injection.
Inputs:
VBC:
base-collector voltage.
VBE:
base-emitter voltage.
IE:
measured emitter current (for
auto-ranging only)
Output [E/B/S]:
select:
E for emitter current
B for base current
S for substrate current
Output:
calculated reverse current
(emitter/base or substrate).
See Philips Report NL-UR 2001/801, section 2.6.7 for more
details.
MXT_reverse_hfc
Mextram model version: 504
This function calculates HFC (ie/ib) given veb, vcb and ie.m.
When the MODEL variable MXT_AUTO_RANGE is set to the
value 1.0, the transform uses the measured emitter current
to determine the upper limit for extracting the parameter
BR, IBR, VLR. This limit is set by the onset of high-injection.
This transform has an additional input: substrate (y/n). This
is used to calculate the reverse beta with or without the
addition of the substrate current.
Inputs:
602
VCB:
collector-base voltage.
VEB:
emitter-base voltage.
IE:
measured emitter current (for
auto-ranging only)
I Substrate [Y/N]:
yes or no field.
IC-CAP Reference
8
IC-CAP Functions
Output:
calculated reverse current gain
Hfc= Ie//Ib = Ie/(Iex+Ib3+Isub)
See Philips Report NL-UR 2001/801, section 2.5.12 for more
details.
MXT_reverse_hfc_sub
Mextram model version: 504
This function calculates the substrate to emitter current
gain: HFCsub (-ie/is) given veb and vcb. The function is used
in the setup dc_gummel/Reverse to extract the parameter
ISS. When the MODEL variable MXT_AUTO_RANGE is set to
the value 1.0, the transform will require 2 additional inputs:
emitter and substrate currents (ie) & (is). The transform
uses the measured emitter & substrate currents to determine
the upper limit for extracting the parameter ISS. This limit
is set by the onset of high-injection in both the emitter and
substrate currents.
Inputs:
VEB:
emitter-base voltage.
VCB:
collector-base voltage.
IE:
measured emitter current
IS:
measured substrate current.
Output:
calculated substrate to emitter
current gain Ie//Isub
See Philips Report NL-UR 2001/801, section 2.5.11 for more
details.
MXT_reverse_isub
Mextram model version: 504
This function calculates the substrate current for low reverse
conditions. It can be used to extract the parameter ISS,
however Philips recommends another method (see section
2.5.11).
IC-CAP Reference
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8
IC-CAP Functions
Inputs:
VBC:
base-collector voltage (positive as
transistor reverse biased)
IS:
measured Is (used for auto-ranging
only)
Output:
calculated substrate current Isub =
ISS*(exp(Bbc/VT)-1) where VT is
the thermal voltage.
See Philips Report NL-UR 2001/801, section 2.5.11 for more
details.
MXT_show_parms
Mextram model version: 504
This function prints all the Mextram parameters at the
actual ambient temperature set by the variable TEMP. The
functions will use these parameters in their calculations.
See Philips Report NL-UR 2001/801, section 5.1.1 for more
details.
mxt_smooth
This function is obsolete.
This function performs a smoothing function on the data.
Input Arguments:
Y Data
unitless
Smooth Points
number of points on either side of
data point to be use for smoothing.
0 = disable
Smooth Iter
number of iterations that
smoothing algorithm is performed
on data.
0 = disable
Output:
604
Smoothed data.
IC-CAP Reference
8
IC-CAP Functions
MXT_veaf_ib
Mextram model version: 504
This function calculates the base current in a forward early
measurement. It is used in the setup dc_early_avl/Fwd_early
to extract the avalanche parameters VAVL and WAVL.
Inputs:
VCB:
collector-base voltage.
IC:
measured collector current.
the function uses the model variable IB0
Output:
calculated base current
See Philips Report NL-UR 2001/801, section 2.5.4 for more
details.
MXT_veaf_ic
Mextram model version: 504
This function calculates forward current ic given vcb, veb
and the model variable IC0. When the MODEL variable
MXT_AUTO_RANGE is set to the value 1.0, the transform
will require one additional input: base current ib. The
transform uses the measured base current to determine the
onset of weak avalanche breakdown. This sets the upper
limit of the optimization, opt_Veaf.
Inputs:
VCB:
collector-base voltage.
VEB:
emitter-base voltage (this should be
constant).
IB:
measured base current, used for
autorange only.
the function uses the model variable IC0
Output:
IC-CAP Reference
calculated collector current Ic
(transistor forward bias)
605
8
IC-CAP Functions
See Philips Report NL-UR 2001/801, section 2.5.6 for more
details.
MXT_vear_ie
Mextram model version: 504
This function calculates ie when the base emitter junction is
reversed biased, and the base collector junction is forward
biased. Vcb is assumed to be constant. The function is used
in the setup dc_early_avl/Rev_early to extract the parameter
VER.
Inputs:
VEB:
emitter-base voltage.
VCB:
collector-base voltage (it should be
constant and > 0).
the function uses the model variable IE0.
Output:
emitter current Ie (transistor
reverse biased)
See Philips Report NL-UR 2001/801, section 2.5.5 for more
details.
MXT_VEF
Mextram model version: 504
This function calculates a starting value for the parameter
VEF. The Model Parameter list is updated and the extracted
value is printed in the status window. To extract VEF, run
this transform first and then optimization opt_VEF in the
setup dc_early_avl/Fwd_early.
Input Argument:
VCB:
collector-base voltage.
IC:
measured collector current
See Philips Report NL-UR 2001/801, section 2.5.6 for more
details.
606
IC-CAP Reference
IC-CAP Functions
MXT_VER
8
Mextram model version: 504
This function calculates a starting value for the parameter
VER. The Model Parameter list is updated and the extracted
value is printed in the status window. To extract VER, run
this transform first and then optimization opt_VER in the
setup dc_early_avl/Rev_early.
Input Argument:
VCB:
collector-base voltage.
IC:
measured collector current
See Philips Report NL-UR 2001/801, section 2.5.5 for more
details.
mxt3t_cbc
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates Cbc verses base collector junction
voltage.
Input Arguments:
Vbc
Vbc Voltage (V)
Output:
mxt3t_cbe
Cbc
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates Cbe verses base emitter junction
voltage.
Input Arguments:
Vbe
Output:
IC-CAP Reference
Vbe Voltage (V)
Cbe
607
8
IC-CAP Functions
mxt3t_cj0
This function is obsolete.
This function extracts the zero-bias junction capacitance,
Cje0, or Cjc0 depending on which Output mode is selected:
E/C/S.
Input Arguments:
Junction Voltage V
Junction Capacitance C
Junction: E, C
Output:
mxt3t_ft_ic
Cje or Cjc depending on Junction
argument
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates FT given Ic, Vbe, and Vce.
NO TE
This function does not describe Ft when quasi saturation
kicks in. Use mxt3t_ft_ic_new instead.
Input Arguments:
Ic
Collector Current (A)
Vbe
Base Emitter Voltage (V)
Vce
Vce Voltage (V)
Output:
mxt3t_ft_ic_new
Ft
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates FT given Ic, Vbe, and Vce.
NO TE
608
This new function now includes quasi but not heavy
saturation.
IC-CAP Reference
8
IC-CAP Functions
Input Arguments:
Ic
Collector Current (A)
Vbe
Base Emitter Voltage (V)
Vce
Vce Voltage (V)
Output:
mxt3t_fwd_early_ib
Ft
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates the fwd early base current for a 3
terminal device given Vcb and Ic.
Input Arguments:
Vcb
Vcb Voltage (V)
ic
Ic current (A)
Output:
mxt3t_fwd_early_ic
Forward Early base current.
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates the fwd early collector current for a 3
terminal device given Vbe and Vbc.
Input Arguments:
Vbe
Vbe Voltage (V)
Vbc
Vbc Voltage (V)
Output:
mxt3t_fwd_gummel_hfe
Forward Early collector current.
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates forward gummel HFE for a 3 terminal
device given Vbe, Vbc, and Ic. The HFE limit input limits HFE to
the value entered. This is used to limit HFE in the region
outside of the function's applicable range.
IC-CAP Reference
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8
IC-CAP Functions
Input Arguments:
Vbe
Vbe Voltage (V)
Vbc
Vbc Voltage (V)
Ic
Collector Current (A)
HFE Limit Maximum HFE to be displayed.
Output:
mxt3t_fwd_gummel_ib
Forward Gummel HFE
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates the forward gummel base current for
a 3 terminal device given Vbe, Vbc, and Ic.
Input Arguments:
Vbe
Vbe Voltage (V)
Vbc
Vbc Voltage (V)
Ic
Collector Current (A)
Output:
mxt3t_fwd_gummel_ic
Forward Gummel Base current.
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates forward gummel collector current
for a 3 terminal device given Vbe, Vbc.
Input Arguments:
Vbe
Vbe Voltage (V)
Vbc
Vbc Voltage (V)
Output:
mxt3t_fwd_gummel_vbe
Forward Gummel Collector current.
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates forward gummel base-emitter
voltage for a 3 terminal device given Ib and Ic.
610
IC-CAP Reference
8
IC-CAP Functions
Input Arguments:
ib
Base current (A)
Ic
Collector Current (A)
Output:
mxt3t_i0
Forward Gummel Vbe.
This function is obsolete.
This function extracts either IE0, IC0 or IB0 depending on
which Output mode is selected: E/C/B. The function requires a
terminal current as input. This transform was written to make
the subsequent optimizations, which require either IE0, IB0 or
IC0, more robust. Sometimes the optimizer would have trouble
converging to a proper solution if these currents were too far
from their final values.
Input Arguments:
I Data (A)
Output: E, C, B
Output:
mxt3t_linear_range
IE0, IC0, IB0 depending on Output
Argument
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates the 2nd derivative of a dataset. It
enables the user to see where the data is linear. This is
useful in determining the valid range of mextram functions.
Input Arguments:
IC-CAP Reference
Y Data
unitless
X Data
unitless (must be uniform steps)
Smooth Points
number of points on either side of
data point to be use for smoothing.
0 = disable
611
8
IC-CAP Functions
Smooth Iter
number of iterations that
smoothing algorithm is performed
on data.
0 = disable
Log Data ?
Log the data before the smoothing
or derivative functions are applied
Output:
mxt3t_output_ic
2nd derivative of the Y Data.
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates collector current output
characteristics given Vce, Ic, Ib, and Vb. It is intended to
model the quasi-saturation region of the transistor.
Input Arguments:
Vce
Vce Voltage (V)
Ic
Collector Current (A)
Ib
Base Current (A)
Vb
Base Voltage (V)
Output:
mxt3t_output_vbe
Collector Current
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates base-emitter voltage Vce, Ic, Ib, and
Vb. It is used to estimate the thermal resistance of the
device.
Input Arguments:
Vce
Vce Voltage (V)
Ic
Collector Current (A)
Ib
Base Current (A)
Vb
Base Voltage (V)
Output:
612
Base Emitter Voltage
IC-CAP Reference
8
IC-CAP Functions
mxt3t_rev_early_ie
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates the reverse early emitter current for
a 3 terminal device given Vbe and Vbc.
Input Arguments:
Vbe
Vbe Voltage (V)
Vbc
Vbc Voltage (V)
Output:
Reverse Early emitter current.
mxt3t_rev_early_qb0_guess
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates QBO based on the following formula:
QBO = IE0*(1-XCJE)*CJE*(dvbe/die @ vbe=0)
The function requires ie and vbe as inputs and the model
parameters mex.CJE, mex.XCJE and the model variable IE0.
This transform was written for 2 reasons: (1) the
optimization used to determine its final value can get lost if
the initial value is way off; (2) The value of QBO is used to
determine the initial values of other parameters. Therefore,
the more accurate the value of QBO the more accurate these
other parameters will be.
Input Arguments:
Vbe
Vbe Voltage (V)
Ie
Emitter Current (A)
Output:
mxt3t_rev_gummel_hfc
QB0
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates the reverse gummel HFC for a 3
terminal device given Vbe, Vbc, and Ie.
IC-CAP Reference
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8
IC-CAP Functions
Input Arguments:
Vbe
Vbe Voltage (V)
Vbc
Vbc Voltage (V)
Ie
Emitter Current (A)
Output:
Reverse Gummel HFC.
mxt3t_rev_gummel_ib
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates the reverse gummel base current for
a 3 terminal device given Vbe, Vbc, and Ie.
Input Arguments:
Vbe
Vbe Voltage (V)
Vbc
Vbc Voltage (V)
Ie
Emitter Current (A)
Output:
Reverse Gummel Base current.
mxt3t_rev_gummel_ie
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates the reverse gummel emitter current
for a 3 terminal device given Vbe, Vbc, and Ie.
Input Arguments:
Vbe
Vbe Voltage (V)
Vbc
Vbc Voltage (V)
Ie
Emitter Current (A)
Output:
mxt4t_cbc
Reverse Gummel Emitter current.
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates Cbc verses base collector junction
voltage.
614
IC-CAP Reference
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IC-CAP Functions
Input Arguments:
Vbc
Vbc Voltage (V)
Output:
mxt4t_cbe
Cbc
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates Cbe verses base emitter junction
voltage.
Input Arguments:
Vbe
Vbe Voltage (V)
Output:
mxt4t_cj0
Cbe
This function is obsolete.
This function extracts the zero-bias junction capacitance,
Cje0, Cjc0 or Cjs0 depending on which Output mode is
selected: E/C/S.
Input Arguments:
Junction Voltage V
Junction Capacitance C
Junction: E, C, S
Output:
mxt4t_csc
Cje, Cjc, or Cjs depending on
Junction argument
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates Csc verses collector junction voltage.
Input Arguments:
Vsc
Output:
IC-CAP Reference
Vsc Voltage (V)
Csc
615
8
IC-CAP Functions
mxt4t_ft_ic
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates FT given Ic, Vbe, and Vce.
NO TE
This function does not describe Ft when quasi saturation
kicks in. Use mxt4t_ft_ic_new instead.
Input Arguments:
Ic
Collector Current (A)
Vbe
Base Emitter Voltage (V)
Vce
Vce Voltage (V)
Output:
mxt4t_ft_ic_new
Ft
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates FT given Ic, Vbe, and Vce.
NO TE
This new function now includes quasi but not heavy
saturation.
Input Arguments:
Ic
Collector Current (A)
Vbe
Base Emitter Voltage (V)
Vce
Vce Voltage (V)
Output:
mxt4t_fwd_early_ib
Ft
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates the fwd early base current for a 4
terminal device given Vcb and Ic.
616
IC-CAP Reference
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IC-CAP Functions
Input Arguments:
Vcb
Vcb Voltage (V)
ic
Ic current (A)
Output:
mxt4t_fwd_early_ic
Forward Early base current.
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates the fwd early collector current for a 4
terminal device given Vbe and Vbc.
Input Arguments:
Vbe
Vbe Voltage (V
Vbc
Vbc Voltage (V)
Output:
mxt4t_fwd_gummel_hfe
Forward Early collector current.
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates forward gummel HFE for a 4 terminal
device given Vbe, Vbc, and Ic. The HFE limit input limits HFE to
the value entered. This is used to limit HFE in the region
outside of the function's applicable range.
Input Arguments:
Vbe
Vbe Voltage (V)
Vbc
Vbc Voltage (V)
Ic
Collector Current (A)
HFE Limit Maximum HFE to be displayed.
Output:
mxt4t_fwd_gummel_ib
Forward Gummel HFE
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates the forward gummel base current for a
4 terminal device given Vbe, Vbc, and Ic.
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8
IC-CAP Functions
Input Arguments:
Vbe
Vbe Voltage (V)
Vbc
Vbc Voltage (V)
Ic
Collector Current (A)
Output:
Forward Gummel Base current.
mxt4t_fwd_gummel_ic
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates forward gummel collector current
for a 4 terminal device given Vbe and Vbc.
Input Arguments:
Vbe
Vbe Voltage (V)
Vbc
Vbc Voltage (V)
Output:
Forward Gummel Collector current.
mxt4t_fwd_gummel_vbe
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates forward gummel base-emitter
voltage for a 4 terminal device given Ib and Ic.
Input Arguments:
ib
Base current (A)
Ic
Collector Current (A)
Output:
mxt4t_i0
Forward Gummel Vbe.
This function is obsolete.
This function extracts either IE0, IC0 or IB0 depending on
which Output mode is selected: E/C/B. The function requires a
terminal current as input. This transform was written to make
the subsequent optimizations, which require either IE0, IB0 or
IC0, more robust. Sometimes the optimizer would have trouble
converging to a proper solution if these currents were too far
from their final values.
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Input Arguments:
I Data (A)
Output: E, C, B
Output:
IE0, IC0, IB0 depending on Output
Argument
mxt4t_linear_range
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates the 2nd derivative of a dataset. It
enables the user to see where the data is linear. This is
useful in determining the valid range of mextram functions.
Input Arguments:
Y Data
unitless
X Data
unitless (must be uniform steps)
Smooth Points
number of points on either side of
data point to be use for smoothing.
0 = disable
Smooth Iter
number of iterations that
smoothing algorithm is performed
on data.
0 = disable
Log Data ?
Log the data before the smoothing
or derivative functions are applied
Output:
mxt4t_output_ic
2nd derivative of the Y Data.
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates collector current output
characteristics given Vce, Ic, Ib, and Vb. It is intended to
model the quasi-saturation region of the transistor.
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Input Arguments:
Vce
Vce Voltage (V)
Ic
Collector Current (A)
Ib
Base Current (A)
Vb
Base Voltage (V)
Output:
mxt4t_output_vbe
Collector Current
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates base-emitter voltage Vce, Ic, Ib, and
Vb. It is used to estimate the thermal resistance of the
device.
Input Arguments:
Vce
Vce Voltage (V)
Ic
Collector Current (A)
Ib
Base Current (A)
Vb
Base Voltage (V)
Output:
mxt4t_rev_early_ie
Base Emitter Voltage
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates the reverse early emitter current for
a 4 terminal device given Vbe and Vbc.
Input Arguments:
Vbe
Vbe Voltage (V)
Vbc
Vbc Voltage (V)
Output:
mxt4t_rev_early_qb0_guess
Reverse Early emitter current.
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates QBO based on the following formula:
QBO = IE0*(1-XCJE)*CJE*(dvbe/die @ vbe=0)
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8
The function requires ie and vbe as inputs and the model
parameters mex.CJE, mex.XCJE and the model variable IE0.
This transform was written for 2 reasons: (1) the
optimization used to determine its final value can get lost if
the initial value is way off; (2) The value of QBO is used to
determine the initial values of other parameters. Therefore,
the more accurate the value of QBO the more accurate these
other parameters will be.
Input Arguments:
Vbe
Vbe Voltage (V)
Ie
Emitter Current (A)
Output:
mxt4t_rev_gummel_hfc
QB0
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates the reverse gummel HFC for a 4
terminal device given Vbe, Vbc, and Ie.
Input Arguments:
Vbe
Vbe Voltage (V)
Vbc
Vbc Voltage (V)
Ic
Emitter Current (A)
Substrate (Y/N)
Y -> Includes ibSub when
Calculating hfc.
N -> Excludes ibSub when
Calculating hfc.
Output:
Reverse Gummel HFC.
mxt4t_rev_gummel_hfc_sub
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates the HFC of the parasitic substrate
transistor for a 4 terminal device given Vbe and Vbc.
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Input Arguments:
Vbe
Vbe Voltage (V)
Vbc
Vbc Voltage (V)
Output:
mxt4t_rev_gummel_ib
Reverse Gummel substrate HFC.
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates the reverse gummel base current for
a 4 terminal device given Vbe, Vbc, and Ie.
Input Arguments:
Vbe
Vbe Voltage (V)
Vbc
Vbc Voltage (V)
Ie
Emitter Current (A)
Output:
mxt4t_rev_gummel_ie
Reverse Gummel Base current.
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates the reverse gummel emitter current
for a 4 terminal device given Vbe, Vbc, and Ie.
Input Arguments:
Vbe
Vbe Voltage (V)
Vbc
Vbc Voltage (V)
Ie
Emitter Current (A)
Output:
mxt4t_rev_gummel_is
Reverse Gummel Emitter current.
This function is obsolete.
This function calculates the reverse gummel substrate
current for a 4 terminal device given Vbe, Vbc, and Ie.
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Input Arguments:
Vbe
Vbe Voltage (V)
Vbc
Vbc Voltage (V)
Ie
Emitter Current (A)
Output:
Reverse Gummel substrate current.
NOISE_1f_bjt_1Hz For each noise trace this function
calculates the 1 Hz intercept point by calculating the average
noise in the specified frequency range. The frequency range
can be specified by using the variables X_LOW and X_HIGH.
If N is the number of noise traces, the function returns an
output dataset of size N filled with the N intercept points
(one for each trace).
Inputs:
Frequency:
Frequency point dataset.
Size: N*freqpoints.
Noise at constant Vc: dataset containing the noise for the
N traces.
Size: N*freqpoints
Output:
Dataset filled with the N 1Hz
interception points.
Size: N.
Examples:
This transform is used during 1/f noise parameters
extraction for bipolar devices. See model file
examples/model_files/noise/1_f_toolkit/bjt_1f_noise.mdl
The transform is used in the setup modeling/extract
NOISE_1f_bjt_calc This function calculates the current noise
density at the device output (collector) given the frequency
range, the device current gain Beta, the base current and the
parameters Af and Kf listed in the Parameters table. The
Noise is calculated as follows:
<Sic>= Kf * (ib^Af)/f * Beta^2
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If N is the number of traces (number of DC bias points) the
inputs are defined as follows:
Inputs:
Beta:
Dc current gain dataset. Size: N
frequency:
Frequency point dataset.
Size: N*freqpoints.
Base Current:
Base current dataset.
Size: N.
Output:
Dataset filled with the calculated
noise.
Size: N*freqpoints.
Examples:
This transform is used during 1/f noise parameters
extraction for bipolar devices. See model file
examples/model_files/noise/1_f_toolkit/bjt_1f_noise.mdl
The transform is used in the setup modeling/extract
NOISE_1f_bjt_extract This function extracts the parameters
Af and Kf. If N is the number of noise traces at a given Vc,
inputs and output are as follows:
Inputs:
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Beta:
Dc current gain dataset. Size: N.
Ic noise 1 Hz:
1 Hz intercept dataset. Size: N.
Base Current:
base current at each bias point.
Size: N.
Output:
Return a dataset of size N with the
calculated 1 Hz values using the
extracted Af and Kf.
Extracts:
Af, Kf
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8
Examples:
This transform is used during 1/f noise parameters
extraction for bipolar devices. See model file
examples/model_files/noise/1_f_toolkit/bjt_1f_noise.mdl
The transform is used in the setup modeling/extract
NOISE_1f_force_bias This function forces a current or a
voltage from the specified unit of a 4142B or 4156B/C.
NO TE
The instrument will continue to force the bias until the
function NOISE_1f_stop_bias is called.
Variables:
GPIB Address:
instrument address.
Compliance:
voltage or current compliance.
Value:
voltage or current value to be
forced.
Parameters:
Bias source:
specify DC Bias Source Type
(4142/4156).
GPIB Interface:
interface name.
Unit Slot (4142) or SMU (4156)
Force Current (I) or Voltage (V).
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Examples:
ret = NOISE_1f_force_bias(29, 2, 25e-6, “4142”, “hpib”, “2”,
“I”) this forces 25 µA of current from unit source on slot
2 of the 4142 at address 29. The interface name is “hpib”
and the voltage compliance is 2 V.
This transform is used during 1/f noise parameters
extraction for bipolar and MOS devices. See model file
examples/model_files/noise/1_f_toolkit/bjt_1f_noise.mdl
The transform is used in the setup measure/Noise. It is
called by the GUI interface function btMeasure located in
the setup GuiDriver/MeasureNoise.
NOISE_1f_get_Af This function returns the value of the
parameter Af/AF/af stored in the parameter list.
Syntax
x = NOISE_1f_get_Af()
NOISE_1f_get_Bf This function returns the value of the
parameter Bf/BF/bf stored in the parameter list.
Syntax
x = NOISE_1f_get_Bf()
NOISE_1f_get_Kf This function returns the value of the
parameter Kf/KF/kf stored in the parameter list.
Syntax
x = NOISE_1f_get_Kf()
NOISE_1f_get_Ef This function returns the value of the
parameter Ef/EF/Ef stored in the parameter list.
Syntax
x = NOISE_1f_get_Ef()
NOISE_1f_mos_1Hz For each noise trace this function
calculates the 1 Hz intercept point by calculating the average
noise in the specified frequency range. The frequency range can
be specified by using the variables X_LOW and X_HIGH. If N is
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the number of noise traces, the function returns an output
dataset of size N filled with the N intercept points (one for each
trace).
Inputs:
Frequency:
Frequency point dataset.
Size: N*freqpoints.
Noise at constant
Vd:
dataset containing the noise for the
N traces.
Size: N*freqpoints
Output:
Dataset filled with the N 1Hz
interception points.
Size: N.
Examples:
This transform is used during 1/f noise parameters
extraction for MOS devices. See model file
examples/model_files/noise/1_f_toolkit/mos_1f_noise.mdl
The transform is used in the setup modeling/extract
NOISE_1f_set_Af This function sets the value of the
parameter Af/AF/af in the parameter list.
Syntax
NOISE_1f_set_Af(value)
NOISE_1f_set_Bf This function sets the value of the
parameter Bf/BF/bf in the parameter list.
Syntax
NOISE_1f_set_Bf(value)
NOISE_1f_set_Ef This function sets the value of the
parameter Ef/EF/ef in the parameter list.
Syntax
NOISE_1f_set_Ef(value)
NOISE_1f_set_Kf This function sets the value of the
parameter Kf/KF/kf in the parameter list.
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Syntax
NOISE_1f_set_Kf(value)
NOISE_1f_stop_bias This function stops the bias from the
specified DC source. It is used in conjunction with the
NOISE_1f_force_bias.
Variables:
GPIB Address:
instrument address.
Parameters:
Bias source:
specify DC Bias Source Type
(4142/4156).
GPIB Interface:
interface name.
Unit Slot (4142) or SMU (4156).
Examples:
ret = NOISE_1f_force_bias(29, “4142”, “hpib”, “2”) the SMU
unit at slot 2 of the 4142 at address 29 will stop any
voltage or current bias.
This transform is used during 1/f noise parameters
extraction for bipolar and MOS devices. See model file
examples/model_files/noise/1_f_toolkit/bjt_1f_noise.mdl
The transform is used in the setup measure/Noise. It is
called by the GUI interface function btMeasure located in
the setup GuiDriver/MeasureNoise.
Optimize The IC-CAP general purpose optimizer. Performs
Levenberg-Marquardt optimization, random optimization,
hybrid optimization, and sensitivity analysis. The optimizer
is described in Chapter 7, “Optimizing,” in the User’s Guide.
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Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Levenberg-Marquardt: array of real,
length 2 (RMS error, max error)
Random or Hybrid:
Array of real, length 1 (RMS error)
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Sensitivity:
Nx1 matrix of real numbers; size
determined by inputs.
Automatic Invocation: By Optimize menu function (or
Extract menu function when the
Extract Flag option is set to Yes)
Package A utility function that can either “embed or
de-embed” the effects of a package from S-parameter data
provided as input. The resultant set of S-parameters is
returned as a data set with the same frequency and bias
conditions as the input S-parameter data set.
:
Usage
Package(S_parameter_data_set,
embed/dEEmbed_flag, Z1, D1, L1a,
L1b, L1m, C1m, C1, C12, Z3, D3,
L3, Z2, D2, L2a, L2b, L2m, C2m,
C2)
The package topology used here is a very simple series
shunt representation of a component’s package. This package
is more general purpose than EEfet3_package,
EEbjt2_package, or EEmos1_package. Each port of this
package has a transmission line that represents the package
lead frame. Then a “T” network is defined on the input and
output (port 1 and 2) that represents bond wires and can be
used to model simple matching networks used in some
pre-matched devices. This network is not included on the
common lead. So working from the outside edge of the
package’s input port (port 1) there is an ideal transmission
line (Z1, D1), followed by the bonding/matching network.
L1a + L1b represent the bond inductance of the input port.
The inductance is split into 2 parts. In a pre-matched device
L1a is the bond inductance from the lead frame of port 1 to
the shunt matching capacitor (modeled by L1m, C1m). L1b
would be the bond wire from the top of the matching
capacitor to the gate/base of the transistor. C1, C12, and C2
are fringing capacitors that encircle the intrinsic device
(usually small values 20-30ff).
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IC-CAP Functions
In the case of a transistor with no pre-matching, L1m, C1m
and L1b would be set to zero. The “common” node of the
input matching capacitor C1m and the output matching
capacitor C2m is where transmission line and bond
inductance of the common lead join.The intrinsic
S-parameters used as input/output are connected at the
“internal” side of L1b, L2b and L3.The output port (port 2)
is an exact duplication of the input port. The transmission
line (Z2, D2) represents the lead frame. The output
matching/ bonding network is modeled with L2a, L2b and
L2m, C2m.
All 3 of the transmission lines are ideal lines modeled with
a characteristic impedance and length. The length is in units
of meters.
Because you must use the same values for each of these
arguments in many places in the IC-CAP model file, this
function is constructed to use model variables as arguments.
First: create 1 variable, in the model variable table, for each
of the function arguments (thus making it global to the
entire model in use). Then use the variables each time the
function is used. In this manner you can ensure that the
same values are being used to embed the model as were
extracted from measurements.
The first argument is the data set upon which the function
will operate. The second argument is a text string or
variable containing a text string “embed” or “de-embed.” The
function will operate on the input data set as indicated by
the second argument.
PEL example that de-embeds a package from a measurement
(based on first defining the following variables in the system
variable table):
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flag = “deembed”
Z1 = 50
D1 = 250e-6
L1a = 0.9e-9
L1b = 0
L1m = 0
C1m = 0
C1 = 20e-15
C12 = 20e-15
Z3 = 50
D3 = 0
L3 = 0.15e-9
Z2 = 25
D2 = 500e-6
L2a = 0.33e-9
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IC-CAP Functions
L2b = 0
L2m = 0
C2m = 0
s_intrinsic = Package(meas_spars, flag, Z1, D1, L1a, L1b,
L1m, C1m, C1, C12, Z3, D3, L3, Z2, D2, L2a, L2b, L2m, C2m,)
PB_abort
mode.
Karl Suss Prober function. Returns prober to local
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Array of 3 values:
output[0]= 0 if command
succeeded, else returns error code.
output[1]= Column of current die
location, else returns -999.999
output[2]= Row of current die
location, else returns -999.999
Example:
result = PB_abort()
PB_bincode Karl Suss Prober function. Sets the Bincode of
the current die location.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
binvalue
Single value
output[0]= 0 if command
succeeded, else returns error code.
Example:
result=PB_bincode(binvalue)
PB_bindex Karl Suss Prober function. Sets the Bincode of
the current die location, then steps (index) to the next
testable die location (as defined by the pbench wafer map).
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
IC-CAP Reference
bin value
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Output:
Array of 3 values
output[0]= 0 if command
succeeded, else returns error code.
output[1]= Column of new die
location, else returns -999.999
output[2]= Row of new die
location, else returns -999.999
Example:
result=PB_bindex(binvalue)
PB_bindex_cr Karl Suss Prober function. Sets the Bincode
of the current die location, then moves the prober to the
absolute column and row location specified.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
bin value, column value, row value
Array of 3 values
output[0]= 0 if command
succeeded, else returns error code.
output[1]= Column of new die
location, else returns -999.999
output[2]= Row of new die
location, else returns -999.999
Example:
result=PB_bindex_cr(binvalue,column,row)
PB_gindex_cr Karl Suss Prober function. Return the current
die index location from the wafer map.
Input Arguments:
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None
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IC-CAP Functions
Output:
Array of 4 values
output[0]= column (die) if
command succeeded, else returns
error code.
output[1]= row (die)
output[2]= X location (from home,
absolute)
output[3]= Y location (from home,
absolute)
Example:
result=PB_gindex_cr()
PB_gsite_xy Karl Suss Prober function. Return the x and y
location (in tenths of microns) of the current subsite.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Array of 2 values
output[0]= Subsite x value
output[1]= Subsite y value
Example:
result=PB_gindex_xy()
PB_index Karl Suss Prober function. Steps (index) to the
next testable die location (as defined by the pbench wafer
map).
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Array of 3 values
output[0]= 0 if command
succeeded, else returns error code.
output[1]= Column of new die
location, else returns -999.999
output[2]= Row of new die
location, else returns -999.999
Example:
result = PB_index()
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IC-CAP Functions
PB_index_cr Karl Suss Prober function. Moves the prober to
the absolute column and row location specified.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integer:
Output:
Column value, Row value
Array of 3 values
output[0]= 0 if command
succeeded, else returns error code.
output[1]= Column of new die
location, else returns -999.999
output[2]= Row of new die
location, else returns -999.999
Example:
result=PB_index_cr(column,row)
PB_msite_xy Karl Suss Prober function. Moves the prober to
subsite location x, y (in tenths of microns).
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integer:
Output:
x value, y value
Output: Array of 3 values
output[0]= 0 if command
succeeded, else returns error code.
output[1]= Subsite x coordinate,
else returns -999.999
output[2]= Subsite y coordinate,
else returns -999.999
Example:
result=PB_msite_xy(x,y)
PBench_CMD Karl Suss Prober function. Sends a
user-specified command to the prober.
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Input Arguments:
String:
Output:
Arbitrary string name to identify
calling function Suss Prober
command
output[0]= 0 if command
succeeded, else returns error code.
Example:
result=PBench_CMD("Myfunction", "StepNextDie")
Pdown Wafer prober function. Lowers the chuck of the
wafer prober. For more information regarding this function,
refer to “External Prober User Functions” on page 155.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Single number with exit status
Automatic Invocation: None
Phome Wafer prober function. Used for loading a wafer
onto the chuck and moving it to the home position. For
more information regarding this function, refer to “External
Prober User Functions” on page 155.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Single number with exit status
Automatic Invocation: None
Pimove Wafer prober function. Moves the chuck a relative
increment from its current position. For more information
regarding this function, refer to “External Prober User
Functions” on page 155.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
IC-CAP Reference
X Delta, Y Delta
Single number with exit status
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Automatic Invocation: None
Pink Wafer prober function. Calls the inker function of the
prober if it is supported. For more information regarding
this function, refer to “External Prober User Functions” on
page 155.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
Inker Num
Single number with exit status
Automatic Invocation: None
Pmove Wafer prober function. Moves the chuck to an
absolute position. For more information regarding this
function, refer to “External Prober User Functions” on
page 155.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
X Position, Y Position
Single number with exit status
Automatic Invocation: None
PNCAPsimu
Calculates P-N Junction capacitance versus voltage. Can be
used as a quick simulation. The proper parameter names
must be specified as inputs.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Junction V
Reals or Integers:
CJ Param, VJ Param, MJ Param
Output:
636
Array of real numbers; size
determined by inputs
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IC-CAP Functions
Porig Wafer prober function. Defines the current X & Y
position of the chuck. Must be called before calling the
Pmove or Pimove functions. For more information regarding
this function, refer to “External Prober User Functions” on
page 155.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
X Origin, Y Origin
Single number with exit status
Automatic Invocation: None
Ppos Wafer prober function. Returns the current X & Y
position of the chuck. For more information regarding this
function, refer to “External Prober User Functions” on
page 155.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Array of 2 points: x and y
Automatic Invocation: None
Prober_debug Wafer prober function. Used to turn the debug
and macro stop (on error) flags on and off. For more
information regarding this function, refer to “External Prober
User Functions” on page 155.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
Debug Flag, Stop Flag
Single number with exit status
Automatic Invocation: None
Prober_init Wafer prober function. Initializes the prober for
use. This function must be called before any other prober
functions are used in the Macro. For more information
regarding this function, refer to “External Prober User
Functions” on page 155.
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Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers
Bus Address, Orientation
Strings/Pars/Vars
Prober Type, Device File
Output:
Single number with exit status
Automatic Invocation: None
Prober_reset Wafer prober function. Sends a device clear
command to the prober. For more information regarding this
function, refer to “External Prober User Functions” on
page 155.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Single number with exit status
Automatic Invocation: None
Prober_status Wafer prober function. Sends a query to the
prober to obtain the Remote/Local control state and the
edge sensor contact state. The prober should be initialized
with Prober_init before this function. For more information
regarding this function, refer to “External Prober User
Functions” on page 155.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Array of 3 points: x and y and z
Automatic Invocation: None
Program or Program2 The Program2 function is the
recommended way to define a program in IC-CAP's Parameter
Extraction Language over the older Program function.
Program2 provides improved function argument/parameter
management and improves access to IC-CAP variables.
Both Program and Program2 functions provide a text editor in
which a program can be written in IC-CAP’s Parameter
Extraction Language to carry out simple or complicated
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computations. When a RETURN statement is used, the
computed results are available for use in Plots, other
Transforms, and table elements throughout IC-CAP. Both
functions can also execute most IC-CAP menu functions using
an iccap_func call. Both functions also provides features
enabling users to write custom extraction routines and assign
new Model parameter values.
Refer to Chapter 9, “Parameter Extraction Language,” in this
manual, and to Chapter 9, “Using Transforms and Functions” in
the User’s Guide, for more information.
If GET_INT, GET_REAL, GET_STRING or LINPUT is used in a
Program or Macro to pass parameters, all GET_INT statements
should be located immediately at the start of the Program or
Macro along with any other GET_INT, GET_REAL, GET_STRING
or LINPUT statements. Once any other ICCAP_FUNC statement
is invoked, the list of anticipated arguments is reset, thereby
removing all the extra arguments from the calling ICCAP_FUNC
statement. The Program2 function does not have these
limitations.
The statement GET_DATASET can be used to redirect passed
Program2 function parameter dataset arguments to local
variables of a Program2 function. GET_DATASET is not
supported with Program or Macro functions—it is only currently
supported with the Program2 function.
If GET_INT, GET_REAL, GET_STRING or LINPUT statements
are used in a Program or Macro to pass parameters, those input
statements search the passed parameter list until they find a
valid passed parameter argument of the expected type. In the
Program2 function, the GET_DATASET, GET_INT, GET_REAL,
GET_STRING or LINPUT statements will only try to evaluate
the next available passed function parameter as a value of the
expected type, and will error out if the next passed function
parameter is not able to be evaluated as a value of the expected
type.
In the Program2 function, all variables are automatically
treated as local variables unless those variables are first
explicitly declared as global variables using the GLOBAL_VAR
statement. Before using a variable from a variable table in
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Program2, you should declare the variable as global with the
GLOBAL_VAR statement. In Program and Macro functions, all
variables can be resolved globally or locally without needing to
explicitly specify which variables are global using the
GLOBAL_VAR statement.
Input Arguments:
None (input statements and data
are supplied interactively into a
dedicated text editor)
Output:
Complex array or matrix array. Size
and type depends on the arguments
to a RETURN statement in program
text. The size will be 1 if return data
is returned by a RETURN_VALUE
statement. In the absence of an
appropriate RETURN statement
there is no output data set.
Extracts:
Both functions permit the extraction
of any combination of Model
parameters, DUT parameters, and
IC-CAP system variables.
Automatic Invocation: For both functions, several
possibilities exist
• If a program uses the RETURN statement to generate a
data set, and 1 of the data sets used within the program
changes (due to a simulation, for example), then the
program is automatically invoked, so that its returned
data set is refreshed.
• If a program assigns new values to Model or DUT
parameters, then the program is considered an extraction
function, and Automatic Invocation occurs when the
Extract command is issued for the associated Setup or
DUT.
These rules are mutually exclusive, and the second one
takes higher precedence. When neither rule is satisfied, no
Automatic Invocation occurs. Some statements allow
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8
direct control over these rules, for example,
UPDATE_MANUAL. For more information, refer to
“Automatic Transform Execution" in the User’s Guide.
Pscale Wafer prober function. Defines the X & Y stepping
dimensions used by the Pmove and Pimove functions. For
more information regarding this function, refer to “External
Prober User Functions” on page 155.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
X Size [um], Y Size [um]
Single number with exit status
Automatic Invocation: None
PSP_DC_vth Picks up one single sweep curve of id=f(vg) of
a specified setup and extracts the threshold voltage vth. The
setup is specified by the parameters path to vd, ... etc. This
makes it easier to call the function with variable inputs
inside the PEL programs.
The 'Flag' variable is used to define certain conditions, for
example, the extraction of vth for the large device that does not
need to calculate all the early voltage values.
Input Arguments:
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Variables:
Length (L)
Total gate width (W)
Number fingers (NF)
Flag for extraction options
flag:
1 Fixed Id(Vth) = Idref*L/W
2 Fixed Id(Vth) = Idref*NF*
((W/NF)-2*Delta_W)/
(L-2*Delta_L)
Reference current Idref for
extraction options
Delta L (one side)
Delta W (one side)
# of curve
Type (1=NMOS, -1=PMOS)
Debug (1: show internal states
of the function 0: nothing)
Parameters:
path to setup
vd
vg
vb
id
type id (M,S)
version
Output:
Value vth or failure indicator
Extracts:
Vth (1e99 indicates error)
PSP_check_par Checks whether a model parameter is in a
predefined range. The range information for this parameters
must be given in a variable in the referenced path. The range
information is stored in a string in the following format:
range_A0
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>-1 0
10 |
|
| |___
|
|
|______
|
|___________
|_______________
upper
upper
lower
lower
error condition ({operator(<,<=), value}{-)}
optimization boundary
optimization boundary
error condition ({operator(>,>=), value}{-)}
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Input Arguments:
Variables:
Actual value of parameter to check
Parameters:
Parameter name
Path to parameter range definition
Output:
Flag for correct operation:
0: parameter is in specified range
−1: parameter is outside specified
range
−2: error during function execution
(e.g., variable 'range_xx' not found)
PSP_DC_calc_bin_parameter Calculates from the input the four
binning parameters P0, PL, PW and PP. If the calculation is
done correctly, outputs[0] will return 0. Otherwise, outputs[0]
will result in a negative number. In such a case, the error will be
printed in detail in the output window.
Input Arguments:
IC-CAP Reference
Inputs:
Array with 4 parameters P1 .. P4
of the bin corners
Array with 4 gate lengths L1 .. L4
of the bin corners
Array with 4 gate widths W1 .. W4
of the bin corners
Variables:
PSP binning type
Output:
Array containing error condition
and binning parameters
outputs[0] = error condition
(0=o.k., any other number
indicates an error)
outputs[1] = P0<par>, e.g. POVFB
outputs[2] = PL<par>, e.g. PLVFB
outputs[3] = PW<par>, e.g. PWVFB
outputs[4] = PLW<par>, e.g.
PLWVFB
Extracts:
Binning parameters P0<par>,
PL<par>, PW<par>, PLW<par>
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PSP_set_opt Accepts a list of model parameters, separated by
blanks and searches the range information for these parameters
in the range_<PARAMETER> variables in the referenced path.
After analyzing the range information for each parameter, the
variables min_<PARAMETER> and max_<PARAMETER> in the
local setup/DUT are set. These variables can be used as
upper/lower limit in an optimizer call.
The range information is stored in a string in the following
format:
range_A0
>-1
|
|
| |___
|
|
|______
|
|___________
|_______________
0
10 upper error condition ({operator(<,<=), value}{-)}
upper optimization boundary
lower optimization boundary
lower error condition ({operator(>,>=), value}{-)}
Input Arguments:
Parameters:
Output:
Parameter names, separated by
blanks
Path to parameter range definition
Flag for correct operation:
0: everything is ok
-1: error during function
execution (e.g., variable 'range_xx'
not found)
Example call in PEL:
erg = PSP_set_opt("RDSW PRWG
PRWB","Extraction_configuration/Boundaries")
PTFTCV_cgd
This function is obsolete.
Standard extraction for the UCB p-Si TFT model. Extracts p-Si
TFT gate-to-drain overlap capacitance and a transition
parameter.
Input Arguments:
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Data Sets:
Gate-Drain V, Source-Drain V,
Gate-Drain C
Output:
None
Extracts:
CGDO, ACGD
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
PTFTCV_cgs
This function is obsolete.
Standard extraction for the UCB p-Si TFT model. Extracts p-Si
TFT gate-to-source overlap capacitance and transition
parameters.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Gate-Source V, Drain-Source V,
Gate-Source C
Output:
None
Extracts:
CGSO, ACGS, VGTRANLC,
VGTRANHC
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
PTFTDC_lin
This function is obsolete.
Standard extraction for the p-Si TFT model. Extracts linear
region parameters using Id versus Vg data measured on a p-Si
TFT device.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Drain V, Gate V, Source V, Drain I
Output:
None
Extracts:
VTO, U0, U1, U2, U3, U4,
SUBSLOPE, VOFF, THERMALI,
VGTRANL, VGTRANH, GIDLA,
GIDLB
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
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PTFTDC_sat
This function is obsolete.
Standard extraction for the p-Si TFT model. Extracts saturation
region parameters using Id versus Vd data measured on a p-Si
TFT device.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Drain V, Gate V, Source V, Drain I
Output:
None
Extracts:
VMAX, L2, PHITA, S1, S2
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
Pup Wafer prober function. Moves up the chuck of the
wafer prober. For more information regarding this function,
refer to “External Prober User Functions” on page 155.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Single number with exit status
Automatic Invocation: None
rand_flat Returns a single random number generated for each
call between 0.0 and 1.0 inclusive. Use rand_seed() to set a seed
value. This is a 32-bit random number generator of Park and
Miller with Bays-Durham shuffle to exclude serial correlations.
The period is larger than 1E08.
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Single real number
Automatic Invocation: None
Example:
• Example PEL code:
! create 100 random numbers between
! lower bound and upper bound
! ex. 100 random real numbers from 1.0 to 10.0
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complex num[100]
! sets a varying random seed for all successive calls
! to rand_flat()
x=rand_seed(val(system$("date +%s")))
lowerbound=1.0
upperbound=10.0
i=0
while i<100
num[i]=rand_flat()*(upperbound-lowerbound)+lowerbound
i=i+1
endwhile
• To view an example of the random functions used in a setup
to generate random numbers, view the
random_example.mdl example discussed in the User's
Guide, Chapter 12, “Creating Graphic User Interfaces”,
“Random Numbers (Example),” section.
rand_gauss Returns a random number generated for each call
that follows a normal distribution with the given mean and
sigma values. Use rand_seed() to set a seed value. This is a
32-bit random number generator of Park and Miller with
Bays-Durham shuffle to exclude serial correlations. The period
is larger than 1E08.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
Mean, Sigma
Single real number
Automatic Invocation: None
Example:
• Example PEL code:
!
!
!
!
Creates 100 random numbers within a
gaussian distribution with a mean of
approximately 5 and a standard deviation
of approximately 1
complex num[100]
! sets a varying random seed for all successive calls
! to rand_gauss(…)
x=rand_seed(val(system$("date +%s")))
i=0
while i<100
num[i]=rand_gauss(5,1)
i=i+1
endwhile
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• To view an example of the random functions used in a setup
to generate random numbers, view the
random_example.mdl example discussed in the User's
Guide, Chapter 12, “Creating Graphic User Interfaces”,
“Random Numbers (Example),” section.
rand_seed Sets a seed for the internal random number
generator that has the initial seed of 3300. The rand_seed(seed)
function should be used to set the seed for the internal random
number generator for all successive calls to the rand_flat() or
rand_gauss() functions. This is a 32-bit random number
generator of Park and Miller with Bays-Durham shuffle to
exclude serial correlations. The period is larger than 1E08.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
Seed (must not be zero)
None
Automatic Invocation: None
Example:
• Using a specific/fixed seed value with rand_flat() or
rand_gauss().
You can input a fixed seed value for the rand_seed(seed)
function.
For example:
x=rand_seed(42)
y1=rand_flat() or y1=rand_gauss(gaussMean, gaussSigma)
y2=rand_flat() or y2=rand_gauss(gaussMean, gaussSigma)
where y1 will equal a first random number and y2 will equal
a second random number and y1 may not necessarily equal
y2.
If you set the same fixed seed value again and call
rand_flat() or rand_gauss(gaussMean, gaussSigma) again.
For example:
x= rand_seed(42)
y1=rand_flat() or y1=rand_gauss(gaussMean, gaussSigma)
x= rand_seed(42)
y2=rand_flat() or y2=rand_gauss(gaussMean, gaussSigma)
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where y1 == y2 since the seed was set to the same fixed seed
before each call.
Since rand_flat() or rand_gauss() return a single random
number, each time you call rand_seed(42) beforehand you
will get the same single random number.
• Generating a varying seed value based on the current time
with random().
Instead of using the same fixed seed number each time to
generate a random number, another approach would be to
create a varying real number seed out of the current time.
For example:
x = rand_seed(val(system$("date + %s")))
y1 = rand_flat() or y1 = rand_gauss(gaussMean, gaussSigma)
y2 = rand_flat() or y2 = rand_gauss(gaussMean, gaussSigma)
where y1 will equal a first random number and y2 will equal
a second random number and y1 may not necessarily equal
y2.
If you were to call rand_seed(val(system$("date + %s"))) again
later before another call to rand_flat() or rand_gauss(…) the
random seed value would have been set differently each time
so the calls to rand_flat() or rand_gauss() would still return
different random values.
x= rand_seed(val(system$("date + %s")))
y1=rand_flat() or y1=rand_gauss(gaussMean, gaussSigma)
x= rand_seed(val(system$("date + %s")))
y2=rand_flat() or y2=rand_gauss(gaussMean, gaussSigma)
where y1 will equal a first random number and y2 will equal
a second random number and y1 may not necessarily equal
y2.
• To view an example of the random functions being used in a
Setup to generate random numbers, view the
random_example.mdl example discussed in the User's
Guide, Chapter 12, “Creating Graphic User Interfaces”,
“Random Numbers (Example),” section.
random Creates a data set of random numbers with values
between 0 and 1. This function is based on the underlying C
code for srand48 and rand48. This function will return a
dataset of 'N' numbers where N is the size defined by the
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current Setup's input sweeps. This function is referred to data
in an IC-CAP DUT Setup that includes a defined input set that
evaluates to a specific number of points.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
Seed
Array of real numbers; size
determined by setup
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
Example:
• Using a specific/fixed seed value with random(seed).
You can call the random(seed) function with a specific seed
value.
For example:
random(49)
Also, say that the IC-CAP DUT Setup in which you are calling
the IC-CAP "random" function (transform is defined in your
DUT Setup's "Extract / Optimize" tab) has 100 points in your
DUT Setup's "Measure / Simulate" tab, then the result of
running the random(seed) function will also evaluate to 100
numbers in the resulting random number dataset. However,
each time you call the random(49) function, you'll get the
same 100 random numbers because they're all starting with
the same seed number (example random(49) has seed = 49).
• Generating a varying seed value based on the current time
with random(seed).
Instead of using the same seed number all the time to
generate a random number, another approach would be to
create a varying real number seed out of the current time.
For example:
random(val(system$("date +%s")))
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• To view an example of the random functions being used in a
Setup to generate random numbers, view the
random_example.mdl example discussed in the User's
Guide, Chapter 12, “Creating Graphic User Interfaces”,
“Random Numbers (Example),” section.
RBBcalc Used in extraction of base resistance parameters for
the UCB Bipolar model. Calculates RBB from corrected H11
measurements generated with the H11corr function described
above. A circle fit is performed on the complex data to
extrapolate the high frequency real axis intercepts.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
H11
Array of complex numbers; size
determined by inputs
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
Example PEL Statement:
rbbcalc_data = RBBcalc(H11)
RMSerror Calculates the RMS error between 2 data sets. The
error of the second input is calculated with respect to the first
input. Returns the error in percent or magnitude. Three
formulations are available depending on the value of the third
argument labeled % Err Flag.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Input 1, Input 2
Reals or Integers:
% Err Flag
Output:
Single real number
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
Example PEL Statement:
percent_error = RMSerror(ic.m,ic.s,1)
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If 0 is passed as the third argument, the absolute value of the
difference between the two datasets is returned.
N
∑ [ ( simi – measi ) 2 ] ⁄ N
i=1
If 1 or 2 is passed as the third argument, a relative (or percent)
error is calculated. For a value of 1, the error of the second
input is calculated with respect to the first input for each point.
If any values in the first dataset are 0, the function returns an
error.
N
∑ [ ( simi – measi ) ⁄ measi ]
2
⁄N
i=1
For a value of 2, the same formulation used by the
Levenberg-Marquardt optimizer is used. This is also a relative
(or percent) error calculation, but the formulation takes the
error relative to the larger of the two data set values on a point
by point basis. This formulation always returns a value.
N
∑ [ ( ( simi – measi ) ⁄ max ( measi , simi ) )
2
)] ⁄ N
i=1
Where
simi = the ith simulated data point
measi = the ith measured data point
N = the total number of data points
sin
Sine of an angle in radians.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets: Input 1
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Output: Complex number, matrix, complex array, or
matrix array (depends on input argument)
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
sinh
Hyperbolic sine.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Input 1
Complex number, matrix, complex
array, or matrix array (depends on
input argument)
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
smooth3 Returns 3-point running average of the Input data
set. End points of each curve are not affected. Defined in
userc.c.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Input
Complex array or matrix array
(depends on input argument)
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
SPECSSpin Used in an IC-CAP Macro to determine the
matrix connections of the device under test. ICMSpin
returns the matrix pin number that corresponds to a
specified terminal index on the device. This function only
returns valid data when IC-MS test execution is running.
Refer to the IC-MS User’s Manual for more information on
using ICMSpin.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
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Output:
Matrix pin number corresponding
to the specified device terminal
index
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
pin_num = ICMSpin(1)
sqrt Square root function. Note that sqrt(-1) correctly
produces an imaginary result.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Input 1
Complex number, matrix, complex
array, or matrix array (depends on
input argument)
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
SWM_debug Switching matrix function. Turns the debug
flag on and off. For more information regarding this
function, refer to “External Matrix Driver User Functions” on
page 166.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
Debug Flag
Single number with exit status
Automatic Invocation: None
SWM_init Switching matrix function. Initializes the
switching matrix and clears all port and pin connections.
This must be called before any other switching matrix
functions are used in the Macro. For more information
regarding this function, refer to “External Matrix Driver User
Functions” on page 166.
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Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Block 1 Addr, Block 2 Addr
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Matrix Type, Device File
Output:
Single number with exit status
Automatic Invocation: None
tan
Tangent of an angle in radians.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Input 1
Complex number, matrix, complex
array, or matrix array (depends on
input argument)
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
tanh
Hyperbolic tangent.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Input 1
Complex number, matrix, complex
array, or matrix array (depends on
input argument)
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
TARGET_DC_vth Picks up one single sweep curve of id=f(vg) of
a specified setup and extracts the threshold voltage vth. The
setup is specified by the parameters path to vd, and so on. This
makes it easier to call the function with variable inputs inside
the PEL programs.
The Flag variable defines certain conditions, for example, the
extraction of vth for the large, which does not need to calculate
all the early voltages.
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Input Arguments:
Variable
Length (L)
Total gate width (W)
Number fingers (NF)
Flag for extraction options
flag: 1 Fixed Id(Vth) = Idref*L/W
2 Fixed Id(Vth) = Idref*NF*
((W/NF)-2*Delta_W)/
(L-2*Delta_L)
Reference current Idref for
extraction options
Delta L (one side)
Delta W (one side)
# of curve
Type (1=NMOS, -1=PMOS)
Debug (1: show internal states of
the function 0: nothing)
Parameters:
path to setup
vd
vg
vb
id
type id (M,S)
version
Output:
Value vth or failure indicator
Automatic Invocation: Vth (1e99 indicates error)
tis_p_down HP 4071A wafer prober function. Lowers the
chuck of the wafer prober.
tis_p_home HP 4071A wafer prober function. Used for
loading a wafer onto the chuck and moving it to the home
position.
tis_p_imove HP 4071A wafer prober function. Moves the
chuck a relative increment from its current position.
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tis_p_ink HP 4071A wafer prober function. Calls the inker
function of the prober if it is supported.
tis_p_move HP 4071A wafer prober function. Moves the
chuck to an absolute position.
tis_p_orig HP 4071A wafer prober function. Defines the
current X & Y position of the chuck. Must be called before
calling the tis_p_move or tis_p_imove functions.
tis_p_pos HP 4071A wafer prober function. Returns the
current X & Y position of the chuck.
tis_p_scale HP 4071A wafer prober function. Defines the X
and Y stepping dimensions that are used by the tis_p_move
and tis_p_imove functions.
tis_p_up HP 4071A wafer prober function. Moves up the
chuck of the wafer prober.
tis_prober_get_ba
Available.
HP 4071A wafer prober function. No Help
tis_prober_get_name
Help Available.
HP 4071A wafer prober function. No
tis_prober_init HP 4071A wafer prober function. Initializes
the prober for use. This function must be called before any
other prober functions are used in the Macro.
tis_prober_read_sysconfig
No Help Available.
HP 4071A wafer prober function.
tis_prober_reset HP 4071A wafer prober function. Sends a
device clear command to the prober.
tis_prober_status HP 4071A wafer prober function. Sends a
query to the prober to obtain the Remote/Local control state
and the edge sensor contact state. The prober should be
initialized with tis_prober_init before this function.
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TRL_Cal Deembed the raw measured data using measured
data of TRL (thru-reflect-line) calibration standards. The
function calculates the error coefficients and returns the
corrected S-parameters data. The reference plane is defined
at the middle of the thru standard, or at the interface to the
DUT when it is installed in the compatible carrier.
Inputs:
Freq Data:
S data:
Thru:
Short:
Line A:
Line B:
Line C:
Freq 1 Trans:
Freq 2 Trans:
Output:
Frequency Inputs
Raw (uncalibrated) S-parameters
measured S-parameters of the Thru
standard
measured S-parameters of the
Short standard
measured S-parameters of Line A
standard
measured S-parameters of Line B
standard
measured S-parameters of Line C
standard
transition frequency Line A to Line
B
transition frequency Line B to Line
C
Corrected (calibrated)
S-parameters data
TwoPort Converts the data in a data set from one 2-port
parameter type
(S, Y, H, Z, K, A) to another. Enter the name of the data set
that is to be converted, the old 2-port type, and the new
2-port type. Use K for Cascaded Scattering Matrix and A
for ABCD Matrix. Note: TWOPORT does not read
TWOPORT_Z0 at execution time, only at measurement and
simulation time.
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Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Input
Strings/Pars/Vars:
From [SYHZKA], To [SYHZKA]
Output:
Matrix array; size determined by
inputs
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
Example PEL Statement:
h_dataset = TwoPort(s_dataset,"S","H")
TwoPort2 Same as TwoPort function except the
characteristic impedance, Z0, is an input parameter. This
allows execution-time conversion of 2-port data to a new Z0.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Input
Reals or Integers:
Z0
Strings/Pars/Vars:
From (SYHZKA) To (SYHZKA)
Output:
Matrix array; size determined by
inputs
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
Example PEL Statement:
h_dataset = TwoPort2(s_dataset,75,"S","H")
USERC_avg_2 Averages 2 DC data sets, point-by-point.
Provided as an example of a math function implemented in
User C code. The source code is in
$ICCAP_ROOT/src/userc.c.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Data 1, Data 2
Array of real numbers; size
determined by inputs
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
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USERC_avg_3 Averages 3 DC data sets, point-by-point.
Provided as an example of a math function implemented in
User C code. The source code is in
$ICCAP_ROOT/src/userc.c.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Data 1, Data 2, Data 3
Array of real numbers; size
determined by inputs
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
USERC_close Closes an open file. See USERC_open for
essential additional information about this function.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
File Descriptor (generated by
earlier USERC_open call)
0 or -1 (-1 indicates an error)
Automatic Invocation: None
USERC_conjg Produces the conjugate of the input data set.
This function is similar to the function named conjg, but is
provided as an example of a User C math function
manipulating complex numbers. The source code is in
$ICCAP_ROOT/src/userc.c.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Cplx DS
Complex number or array of
complex numbers; size determined
by inputs
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
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USERC_data_w_check Returns a complex number designated
by a name, row, and column. Example of C library function
data_w_check() in userc.c.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
Row, Col, Index, Data Set name,
Type
A single complex number.
Automatic Invocation: None
USERC_get_object_name If the variable name exists, returns
the name of the calling Transform or Macro. Note that the
leading / in the name is not returned.
Syntax
USERC_get_object_name(<varname>)
Where
<varname> is a string naming a variable in the variable
table within the scope of the caller. This variable returns
the names of the calling Transform or Macro.
Examples:
If macro /npn/tester contains the following line:
x=USERC_get_object_name("objname")
And if objname is in the Model Variables or system
variables, then it returns npn/tester.
If Transform /npn/dc/fgummel/tester contains the following
line:
x=USERC_get_object_name("xformName")
And if xformName exists in the Setup Variables, DUT
Variables, Model Variables, or System Variables, then it
returns npn/dc/fgummel/tester.
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IC-CAP Functions
USERC_init_param Demonstrates in C code how to assign a
value to a model parameter, a DUT parameter, or an IC-CAP
system variable. Demonstrates use of the User C utility
function named set_par_or_var(). The source code is in the
set_param function in $ICCAP_ROOT/src/userc.c.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
New Value
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Parameter to set (this should be
the name of a model parameter, a
DUT parameter, or an IC-CAP
system variable)
Output:
None
Extracts:
N/A
Automatic Invocation: By Extract menu function
USERC_num_of_points Returns the number of points for a
given sweep. Example of C library function
get_num_of_points() in userc.c.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
Sweep order, Sweep path
A positive real number, or -1 for
error.
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
nop = USERC_num_of_points(1, "")
! A blank path is current Setup
USERC_open Accesses a disk file for reading, writing or
both. For instrument control, use HPIB_open() and related
HPIB functions. This function can be used in conjunction
with USERC_readnum, USERC_readstr, USERC_read_reals,
USERC_seek, USERC_tell, USERC_write, and USERC_close to
perform I/O operations. A more complete description of
these functions and examples of their use in performing I/O
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operations with disk files are available in Appendix H, “User
C Functions.” The source code for these functions is
provided in $ICCAP_ROOT/src/userc_io.c.
Input Arguments:
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Output:
Filename, Access Mode
-1 on failure, or else a positive
integer file designator that you
should save to use with the other
User C I/O functions mentioned in
the description.
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
file_num = USERC_open("datafile","r") ! read access
USERC_read_reals Opens a file, reads and returns an array
of real numbers, and closes the file. For additional
information about this function, see Appendix H, “User C
Functions.”
Input Arguments:
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Output:
Filename
Array of real numbers, with size
determined by the Setup
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
data_array = USERC_read_reals("datafile")
USERC_readnum Reads 1 real number from an open file,
1.0E6, for example. See USERC_open for essential additional
information about this function.
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IC-CAP Functions
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
File Descriptor (generated by
earlier USERC_open call), Device
File Flag
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Scanf Format
Output:
a real number (the value
9.99998E+37 means an error
occurred)
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
VTO = USERC_readnum(file_num,0,"VTO = %lf")
USERC_readstr Reads a string from an open file and sets
the specified IC-CAP variable equal to it. See USERC_open
for essential additional information about this function.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
File Descriptor (generated by
earlier USERC_open call), Device
File Flag (use 1 if reading from an
instrument driver device file, 0 if
reading from an ASCII file)
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Scanf Format, Var Name
Output:
0 on success, or -1 on failure
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
! read and set SIMULATOR name from a file
read_result = USERC_readstr(file_num,0,"%s",
IC-CAP_variable)
USERC_seek Goes to a particular byte offset in an open file.
See USERC_open for essential additional information about
this function.
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8
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
File Descriptor (generated by
earlier USERC_open call), Offset
Value, Offset Type
0 on success, or -1 on failure
Automatic Invocation: None
USERC_set_param Sets the parameter specified by the
second argument to the value of the first argument.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
None
Reals or Integers:
Value of the parameter
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Name of the parameter to set
Output:
None
Automatic Invocation: MANUAL
Example PEL Statement:
x = USERC_set_param(100,NPN,BF)
USERC_set_param_quiet set the value of a parameter or
variable referenced by a string. Unlike USERC_set_param(),
this version makes no output to the status window.
Example PEL Statement:
x=USERC_set_param_quiet(1e-15,"/npn/IS")
USERC_size Returns the array size of the data set whose
name is given by a string.
Input Arguments:
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Output:
Data Set name
A positive real number.
Automatic Invocation: None
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IC-CAP Functions
Example PEL Statement:
data_size = USERC_size("id")
USERC_sweep_mode
with sweep order N.
Returns the sweep mode for the input
Usage:
x=USERC_sweep_mode(N, <path>)
Returns:
0 for V
1 for I
2 for T
3 for F
4 for P
5 for U
6 for W
Extracts:
Example C library function of
get_sweep_mode() in userc.c. Use
USERC_num_of_points() to check
the existence of a sweep.
USERC_sweep_name Returns a sweep name through a
variable. Example C library function of get_sweep_name() in
userc.c. Use USERC_num_of_points() to check the existence
of a sweep.
Input Arguments:
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Output:
Sweep order, Sweep path, Variable
name
0 for success, -1 for error
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
x = USERC_sweep_name(1, "/npn/dc/fearly", "first_sweep")
USERC_sweep_start Returns a sweep start value. Example C
library function of get_sweep_start() in userc.c. Use
USERC_num_of_points() to check the existence of a sweep.
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Input Arguments:
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Output:
Sweep order, Sweep path
0 for error
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
x = USERC_sweep_start(1, "/npn/dc/fearly")
USERC_sweep_stepsize Returns a (LIN) sweep step value.
Example C library function of get_sweep_stepsize() in
userc.c. Use USERC_num_of_points() to check the existence
of a sweep.
Input Arguments:
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Output:
Sweep order, Sweep path
0 for error
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
x = USERC_sweep_stepsize(1, "/npn/dc/fearly")
USERC_sweep_stop Returns a sweep stop value. Example C
library function of get_sweep_stop() in userc.c. Use
USERC_num_of_points() to check the existence of a sweep.
Input Arguments:
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Output:
Sweep order, Sweep path
0 for error.
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
x = USERC_sweep_stop(1, "") ! within current Setup
USERC_system Demonstrates the invocation of an operating
system command from User C code.
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IC-CAP Functions
Input Arguments:
Strings/Pars/Vars:
Output:
operating system command
Single number with exit status of
the operating system command
Automatic Invocation: None
USERC_tell Tells current byte offset in an open file. See
USERC_open for essential additional information about this
function.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
File Descriptor (generated by
earlier USERC_open call)
−1 on error, or else current byte
offset into file
Automatic Invocation: None
USERC_transpose Returns a data set of matrices, in which
each of the input data set’s matrices has been transposed.
Provided as an example of a matrix math function
implemented in User C code. The source code is in
$ICCAP_ROOT/src/userc.c.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Matrix DS
Matrix or matrix array; size
determined by inputs
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
USERC_write Prints any string expression into an open file,
in ASCII. (To convert a number to a string expression, refer
to the VAL$ function described in the “Built-in Functions” on
page 712. Refer to USERC_open for additional essential
information about this function.)
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IC-CAP Functions
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
File Descriptor (generated by
USERC_open call), Device File Flag
Strings/Pars/Vars:
String to Write
Output:
0 or −1 (−1 indicates an error)
Automatic Invocation: None
Example PEL Statement:
write_result = USERC_write(file_num,0,"VTO="&VAL$(VTO))
variance Calculates the statistical variance of a data set.
Adequate for a real or complex data set, but if a data set of
matrices is received, only the 1,1 data is considered. A data
set specification like S.21 is adequate, since this is a data
set of complex numbers.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
Input 1
Single real or complex number
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
VBIC_ac_solver Given the 4 terminal voltages, solves for
2-port network parameters. VE and VS are assumed to be 0.
Input Arguments:
VC
(Collector Voltage)
VB
(Base Voltage)
FREQ
(Cut-off Frequency])
Output {FT|BETA|Y|H|Z|S}
Output code specifying current
gain, or parameters. This code
should be placed in the Output
field.
Outputs:
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IC-CAP Functions
The output depends on the code set in the Output
field:
Code
Output
FT
Current gain cutoff frequency
BETA
Current gain
Y
The 2-port network y-parameters
H
The 2-port network h-parameters
Z
The 2-port network z-parameters
S
The 2-port network s-parameters
VBIC_avc Calculates avalanche collector voltage (AVC1)
based on the model parameter PC.
a
AVC1 = ------------------------b ( 1 – PC )
Where
For an NPN, a = 7.05E05 cm-1 and b = 1.23E06 V/cm
For a PNP, a = 1.58E06 cm-1 and b = 2.04E06 V/cm
PC = b-c grading coefficient
Input Arguments:
None
Output:
Model parameter AVC1
VBIC_cbc
Calculates the depletion capacitance versus bias.
Input Arguments:
VBC
Output:
670
Base-Collector Voltage
Depletion base-collector
capacitance based on the VBIC
formulation: SPICE model for AJC
≤ 0 and single-piece smooth model
for AJC > 0.
IC-CAP Reference
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IC-CAP Functions
VBIC_cbe
Calculates the depletion capacitance versus bias.
Input Arguments:
VBE
Output:
Base-Emitter Voltage
Depletion base-emitter capacitance
based on the VBIC formulation:
SPICE model for AJC ≤ 0 and
single-piece smooth model for AJC
> 0.
VBIC_cj0 Calculates (extracts) the junction zero-bias
capacitance.
Input Arguments:
VJ
Junction voltage
CJ
Capacitance
Output:
E/C/S Junction {E|C|S} for CJE,
CJC, or CJCP
Output:
The zero-bias junction capacitance
stored in CJE, CJC, or CJCP.
VBIC_clean_data This routine looks at each data point and
scans ahead by the number of points specified by the input
argument IN A ROW. If the data does not monotonically
increase for the number of data points specified by IN A
ROW, then zero is written to the output array. If the data
does monotonically increase for the number of data points
specified by IN A ROW, then from that data point onward,
the INPUT DATA is written directly to the output (result)
array.
Input Arguments:
INPUT DATA
IN A ROW
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IC-CAP Functions
Output:
VBIC_csc
Either the INPUT DATA or zero
values.
Calculates the depletion capacitance versus bias.
Input Arguments:
VSC
Output:
(Substrate-Collector Voltage)
Depletion collector-substrate
capacitance based on the VBIC
formulation: SPICE model for AJC
≤ 0 and single-piece smooth model
for AJC>0.
VBIC_dc_approx This function calculates Ic, Ib, beta,
intrinsic and extrinsic base-emitter voltage, and base charge
for a bipolar transistor, using the terminal voltages Ve, Vb,
and Vc as inputs. Vs is assumed to be 0. The first parameter
should be set to the output of interest, which defaults to Ic.
This approximate solution does not take quasi-saturation
effects into account.
Input Arguments:
VC
Collector Voltage
VB
Base Voltage
VE
Emitter Voltage
Output:IC|IB|BETA|VBEI|VBEX|QB
Set this field to the output of
interest
Output:
672
The output depends on the setting
of the Output field.
Code
Output
IC
Collector current
IB
Base current
BETA
Current gain
IC-CAP Reference
IC-CAP Functions
VBEI
Intrinsic base-emitter voltage
VBEX
Extrinsic base-emitter voltage
QB
Base charge
8
VBIC_dci_solver This function calculates Ic, Vb, Ie, Is, or
beta for a bipolar transistor, using the terminal voltages Ve,
Vc, and Vs and Ib as inputs. The first parameter should be
set to the output of interest, which defaults to Ic.
Input Arguments:
VC
Collector Voltage
IB
Base Current
VE
Emitter Voltage
VS
Substrate Voltage
Output: IC|VB|IE|IS|BETA
Set this field to the output of
interest.
Output:
The output depends on the code
set in the Output field.
Code
Output
IC
Collector current
VB
Base voltage
IE
Emitter current
IS
Substrate current
BETA
Current gain
VBIC_dcv_solver This function calculates Ic, Ib, Ie, Is, or
beta for a bipolar transistor, using the terminal voltages Ve,
Vb, Vc, and Vs as inputs. The first parameter should be set
to the output of interest, which defaults to Ic.
Input Arguments:
VC
IC-CAP Reference
Collector Voltage
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8
IC-CAP Functions
VB
Base Voltage
VE
Emitter Voltage
VS
Substrate Voltage
Output: IC|IB|IE|IS|BETA
Set this field to the output of
interest.
Output:
The output depends on the code
set in the Output field:
Code
Output
IC
Collector current
VB
Base voltage
IE
Emitter current
IS
Substrate current
BETA
Current gain
VBIC_fg_currents Given the 4 terminal voltages, calculates
parameters related to forward current.
Input Arguments:
674
Data Sets:
VC Collector Voltage
VB Base Voltage
VE Emitter Voltage
VS Substrate Voltage
IC Collector Current
IB Base Current
Parameters:
The parameter indicates the region
where the transform will limit its
simulated output.
VBIC_AUTO_RANGE must be set to
1.
IS|NF
Calculate over the region
dominated by NF
IBEI|NEI
Calculate over the region
dominated by NEI
IC-CAP Reference
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IC-CAP Functions
IBEN|NEN
Calculate over the region
dominated by NEN
IKF
Calculate over the region
dominated by IKF
Output: {IB|B|IC|C|IE|E|IS|S}
Code to indicate which current to
output.
Output:
A subset of the current where
zeros replace any range where data
was not extracted (based on the
auto-ranging algorithm). The
output depends on the code set in
the Output field:
Code
Output
IB|B
Base current
IC|C
Collector current
IE|E
Emitter current
IS|S
Substrate current
Extracts:
VBIC_ibci_nci
Nothing
Calculates the parameters IBCI and NCI.
Input Arguments:
VB
Base Voltage
VC
Collector Voltage
IB
Base Current
Output:
NCI at each bias point
(unaveraged).
Extracts:
IBCI, NCI
VBIC_ibei_nei
IC-CAP Reference
Calculates the parameters IBEI and NEI.
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IC-CAP Functions
Input Arguments:
VB
Base Voltage
VE
Emitter Voltage
IB
Base Current
Output:
NEI at each bias point
(unaveraged).
Extracts:
IBEI, NEI
VBIC_ikf
Calculates the parameter IKF.
Input Arguments:
VB
Base Voltage
VE
Emitter Voltage
IC
Collector Current
IB
Base Current
Output:
IKF at each bias point
Extracts:
IKF (maximum value in range, 0.1
indicates failed extraction).
VBIC_ikr
Calculates the parameter IKR.
Input Arguments:
VB
Base Voltage
VC
Collector Voltage
IE
Emitter Current
IB
Base Current
Output:
Reverse beta versus bias.
Extracts:
IKR (maximum value in range, 0.1
indicates failed extraction).
VBIC_is_nf
676
Calculates the parameters IS and NF.
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IC-CAP Functions
Input Arguments:
VB
Base Voltage
VE
Emitter Voltage
IC
Collector Current
Output:
NF versus bias with 0’s where out
of auto-range.
Extracts:
IS, NF (average values in range).
VBIC_isp_nfp
Calculates the parameters ISP and NFP.
Input Arguments:
VB
Base Voltage
VC
Collector Voltage
IS
Substrate Current
Output:
NFP versus bias with 0’s where out
of auto-range.
Extracts:
ISP, NFP (average values in range).
VBIC_nr
Calculates the parameter NR.
Input Arguments:
VB
Base Voltage
VC
Collector Voltage
IE
Emitter Current
Output:
NR versus bias with 0’s where out
of auto-range.
Extracts:
NR (average value in range).
VBIC_qcdepl Calculates depletion charge or capacitance
based on VBIC formulation using SPICE model for A ≤ 0 and
single-piece, smooth model for A > 0.
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IC-CAP Functions
Input Arguments:
Junction V
Junction voltage
P Param
Built-in potential
M Param
Grading coefficient
F Param
Fwd bias depletion capacitance
limit
A Param
Smoothing factor
Mode : {Q|C}
Charge or capacitance
Output:
Charge or capacitance versus bias.
Extracts:
Nothing
VBIC_rcx
Calculates RCX.
Input Arguments:
VB
Base Voltage
VE
Emitter Voltage
IC
Collector Current
IS
Substrate Current
IB
Base Current
Output:
RCX versus bias with 0’s where out
of auto-range.
Extracts:
RCX (maximum value in
auto-range, if failed, value of 60
set).
VBIC_rg_currents Given the 4 terminal voltages, calculates
reverse currents.
Input Arguments:
678
VC
Collector Voltage
VB
Base Voltage
VE
Emitter Voltage
IC-CAP Reference
8
IC-CAP Functions
VS
Substrate Voltage
IE
Emitter Current
IB
Base Current
IS
Substrate Current
Parameters
The parameter indicates the region
where the transform will limit its
simulated output.
VBIC_AUTO_RANGE must be set to
1.
IS|NR
Calculate over the region
dominated by NR
IBCI|NCI
Calculate over the region
dominated by NCI
IBCN|NCN
Calculate over the region
dominated by NCN
IKR
Calculate over the region
dominated by IKR
ISP|NFP
Calculate over the region
dominated by NFP
IKP
Calculate over the region
dominated by IKP
Output: {IB|B|IC|C|IE|E|IS|S}
Code to indicate which current to
output.
Output:
A subset of the current where
zeros replace any range where data
was not extracted (based on the
auto-ranging algorithm).
The output depends on the code set in the Output field:
IC-CAP Reference
Code
Output
IB|B
Base current
IC|C
Collector current
IE|E
Emitter current
IS|S
Substrate current
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IC-CAP Functions
Extracts:
Nothing.
VBIC_stoc This function calculates capacitance data from
S-parameter data, allowing base-collector and base-emitter
capacitance to be calculated from network analyzer
measurements. The output of this function can be used in
place of actual capacitance data to extract
capacitance-related parameters.
Input Arguments:
FREQ data
Frequency
S data
S-parameter data (de-embedded)
Node (C/E/S)
Code to indicate type of extraction:
E base-emitter capacitance
C base-collector capacitance
S substrate-collector capacitance
Output:
Capacitance versus frequency data
Extracts:
Nothing
VBIC_vef_ver Calculates the forward and reverse early
voltages given the collector, base, and emitter voltages in the
forward and reverse modes, as well as the collector current in
the forward mode and the emitter current in the reverse mode.
The algorithm is based on the method described in “SPICE
Early Modeling” by C. McAndrew & L. Nagel, BCTM 94, p. 144.
Input Arguments:
680
Forward VC
Collector Voltage
Forward VB
Base Voltage
Forward VE
Emitter Voltage
Forward IC
Collector Current
Reverse VE
Emitter Voltage
Reverse VB
Base Voltage
Reverse VC
Collector Voltage
IC-CAP Reference
8
IC-CAP Functions
Reverse IE
Emitter Current
Forward IB
Base Current
Output:
VEF versus bias with 0’s where out
of auto-range.
Extracts:
VEF, VER (average values in
auto-range).
Wait Switching matrix function. Used to pause for a specified
number of seconds to accomplish dry switching. Refer to
Chapter 2, “MOSFET Characterization,” in the IC-CAP
Nonlinear Device Models, Volume 1 manual for more
information.
Input Arguments:
Reals or Integers:
Output:
Period [sec]
Single number with exit status
Automatic Invocation: None
wirexfX A wire function. Wire functions permit optimization
of time-domain measurements in the X and Y dimensions.
Time-domain measurements involve effects specifically related
to the Y axis (voltage or current level) or the X axis (when a
pulse occurs).
Because X-axis data is typically the forced data set, it cannot
normally be optimized. This makes it very difficult to optimize
measured and simulated pulses that do not start with some
amount of overlap in time. To solve this problem, the data can
be transformed to create an independent X data set that can be
optimized together with the Y data set. There are 2 ways of
doing this.
• Generate the set of X values that would result if the Y values
were evenly spaced. The wirexfX provides this data. The
complementary wirexfY function provides the set of Y values
that would result from evenly spaced X values, which is the
default case.
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IC-CAP Functions
• Generate the sets of X and Y values that would result if the X
and Y axes are normalized and the curve is divided into
segments of equal length. The wirexfXY and wirexfYX
functions provide this data. This function calculates variably
spaced X values for evenly spaced Y values.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
X Data, Y Data
Array of real numbers; size
determined by inputs
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
wirexfXY One of the wire functions that permit optimization
of time domain measurements in the X and Y dimensions; for
more details, refer to the wirexfX function. This function
calculates the X data set produced when the X and Y axes are
normalized and the curve is divided into segments of equal
length. This function should be used in conjunction with
wirexfYX during an optimization.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
X Data, Y Data
Array of real numbers; size
determined by inputs
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
wirexfY One of the wire functions that permit optimization of
time domain measurements in the X and Y dimensions; for more
details, refer to the wirexfX function. This function calculates
the Y data set when X values are evenly spaced. This function is
supplied for completeness because Y data sets are normally
collected in this manner.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
682
X Data, Y Data
IC-CAP Reference
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IC-CAP Functions
Output:
Array of real numbers; size
determined by inputs
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
wirexfYX One of the wire functions that permit optimization
of time domain measurements in the X and Y dimensions; for
more details, refer to the wirexfX function. This function
calculates the Y data set produced when the X and Y axes are
normalized and the curve is divided into segments of equal
length. This function should be used in conjunction with
wirexfXY during an optimization.
Input Arguments:
Data Sets:
Output:
X Data, Y Data
Array of real numbers; size
determined by inputs
Automatic Invocation: On Data Set Input Change
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IC-CAP Functions
IC-CAP Reference
Agilent 85190A IC-CAP 2008
Reference
9
Parameter Extraction Language
Fundamental Concepts 686
Expressions 745
IC-CAP’s Parameter Extraction Language can be used to
create new functions. This language is modeled on Rocky
Mountain BASIC (rmb), the name adopted for HP BASIC or
Workstation BASIC when HP introduced it on HP-UX.
IC-CAP implements a subset that can aid in controlling the
system and performing computations.
This chapter describes the syntax and operation of this
interpreter. It is responsible for several IC-CAP system
features:
•
Numerical expressions in most editors in the system
•
Transforms using the Program2 or Program function
•
Macros that a Model can use
Agilent Technologies
685
9
Parameter Extraction Language
Fundamental Concepts
The interpreter within IC-CAP can execute programs made
up of statements that consist of keywords and expressions.
Expressions are constructed from functions, identifiers, and
operators. You enter these statements in the text editor that
appears when you select Program2 or Program as the function
name in the Extract/Optimize folder, or when you open the
Macros folder (refer to Chapter 11, “Creating and Running
Macros,” in the IC-CAP User’s Guide). The same interpreter is
used to evaluate the expressions entered in various tables
providing a consistent syntax throughout the system. Strictly
speaking, the expressions appearing in tables are not
statements.
Keywords
Keywords are reserved by the Parameter Extraction
Language. A keyword can be one of the reserved words
required for a statement, such as PRINT.
It can also be a built-in function or a built-in constant. For
keyword descriptions, refer to “Built-in Functions” on page 712
and “Built-In Constants” on page 744.
Keywords are entered in all uppercase or all lowercase, but
not upper and lower case. For example, to call the built-in
function MAX:
MAX(ic) or
max(ic)
Although the functions in IC-CAP’s Function List can be
invoked, those functions, such as RMSerror, are not language
keywords. To be used in a Program, expression, or Macro,
these functions must be spelled exactly as shown in the
Function List.
Identifiers
Identifiers are Parameter Extraction Language variable
names; they have the following properties:
• Identifiers can be of mixed case.
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• An identifier can be any length.
• An identifier starts with an alphabetic character or an
underscore character
( _ ). It can include alphanumeric characters and
underscore characters thereafter. Four notable exceptions
to this are:
• A subcircuit parameter, like npn.BF, is a legitimate
identifier; a period (.) is allowed in this case.
• A data set, like npn/dc/fgummel/ic is a legitimate
identifier; a slash (/) is allowed in this case.
• The notations ../ and ../.. are allowed to indicate
relative paths in the currently executing macro or
transform for dataset access.
• In Programs and Macros, local variable names
(identifiers) can end with a trailing dollar sign ($).
Included for the convenience of BASIC programmers
when using string variables, the only effect is that the
program is easier to read. An example is: Hi$="hello
world"
Numeric Precision
You can control numeric precision by setting the variables
WORKING_PRECISION and/or PARAMETER_PRECISION or
by using the PEL function val$().
• PARAMETER_PRECISION
This variable controls the precision of parameters stored
in the Model or DUT Parameters table, as well as the
precision of parameters passed to a simulator.
• WORKING_PRECISION
This variable controls the precision of numeric values
when converted to text, but affects only those parts of a
model for which the variable is defined. Depending on
when and where the conversion occurs, precision can be
actually lost or simply hidden. This conversion occurs in
the following situations: any time the function val$() is
called; the PRINT statement is used; a numeric value is
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assigned to a variable in the IC-CAP Variable Table; a
number is displayed to the screen (e.g., in an
input/output/plot definition or tabular data) or saved to a
file. (Because all variables in the IC-CAP Variable Table
are text by definition, assigning a numeric value to such a
variable will implicitly call the val$() function.)
Although the numbers are truncated for display purposes
according to the WORKING_PRECISION variable, IC-CAP
uses the untruncated numbers for calculations until the
file is saved. After the truncated numbers are saved in a
file then reread, the truncated numbers are used in
calculations. For example, if you type 1.23456 into an
input field, 1.235 is displayed. However, 1.23456 is used
for calculation. After the file is saved and reread, 1.235 is
not only displayed but also used for calculations.
When you change the WORKING_PRECISION variable, the
change is only apparent with subsequently edited or
redisplayed fields.
The value of the WORKING_PRECISION variable applies to
the precision of the Start/Stop/Stepsize fields of inputs,
though not all instrumentation can support such
resolution. Using higher precision involving these fields
should be done with caution.
The range of values is 6 through 17. The default is 6.
Controlling precision through val$() calls
The function val$() has an optional second argument that
can be used to control numeric precision. For example, the
statement y=val$(x,12) will convert the number x to a
string using up to 12 significant digits if required. Use this
form of val$() when the current value of
WORKING_PRECISION is acceptable for most of the work at
hand, but greater control is required for isolated instances.
In those instances, the second argument of val$() can be
used to override the current working precision.
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The examples that follow show how the output varies based
on whether or not the WORKING_PRECISION variable is
defined, and how the WORKING_PRECISION variable, when
defined, is overridden by using val$().
NO TE
When doing comparisons on real numbers, you may see unexpected
results (PEL printouts are rounded, although full precision is used
internally). Using the new WORKING_PRECISION variable or the
val$(xxx,y) function, you can verify the actual value.
For example, consider the following PEL clause:
x=0.39999999999
IF x < 0.4 THEN
PRINT x;“is less than 0.4”
END IF
Since x=0.39999999999, the IF clause will be entered but it
will print 0.4 is less than 0.4. To verify the actual value,
change the x in the print statement to val$(x,15) . The
output will then show 0.39999999999 is less than 0.4.
PRINT val$(x,15);“is less than 0.4
Example, Scenario 1
This scenario shows the usefulness of the new argument
in the val$() function.
Conditions: No WORKING_PRECISION variable is declared
within current scope; var1, and var2 are variables in the
Variable table within the current scope.
PEL
x=0.1234567890123 ! implicit val$() used behind the scenes uses
var1=x
! default working precision (6 digits)
var2=val$(x,9)
! explicit val$() specifying 9 digits of precision
y=0+var1
! implicit val() used on var1 to make numeric again
z=0+var2
! implicit val() used on var1 to make numeric again
print “Default precision x=”,x
! default working precision used
print “Default precision y=”,y
! default working precision used
print “Default precision z=”,z
! default working precision used
print “var1=”,var1
! no conversion--var1 already text
print “var2=”,var2
! no conversion--var2 already text
print “High precision x=”,val$(x,9) ! explicit working precision
print “High precision y=”,val$(y,9) ! explicit working precision
print “High precision z=”,val$(z,9) ! explicit working precision
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Output
Default precision x=
Default precision y=
Default precision z=
var1=
var2=
High precision x=
High precision y=
High precision z=
0.1235
0.1235
0.1235
0.1235
0.123456789
0.123456789
0.1235
0.123456789
Notice that y lost precision because var1 lost precision,
however it is clear from the High precision lines that
more information is available for x and z even though
printing at the default precision did not reveal it.
Example, Scenario 2
This Scenario uses the same code as Scenario 1, except
that the default working precision has been increased via
the WORKING_PRECISION variable.
Conditions: WORKING_PRECISION variable in the current
scope is set to 12; var1 and var2 are variables in the
Variable Table within the current scope.
PEL
x=0.1234567890123
var1=x
var2=val$(x,9)
y=0+var1
z=0+var2
print
print
print
print
print
print
print
print
!
!
!
!
!
implicit val$() used behind the scenes uses
current working precision (12 digits)
explicit val$() specifying 9 digits of precision
implicit val() used on var1 to make numeric again
implicit val() used on var1 to make numeric again
“Default precision x=”,x
!
“Default precision y=”,y
!
“Default precision z=”,z
!
“var1=”,var1
!
“var2=”,var2
!
“High precision x=”,val$(x,9)
“High precision y=”,val$(y,9)
“High precision z=”,val$(z,9)
current working precision used
current working precision used
current working precision used
no conversion--var1 already text
no conversion--var2 already text
! explicit working precision
! explicit working precision
! explicit working precision
Output
Default precision x=
Default precision y=
Default precision z=
var1=
var2=
High precision x=
High precision y=
High precision z=
690
0.123456789012
0.123456789012
0.123456789
0.123456789012
0.123456789
0.123456789
0.123456789
0.123456789
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In this case, notice that the overriding val$() assignments
actually lower the default precision since the default has
been set to 12 digits via the WORKING_PRECISION
variable.
Statements
This section describes how to write statements that make up
Programs and Macros. The information in this section is not
required to use expressions in the editor tables within
IC-CAP.
Rules for Constructing Statements
As in BASIC, statements are generally contained in a single
line of input. On the other hand, a quoted string can be as
many lines long as needed and can contain CR-LFs (carriage
return-line feeds).
Statements can be arbitrarily complex, and can use
parentheses and white space to clarify precedence and
improve readability.
Keywords must be all uppercase or all lowercase characters.
Calls to functions in IC-CAP’s Function List must be spelled
exactly as they are in the Function List.
Use an exclamation mark (!) to comment out a line or any
part of a line.
Available Statements and Commands
The following statements are taken from HP BASIC. They are
sensitive to the use of CR-LF, and must be written as
shown. For example, the ELSE keyword should be followed
by nothing on the same line, although a comment (starting
with ! ) could follow it. In this section, the abbreviation expr
denotes an expression. Expressions are described in
“Expressions” on page 745. The abbreviation boolean_expr
denotes a boolean expression, generally 0 or 1 (1, as well as any
non-zero value, is considered TRUE). For more information,
refer to “Boolean Expressions” on page 747.
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IF THEN with a single statement
IF boolean_expr THEN statement
IF THEN with multiple statements
IF boolean_expr THEN
statement1
.
.
.
statementN
END IF
IF THEN ELSE statement
IF boolean_expr THEN
statement1
.
.
.
statementN
ELSE
statement1
.
.
.
statementN
END IF
WHILE statement
WHILE boolean_expr
statement1
.
.
.
statementN
END WHILE
GET_DATASET statement
GET_DATASET prompt_string, variable_name
GET_DATASET prompt_string, default_string, variable_name
GET_DATASET is currently only supported by the Program2
function. An error occurs if used with a Program function or
Macro. GET_DATASET can redirect a Program2 dataset or
array parameter argument into a named variable. The
prompt_string and optional default_string parameters are
currently unused and ignored. The variable_name argument
is a variable that receives the redirected Program2 parameter
argument. The named variable can be a variable local to the
Program2 function. After the GET_DATASET statement
finishes, it returns a dataset to the named variable. Currently
the named variable can not represent a global variable or
variable from an IC-CAP variable table.
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Example Program2 function transform using GET_DATASET:
sub_prog
{
PRINT "enter sub_prog"
! re-direct a dataset parameter argument passed into
this
! function into local variable loc_x
GET_DATASET "", loc_x
PRINT "loc_x == "
PRINT loc_x
PRINT "leave sub_prog"
RETURN
}
Example:
! create a small dataset x
COMPLEX x[5]
i = 0
WHILE i < sizeof(x)
x[i] = i+2 + j*(i+1)
i=i+1
ENDWHILE
! pass a small dataset x to the Program2 function sub_prog
iccap_func("sub_prog", "Execute", x)
Output:
enter sub_prog
loc_x ==
Point
Index
R:measured
0
(1,1) 2.000000E+000
1
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
2
(1,1) 4.000000E+000
3
(1,1) 5.000000E+000
4
(1,1) 6.000000E+000
Point
Index
R:simulated
0
(1,1) 2.000000E+000
1
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
2
(1,1) 4.000000E+000
3
(1,1) 5.000000E+000
4
(1,1) 6.000000E+000
I:measured
1.000000E+000
2.000000E+000
3.000000E+000
4.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
I:simulated
1.000000E+000
2.000000E+000
3.000000E+000
4.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
leave sub_prog
GET_INT statement
GET_INT prompt_string, variable_name
GET_INT prompt_string, default_string, variable_name
Uses a dialog box to request an integer input from the user,
prompting with prompt_string, which should be a quoted
string, an identifier, or an expression treated as an integer.
Where applicable, default_string provides the user with a
default answer, enabling the user to simply select OK and
avoid typing any data. The prompt_string can be any valid
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string expression. The default_string can be any valid string
expression representing an integer. The variable_name
argument is a variable that receives the user's response. The
variable can be an IC-CAP system variable, or a variable local
to Program, Program2, or Macro. After the GET_INT
statement finishes, it returns an integer value to the named
variable. If the named variable is a global variable, the
integer value will be stored in the variable table.
The GET_INT dialog box contains 2 buttons: CANCEL and
OK. Choose CANCEL to terminate Program, Program2, or
Macro immediately.
If GET_INT is used in a Program or Macro to pass
parameters, all GET_INT statements should be located
immediately at the start of the Program or Macro along with
any other GET_INT, GET_REAL, GET_STRING or LINPUT
statements. Once any other ICCAP_FUNC statement is
invoked, the list of arguments is reset, thereby removing all
the extra arguments from the calling ICCAP_FUNC
statement. Program2 does not have this limitation.
If GET_INT is used in a Program or Macro to pass
parameters, the GET_INT statement searches the passed
parameter list until it finds a valid passed integer parameter
argument. In the Program2 function, the GET_INT statement
will only try to evaluate the next available passed function
parameter as an integer value, and will error out if the next
passed function parameter can not be evaluated as an integer
value.
GET_REAL statement
GET_REAL prompt_string, variable_name
GET_REAL prompt_string, default_string, variable_name
Uses a dialog box to request a real input from the user,
prompting with prompt_string, which should be a quoted
string, an identifier, or an expression treated as a real value.
Where applicable, default_string provides the user with a
default answer, enabling the user to simply select OK and
avoid typing any data. The prompt_string can be any valid
string expression. The default_string can be any valid string
expression representing a real value. The variable_name
argument is a variable that receives the user's response. The
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variable can be an IC-CAP system variable, or a variable local
to Program, Program2, or Macro. After the GET_REAL
statement finishes, it returns a real value to the named
variable. If the named variable is a global variable, the string
value will be stored in the variable table.
The GET_REAL dialog box contains 2 buttons: CANCEL and
OK. Choose CANCEL to terminate Program, Program2, or
Macro immediately.
If GET_REAL is used in a Program or Macro to pass
parameters, all GET_REAL statements should be located
immediately at the start of the Program or Macro along with
any other GET_INT, GET_REAL, GET_STRING or LINPUT
statements. Once any other ICCAP_FUNC statement is
invoked, the list of arguments is reset, thereby removing all
the extra arguments from the calling ICCAP_FUNC
statement. Program2 does not have this limitation.
If GET_REAL is used in a Program or Macro to pass
parameters, the GET_REAL statement searches the passed
parameter list until it finds a valid passed real parameter
argument. In the Program2 function, the GET_REAL
statement will only try to evaluate the next available passed
function parameter as a real value, and will error out if the
next passed function parameter can not be evaluated as a
real value.
GET_STRING statement:
See “LINPUT or GET_STRING statement” on page 697.
GET_STRING is simply an alternate name for the LINPUT
command. The new name is consistent with GET_INT,
GET_REAL, and GET_DATASET.
GLOBAL_VAR statement
GLOBAL_VAR <variable_name>
Declares a variable as a global variable in a program. This
statement is most useful for the Program2 function, because
the Program2 function treats all variables as local variables
unless those variables are first explicitly declared as global
variables using the GLOBAL_VAR statement. In the Program
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function, all variables can be resolved globally or locally
without needing to explicitly specify which variables are
global using the GLOBAL_VAR statement.
The variable_name should refer to an IC-CAP variable in a
variable table. Before using a variable from a variable table in
Program2, you should declare the variable as global with
GLOBAL_VAR. An error will occur if an IC-CAP variable
could not be found.
GLOBAL_VAR varX
y=varX
RETURN y
ICCAP_FIND_CHILDREN statement
ICCAP_FIND_CHILDREN “/”,“Model”,loadedModels
Sets a variable to be the list of names of a particular child
type of an IC-CAP object. This turns the variable
loadedModels from a variable table into an ICCAP_ARRAY
containing elements that are the names of the currently
loaded models. Use the sizef() command to determine the
size of the array.
Refer to the following table for valid names for the second
argument given the type of the first argument.
First Argument References
Second Argument may be
/
Model
any GUI Item Table or any GUI Item GUI Item
NO TE
696
any model
DUT
any DUT
Setup
Any Setup
Input, Output, Transform, or Plot
You should use sizeof() instead of size() because if no objects of the
requested type are found, a null string ("") is returned instead of an
ICCAP_ARRAY[0]. Since size() returns 1 for a null string, you would first
test the result to make sure it is not a null string before using the size()
command to determine the number of entries. The sizeof() function
returns 0 for a variable that is not an ICCAP_ARRAY[].
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ICCAP_FUNC statement
ICCAP_FUNC (object_name, menu_function_name, dialog_answer1, ...)
Used primarily in macros for automating the operation of
IC-CAP.
NO TE
The ICCAP_FUNC statement replaced the MENU_FUNC statement in
release 5.0. For backward compatibility, macros containing the
MENU_FUNC statement will still work, but new macros should be written
using the ICCAP_FUNC statement.
For an example on using the ICCAP_FUNC statement, refer
to Chapter 11, “Creating and Running Macros,” in the IC-CAP
User’s Guide.
LINPUT or GET_STRING statement
LINPUT prompt_string, variable_name
LINPUT prompt_string, default_string, variable_name
GET_STRING prompt_string, variable_name
GET_STRING prompt_string, default_string, variable_name
Uses a dialog box to request a string input from the user,
prompting with prompt_string, which should be a quoted
string, an identifier, or an expression treated as a string.
Where applicable, default_string provides the user with a
default answer, enabling the user to simply select OK and
avoid typing any data. Like prompt_string, the
default_string can be any valid string expression. The
variable_name argument is a variable that receives the
user’s response. The variable can be an IC-CAP system
variable, or a variable local to the Program, Program2, or
Macro. After the LINPUT or GET_STRING statement finishes,
it returns a string to the named variable. This will either be
the null string (""), or a string defining the text that would be
typed in the LINPUT or GET_STRING dialog box. If the
named variable is a global variable, the string value will be
stored in the variable table. To interpret the results as a
number, you must use val().
The LINPUT or GET_STRING dialog box contains 2 buttons:
CANCEL and OK. Choose CANCEL to terminate Program,
Program2, or Macro immediately.
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If LINPUT or GET_STRING is used in a Program or Macro to
pass parameters, all LINPUT or GET_STRING statements
should be located immediately at the start of the Program or
Macro along with any other GET_INT, GET_REAL,
GET_STRING or LINPUT statements. Once any other
ICCAP_FUNC statement is invoked, the list of arguments is
reset, thereby removing all the extra arguments from the
calling ICCAP_FUNC statement. Program2 does not have this
limitation.
PRINT statement
PRINT expr
Writes an ASCII printout of the given expression to the
Status window or location specified by a preceding PRINTER
IS statement. As in HP BASIC, several arguments can be
used, and these can be separated by a semicolon (;),
comma (,), or a period (.). The semicolon separator results
in no spacing between printed arguments, while the comma
separator results in a tab character. When printing multiple
arguments, the ampersand (&) operator and the VAL$
function may be useful. Refer to “Built-in Functions” on
page 712 and “Expressions” on page 745.
PRINTER IS statement
PRINTER IS <string>
Specifies where subsequent PRINT statements write. String
specifies a path and filename for subsequent PRINT
statements. A special token CRT specifies that subsequent
PRINT statements write to the Status window. For example:
PRINTER IS “/tmp/tmpfile”
PRINT “This text is going to tmpfile”
PRINTER IS CRT
PRINT "This text is going to the status window”
RETURN statement
RETURN [expr]
Copies a data set expression into the local storage of the
Transform, making the data available to Plots or other
Transforms that may reference it. In both Program and
Program2, it can be used to store data by including the
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optional argument. In a Macro, no argument can be present.
In both cases, Program, Program2, or Macro terminates after
this statement is executed. For example:
Id = IS * exp(vd / NF / vt)
RETURN Id
RETURN_VALUE statement
RETURN_VALUE expr
Interprets expr as a single real value. If expr is a dataset, the
first value will be returned. If expr is a variable, it will
interpret the value as a real value. If the variable is an
ICCAP_ARRAY, it will interpret the string as a number,
returning the dimension of the ICCAP_ARRAY, not the first
value of the array. RETURN_VALUE copies a real value from
an expression into the local storage of the Transform, making
the data available to Plots or other Transforms that may
reference it. Both Program and Program2 terminates after
this statement is executed. Use RETURN_VALUE when only a
single return value is required. This will avoid IC-CAP
increasing the size of the return value to the size of the setup.
The RETURN_VALUE statement's returned dataset will be
size 1, whereas the RETURN statement's return dataset size
will be determined by the size of the setup. RETURN_VALUE
is unsupported with Macros.
For example:
Id = 23.44
RETURN_VALUE Id
TUNER statement
TUNER pname, min, initValue, max, linLogScale, cbStyle,
cbName
where:
pname:
IC-CAP Reference
is a string (or variable array, refer to the
section “Using Variable arrays”) containing
the name of the variable or parameter you
want automatically adjusted each time the
tuner is adjusted.
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min:
is a number (or variable array, refer to the
section “Using Variable arrays”) that
specifies the minimum end of the tuner
scale.
initValue:
initValue is a number (or variable array,
refer to the section “Using Variable
arrays”) that specifies the initial position
of the slider.
max:
is a number (or variable array, refer to the
section “Using Variable arrays”) that
specifies the maximum end of the tuner
scale
linLogScale:
is a number (or variable array, refer to the
section “Using Variable arrays”) that
specifies whether the tuner will have a log
scale or not.
cbStyle:
is a number (1 or 0) that specifies whether
or not the callback is called continuously
as the slider moves (while the user has the
mouse button pressed) or only when the
slider motion is complete (when the user
releases the mouse button). 1 Specifies
continuous callbacks; 0 specifies endpoint
callbacks.
cbName:
is a string that specifies a Macro or
Transform in the same manner you would
refer to a macro or transform using a
ICCAP_FUNC statement. This Function will
be called as indicated by cbStyle. For
example, you may have a macro named cb
in model m1 and you could specify this
macro absolutely with “/m1/cb” or
relatively by “cb” from any macro within
m1.
SLIDER statement
SLIDER pname, min, initValue, max, OKFlag, retVal
where:
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pname:
is a string (or variable array, refer to the
section “Using Variable arrays”) containing
the name of the variable or parameter you
want automatically adjusted each time the
tuner is adjusted.
min:
is a number (or variable array, refer to the
section “Using Variable arrays”) that
specifies the minimum end of the tuner
scale.
initValue:
initValue is a number (or variable array,
refer to the section “Using Variable
arrays”) that specifies the initial position
of the slider.
max:
is a number (or variable array, refer to the
section “Using Variable arrays”) that
specifies the maximum end of the tuner
scale
okFlag
is an expression. 0 means return as soon
as the slider is adjusted; nonzero means
return only when user clicks OK.
retVal
If more than one slider is specified, using
arrays, retVal returns the index of the
modified slider and the new value is
automatically updated to the initValue
array. If only one slider is specified via
means other than variable arrays, retVal
returns the new value of the slider.
Using Variable Arrays
To specify multiple parameters or variables for tuning, you can
use variable arrays. The arguments pname, min, initValue, and
max must all be variable arrays of the same dimension. (A
variable array is defined by setting the value of any variable in a
variable table to ICCAP_ARRAY[dim] where dim is the
dimension of the array.) For example, if names, mins, maxs,
and currs were all variable arrays of dimension 4, and names
was an array of param names and mins was an array of min
values, etc, the statement
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TUNER names,mins,currs,maxs,0,1,"mycallback"
would invoke a TUNER with 4 sliders on it, one for each
parameter in the names array.
NO TE
Clicking OK on the tuner returns control to the Macro; clicking CANCEL on
the tuner aborts the macro currently running.
You can set and access n-dimensional variable arrays. If you set
the arrays
a=ICCAP_ARRAY[2]
a[0]=ICCAP_ARRAY[2]
you can then access and set a[0][1] in PEL.
UPDATE_EXPLICIT,
UPDATE_MANUAL,
UPDATE_AUTO,
UPDATE_EXTRACT, and
UPDATE_OPTIMIZE statements
Tell IC-CAP when to automatically run a Program. These
statements do not affect the Program, as can be seen in the
following examples:
UPDATE_EXPLICIT
UPDATE_MANUAL
UPDATE_AUTO
UPDATE_OPTIMIZE
UPDATE_EXTRACT
NO TE
702
!suppress all auto-execution of the
!transform
!suppress all auto-execution of the
!transform except during an optimization
!auto-execute the transform if a data set
!input changes
!auto-execute upon selection of the
!Optimize menu function
!auto-execute upon selection of the
!Extract menu function
UPDATE_MANUAL will auto-execute a transform during an optimization
only if it is a dependency on the simulated target of the optimization.
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Use only 1 statement per Program and place the statement
first in the Program. They have no effect in a macro because
macros are never automatically executed by IC-CAP. For
more information about the automatic execution of
Programs, refer to “Automatic Transform Execution” in the
User’s Guide.
COMPLEX statement
COMPLEX <array_name>.<type>.<matrix_dimensions>[size_expr]
Declares a temporary variable as an array. The individual
points of such an array can be manipulated, after which the
RETURN statement can be used to save the contents. The
array_name and size_expr arguments must be provided.
The type specifier and matrix_dimensions specifier are
optional. The matrix_dimensions can be either literal or an
expression in ( ) up to 9999. Only a square matrix is currently
supported.
The following examples demonstrate the various forms that
the COMPLEX statement can take. For information on
understanding the use of the M, S, and B specifiers, refer to
“Measured, Simulated, and Common Data” in the IC-CAP
User’s Guide. (These specifiers identify whether space is
allocated for measured, simulated, both measured and
simulated, or for data to be considered common.) “Data
Types” on page 708 explains the M, S, and B specifiers. The
matrix dimensions specifier should be equal to 22 for 2-port
data. For DC data sets it is simplest to omit it; this results in
a default value of 11 (1x1 data) suitable for DC, CV, TDR and
other non-2-port data sets.
COMPLEX tmp_array[30+5] ! Common data; 35 complex points;
!indexed 0 to 34
COMPLEX tmp_array.M[35] ! Measured data
COMPLEX tmp_array.S[35] ! Simulated data
COMPLEX tmp_array.B[35] ! Both measured and simulated data
! is allocated
COMPLEX t_arr.22[30+5] ! Common data; 35 2x2 (i.e. 2-port)
!points
COMPLEX t_arr.M.22[35] ! Measured data; 35 2x2 points
COMPLEX t_arr.S.22[35] ! Simulated data; 35 2x2 points
COMPLEX t_arr.B.22[35] ! Both measured and simulated data is
! allocated
COMPLEX t_arr.B.1212[35] ! 12x12 matrix
COMPLEX t_arr.B.(r*10+c)[35] ! r, c up to 9x9
COMPLEX t_arr.B.(r*100+c)[35] ! r, c up to 99x99
IC-CAP Reference
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After an array is declared using COMPLEX, all elements have
a value of 0. Refer to “Assignment” on page 704 for a
description of how to modify elements within the array.
Examples of data set access are provided in “Data Types” on
page 708. Those examples also apply to accessing the
temporary arrays declared by COMPLEX and the points
within them.
The COMPLEX statement is not always necessary when
working with arrays. In many cases, assignment and other
operations can be done implicitly on an array-wide basis. For
example, the following statements produce the average of two
2-port S-parameter data sets:
x = (S1+S2) / 2
RETURN x
! or, simply,
RETURN (S1+S2) / 2
When individual points in the array require differing and
non-trivial manipulations (thus making it necessary to assign
to them on a point-wise basis), use the COMPLEX statement.
Typical applications are filtering noise from data or
producing a new data set that contains only a subset of
another data set.
Assignment
Assignment is an important statement for complicated
computations that require temporary variables or perform
extractions. An assignment statement consists of a simple
identifier on the left, an = sign, and any allowed expression to
the right. It is possible to declare temporary arrays (using
COMPLEX) and to assign values to individual points within
these arrays.
NO TE
A single equal sign (=) is used to indicate assignment; a double equal
sign (==) is used to test for equality. HP BASIC uses = for both.
The valid forms for assignment are as follows:
tempvar = <any expression>
<Model parameter> = <REAL expression>
<DUT parameter> = <REAL expression>
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Parameter Extraction Language
<IC-CAP system variable> = <REAL expression>
<tmp_array>.<type>.<row_and_column>[index_expr] = <REAL or
COMPLEX expression>
In the last case, some fields are optional. The following
examples show every legitimate case and demonstrate all valid
forms of assignment.
IC-CAP Reference
BF = ic[0]//ib[0]
Assigns the bjt Model parameter
BF to the ratio of 2 points (ic[0]
and ib[0]).
AREA = 1.2
Assigns (in a bjt Model) a value to
the DUT parameter AREA.
npn2.BF = 100
Assigns a value to the Model
parameter npn2.BF, if the current
Model possesses such a parameter.
Failing that, it assigns a value to a
BF parameter in another Model
named npn2.
npn2/dc.AREA = 100
Assigns a value to the DUT
parameter AREA, within the DC
DUT of a Model named npn2.
TNOM = 25
TNOM is generally defined as an
IC-CAP system variable. Here it is
assigned a value of 25.
x=4
Declares x a temporary variable
and assigns an integer.
Recommended for loop counters.
The maximum integer that you can
set is 2147483647 (MAXINT). If you
attempt to assign an integer in
excess of MAXINT, unreported
overflow errors will occur and the
actual integer assigned will not be
the value you attempted to assign.
If you wish to use numbers larger
than MAXINT, specify using a .0 at
the end of the number (see x =
4.0) or use engineering notation.
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Parameter Extraction Language
x = 4.0
Declares x a temporary variable
and assigns a double precision
floating point number. Not
recommended for loop counters
due to roundoff errors.
x = ic//ib
Declares x a temporary variable
and assigns it to the ratio of the 2
data sets (ic and ib). Refer to
“Expressions” on page 745 for an
explanation of the double slash (//).
x = S.21
Declares x a temporary variable
and assigns to it all the 21
(forward transmission) data within
a 2-port data set named S.
x = S.M.21
Declares x a temporary variable
and assigns to it all the measured
21 (forward transmission) data
within a 2-port data set named S.
x = ic or
x = ic.m or
x = ic.s
Declares x a temporary variable
and assigns to it the data within
an Output named ic. If ic only has
measured data, only measured data
is assigned to x. If ic only has
simulated data, only simulated data
is assigned to x. If ic has both
measured and simulated data, both
are assigned to x. If x is not the
correct size for the requested data,
x resizes to accommodate the data
on the right side.
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Parameter Extraction Language
IC-CAP Reference
x.m = ic or
x.m = ic.s or
x.m = ic.m
If x has never been assigned or
was assigned some value other
than a temporary dataset, adding
.m to left side has no effect. See
x=ic, x=ic.s, x=ic.m. If x was
previously defined as a temporary
dataset, assigns to its measured
array the data within an output
named ic. If ic contains just
simulated data or if the right side
is ic.s, x receives just the
simulated data in its measured
array. If ic contains common or
measured data or if the right side
is ic.m, x receives that data in its
measured array. If x contains
preexisting simulated data, that
simulated data is not changed. If x
is not the correct size for the
requested data, an error occurs.
x.s = ic or
x.s = ic.s or
x.s = ic.m
If x has never been assigned or
was assigned some value other
than a temporary dataset, adding .s
to left side has no effect. See x=ic,
x=ic.s, x=ic.m. If x was previously
defined as a temporary dataset,
assigns to its simulated array the
data within an output named ic. If
ic contains just simulated data or
if the right side is ic.s, x receives
just the simulated data in its
simulated array. If ic contains
common or measured data or if the
right side is ic.m, x receives that
data in its simulated array. If x
contains preexisting measured
data, that measured data is not
changed. If x is not the correct size
for the requested data, an error
occurs.
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The following statements demonstrate assignment to points in
temporary arrays. They require prior use of the COMPLEX
statement to declare the temporary array appearing to the left
of the equal sign (=). An array index i is assumed in each case to
be an integer or integer expression. It should have a value
between 0 and size-1, where size was established in a COMPLEX
statement.
tmp_array.M[i] = 2+2 ! Measured data point assigned value of
! 4
tmp_array.S[i] = 2+2 ! Simulated data point assigned value
! of 4
tmp_array.B[i] = 2+2 ! Measured and simulated data points
! are BOTH assigned
tmp_array_x[i] = 2+2 ! Common or measured data point
! assigned value of 4
tmparr.M.21[i] = 2+j5 ! Measured ’21’ data point receives
! complex
tmparr.S.21[i] = 7+20 ! Simulated ’21’ data point receives
! real
tmparr.B.21[i] = 2+j5 ! Measured and simulated ’21’ data
! points are BOTH assigned
tmparr_x.21[i] = 2+j5 ! Common or measured ’21’ data point
! receives complex
The following assignment statements are not valid:
COMPLEX x.m[size(beta.m)]
x.m = beta.m ! left-side expression must be simple
! identifier, or individual point
S = S + S
where S is an existing IC-CAP data set. You cannot overwrite
an existing data set in this manner. (However, you could
establish an IC-CAP data set with identical data using
RETURN S+S .)
tmp_array[i] = S[i] ! not valid if S[i] is non-scalar (for
! example, 2-port data)
Data Types
This section describes the primitive data types supported in
expressions, Programs, and Macros. These types of data
represent the simplest possible expressions.
Because IC-CAP automatically assigns data types, it is not
necessary to declare a data type for a variable. Thus, to declare
and initialize a temporary variable in a Program Transform or
Macro, assign a value to it. For example, entering tempvarx =
S.m.21[3] automatically makes tempvarx a complex entity (S is
assumed to be 2-port data). The variable tempvarx is known
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Parameter Extraction Language
only to the Transform program being defined and is discarded
when the program finishes. IC-CAP recognizes and operates on
the following data types:
real (or double)
For example:
2.0, 2e-6, and 2.0k.
complex Engineering and scientific notation are accepted in
any mix. For example:
2+j2, 2+j*2, and 2.05meg-j1.0e6.
pure imaginary
j*2, j2, j, and j*1meg.
matrix The expression S.M[0] is a matrix example if S is
2-port data.
Model and DUT Parameters These are scalar real numbers.
When IC-CAP encounters such an identifier (BF for example), it
searches for a match in the following order until one is found:
1 DUT level parameter
2 Model level parameter
3 Setup level parameter
4 DUT level variable
5 Model level variable
6 System level variable
7 Datasets
Model parameters can be used in, or assigned to, expressions.
For example:
BF = 100
x = 2 * BF
npn1.BF = 100 !BF in another Model
npn1/dc.AREA=1 !AREA in another DUT
IC-CAP variables Refer to Model Parameters for a description
of how IC-CAP resolves the meaning of symbol names. Like
Model Parameters, system variables can be used in, or assigned
to, expressions. They have one enhanced capability not shared
by the parameters—a string can be assigned to them. For
example,
EXTR_MODEL="opamp"
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Parameter Extraction Language
Do not attempt to enter an expression when editing an
IC-CAP system variable table. This will not be evaluated
when you later reference the variable. If the system variable
is used in a numeric expression, it is safest to enter only a
single number in the system variable table. To obtain the text
contents of a system variable, use the following:
VAL$(EXTR_MODEL)
where EXTR_MODEL is a system variable.
data set Arrays of matrices of complex numbers. In the most
complex case (2-port S-parameter measured and simulated
data), data sets hold an array of measured matrices and an
array of simulated matrices. (Refer to “Measured, Simulated,
and Common Data" in the IC-CAP User’s Guide.) IC-CAP
entities considered to be data sets are Inputs, Outputs, and
Transforms. The syntax for accessing all or part of a data set is
described in the following paragraphs. Temporary arrays, such
as those declared by the COMPLEX statement, can also be
accessed using the syntax in the examples.
In the following examples of data set access, S denotes an
existing data set of 2-port data; IC denotes an existing DC data
set. Both data sets are type B (both)—they contain measured
and simulated data.
NO TE
710
These examples are valid for reading data in a temporary array in a
Program or Macro, and for reading data in an IC-CAP data set. However,
choices are more limited when assigning to (writing to) temporary arrays;
also, no assignment can be done directly into IC-CAP data sets (outside of
the RETURN statement). For details regarding assignment statement, refer
to “Assignment” on page 704.
IC.M
Produces a data set containing only
measured data.
IC.S
Produces a data set containing only
simulated data. M (measured), S
(simulated), and B(both) act as keywords
and can be specified in either uppercase
or lowercase.
IC-CAP Reference
9
Parameter Extraction Language
IC.B or IC
Produces a data set containing both
measured and simulated data.
S[2] or S.M[2] Produces a matrix of measured data. It is
the third matrix in S.M, the first being
S[0]. An expression can be substituted for
2. In the first case, the system selects
measured data by default. Since 2 selects
the third matrix, 0 would select the first
matrix. This is consistent with HP BASIC,
in which OPTION BASE 0 is the default
when accessing array elements. The last
matrix in S.M can be accessed with the
built-in function SIZE: S[size(S)-1]. Results
are undefined if you attempt to use indices
that are negative or are beyond the end of
the data set.
IC[0] or
IC.M[0]
Produces a real number that is the first
point in IC’s measured data. An expression
can be substituted for 0. Note: Omitting
the .M extension (IC[0]) defaults to
measured data only, NOT both measured
and simulated data.
S.s[2]
Produces a matrix of simulated data that
is the third point (the first is S.s[0]). An
expression can be substituted for 2.
S.21 S.0201 S.9181 S.(row*10+column) S.(row*100+column)
Produces a measured and simulated data
set with complex data. The term .21
specifies that the data at row 2, column 1
is to be extracted from data set S (this
would be the data corresponding to the
forward transfer coefficient). The term .21
can be expressed either literally or by an
expression in parentheses ( ) up to 9999.
(Note that S.21 and S.0201 are equivalent.)
For data sets with more than 9 rows or
columns, use the 4-digit row-column
specification, for example, S.9902 (row 99,
column 2).
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Parameter Extraction Language
S.21[0]
Produces a complex number. M (measured)
is assumed by default. The result is the
data for row 2, column 1 of S’s first
measured data matrix. An expression can
be substituted for 0.
S.S.21[2]
Produces the same result as above, but for
simulated rather than measured data.
IC-CAP also has some limited string manipulation capabilities.
The following are examples of the string type (note the 2
alternatives for including quotation marks in a string):
"hello world"
"IC-CAP says ’hello world’ "
’IC-CAP says "hello world" ’
The following is an example of a string used in a statement:
PRINT "hello world"
Assign to x as follows:
x = "hello"
and x will be of type string.
Built-in Functions
The functions described in this section are built into the
Parameter Extraction Language. They can be entered in all
uppercase or all lowercase, as in HP BASIC.
Some are duplicated in the IC-CAP Function List, like log. Some
functions were built in for efficiency with scalar data (the
Function List has functions designed to operate best on data
sets). Other built-in functions are for programming
convenience, such as size and system$.
NO TE
712
A function applied to a data set, unless otherwise noted, generates a new
data set in which the specified function has been applied to every point.
However, the functions max, min, and size each return single numbers
only.
IC-CAP Reference
9
Parameter Extraction Language
abs
Absolute value of a single real number or magnitude of a
complex number.
array_copy(x,yout)
Returns 0 if the ICCAP_ARRAY x is copied successfully to the
ICCAP_ARRAY yout. For example:
abc="ICCAP_ARRAY[6]"
abc[0]="foo"
abc[1]=1.235
abc[2]=2.33
abc[3]="foo"
abc[4]=3
abc[5]=-10.23919
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, 2.33, "foo", 3, -10.23919}
fgh="ICCAP_ARRAY[1]"
fgh[0]="hello"
! fgh = {"hello"}
print array_equal_str(abc, fgh)
print array_copy(abc, fgh)
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, 2.33, "foo", 3, -10.23919}
! fgh = {"foo", 1.235, 2.33, "foo", 3, -10.23919}
print array_equal_str(abc, fgh)
Output:
0
0
1
Example:
fgh="ICCAP_ARRAY[2]"
fgh[0]="ICCAP_ARRAY[3]"
fgh[0][0]="foo"
fgh[0][1]=1.235
fgh[0][2]=2.33
fgh[1]="ICCAP_ARRAY[2]"
fgh[1][0]=0
fgh[1][1]= "ICCAP_ARRAY[4]"
fgh[1][1][0]="fee"
fgh[1][1][1]=-10.23919
fgh[1][1][2]=3
fgh[1][1][3]="foo"
array_copy(abc, fgh)
Result:
abc="ICCAP_ARRAY[2]"
abc[0]="ICCAP_ARRAY[3]"
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Parameter Extraction Language
abc[0][0]="foo"
abc[0][1]=1.235
abc[0][2]=2.33
abc[1]="ICCAP_ARRAY[2]"
abc[1][0]=0
abc[1][1]= "ICCAP_ARRAY[4]"
abc[1][1][0]="fee"
abc[1][1][1]=-10.23919
abc[1][1][2]=3
abc[1][1][3]="foo"
Example:
array_copy(abc[1], fgh)
Result:
fgh="ICCAP_ARRAY[2]"
fgh[0]=0
fgh[1]= "ICCAP_ARRAY[4]"
fgh[1][0]="fee"
fgh[1][1]=-10.23919
fgh[1][2]=3
fgh[1][3]="foo"
Example:
array_copy(abc[0], fgh[1][3])
Result:
fgh="ICCAP_ARRAY[2]"
fgh[0]=0
fgh[1]= "ICCAP_ARRAY[4]"
fgh[1][0]="fee"
fgh[1][1]=-10.23919
fgh[1][2]=3
fgh[1][3]="ICCAP_ARRAY[3]"
abc[1][3][0]="foo"
abc[1][3][1]=1.235
abc[1][3][2]=2.33
array_equal_num(x,y[,prec])
Returns 1 if the ICCAP_ARRAY x elements have the same
double values as the corresponding elements of ICCAP_ARRAY
y. Returns 0 if the ICCAP_ARRAY x and ICCAP_ARRAY y are
not equivalent. The 3rd optional argument prec can be used to
specify the double precision to compare the input arrays x and
y with when determining their equivalency. For example:
abc="ICCAP_ARRAY[4]"
abc[0]=-4.23321
abc[1]=1.235
abc[2]=21
abc[3]=-10.23919
! abc = {-4.23321, 1.235, 21, -10.23919}
abc2="ICCAP_ARRAY[5]"
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9
abc2[0]=-4.23321
abc2[1]=1.235
abc2[2]=21
abc2[3]=-10.23919
abc2[4]=0.3422
! abc = {-4.23321, 1.235, 21, -10.23919, 0.3422}
abc3="ICCAP_ARRAY[4]"
abc3[0]=-4.23321
abc3[1]=1.235
abc3[2]=21
abc3[3]=-10.24
! abc3 = {-4.23321, 1.235, 21, -10.24}
print
print
print
print
array_equal_num(abc,
array_equal_num(abc,
array_equal_num(abc,
array_equal_num(abc2,
abc2,
abc3,
abc3,
abc3,
3)
2)
5)
3)
Output:
0
1
0
0
array_equal_str(x,y)
Returns 1 if the ICCAP_ARRAY x elements have the same string
values as the corresponding elements of ICCAP_ARRAY y.
Returns 0 if the ICCAP_ARRAY x and ICCAP_ARRAY y are not
equivalent. For example:
abc="ICCAP_ARRAY[4]"
abc[0]="foo"
abc[1]=1.235
abc[2]="foo2"
abc[3]=-10.23919
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, "foo2", -10.23919}
abc2="ICCAP_ARRAY[5]"
abc2[0]="foo"
abc2[1]=1.235
abc2[2]="foo2"
abc2[3]=-10.23919
abc2[4]="foo3"
! abc2 = {"foo", 1.235, "foo2", -10.23919, "foo3"}
abc3="ICCAP_ARRAY[4]"
abc3[0]="foo"
abc3[1]=1.235
abc3[2]="foo2"
abc3[3]=-10.23919
! abc3 = {"foo", 1.235, "foo2", -10.23919}
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Parameter Extraction Language
print array_equal_str(abc, abc2)
print array_equal_str(abc, abc3)
print array_equal_str(abc2, abc3)
Output:
0
1
0
array_insert_at(x,y [,pos])
Returns 0 if successful and ICCAP_ARRAY x will be modified to
include the data y inserted into the data array at the optional
3rd argument integer index pos. If the 3rd argument pos is not
specified, the data y will be appended to the end of the
ICCAP_ARRAY data array x. For example:
abc="ICCAP_ARRAY[5]"
abc[0]=1
abc[1]=2
abc[2]=3
abc[3]=3
abc[4]=12
print
! abc
print
! abc
print
! abc
print
! abc
print
! abc
array_insert_at(abc,55,6)
= {1,2,3,3,12}
array_insert_at(abc,43,5)
= {1,2,3,3,12,43}
array_insert_at(abc,23.33,0)
= {23.33,1,2,3,3,12,43}
array_insert_at(abc,-55.34)
= {23.33,1,2,3,3,12,43, -55.34}
array_insert_at(abc,"foo",2)
= {23.33,1,"foo",2,3,3,12, 43,-55.34}
Output:
-1
0
0
0
0
array_remove_all(x,y[,prec])
Returns 0 if the value y is found and removed in the array x.
Returns -1 if unsuccessful. The ICCAP_ARRAY x will be
updated to no longer contain all elements found in the array
with the value y. If value y is a double value, then the optional
3rd argument prec can be used to set what precision the
function will use to search for the double value y in the array x.
For example:
abc="ICCAP_ARRAY[6]"
abc[0]="foo"
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9
abc[1]=1.235
abc[2]=2.33
abc[3]="foo"
abc[4]=3
abc[5]=-10.23919
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, 2.33, "foo", 3, -10.23919}
print array_remove_all(abc, "unknown" )
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, 2.33, "foo", 3, -10.23919}
print array_remove_all(abc, "5")
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, 2.33, "foo", 3, -10.23919}
print array_remove_all(abc, "3")
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, 2.33, "foo", -10.23919}
print array_remove_all(abc, 2.33)
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, "foo", -10.23919}
print array_remove_all(abc, -10.239, 3)
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, "foo"}
print array_remove_all(abc, "foo")
! abc = {1.235}
Output:
-1
-1
0
0
0
0
array_remove_at(x,pos)
Returns 0 if successful and the dataset, complex 1x1 array, or
ICCAP_ARRAY x with the data removed from the data array at
argument integer index pos. For example:
abc="ICCAP_ARRAY[4]"
abc[0]=1
abc[1]=2
abc[2]="foo"
abc[3]=3
! abc = {1, 2, foo, 3}
print array_remove_at(abc, 2)
! abc = {1, 2, 3}
print array_remove_at(abc, 1)
! abc = {1, 3}
print array_remove_at(abc, 0)
! abc = {3}
print array_remove_at(abc, 0)
! abc = ""
! abc is no longer an ICCAP_ARRAY
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Output:
0
0
0
0
array_remove_first(x,y[,prec])
Returns the integer position of the first occurrence of value y
that is found in the array x and removed, or returns -1 if
unsuccessful. The ICCAP_ARRAY x will be updated to no longer
contain the first element found in the array to contain the value
y on return. If value y is a double value, then the optional 3rd
argument prec can be used to set what precision the function
will use to search for the double value y in the array x for
removal. For example:
abc="ICCAP_ARRAY[6]"
abc[0]="foo"
abc[1]=1.235
abc[2]=2.33
abc[3]="foo"
abc[4]=3
abc[5]=-10.23919
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, 2.33, "foo", 3, -10.23919}
print array_remove_first(abc, "unknown" )
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, 2.33, "foo", 3, -10.23919}
print array_remove_first(abc, "5")
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, 2.33, "foo", 3, -10.23919}
print array_remove_first(abc, "3")
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, 2.33, "foo", -10.23919}
print array_remove_first(abc, 2.33)
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, "foo", -10.23919}
print array_remove_first(abc, -10.239, 3)
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, "foo"}
print array_remove_first(abc, "foo")
! abc = {1.235, "foo"}
Output:
-1
-1
4
2
3
0
718
IC-CAP Reference
Parameter Extraction Language
9
array_remove_last(x,y[,prec])
Returns the integer position of the last occurrence of value y
that is found in the array x and removed, or returns -1 if
unsuccessful. The ICCAP_ARRAY x will be updated to no longer
contain the last element found in the array to contain the value
y on return. If value y is a double value, then the optional 3rd
argument prec can be used to set what precision the function
will use to search for the double value y in the array x for
removal. For example:
abc="ICCAP_ARRAY[6]"
abc[0]="foo"
abc[1]=1.235
abc[2]=2.33
abc[3]="foo"
abc[4]=3
abc[5]=-10.23919
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, 2.33, "foo", 3, -10.23919}
print array_remove_last(abc, "unknown" )
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, 2.33, "foo", 3, -10.23919}
print array_remove_last(abc, "5")
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, 2.33, "foo", 3, -10.23919}
print array_remove_last(abc, "3")
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, 2.33, "foo", -10.23919}
print array_remove_last(abc, 2.33)
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, "foo", -10.23919}
print array_remove_last(abc, -10.239, 3)
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, "foo"}
print array_remove_last(abc, "foo")
! abc = {"foo", 1.235}
Output:
-1
-1
4
2
3
2
array_reorder (x,idxarr)
Given an ICCAP_ARRAY x of values and an ICCAP_ARRAY
idxarr of indices, this function reorders the elements of the
ICCAP_ARRAY x using the array of indices idxarr. Returns 0 if
array was successfully reordered. For example:
IC-CAP Reference
719
9
Parameter Extraction Language
abc="ICCAP_ARRAY[4]"
abc[0]=-4.23321
abc[1]=1.235
abc[2]=21
abc[3]=-10.23919
! abc = {-4.23321, 1.235, 21, -10.23919}
idxabc="ICCAP_ARRAY[4]"
idxabc[0]=2
idxabc[1]=3
idxabc[2]=0
idxabc[3]=1
print array_reorder(abc, idxabc)
! abc = {21, -10.23919, -4.23321, 1.235}
Output:
0
array_rsort_num (x, prec[, idxArr])
Given an ICCAP_ARRAY x and no 3rd optional argument
idxArr, this function will sort the ICCAP_ARRAY x in
descending order using the given double precision, specified by
the 2nd argument prec. The precision will be used to compare
the array elements' double values during the sorting operation.
If the 3rd optional argument idxArr is specified, then the
ICCAP_ARRAY x will not be sorted but instead the function will
return idxArr as an ICCAP_ARRAY with an array of sorted
indices. Returns 0 if successful. For example:
abc="ICCAP_ARRAY[4]"
abc[0]=-4.23321
abc[1]=1.235
abc[2]=21
abc[3]=-10.23919
! abc = {-4.23321, 1.235, 21, -10.23919}
print array_rsort_num(abc, 5)
! abc = {21, 1.2345, -4.23321, -10.23919}
abc2="ICCAP_ARRAY[4]"
abc2[0]=-4.23321
abc2[1]=1.235
abc2[2]=21
abc2[3]=-10.23919
! abc2 = {-4.23321, 1.235, 21, -10.23919}
idxabc2=""
! idxabc2 =
720
IC-CAP Reference
9
Parameter Extraction Language
print array_rsort_num(abc2, 5, idxabc2)
! abc2 = {-4.23321, 1.235, 21, -10.23919}
! idxabc2 = {2, 1, 0, 3}
Output:
0
0
array_rsort_str (x[, idxArr])
Given an ICCAP_ARRAY x and no 2nd optional argument
idxArr, this function sorts the ICCAP_ARRAY x in descending
order comparing the array elements' string values. If the
optional 2nd argument idxArr is specified, then the
ICCAP_ARRAY x will not be sorted but instead the function
returns idxArr as an ICCAP_ARRAY with an array of sorted
indices. Returns 0 if successful. For example:
abc="ICCAP_ARRAY[4]"
abc[0]="foo"
abc[1]="fee"
abc[2]="foo2"
abc[3]="faa"
! abc = {"foo", "fee", "foo2", "faa"}
print array_rsort_str(abc)
! abc = {"foo2", "foo", "fee", "faa"}
abc2="ICCAP_ARRAY[4]"
abc2[0]="foo"
abc2[1]="fee"
abc2[2]="foo2"
abc2[3]="faa"
! abc2 = {"foo", "fee", "foo2", "faa"}
idxabc2=""
! idxabc2 =
print array_rsort_str(abc2, idxabc2)
! abc2 = {"foo", "fee", "foo2", "faa"}
! idxabc2 = {2, 0, 1, 3}
Output:
0
0
IC-CAP Reference
721
9
Parameter Extraction Language
array_sort_num (x, prec[, idxArr])
Given an ICCAP_ARRAY x and no 3rd optional argument
idxArr, this function sorts the ICCAP_ARRAY x in ascending
order using the given double precision, specified by the 2nd
argument prec. The precision will be used to compare the array
elements' double values during the sorting operation. If the 3rd
optional argument idxArr is specified, then the ICCAP_ARRAY
x will not be sorted but instead the function returns idxArr as
an ICCAP_ARRAY with an array of sorted indices. Returns 0 if
successful. For example:
abc="ICCAP_ARRAY[4]"
abc[0]=-4.23321
abc[1]=1.235
abc[2]=21
abc[3]=-10.23919
! abc = {-4.23321, 1.235, 21, -10.23919}
print array_sort_num(abc, 5)
! abc = {-10.23919, -4.23321, 1.2345, 21}
abc2="ICCAP_ARRAY[4]"
abc2[0]=-4.23321
abc2[1]=1.235
abc2[2]=21
abc2[3]=-10.23919
! abc2 = {-4.23321, 1.235, 21, -10.23919}
idxabc2=""
! idxabc2 =
print array_sort_num(abc2, 5, idxabc2)
! abc2 = {-4.23321, 1.235, 21, -10.23919}
! idxabc2 = {3, 0, 1, 2}
Output:
0
0
array_sort_str (x[, idxArr])
Given an ICCAP_ARRAY x and no 2nd optional argument
idxArr, this function sorts the ICCAP_ARRAY x in ascending
order comparing the array elements' string values. If the
optional 2nd argument idxArr is specified, then the
ICCAP_ARRAY x will not be sorted but instead the function
returns idxArr as an ICCAP_ARRAY with an array of sorted
indices. Returns 0 if successful. For example:
722
IC-CAP Reference
9
Parameter Extraction Language
abc="ICCAP_ARRAY[4]"
abc[0]="foo"
abc[1]="fee"
abc[2]="foo2"
abc[3]="faa"
! abc = {"foo", "fee", "foo2", "faa"}
print array_sort_str(abc)
! abc = {"faa", "fee", "foo", "foo2"}
abc2="ICCAP_ARRAY[4]"
abc2[0]="foo"
abc2[1]="fee"
abc2[2]="foo2"
abc2[3]="faa"
! abc2 = {"foo", "fee", "foo2", "faa"}
idxabc2=""
! idxabc2 =
print array_sort_str(abc2, idxabc2)
! abc2 = {"foo", "fee", "foo2", "faa"}
! idxabc2 = {3, 1, 0, 2}
Output:
0
0
ascii$
Converts ascii-coded characters into literal characters as
entered into a text box.
chr$(x)
Converts the integer x to its equivalent ASCII string character.
colsof(x)
Returns an integer number of columns in a matrix, complex
array of matrix data, or a data set x. For example:
complex def[4]
complex ghi.55[4]
print colsof(def)
print colsof(ghi)
Output:
1
5
IC-CAP Reference
723
9
Parameter Extraction Language
complex_equal(x,y [,prec])
Returns 1 if the complex_array or dataset x elements have the
same complex values as the corresponding elements of complex
array or dataset y. Returns 0 if x and y are not equivalent. Use
the 3rd optional argument prec to specify double precision
when comparing the x and y data arrays. For example:
complex def[5]
def[0]=-3.23
def[1]=1.000
def[2]=3+j*5
def[3]=2.3+j*1
def[4]=3+j*5
!Point
!
0
!
1
!
2
!
3
!
4
Index
R:common
(1,1) -3.230000E+000
(1,1) 1.000000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
(1,1) 2.300000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
complex jkl[5]
jkl[0]=-3.23+j*6
jkl[1]=1.000+j*2
jkl[2]=3+j*5
jkl[3]=2.3+j*1
jkl[4]=3+j*5
!Point
!
0
!
1
!
2
!
3
!
4
Index
R:common
(1,1) -3.230000E+000
(1,1) 1.000000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
(1,1) 2.300000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
I:common
6.000000E+000
2.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
x=complex_copy(def)
print complex_equal(def, x)
print complex_equal(def, jkl)
Output:
1
0
complex_insert_at(x,y [,pos])
Returns a new complex array or dataset with the data y
inserted into a copy of the dataset or complex array x. If pos,
the optional 3rd argument integer position is specified, the data
y will be inserted at the index in the copy of the dataset or
complex array specified by the x that is returned. If the 3rd
argument pos is not specified, the data y will be appended to
the end of the returned copy of the data set or complex array x.
Only 1x1 matrix complex array data or datasets are supported.
724
IC-CAP Reference
Parameter Extraction Language
9
The complex array or dataset x will not be modified by this
function. For example:
complex def[2]
def[0]=1.000
def[1]=2.3+j*1
!Point Index
R:common
! 0 (1,1) 1.000000E+000
! 1 (1,1) 2.300000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
x=complex_insert_at(def, 3+j*5, 1)
!Point Index
R:common
! 0 (1,1) 1.000000E+000
! 1 (1,1) 3.000000E+000
! 2 (1,1) 2.300000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
y=complex_insert_at(x, 443.55)
!Point Index
R:common
! 0 (1,1) 1.000000E+000
! 1 (1,1) 3.000000E+000
! 2 (1,1) 2.300000E+000
! 3 (1,1) 4.435500E+002
I:common
0.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
z=complex_insert_at(y, "-3.23", 0)
!Point Index
R:common
! 0 (1,1) -3.230000E+000
! 1 (1,1) 1.000000E+000
! 2 (1,1) 3.000000E+000
! 3 (1,1) 2.300000E+000
! 4 (1,1) 4.435500E+002
I:common
0.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
complex_remove_all(x,y[,prec])
Returns a copy of the dataset or complex array x with all
occurrences of real value y removed, or returns just a copy of
the dataset or complex array x if value y was not found. If value
y is a double value, then the optional 3rd argument prec can be
used to set what precision the function will use to search for the
double value y in the magnitude real data of the complex array
or dataset x. For example:
complex def[5]
def[0]=-3.23
def[1]=1.000
def[2]=3+j*5
def[3]=2.3+j*1
def[4]=3+j*5
!Point
!
0
!
1
!
2
!
3
!
4
IC-CAP Reference
Index
R:common
(1,1) -3.230000E+000
(1,1) 1.000000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
(1,1) 2.300000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
725
9
Parameter Extraction Language
x=complex_remove_all(def, 3+j*5)
!Point
!
0
!
1
!
2
Index
R:common
(1,1) -3.230000E+000
(1,1) 1.000000E+000
(1,1) 2.300000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
y=complex_remove_all(x, -3.23, 3)
!Point Index
!
0 (1,1)
!
1 (1,1)
R:common
1.000000E+000
2.300000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
z=complex_remove_all(y, "2.3")
!Point Index
!
0 (1,1)
R:common
1.000000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
complex_remove_at(x,pos)
Returns a copy of the dataset or complex array x with the data
removed at position x in the dataset or complex array. Only 1x1
matrix complex array data or datasets are supported. The
complex array or dataset x will not be modified by this function.
For example:
complex def[4]
def[0]=-3.23
def[1]=1.000
def[2]=3+j*5
def[3]=2.3+j*1
!Point
!
0
!
1
!
2
!
3
Index
R:common
(1,1) -3.230000E+000
(1,1) 1.000000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
(1,1) 2.300000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
x=complex_remove_at(def, 0)
!Point
!
0
!
1
!
2
Index
(1,1)
(1,1)
(1,1)
R:common
1.000000E+000
3.000000E+000
2.300000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
y=complex_remove_at(x, 2)
!Point Index
!
0 (1,1)
!
1 (1,1)
R:common
1.000000E+000
3.000000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
z=complex_remove_at(y, 0)
!Point Index
!
1 (1,1)
726
R:common
3.000000E+000
I:common
5.000000E+000
IC-CAP Reference
Parameter Extraction Language
9
complex_remove_first(x,y[,prec])
Returns a copy of the dataset or complex array x with the first
occurrence of real value y removed, or returns just a copy of the
dataset or complex array x if value y was not found. If value y is
a double value, then the optional 3rd argument prec can be used
to set what precision the function will use to search for the
double value y in the magnitude real data of the complex array
or dataset x. For example:
complex def[5]
def[0]=-3.23
def[1]=1.000
def[2]=3+j*5
def[3]=2.3+j*1
def[4]=3+j*5
!Point
!
0
!
1
!
2
!
3
!
4
Index
R:common
(1,1) -3.230000E+000
(1,1) 1.000000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
(1,1) 2.300000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
x=complex_remove_first(def, 3+j*5)
!Point
!
0
!
1
!
2
!
3
Index
R:common
(1,1) -3.230000E+000
(1,1) 1.000000E+000
(1,1) 2.300000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
y=complex_remove_first(x, -3.23, 3)
!Point
!
0
!
1
!
2
Index
(1,1)
(1,1)
(1,1)
R:common
1.000000E+000
2.300000E+000
3.000000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
z=complex_remove_first(y, "2.3")
!Point Index
!
0 (1,1)
!
1 (1,1)
R:common
1.000000E+000
3.000000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
a=complex_remove_first(z, 3)
!Point Index
!
0 (1,1)
R:common
1.000000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
complex_remove_last(x,y[,prec])
Returns a copy of the dataset or complex array x with the last
occurrence of real value y removed, or returns just a copy of the
dataset or complex array x if value y was not found. If value y is
a double value, then the optional 3rd argument prec can be used
IC-CAP Reference
727
9
Parameter Extraction Language
to set what precision the function will use to search for the
double value y in the magnitude real data of the complex array
or dataset x. For example:
complex def[5]
def[0]=-3.23
def[1]=1.000
def[2]=3+j*5
def[3]=2.3+j*1
def[4]=3+j*5
!Point
!
0
!
1
!
2
!
3
!
4
Index
R:common
(1,1) -3.230000E+000
(1,1) 1.000000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
(1,1) 2.300000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
x=complex_remove_last(def, 3+j*5)
!Point
!
0
!
1
!
2
!
3
Index
R:common
(1,1) -3.230000E+000
(1,1) 1.000000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
(1,1) 2.300000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
y=complex_remove_last(x, -3.23, 3)
!Point
!
0
!
1
!
2
Index
(1,1)
(1,1)
(1,1)
R:common
1.000000E+000
3.000000E+000
2.300000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
z=complex_remove_last(y, "2.3")
!Point Index
!
0 (1,1)
!
1 (1,1)
R:common
1.000000E+000
3.000000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
a=complex_remove_last(z, 3)
!Point Index
!
0 (1,1)
R:common
1.000000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
complex_reorder (x,idxarr)
Given a complex array or dataset x and an ICCAP_ARRAY
idxarr of indices, this function creates a copy of the dataset or
complex array x and reorder the elements of the copied data
array using the array of indices idxarr, and then returns that
reordered copy of the data array x. For example:
complex def[5]
def[0]=-3.23
def[1]=1.000
def[2]=3+j*5
def[3]=2.3+j*1
def[4]=3+j*5
728
IC-CAP Reference
Parameter Extraction Language
!Point
!
0
!
1
!
2
!
3
!
4
Index
R:common
(1,1) -3.230000E+000
(1,1) 1.000000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
(1,1) 2.300000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
9
I:common
0.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
idxdef="ICCAP_ARRAY[5]"
idxdef[0]=4
idxdef[1]=3
idxdef[2]=0
idxdef[3]=2
idxdef[4]=1
x=complex_reorder(def, idxdef)
!Point
!
0
!
1
!
2
!
3
!
4
Index
R:common
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
(1,1) 2.300000E+000
(1,1) -3.230000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
(1,1) 1.000000E+000
I:common
5.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
complex_rsort (x,prec[,idxArr])
Given a complex array or dataset x, this function creates a copy
of the dataset or complex array x, then sorts the elements in
descending order, and then returns the sorted copy. The 2nd
argument prec is used to specify the double precision to use
when comparing elements during the sorting of the data array
elements. The 3rd optional argument idxArr if specified, will be
returned as an ICCAP_ARRAY of sorted integer indices. For
example:
complex def[5]
def[0]=1.000
def[1]=-3.23
def[2]=3+j*5
def[3]=2.3+j*1
def[4]=3+j*5
!Point
!
0
!
1
!
2
!
3
!
4
Index
R:common
(1,1) 1.000000E+000
(1,1) -3.230000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
(1,1) 2.300000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
x=complex_rsort(def,4)
!Point
!
0
!
1
!
2
!
3
!
4
IC-CAP Reference
Index
R:common
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
(1,1) 2.300000E+000
(1,1) 1.000000E+000
(1,1) -3.230000E+000
I:common
5.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
729
9
Parameter Extraction Language
idxdef=""
y=complex_rsort(def, 4, idxdef)
!Point
!
0
!
1
!
2
!
3
!
4
Index
R:common
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
(1,1) 2.300000E+000
(1,1) 1.000000E+000
(1,1) -3.230000E+000
I:common
5.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
! idxdef = {2,4,3,0,1}
complex_sort (x,prec[,idxArr])
Given a complex array or dataset x, this function creates a copy
of the dataset or complex array x, and sort the elements in
ascending order, and then returns that sorted copy of the
complex array or dataset x. The 2nd argument prec is used to
specify the double precision to use when comparing elements
during the sorting of the data array elements. The 3rd optional
argument idxArr, if specified, will be returned as an
ICCAP_ARRAY of sorted integer indices. For example:
complex def[5]
def[0]=1.000
def[1]=-3.23
def[2]=3+j*5
def[3]=2.3+j*1
def[4]=3+j*5
!Point
!
0
!
1
!
2
!
3
!
4
Index
R:common
(1,1) 1.000000E+000
(1,1) -3.230000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
(1,1) 2.300000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
x=complex_sort(def,4)
!Point
!
0
!
1
!
2
!
3
!
4
Index
R:common
(1,1) -3.230000E+000
(1,1) 1.000000E+000
(1,1) 2.300000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
idxdef=""
y=complex_sort(def, 4, idxdef)
!Point
!
0
!
1
!
2
!
3
!
4
730
Index
R:common
(1,1) -3.230000E+000
(1,1) 1.000000E+000
(1,1) 2.300000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
IC-CAP Reference
9
Parameter Extraction Language
! idxdef = {1, 0, 3, 2, 4}
dataset
Enables you to access the dataset referred to by a string. A
second argument may be specified which is a variable to receive
any error string normally going to a red error box.
exp
e is raised to the power specified by the argument.
fix_path$
Guarantees a path appropriate for the current architecture.
fix_path$(<path>)
Returns a string based on the passed in <path>, which is either
a filename or a directory. The returned string will be the same
filename or directory converted to the local architecture.
On UNIX, this converts Windows directory separators '\' to
UNIX directory separators '/'. On the PC, it does the opposite
and also takes care of any cygwin path dependencies.
Since IC-CAP uses the cygwin shell to execute the PEL system()
and system$() commands, certain calls have cygwin
dependencies. For example,
print system$(“echo $HOME”)
may return something like /cygdrive/d/users/icuser, which does
not have the Windows feel. Therefore, you may want to rewrite
the PEL as follows:
print fix_path$(system$(“echo $HOME”))
which returns d:\users\icuser using the above example.
imag
Extracts the imaginary part of a data set, matrix, or complex
number.
IC-CAP Reference
731
9
Parameter Extraction Language
imaginary
Extracts the imaginary part of a data set, matrix, or complex
number.
index_of(x,y,pos[,prec])
Returns the integer index of the first element found starting at
position pos that has the same value as y in the ICCAP_ARRAY,
dataset, or complex array x. If no elements are found in the data
array x, then -1 is returned. The 2nd argument y can be a string
or a double value. If value y is a double value, then the optional
4th argument prec can be used to set what precision the
function will use to search for the element with the same double
value y in the ICCAP_ARRAY, dataset, or complex array x. For
example:
abc="ICCAP_ARRAY[6]"
abc[0]="foo"
abc[1]=1.235
abc[2]=2.33
abc[3]="foo"
abc[4]=3
abc[5]=-10.23919
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, 2.33, "foo", 3, -10.23919}
print
print
print
print
print
print
print
"ICCAP_ARRAY output:"
index_of(abc, "unknown", 0)
index_of(abc, 3, 0)
index_of(abc, 3, 5)
index_of(abc, -10.24, 0, 3)
index_of(abc, "foo", 0)
index_of(abc, "foo", 1)
complex def[5]
def[0]=-3.23
def[1]=1.000
def[2]=3+j*5
def[3]=2.3+j*1
def[4]=3+j*5
!Point
!
0
!
1
!
2
!
3
!
4
print
print
print
print
print
732
Index
R:common
(1,1) -3.230000E+000
(1,1) 1.000000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
(1,1) 2.300000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
"Complex array output:"
index_of(def, "2.3", 4)
index_of(def, "2.3", 0)
index_of(def, 3, 0, 4)
index_of(def, 3, 3, 4)
IC-CAP Reference
Parameter Extraction Language
9
Output:
ICCAP_ARRAY output:
-1
4
-1
5
0
3
Complex array output:
-1
3
2
4
last_index_of(x,y[,prec])
Returns the integer index of the last element that has the same
value as y in the ICCAP_ARRAY, dataset, or complex array x. If
no elements are found in the data array x, then -1 is returned.
The 2nd argument y can be a string or a double value. If value y
is a double value, then the optional 3rd argument prec can be
used to set what precision the function will use to search for the
element with the same double value y in the ICCAP_ARRAY,
dataset, or complex array x. For example:
abc="ICCAP_ARRAY[6]"
abc[0]="foo"
abc[1]=1.235
abc[2]=2.33
abc[3]="foo"
abc[4]=3
abc[5]=-10.23919
! abc = {"foo", 1.235, 2.33, "foo", 3, -10.23919}
print
print
print
print
print
"ICCAP_ARRAY output:"
last_index_of(abc, "unknown")
last_index_of(abc, 3)
last_index_of(abc, -10.24, 3)
last_index_of(abc, "foo")
complex def[5]
def[0]=-3.23
def[1]=1.000
def[2]=3+j*5
def[3]=2.3+j*1
def[4]=3+j*5
!Point
!
0
!
1
!
2
!
3
!
4
IC-CAP Reference
Index
R:common
(1,1) -3.230000E+000
(1,1) 1.000000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
(1,1) 2.300000E+000
(1,1) 3.000000E+000
I:common
0.000000E+000
0.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
1.000000E+000
5.000000E+000
733
9
Parameter Extraction Language
print
print
print
print
print
"Complex array output:"
last_index_of(def, 35.355, 4)
last_index_of(def, "2.3")
last_index_of(def, 3.0, 4)
last_index_of(def, "3.00")
Output:
ICCAP_ARRAY output:
-1
4
5
3
Complex array output:
-1
3
4
4
log
Computes log base e.
log10 or lgt
Computes log base 10.
lookup_instr_table_val or lookup_instr_table_val_eval
Enables you to access the value of a field in an instrument
options table. The first argument is the path to the table. The
second argument is the field in the table (see “Set Table Field
Value” on page 970 for syntax to specify the field name). An
optional third argument may be specified which is a variable to
receive any error string normally going to a red error box.
lookup_instr_table_val returns NUMPTS if NUMPTS is a
variable in # of Points. lookup_instr_table_val_eval returns 100
(presuming NUMPTS evaluates to 100).
lookup_obj_attribute
Enables you to access the state or attributes of a plot. The first
argument is the object and the second argument is the keyword.
The syntax is:
X=lookup_obj_attribute("<Object>","Keyword")
734
IC-CAP Reference
9
Parameter Extraction Language
For a Multiplot, specify the plot number in brackets after the
object:
X=lookup_obj_attribute("<Object>[N]", "Keyword")
For example:
X=lookup_obj_attribute("/my_model/
my_dut/my_setup/my_multiplot/
Multiplot[1],"UserSelectedRegion")
This example returns the coordinates of the white box that the
user drew on the second plot (index=1) of the Multiplot
my_multiplot.
The following table lists supported keywords.
IC-CAP Reference
Object
Keyword
Return Value
model
POWindowOpen
Int flag 0/1
plot
POEnable
Int flag 0/1
plot
ErrorEnable
Int flag 0/1
plot
IsErrorRelative
Int 1 is error is relative, 0 if error is
absolute
plot
ErrorRegion
Data set array of 5 points
X1,x2,y1,y2, color
Color always returns 3 (green)
plot
UserRegion/<Name>
Data set array of 5 points
X1,x2,y1,y2, color
plot
PORegionNumber
Number of Plot Optimizer regions
plot
PORegion[N]
Dataset array of 4 points
X1,x2,y1,y2
plot
UserSelectedRegion
(white box)
Dataset array of 6 points
Returns the coordinate of the white box:
X1,x1,y1,y2,z1,z2
Where z1,z2 are the coordinates with
respect to the Y2 axis
735
9
Parameter Extraction Language
Object
Keyword
Return Value
plot
UserSelectedPoint
Dataset array of 3 points
• selected point in the dataset
• selected trace (0-8 with 8 being the
Y2 trace)
• selected type:
0 (transform)
1(measured)
2 (simulated)
plot
GraphicMouseState
Returns 2 if a white box is selected
plot
XAxisDisplayType
-1 (Unknown) 0 (Linear), 1(Log) or 2 (dB)
plot
YAxisDisplayType
-1 (Unknown) 0 (Linear), 1(Log) or 2 (dB)
plot
Y2AxisDisplayType
-1 (Unknown) 0 (Linear), 1(Log) or 2 (dB)
Multiplot
only
SelectedPlot
Returns selected plot
lookup_par
Enables you to access the value of a parameter referenced by a
string. A second argument may be specified which is a variable
to receive any error string normally going to a red error box.
lookup_table_val or lookup_table_val_eval
Enables you to access the value of a field in an input, output,
plot, parameter, or optimizer table. The first argument is the
path to the table. The second argument is the field in the table
(see “Set Table Field Value” on page 970 for syntax to specify
the field name). An optional third argument may be specified
which is a variable to receive any error string normally going to
a red error box. lookup_table_val returns NUMPTS if NUMPTS
is a variable in # of Points. lookup_table_val_eval returns 100
(presuming NUMPTS evaluates to 100).
736
IC-CAP Reference
9
Parameter Extraction Language
lookup_var
Enables you to access the value of a variable referenced by a
string. A second argument may be specified which is a variable
to receive any error string normally going to a red error box.
lwc$(x)
Returns the lower case version of the string x. For example:
print lwc$("Hello")
Output:
hello
mag or magnitude
Computes the magnitude for a complex number, or for each
complex number in a matrix, data set, or data set of matrices.
max
Takes any number of arguments, as in HP BASIC. The argument
list can be a mixture of scalars and data sets, and the function
returns the maximum value found in any of them. This always
returns a single real number, and only the real parts are
considered. If matrices are received, only the 1,1 points are
considered.
mdata(expr)
Returns the measured part of the argument expr.
min
Behaves like max, but returns the minimum value.
ph or phase
Computes the phase angle in radians for a complex number, or
for each complex number in a matrix, data set, or data set of
matrices.
IC-CAP Reference
737
9
Parameter Extraction Language
real
Extracts the real part of a data set, matrix, or complex number.
rowsof(x)
Returns an integer number of rows in a matrix, complex array
of matrix data, or a data set x. For example:
complex def[4]
complex ghi.55[4]
print rowsof(def)
print rowsof(ghi)
Output:
1
5
sdata(expr)
Returns the simulated part of the argument expr.
size
Returns the number of points in a data set, which is an integer.
sizeof(x)
Returns an integer number of elements in a variable
ICCAP_ARRAY, or a complex array of data, or a data set.
Returns 0 if x doesn't represent a data array or if the data array
is empty or both. For example:
abc="ICCAP_ARRAY[5]"
abc[0]=1
abc[1]=2
abc[2]=3
abc[3]=3
abc[4]=12
complex def[4]
def[0]=1.000
def[1]=1+j*1
def[2]=5
def[3]=6
complex ghi.55[3]
x=1.354529
print sizeof(abc)
738
IC-CAP Reference
Parameter Extraction Language
9
print sizeof(def)
print sizeof(ghi)
print sizeof(x)
Output:
5
4
3
0
sqrt
Square root function. Complex and negative quantities produce
correct complex or imaginary results.
strlen(x)
Returns the number of characters in the string x. For example:
print strlen("Hello")
Output:
5
strpos(x,y)
Returns the index of the first occurrence of substring str2 found
in string str1. An optional third argument may be specified
which is an integer starting position that should be greater than
or equal to 1. The starting position can be used to specify the
starting index within the string str1 to start searching for
substring str2. For example:
print
print
print
print
print
print
strpos("Hello","ell")
strpos("Hello","He")
strpos("Hello","dog")
strpos("Hello","l",1)
strpos("Hello","l",4)
strpos("Hello","l",5)
Output:
2
1
0
3
4
0
IC-CAP Reference
739
9
Parameter Extraction Language
strrpos(str1,str2 [,endpos])
Returns the index of the last occurrence of substring str2 found
in string str1. An optional third argument may be specified
which is an integer end position that should be greater than or
equal to 1. The end position can be used to specify the last index
within the string str1 to search for the last occurrence of
substring str2, using the search range of index 1 to endpos. For
example:
print
print
print
print
print
print
strrpos("Hello","ell")
strrpos("Hello","He")
strrpos("Hello","dog")
strrpos("Hello","l",1)
strrpos("Hello","l",4)
strrpos("Hello","l",5)
Output:
2
1
0
0
4
4
substr$(x,start,stop)
Extracts the substring from the start index to the stop index
from the string x. The value “1” refers to the first character in
the string. If stop is omitted, substr$ returns the string from
start to the end of the string. For example:
x="Hello"
print substr$(x,4)
print substr$(x,2,4)
Output:
lo
ell
sys_path$
Guarantees a path appropriate for passing to the system$() or
system() command.
740
IC-CAP Reference
9
Parameter Extraction Language
sys_path$(<path>)
Returns a string based on the passed in <path>, which is either
a filename or a directory. The returned string will be the same
filename or directory converted to the proper format for the
system$() or system() function.
Since IC-CAP uses the cygwin shell to process the PEL system$
and system calls, PC style paths may not work properly when
passed as arguments to system functions.
For example, if the user’s response to
LINPUT “Enter a filename”,path
print system$(“ls -al “ & path)
is:
foobar — the code functions properly.
/tmp/foobar — the code functions properly because IC-CAP
insures /tmp and /var/tmp exist in the system call
environment.
d:foobar — the code does not function properly.
However, the following rewrite
LINPUT “Enter a filename”,path
print system$(“ls -al “ & sys_path$(path))
insures that the system$() call actually sees /cygdrive/d/foobar
even when the user types d:foobar.
system
Accepts a string argument, which is a shell command to invoke.
You can employ all valid shell I/O redirection and other shell
syntax within the string argument. It returns an integer, which
is the exit status of the shell. If the shell command generates
output, it is printed in the terminal window from which the
IC-CAP program was started; refer to system$. On the PC, if a
syntax error appears, turn on screen debug for additional
information.
IC-CAP Reference
741
9
Parameter Extraction Language
system
Accepts a string argument, which is a shell command to invoke.
You can employ all valid shell I/O redirection and other shell
syntax within the string argument. It returns an integer, which
is the exit status of the shell. If the shell command generates
output, it is printed in the terminal window from which the
IC-CAP program was started; refer to system$. On the PC, if a
syntax error appears, turn on screen debug for additional
information.
system$
Similar to system; it captures the command’s output, instead of
letting it go to the terminal window. Instead of returning an
integer, it returns the output that the shell command generated.
For example:
my_date$ = system$("date") ! get date
com$="echo "&my_date$&"|cut -c 5-7"
month$ = system$(com$) ! substring 5-7
On the PC, if a syntax error appears, turn on screen debug for
additional information.
trim$(x,chars)
Where x is a string and chars is a string containing characters
to be trimmed from x. This function trims the unwanted
characters from the beginning and end of the string. The
parameter for chars is optional. If chars is omitted, the default
is to remove spaces from the beginning and end of the string.
For example:
x="
stuff here
"
print trim$(x)
y="////stuff here__//__//"
print trim$(y)
print trim$(y,"/_")
Output:
stuff here
////stuff here__//__//
stiff here
742
IC-CAP Reference
9
Parameter Extraction Language
upc$(x)
Returns the string x with all upper case characters. For
example:
print upc$("Hello")
Output:
HELLO
val
Generates a number, given a string representation of a simple
(not expression) integer, floating point, or complex number. For
example:
linput "give a number",x$
x = val(x$)
val$
Generates a string, given a numeric expression. In conjunction
with the & operator (string concatenation), it can be useful for
formatting. The optional second argument can either be an
integer or a string.
• If no optional argument is given, the conversion uses the %g
printf conversion (see printf() man page for details). The
number is converted with WORKING_PRECISION digits of
precision. If WORKING_PRECISION is not set, 6 digits are
used.
• If the second argument is an integer, then the integer is
interpreted as the number of digits of precision to use in a %g
printf() conversion (see printf() man page for details).
• If the second argument is %nnICFMT where nn are optional
integers, then the number is converted to a string according
to IC-CAP default conversion routine, which uses unit
multipliers (e.g., 1.23e-12 is converted to 1.23p). The optional
nn specifies the number of digits of precision. If nn is less
than 4, it is clamped to 4. If nn is omitted, then
WORKING_PRECISION digits are used, if
WORKING_PRECISION is not defined, 4 digits will be used.
IC-CAP Reference
743
9
Parameter Extraction Language
• If the second argument is any other string, it should contain
exactly one of %e, %E, %g, %G, or %f. See the printf() man
page for optional modifiers to these formats that specify the
number of digits and spacing.
Examples:
x=1.23456789e-12
print val$(x,"%ICFMT") ! 1.235p (Assuming WORKING_PRECISION
not set)
print val$(x,"%1ICFMT")! 1.235p (clamped to 4)
print val$(x,"%8ICFMT") ! 1.2345679p (8 digits total)
print val$(x,"abc %ICFMT") ! abc ICFMT (‘abc ’ on Linux)
(uses printf syntax)
print val$(x,"%e") ! 1.234568e-012 (printf format ignores
WORKING_PRECISION)
print val$(x,"%.3e") ! 1.235e-012 (specify 3 digits after
decimal)
print val$(x,"The number is %+12.4g.") !The number is
+1.235e-012. (12 positions for entire number and +)
print val$(x) ! 1.23457E-012 (6 digits of precision by
default)
print val$(x,7) ! 1.234568E-012
NO TE
Real and complex scalars and data sets are accepted by all
functions with the following exceptions: system, system$, and
val expect to receive string data, and val$ expects a scalar
number.
Built-In Constants
Several constants are recognized. Like statement names and
built-in function names, these are reserved words (for example,
you should not attempt to name a variable pi). The recognized
constants are:
PI or pi
2PI or 2pi
J or j (square root of -1)
744
IC-CAP Reference
9
Parameter Extraction Language
Expressions
As explained in the Data Types section, each type of data can be
considered a simple expression. The primitive data types can
make up more complex expressions by applying functions (such
as log, or operators such as + ). In this section, expr denotes an
expression; string_expr denotes a string expression.
(expr)
expr + expr
expr - expr
expr * expr
Parentheses force precedence and group
expressions.
expr / expr
expr//expr
IC-CAP objects, including data sets, can be
named using a slash (/). These same data
sets can be used as arguments in a divide
operation. To ensure the slash is
understood as the divide operator,
surround it with white space, or enter a
double slash (//). If the slash is followed
by a digit, divide is also understood,
because a data set name in IC-CAP cannot
start with a digit. The expression (ic)/(ib)
is an example of another technique.
expr ^ expr
expr ** expr
These operators express exponentiation,
and are equivalents.
string_expr & string_expr
As in HP BASIC, this operator performs
string concatenation.
log(expr)
IC-CAP Reference
Performs a natural log function. For more
information, refer to “Built-in Functions” on
page 712 and “Calls to the Function Library”
on page 749.
745
9
Parameter Extraction Language
To complete a computation, most operations make reasonable
attempts to promote certain operands. For example, ib + 2e-6
promotes the scalar number 2e-6 to be a data set that, in turn,
can be added to the data set ib.
For most arithmetic operations performed on a data set, the
function or operator is applied point-by-point, producing a data
set. The behavior of individual functions in this regard is
clarified in their individual descriptions in “Built-in Functions”
on page 712.
There are some limitations in the usage of the 5 basic arithmetic
operators in working with data sets. For example:
• If ic is a data set, re-write 3//ic as 3*ic^ -1.
• The expression ic^ib is not supported when both operands
are data sets.
• None of the binary operators * / + - ^ support an operation
between a matrix and a data set.
The arithmetic in Programs is generally a complex floating
point. Therefore, it is possible to see unexpected residue from
integer or real arithmetic. For example:
print (0+j)^2
may produce
-1+j*1.22461E-16
rather than
-1+j*0
This is due to finite precision in the library function that
handles exponentiation of complex quantities.
Because complex arithmetic is used, success can occur where a
function would be expected to fail in real arithmetic. For
example
acsh(.5)
yields
0+j*1.05
The complex arithmetic provides a wider domain of valid
inputs, but in cases where a real input should produce a real
output, the complex arithmetic is indistinguishable from real
arithmetic.
746
IC-CAP Reference
9
Parameter Extraction Language
CAU TI O N
Using the binary operators + and - (which have a higher precedence when
used with the j notation) will produce unexpected results.
-1+j2 == -1-j*2
(-1)+j2 == -1+j*2
Boolean Expressions
The expressions in this section can be used in the branching
constructs (IF, IF...ENDIF, and WHILE...ENDWHILE), or can be
used to generate the quantities 0 and 1. The abbreviation
bool_expr denotes a boolean expression.
NO TE
There is a distinction between the = operator (used for assignment) and
the == operator. BASIC uses = for both assignment and comparison.
In some circumstances, == may not behave as expected. For example, if
you repeatedly increment the quantity 0.3 by the amount 0.025, the results
may be slightly less (in the 15th decimal place) than the expected
sequence of values: 0.325, 0.350, ... , 0.4. Under these circumstances, ==
may yield FALSE unexpectedly. This is an inherent problem of expressing
decimal numbers in binary floating point format.
expr == expr
This operator tests for equality and can be
used with string, integer, double, complex,
and matrix types.
expr <> expr
This operator tests for inequality and can
be used with string, integer, double,
complex, and matrix types.
expr > expr
<= expr
IC-CAP Reference
expr >= expr
expr < expr
expr
747
9
Parameter Extraction Language
These operators designate the standard
comparison operation found in BASIC
languages and can be used with integers,
doubles, and complex quantities. With
complex quantities, imaginary parts are
discarded. (You can apply the mag
function to each quantity to compare
magnitudes of complex quantities.)
bool_expr AND bool_expr bool_expr OR bool_expr NOT
boolean_expr
Any non-zero integer, double, or complex
number is considered TRUE. For example:
IF 2 THEN PRINT ’hi’ ! this always prints
A string with length >0 is TRUE. For
example:
IF "Hello world" THEN PRINT "HI TO YOU TOO"
prints the second expression in the string
HI TO YOU TOO
Operators Precedence
The following is a list of operators in decreasing order of
precedence. Operators listed on the same line have equal
precedence.
()
[]
^
**
+
−
Function calls, and array indexing,
respectively
Exponentiation
&
== <> < <= > >=
The ampersand (&) is for string
concatenation
Comparison operators
NOT
AND
OR
=
748
Assignment
IC-CAP Reference
Parameter Extraction Language
9
For example, it is TRUE that:
-2^4 == -16
because the precedence of ^ exceeds that of − .
Calls to the Function Library
Any function in IC-CAP’s Function Browser can be called, such
as sin, cos, and RMSerror. This greatly expands the availability
of functions in expressions, Programs, and Macros. Some
examples are:
x = sin(pi/4)
! x takes on the value .707...
x = linfit(ic,vc,0)
! x becomes a temporary data set with 2 points
print x[0] , x[1]
! slope and intercept are printed
To review the arguments used in a function, refer to Chapter 8,
“IC-CAP Functions,” or create a stand-alone transform that uses
the desired function and look at the resulting transform editor.
For details on this procedure, refer to the section “Defining
Transforms” in the User’s Guide. To call the library function in
a Program, Macro, or table element, supply arguments in the
same order shown in the editor.
The functions may expect some data set arguments, some real
number arguments, and some strings or Model or DUT
parameter names. Expressions can be used for the data set
arguments and real number arguments. For the parameter
names, use actual parameter names, IC-CAP system variable
names, or quoted strings, string variables, or string expressions.
If a function requires a string as a flag or switch of some sort,
quote it. Otherwise the system thinks you are referring to an
identifier such as a Model parameter, a system variable, or a
temporary variable in a Program or Macro. The following
example might clarify this point:
!
!
x
x
S
Y
x
IC-CAP Reference
TwoPort requires strings as second and third arguments
string argument dictates what type conversion to do
= TwoPort(S_out,"S","Y")
! this is OK
= TwoPort(S_out,S,Y)
! this is not, although...
= "S"
! initialize local variables S and Y
= "Y"
= TwoPort(S_out,S,Y)
! now this is OK
749
9
Parameter Extraction Language
This point is mentioned because the quotation marks are not
necessary if you use TwoPort as the function in a simple
stand-alone Transform. The only other function that is like
TwoPort in this regard is USERC_system, which requires a
string to use as an operating system command.
Spell calls to functions contained in IC-CAP’s Function List
must be spelled exactly as in the Function List.
The result from a call to a function in the library is usually a
data set. For example:
x = linfit(vc:log(ic.m),0)
! get slope and intercept for log(ic.m)
print x[0]
! print the slope of log(ic.m)
On the other hand, there are 2 cases in which the result of a
library function is a single number or matrix, and not a data set.
This makes library function calls more convenient, or usable
within expressions in table elements. For example:
x = sin(pi/4)
x = mean(ic.s)
! x is now .70711 ...
! x is the average current value in ic.s
In the first example, sin is a function that can sometimes return
a data set, if a data set is provided. In this example though, the
input is a scalar number. Therefore, the system initializes x with
a scalar number. A number of other functions behave like sin in
this respect. They can be identified in the IC-CAP Functions
List, because the Output of these functions is said to be a single
number or an array, dependent on the Input Arguments.
In the second example, mean receives a data set as input.
However, by definition it always produces a scalar, so x is
initialized as a single number, and not a data set. A call to the
variance, correlation, or RMSerror functions also produces a
single number, and not a data set.
Some library functions, particularly extractions, yield null data
sets; they do not appear to generate data, but they set
parameters to new values.
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Reference
10
File Structure and Format
File Structure 752
This chapter describes the format of the IC-CAP .mdl file
and associated files that can be written to and read from the
system. When read into the system, these files restore
IC-CAP to a previously saved state. Knowledge of the design
of these files allows advanced users to perform many
creative modifications to an IC-CAP configuration.
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10 File Structure and Format
File Structure
All files used by IC-CAP are stored in an ASCII format that
can be accessed by standard HP-UX tools and editors.
IC-CAP Model files have a user-defined name; the extension
is assigned by the system. The following table lists the file
types and extensions.
Table 73
IC-CAP File Types and Extensions
File Type
Extension
File Type
Extension
Dataset
.ds
Data management
.mdm
Hardware
.hdw
Setup
.set
Model
.mdl
Input
.inp
Circuit
.cir
Output
.out
Model
Parameters
.mps
Transform
.xfm
Macro
.mac
Plot
.plt
DUT
.dut
Instrument Options .iot
DUT Parameters
.dps
Variables Table
.vat
Test Circuit
.tci
Input
.inp
Statistical data
.sdf
The .mdl file is a combination of the file types listed below
it. If all Models currently loaded are saved together, they are
put in a single .mdl file. The complete Model file contains a
circuit description, a model parameter set, Macros, and DUT
descriptions. The DUT description in turn contains a DUT
parameter set, a Test Circuit, and Setups. The Setups
contain Inputs, Outputs, Transforms, and Plots.
The hardware description is global to IC-CAP and is not a
part of a Model file. It can be saved in a .hdw file. It is also
found in the .icconfig file in the user’s home directory. In
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10
addition to the hardware description, this file contains
values of system variables, and status information for
windows that are directly available from the Main Menu.
The individual major sections of the complete Model file
begin with the word LINK followed by the type (for example,
Model or DUT) and a name. The supporting information
under this defines the appropriate configuration for IC-CAP.
The hierarchy of related items in each file is defined by sets
of
braces { }. A major section title is followed by an open
brace { and continues until the complementary closing
brace }.
Within a section there are several key words that indicate
the function of the associated information. When a single
key word is on a line, the associated information is on the
lines below. For some key words, their associated
information is in fields to the right only, while for others,
associated information is in fields to the right and lines
below. These key words are summarized in the following
table.
When editing an IC-CAP Model file, key words and braces
must be in the correct locations for the file to be correctly
read into IC-CAP. Editing the file with a text editor can be
quite productive in some areas. When developing large
Program Transforms or Macros, you may find it more
convenient to create these with an editor outside of IC-CAP
and read them in. When doing this, begin each line of text
in your Program Transform or Macro with the pound sign
(#).
Table 74
IC-CAP Reference
Key words in the IC-CAP File Structures
Key Word
Definition
LINK
major IC-CAP building block
applic
application window that can be opened by IC-CAP
subapp
title within an application
TABLE
collection of user-modifiable elements
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10 File Structure and Format
Table 74
Key words in the IC-CAP File Structures (continued)
Key Word
Definition
element
user-programmable field (input box)
HYPTABLE
table that is dynamically configured by IC-CAP
BLKEDIT
block editor text follows (note: leading space in text)
CNTABLE
connection table—not currently used in IC-CAP
PSTABLE
parameter set table
param
model parameter name and value
data
configuration data follows belonging to the LINK item
dataset
collection of numerical data
datasize
dimensional information for a dataset
type
MEASured, SIMUlated, or COMMON data points to follow
point
individual data value—index, row, column, real value,
imaginary value
list
this item is dependent on the owning LINK item
member
the owning LINK item is dependent on this item
Example File
The following truncated Model file illustrates the structure
described. Comments enclosed in angle brackets < >
describe the file contents; they are not part of the actual
IC-CAP file. Variable Tables or lines that start with applic
or subapp are optional. It is not necessary for these lines to
be present for a file to be successfully read by IC-CAP.
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{ PSTABLE "Parameter Table"
{
}
}
}
Link DAT "idvd"
<DAT is internal name for Setup>
{
LINK MODEL "diode"
<first line of an IC-CAP .mdl file>
{
applic "Edit" 1 83 194 <main model window is open & at pixels 83,194>
subapp "dset_tile" 1 < DUT-Se tup tile is open>
TABLE "Variable Table" <Variable Table for Model "diode">
{
element 0 "Name" "SIMULATOR"
element 0 "Value" "spice2"
element 1 "Name" ""
element 1 "Value" ""
}
LINK CIRC "Circuit" <circuit description starts here>
{
applic "Edit" 0 12 328
subapp "Circuit" 1
data
{
circuitdeck
{
D1 1 = A 2 = C DIODE
<all lines in circuit have a leading space>
.MODEL DIODE D
+ IS = 1E-14
+ N = 1.0
}
}
} <circuit description ends here>
Link PS "Parameter Set"
{
applic "Edit" 0 7 137
subapp "Parameter Table" 1
data
{
PSTABLE "Parameter Table"
{
param IS 10.01f
param N 999.7m
}
}
}
Link DUT "dc"
{
applic "Edit" 0 -1 -1 <DUT editor is closed, has not been opened yet>
applic "Edit Variables" 0 -1 -1
subapp "setup_list" 1
Link TCIRC "Test Circuit"
{
subapp "Test Circuit" 0
data
{
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10 File Structure and Format
circuitdeck
{
} <end test circuit deck>
} <end data section>
} <end Test Circuit>
Link DPS "Device Parameter Set"
{
subapp "Parameter Table" 1
data
applic "Edit" 0 382 136 <Setup "idvd" is closed>
applic "Instrument Options" 0 -1 -1 <instrument options table not opened yet>
applic "Edit Variables" 0 -1 -1
<variables editor not opened yet>
subapp "SWEEP" 1
subapp "OUT" 1
subapp "XFORM" 1
subapp "PLOT" 1
subapp "Instrument Table List" 1
subapp "Variable Table" 1
Link SWEEP "va"
<Input sweep specification starts here>
{
applic "Display Data" 0 -1 -1
subapp "Edit Sweep Info" 1
subapp "Display Data" 1
data
{
HYPTABLE "Edit Sweep Info" <start of dynamic table definition>
{
element "Mode" "V"
element "Sweep Type" "LIN"
}
HYPTABLE "Edit Sweep Mode Def"
{
element "+ Node" "A"
element "- Node" "GROUND"
element "Unit" "SMU1"
element "Compliance" " 100.0m"
}
HYPTABLE "Edit Sweep Def"
{
element "Sweep Order" "1"
element "Start" " 300.0m"
element "Stop" " 1.000 "
element "# of Points" "29"
element "Step Size" " 25.00m"
}
} <end of dynamic table definition>
list XFORM "extract" <Transform "extract" is dependent on this Input>
list PLOT "i_vs_v"
<Plot has similar dependency>
} <Input specification "va" ends here>
<repeat of similar Input not shown>
Link OUT "ia"
<Output specification starts here>
{
< file contents here similar to Input case & not shown>
dataset
<start of measured and simulated data>
{
datasize BOTH 29 1 1 <key: type #-of-points #-of-rows #-of-columns>
type MEAS
<measured data>
<key: index row column real imaginary>
point 0 1 1 1.09023e-09 0 <data point 0 has single value real number>
point 1 1 1 2.86573e-09 0
<note: s-parameters would have 4 values per point>
point 2 1 1 7.53339e-09 0 <corresponding to s11 s12 s21 and s22
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point 3 1 1 1.98044e-08 0 <would be complex (real & imag) values>
point 4 1 1 5.20644e-08 0
<other data points not shown>
type SIMU
<simulated data>
point 0 1 1 1.09513e-09 0
point 1 1 1 2.87943e-09 0
<other data points not shown - same number as MEAS>
}
}
list XFORM "optim_is_n" <Transform "optim_is_n" is dependent upon this Output>
list PLOT "i_vs_v" <Plot has similar dependency>
}
Link XFORM "extract" <extraction Transform starts here>
{
data
{
HYPTABLE "Link Transform"
{
element "Function" "Program"
}
BLKEDIT "Program Body" <prog body starts here - note leading space>
{
! Program Transform to extract IS, N, RS
! from forward diode I-V characteristics
!
! Note: print statements go to the
!
window used to start IC-CAP
print "Example Program Transform to extract DC Diode Parameters"
index = 0
! array index
!
! pick 2 low current points for IS & N
! to be extracted from
v1 = va[index]
! 1st voltage step
WHILE v1 < 0.4
! get first data
index = index + 1
! point pair
v1 = va[index]
END WHILE
i1 = ia[index]
< more program exists but is not shown>
print "... end of program Transform extraction ..."
}
dataset
{
datasize COMMON 29 1 1
<key: type #-of-points #-of-rows #-of-columns>
type COMMON
<COMMON specification means that the same data is >
point 0 1 1 0 0 <used to represent measured & simulated data. >
point 1 1 1 0 0 <However, the data space is not used by this >
point 2 1 1 0 0
<transform, which calculates parameter values only>
<more points not shown>
}
}
member SWEEP "va"
<this Transform is dependent on Input "va">
member OUT "ia"
<this Transform is dependent on Output "ia">
}
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Link PLOT "i_vs_v" <Plot definition starts here>
{
applic "Display Plot" 0 5 435 <Plot window is closed, but located at pixels 5,435>
applic "Display Data" 0 -1 -1
<data window has never been opened>
subapp "Edit plot Info" 0
subapp "Display Data" 1
data
{
plotsize 11960 8970
<Plot size is 11960x8970 (in 1/100 mm)>
HYPTABLE "Edit plot Info"
{
element "Report Type" "XY GRAPH"
}
HYPTABLE "Edit Plot Def"
{
element "X Data" "va"
element "Y Data 0" "ia"
element "Y Data 1" ""
element "Y Data 2" ""
element "Y Data 3" ""
element "Y Data 4" ""
element "Header" ""
element "Footer" ""
element "X Axis Type" "LINEAR"
element "Y Axis Type" "LINEAR"
element "Y2 Axis Type" "LINEAR"
element "Y2 Data" ""
}
}
member INPUT "va"
member OUT "ia"
}
data <data section for Setup - instrument options table information>
{
TABLE "HP4141.7.23"
<HP4141 DC parameter measurement instrument>
{
element 0 "Use User Sweep" "No"
element 0 "Hold Time[0-650s]" " 0.000 "
element 0 "Delay Time[0-6.5s]" " 0.000 "
element 0 "Integ Time" "S"
} TABLE "HP4275.7.10"
{
element 0 "Hold Time[0-650]" " 0.000 "
element 0 "Delay Time[0-650]" " 0.000 "
element 0 "High Res" "No"
element 0 "Meas Freq (KHz)" "10"
}
}
}
}
}
<end of complete Model file>
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11
Variables
Several variable names are reserved by IC-CAP and cannot
be used for user-defined variables. You can assign values to
reserved variables and define your own variables at several
different levels:
• Globally
• Model
• DUT
• Setup
These levels can be viewed as a hierarchy where variables at
lower levels inherit their values from variables at some level
above them.
You define global variables through the IC-CAP/Main
window. These variables apply to all Models, DUTs, and
Setups unless you explicitly set the variables differently at
the Model, DUT, or Setup level.
You define Model, DUT, and Setup variables through the
Model window:
• Model variables apply to all DUTs and Setups of that
Model unless you explicitly set the variables differently for
individual DUTs and/or Setups.
• DUT variables apply to all Setups of that DUT unless you
explicitly set the variables differently for individual
Setups.
• Setup variables apply only to that Setup.
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CAU TI O N
Table 75
The maximum string length for a variable table is 15 K characters.
Exceeding this limit may cause a core file to be generated when saving
or reading a file.
Plot Characteristics
Variable
Description
ANNOTATE_AUTO
Sets a flag to enable or disable automatic annotation update upon data
changes. Default is No.
ANNOTATE_CSET
Sets a Starbase character set to be used for annotation texts. Default value is
determined by
/usr/lib/starbase/defaults.
ANNOTATE_FILE
Sets a file name from which a plot reads in an annotation text. Default is no file
to read.
ANNOTATE_MACRO
Sets a macro name that is executed by a Plot for generating an annotation
text. Default is no macro to execute.
ANNOTATE_PLOTS
Obsolete in IC-CAP 2006. Now to enable or disable annotation on a plot, use
the Plot Options dialog box. See “Setting Plot Options” in the User’s Guide.
CDF_ERROR_FIT
Can be set to TRUE or FALSE. TRUE will draw the Gaussian curve fitted to the
Cumulative plot. Default is TRUE.
CHECK_PLOT_MATCH
Lets IC-CAP check if a given XY pair belongs to the same Setup. If No,
potentially mismatched XY pair can be shown in a tabular format with Display
Data. Default is Yes.
DASH_DOT
Sets the number of data points at which a simulated line changes from a
dashed to a dotted line. Used in Plot. Default value is 32.
DYNAMIC_MULTIPLOT_MODE
Sets the location where the manual scaling setting is saved for a Multiplot. If
set to FALSE, the manual scaling setting for each subplot in a Multiplot is
saved with the Multiplot, allowing different scaling to be saved for the same
plot if opened as a single plot or on one or more Multiplot. If set to TRUE, the
manual scaling setting for each subplot in a Mulitplot is saved with the
subplot. In this mode, no matter where the plot is opened (as a single plot or
on one or more Multiplots), it will use the same scaling information. However,
if the same subplot appears on multiple Multiplots, or in multiple positions of
the same Multiplot, then the settings for only the last subplot closed is saved.
Default is FALSE.
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Variables
Table 75
Plot Characteristics (continued)
Variable
Description
FIX_PLOT_SIZE
If Yes, Plot windows open using the size specified by GWINDX and GWINDY. If
No, they open using the last displayed size. Default is No.
GWIND_WHITE
Obsolete in IC-CAP 2006. Now to set the background color of plots, use the
Plot Options dialog box. See “Setting Plot Options” in the User’s Guide.
GWINDX
Sets the initial Plot window horizontal size in 1/100mm. Used in Plot. Default
value is 12500.
GWINDY
Sets the initial Plot window vertical size in 1/100mm. Used in Plot. Default
value is 9000.
HISTOGRAM_NUM_BINS
Number of bins in the histogram plot. Default is 10.
HISTOGRAM_NORMALIZATION
Can be set to either TRUE or FALSE. Setting it to TRUE will normalize the
histogram. Default is TRUE.
HISTOGRAM_GAUSSIAN_FIT
Can be set to either TRUE or FALSE. Setting it to TRUE will draw the Gaussian
curve fitted to the histogram. Default is TRUE.
IGNORE_PLOT_LOC
If Yes, Plot windows open using the X windows system configuration. If No,
they open using the last displayed location. Default is No.
MINLOG
Can be set to a real value. Defines the value to be used in a LOG plot, if data
point value is zero or negative. Default is 10e-18.
OFFSCREEN_PLOT_LINE_WIDTH
Same as PLOT_LINE_WIDTH, except has no effect when the plot is drawn to
the screen. It does have effect when plotting to a file or sending to a printer.
OFFSCREEN_PLOT_TRACE_LINE_WIDTH
Same as PLOT_TRACE_LINE_WIDTH, except has no effect when the plot is
drawn to the screen. It does have effect when plotting to a file or sending to a
printer.
PLOT_LINE_WIDTH
Sets the line thickness used when drawing a plot grid and annotation.
Note: use PLOT_TRACE_LINE_WIDTH to set trace widths on a plot. Default is
1.
PLOT_TRACE_LINE
Sets whether trace line is drawn or not. If defined as Yes, the trace lines are
drawn. If defined as No, the trace lines will not be drawn, and instead markers
will be drawn. Default is Yes.
PLOT_TRACE_LINE_WIDTH
Sets the line thickness used when drawing the traces of a plot. Note: use
PLOT_TRACE_LINE to set line thickness for grid and annotation. Default is 1.
RETAIN_PLOT
When Yes and Auto Scale is off, plot is not erased when updated to allow
overlay of curves if the X server has backing store capability. Default is No.
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Table 75
Plot Characteristics (continued)
Variable
Description
RI_GRAPH_SYMMETRY
When defined as Yes, the plot title is displayed. If defined as No, the plot title is
not displayed. Default is Yes.
SCATTER_CONTOURS
Can be set to either TRUE or FALSE. Setting it to TRUE will draw the contours.
Default is TRUE.
SCATTER_NUM_SEGMENTS
The number of segments with which to draw the contours. Default is 1500.
SHOW_GRID
When No, plot eliminates XY grids and leaves tics. Default is Yes.
SHOW_PLOT_TITLE
Obsolete in IC-CAP 2006. Now to show or hide the plot title, use the Plot
Options dialog box. See “Setting Plot Options” in the User’s Guide.
USE_PLOT_LOOKUP
Lets IC-CAP perform auto-lookup of X data from each Y data. Another way to
disable auto-lookup is to use an arbitrary expression for an X data. Default is
Yes.
Table 76
Plot Optimizer
Variable
Description
AUTOSET_COEFF
Sets the coefficient value used to calculate the Plot Optimizer's Min and Max
parameter values. Min and Max parameter values are calculated as follows:
if (value > 0)
Min = value/coeff
Max = value × coeff
if (value < 0)
Min = value × coeff
Max = value/coeff
if (value ==0)
Min = -coeff
Max = +coeff
Default is 5.
OPT_PARTABLE_SHOW_MODEL_ONLY
If set to Yes, displays the model parameters in the parameter list shown in the
parameter table tab of Plot Optimizer and normal Optimizer transforms. If set
to No, displays all the model and DUT parameters found in the enable plots
paths. Default is Yes for the Plot Optimizer and No for the Extract/Optimize
folder.
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Variables
Table 76
Plot Optimizer (continued)
Variable
Description
OPT_PARTABLE_SHOW_PARS
If set to Yes, displays all parameters, except model parameters, in the
parameter list in the Plot Optimizer and Extract/Optimize folder. If set to No,
hides the parameters. Default is Yes.
OPT_PARTABLE_SHOW_VARS
If set to Yes, displays all variables in the parameter list in the Plot Optimizer
and Extract/Optimize folder. If set to No, hides the variables. Default is Yes.
PLOTOPT_USE_YAXES_TYPE
Sets whether the Plot Optimizer algorithm can use the LOG10() and DB()
functions to insert the trace equations into the Plot Optimizer.
If defined as Yes (Default), the Plot Optimizer algorithm uses the LOG10()
function when the Y Axis Type is LOG10 and the DB() function when the Y Axis
Type is DB.
If defined as No, the Plot Optimizer algorithm does not use the LOG10() and
DB() functions regardless of the Axis Type.
Default is Yes.
PLOTOPT_AUTOCONFIG_WARNING
Sets whether autoconfigure issues a warning to the Status window when one
or more traces could not be autoconfigured.
If defined as Yes (Default), a warning is issued when one or more traces could
not be autoconfigured.
If defined as No, no warning is issued when autoconfigure fails.
Default is Yes.
Table 77
Calibration
Variable
Description
CAL_OPEN_C
Obsoleted and replaced by CAL_OPEN_C0.
CAL_OPEN_C0
CAL_OPEN_C1
CAL_OPEN_C2
Sets the open capacitance of an Open standard in farads that is used with
Software Calibration. The combined value Copen applies to both port 1 and 2.
A second-order polynomial represents its frequency dependence. Default
value is 0.
Copen = C0 + C1 * F + C2 * F^2
CAL_Z0
Obsoleted and replaced by TWOPORT_Z0.
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Table 78
UI Options
Variable
Description
DUT_TREE_COLS
Controls the width of the tree list in the DUTs-Setups folder. The variable
controls the folder in the scope of the variable table where it is defined. The
variable’s value sets the list’s width in number of columns.
MACRO_LIST_COLS
Controls the width of the Select Macro list in the Macros folder. The variable
controls the folder in the scope of the variable table where it is defined. The
variable’s value sets the list’s width in number of columns.
MAXIMUM_LIST_LENGTH
The maximum number of value fields allowed for an input where LIST is the
Sweep Type and a variable is used to specify ‘# of Values.’ If a constant is
used to specify ‘# of Values,’ MAXIMUM_LIST_LENGTH is ignored.
Default is 15.
MEAS_SIM_LIST_COLS
Controls the width of the Input/Output Finder list in the Measure/Simulate
folder. The variable, SHOW_INPUT_OUTPUT_FINDER, must be enabled to
control the list width. The variable controls the folder in the scope of the
variable table where it is defined. The variable’s value sets the list’s width in
number of columns.
PARAMETER_PRECISION
Specifies the number of digits used when displaying parameter values in the
Parameters table and when sending the values to a simulator. Default is 4.
PLOT_LIST_COLS
Controls the width of the Plot Finder list in the Plots folder. The variable
controls the folder in the scope of the variable table where it is defined. The
variable’s value sets the list’s width in number of columns.
RETAIN_DATA
When Yes, data from a Setup is retained if a sweep limit changes but the
number of points remains the same. Default is No, which causes the data to be
zeroed.
RETAIN_SIMU
A simulator run in piped mode is normally stopped if a new simulator is
selected. If Yes, the old simulator is kept running, which will speed up
simulations if there is frequent switching between simulators. Default is No.
SHOW_INPUT_OUTPUT_FINDER
When Yes, enables the Input/Output Finder list in the Measure/Simulate
folder. If you enable this variable or change its value after viewing the folder,
you must close, then re-open the model for the change to take effect. Default
is No.
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Variables
Table 78
UI Options (continued)
Variable
Description
WORKING_PRECISION
Controls the precision of numeric values when converted to text. This
precision setting affects only those parts of a model for which the variable is
defined. Although all math in IC-CAP is performed using double precision,
precision may be lost when a number is converted to text. This conversion
occurs in the following situations: any time the function val$() is called; the
PRINT statement is used; a numeric value is assigned to a variable in the
IC-CAP Variable Table. Because all variables in the IC-CAP Variable Table are
text by definition, assigning a numeric value to such a variable will implicitly
call val$().
Range of values: 6 through 29. Default is 6.
Note: While settings above 17 are allowed, they seldom show any affect.
XFORM_LIST_COLS
Controls the width of the Select Transform list in the Extract/Optimize folder.
The variable controls the folder in the scope of the variable table where it is
defined. The variable’s value sets the list’s width in number of columns
GUI_PAGE_SUPRESS_SUMMARY
Normally, IC-CAP displays a short summary of each GUI Item on the GUI Items
pages.
To suppress this summary and display only the item name (for a cleaner look to
the page), set this variable to anything but 0, F, FALSE, N, NO, or blank.
Table 79
PEL
Variable
Description
ICCAP_MAXIMUM_CALL_CHAIN
Sets the maximum number of transforms/macros (written in PEL) that can be
called (via iccap_func()) without returning. This limit may be set to protect
automations under development from infinitely recurring by accident. Without
this limit, such infinite recursions will cause IC-CAP to consume all the
memory available in your system and then crash. The default value is 0 which
means to permit any number of calls.
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Table 80
Measurement Options
Variable
Description
8510_MAXFREQ
The 8510 driver checks that the maximum frequency of the instrument is not
exceeded. Use this variable to override the built-in value and specify the
desired maximum frequency to be checked.
BYPASS_CV_CAL
When set to NO (Default), CV measurements using an HP/Agilent 42XX CV or
LCR Meter will request user to calibrate the instrument. After a successful
calibration, this step is bypassed on all subsequent measurements. If set to
YES, the calibration step is always bypassed.
CAUTION: Setting variable to YES assumes the instrument has already been
calibrated. Use YES for measurement automation.
CV_FREQ
Sets the frequency in Hz at which CV simulation is performed. Default value is
1MEG (Hz).
HPIB_READ_STRING
Gets the results of a Read String operation in the GPIB Analyzer.
IGNORE_8510_RF_UNLOCK
When defined as Yes IC-CAP ignores a temporary and benign RF UNLOCK error
from the 8510.
INST_START_ADDR
Specifies the start address for instrument searching during Rebuild (active
list). This value should be an integer between 0 and 31, inclusively. When
there is a printer, plotter, or prober on the same GPIB with measurement
instruments, set INST_START_ADDR greater than any one of those
non-instruments to avoid the identification process. Default is 0.
INST_END_ADDR
Specifies the ending address for instrument searching during Rebuild (active
list). This value should be greater than the INST_START_ADDR value and less
than 31.
LCR_RST_MEM
LCR_RST_MEM_<unit>
Sets the reset instrument state for the 4284, 4285, and E4980A instruments. To
specify a particular unit, set LCR_RST_MEM_<unit> (e.g.,
LCR_RST_MEM_CM). IC-CAP drivers reset instruments to known states prior
to configuring them for the current measurement. The 4284, 4284, and E4980
send the *RST command, which resets the instruments to a known factory
state. However, this default state (1V, 1KHz signal) may cause damage to
certain devices between the time the $RST is requested and the time the
requested signal level is set. If LCR_RST_MEM or LCR_RST_MEM_<unit> is
set, the 4284, 4285, and E4980A instruments will use the value of the variable
to set the instrument state. For example, if set to 1, the driver will recall
instrument state 1 instead of *RST. For additional information, see the example
model file in misc/prepare_CV_Meter.mdl.
MAX_SETUP_POINTS
Specifies the maximum number of points to be permitted within a setup.
Default value is 50000.
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Variables
Table 80
Measurement Options (continued)
Variable
Description
MDS_MEASURE_FAST
Flag reserved for use by the HPRoot model extraction in the High-Frequency
IC-CAP software. Default is No.
MEASURE_FAST
When Yes, IC-CAP will attempt to minimize instrument re-initialization during
repeated measurements on the same Setup. Refer to Speeding Up Repetitive
Measurements in the Measurement chapter. Default is No.
NO_ZEROING
When Yes, IC-CAP will avoid a preliminary step of zeroing DC and other signal
sources at the beginning of measurements. Refer to MEASURE_FAST.
Default is No.
PARALLEL_INPUT_UNITS_OK
Overrides a warning when multiple units share a single input node. Default
value is No, to issue a warning.
PRE_5_8510_FIRMWARE
For HP 8510B Network Analyzers with firmware revisions prior to
HP8510B.05.00: Dec 5, 1988 only.
Declaring this variable prevents certain commands (DETENORB--set detector
to normal bandwidth, and EXTTOFF--external triggr off) from being sent to the
NWA. These commands are not supported in the above-referenced firmware
and sending such commands causes a measurement failure. Declare this
variable to prevent the failure.
No value assignment required.
8510_MAXFREQ
Table 81
The 8510 driver checks that the maximum frequency of the instrument is not
exceeded. Use this variable to override the built-in value and specify desired
maximum frequency to be checked.
HP85124 Measurement Options
Variable
Description
These variables are used to modify the source tuning process. Source tuning is specified with an entry in the options table.
Source tuning process varies the supply voltage to compensate for I*R drop in getting to the device under test.
p1_step_size
IC-CAP Reference
Type = REAL, Default = 0.0
This variable sets a fixed step size for newton iterations when tuning the source voltage for
port 1. Default is an auto step size, determined from dvm noise floor.
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Table 81
HP85124 Measurement Options
Variable
Description
p2_step_size
Type = REAL, Default = 0.0
This variable sets a fixed step size for newton iterations when tuning the source voltage for
port 2. Default is an auto step size, determined from dvm noise floor.
p1_step_scale
Type = REAL, Default = 1.0
This variable sets a scale factor to modify the auto step size in newton iterations when
tuning the source voltage for port 1. The auto step size is multiplied by this value.
p2_step_scale
Type = REAL, Default = 1.0
This variable sets a scale factor to modify the auto step size in newton iterations when
tuning the source voltage for port 2. The auto step size is multiplied by this value.
p1_tune_error
Type = REAL, Default = 0.0
This variable sets a fixed error goal for tuning the source voltage for port 1 instead of the
default auto ranged error which is determined from the dvm noise floor.
p2_tune_error
Type = REAL, Default = 0.0
This variable sets a fixed error goal for tuning the source voltage for port 2 instead of the
default auto ranged error which is determined from the dvm noise floor.
p1_error_scale
Type = REAL, Default = 1.0
This variable sets a scale factor to modify the auto ranged error goal for tuning the source
voltage for port 1 The auto ranged error goal is multiplied by this value.
p2_error_scale
Type = REAL, Default = 1.0
This variable sets a scale factor to modify the auto ranged error goal for tuning the source
voltage for port 2 The auto ranged error goal is multiplied by this value.
max_newton_iters
Type = INT, Default = 6
This variable sets the maximum number of newton iterations to complete before quitting the
source tuning process.
pulse_rise_time
Type = REAL, Default = 0.2E-6
This variable specifies the average rise time for the pulse. This is used in determining if the
measurement delay results in a measurement in the pulse. If the measurement for source
tuning is not in the pulse then the resulting voltage will be very high.
pulse_fall_time
Type = REAL, Default = 0.2E-6
This variable specifies the average fall time for the pulse. This is used in determining if the
measurement delay results in a measurement in the pulse. If the measurement for source
tuning is not in the pulse then the resulting voltage will be very high.
These variables can be used to initiate printing of data to the status window. This data is useful in troubleshooting
measurement problems and data accuracy questions.
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Variables
Table 81
HP85124 Measurement Options
Variable
Description
show_tuning
Type = INT, Default = 0, Values 0 or 1
When set to 1 measured values, tuning error, and next value to be tries are displayed for the
source tuning process. These values are printed the status window.
show_samples
Type = INT, Default = 0, Values 0 or 1
When set to 1 all the dvm or adc measurements are displayed in the status window.
show_stats
Type = INT, Default = 0, Values 0 or 1
When set to 1 statistical information about the measured data is displayed. Data includes
mean , min, and max. Data is displayed in the status window.
show_current_range
Type = INT, Default = 0, Values 0 or 1
When set to 1 the present current range is displayed to the status window when the
measurement begins and any time the range changes.
show_voltage_range
Type = INT, Default = 0, Values 0 or 1
When set to 1 the present voltage range is displayed to the status window when the
measurement begins and any time the range changes.
These variables are used to over-ride the offsets defined in the hp85124.cal file.
p1_meas_offset
Type = REAL, Default = value in hp85124.cal
This variable will over-ride the input_measurement_offset variable in the hp85124.cal file.
This variable adjusts the delay for the port 1 voltage measurement.
p2_meas_offset
Type = REAL, Default = value in hp85124.cal
This variable will over-ride the output_measurement_offset variable in the hp85124.cal file.
This variable adjusts the delay for the port 2 voltage measurement.
p1_meas_i_offset
Type = REAL, Default = value in hp85124.cal
This variable will over-ride the input_current_measurement_offset variable in the
hp85124.cal file. This variable adjusts the delay for the port 1 current measurement. This
offset is relative the voltage measurement.
p2_meas_i_offset
Type = REAL, Default = value in hp85124.cal
This variable will over-ride the output_current_measurement_offset variable in the
hp85124.cal file. This variable adjusts the delay for the port 2 current measurement. This
offset is relative the voltage measurement.
These variables are used to over-ride the instrument types specified in the hp85124.cfg file.
p1_v_type
IC-CAP Reference
Type = STRING, Default = value in hp85124.cfg
This variable over-rides the value of dmm_vin in the hp85124.cfg file. This will also over-ride
the automatic change for risetime mode. The default is to use the hp3458 dvm for slow mode
and the internal adc (K49 only) for fast mode.
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Table 81
HP85124 Measurement Options
Variable
Description
p1_i_type
Type = STRING, Default = value in hp85124.cfg
This variable over-rides the value of dmm_iin in the hp85124.cfg file. This will also over-ride
the automatic change for risetime mode. The default is to use the hp3458 dvm for slow mode
and the internal adc (K49 only) for fast mode.
p2_v_type
Type = STRING, Default = value in hp85124.cfg
This variable over-rides the value of dmm_vout in the hp85124.cfg file. This will also
over-ride the automatic change for risetime mode. The default is to use the hp3458 dvm for
slow mode and the internal adc (K49 only) for fast mode.
p2_i_type
Type = STRING, Default = value in hp85124.cfg
This variable over-rides the value of dmm_iout in the hp85124.cfg file. This will also over-ride
the automatic change for risetime mode. The default is to use the hp3458 dvm for slow mode
and the internal adc (K49 only) for fast mode.
These variables are used to make changes in the default settings used for the hp3458 dmms
dvm_terminals
Type = CHAR, Default = R, Values = R or F
This variable will change which set of terminals the dmm will read. The choice is R for rear
and F for front.
dvm_trigger_mode
Type = CHAR, Default = E, Values = E or I
This variable will change the trigger mode of the dmm. E for external and I for internal.
dvm_aperture
Type = REAL, Default = 1E-6
This variable changes the value of the aperture for DCV mode of the dmms.
dvm_track_hold
Type = INT, Default = 1, Values 0 or 1
This variable sets either track and hold mode (DSDC) or integrated mode (DCV).
dvm_auto_zero
Type = STRING, Default = ONCE, Values = OFF, ON, or ONCE
This variable sets the auto zero mode on the dmms.
allow_internal
Type = INT , Default = 0, Values = 1/0
This variable allows the dmm to take more samplings within the same pulse during time
domain pulse profile measurements if the time interval is less than 20us.
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Variables
Table 82
General Extraction Options
Variable
Description
EXTR_DUT
Used internally in extractions. When a circuit or test circuit has been defined,
set this variable to the name of the DUT whose parameters are either
extracted or used by the IC-CAP device extraction functions.
EXTR_MODEL
Used internally in extractions. When a circuit has been defined, set this
variable to the name of the model whose parameters are either extracted or
used by the IC-CAP device extraction functions.
POLARITY
Specifies the device polarity of the device to be extracted. Allowed values for
bipolar devices are NPN or PNP. Default is NPN for bipolar devices. Allowed
values for MOS devices are NMOS or PMOS. Default is NMOS for MOS
devices.
WORKING_PRECISION
Controls the precision of numeric values when converted to text. This
precision setting affects only those parts of a model for which the variable is
defined. (Converting to text is done when: the function val$() is called; the
PRINT statement is used; a numeric value is assigned to a variable in the
IC-CAP Variable Table.) Range of values: 6 and higher. Default is 6.
Note: While settings above 17 are allowed, a double precision number cannot
be expressed to this precision.
Table 83
General Simulation Options
Variable
Description
DEFAULT_SIMU
Sets the default simulator name. Used in Utilities.
MAX_DC_SWEEPS
Specifies the maximum number of DC sweeps for a simulation. Default is
simulator-dependent.
MAX_SETUP_POINTS
Specifies the maximum number of points to be permitted within a setup.
Default value is 50000.
OPEN_RES
Specifies the resistance value that is automatically connected to all floating
nodes in the circuit. This is available for all simulators with links to IC-CAP.
When this variable is not specified, a zero amp current source is connected to
the node.
PARAMETER_PRECISION
Specifies the number of digits used when displaying parameter values in the
Parameters table and when sending the values to a simulator. Default is 4.
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Table 83
General Simulation Options (continued)
Variable
Description
SIMULATOR
Specifies the simulator name to be used in all simulations performed under the
level in which this variable is defined. The name must be a valid simulator;
otherwise, the currently selected simulator is used. Default is the currently
selected simulator.
SIM_USE_UPPER_CASE_PARAMS
By default parameters are entered into the Parameters table with the same
capitalization as entered in the circuit page. (The hpeesofsim simulator is an
exception.) If set to 'F', 'N', 'FALSE','No' or '0' the default behavior will result.
Any other setting will force the parameters in the Parameters table to be
represented in upper case according to the following rules:
• If the parameter was declared with $dpar, $mpar, or $xpar, capitalization is
not affected.
• If the parameter contains a period, only the part of the parameter after the
last period is upper case.
• If the parameter does not contain a period, the entire parameter is upper
case.
If USE_OLD_CASE_PARM_RULE is set to anything other than 'F', 'N',
'FALSE','No' or '0' (case insensitive), this setting follows different rules. See
USE_OLD_CASE_PARM_RULE.
This setting affects all simulators but may be overridden by
HPEESOFSIM_USE_LOWER_CASE_PARAMS and
HPEESOFSIM_USE_MIXED_CASE_PARAMS for the hpeesofsim simulator.
SIM_USE_LOWER_CASE_PARAMS
By default parameters are entered into the Parameters table with the same
capitalization as entered in the circuit page. (The hpeesofsim simulator is an
exception.) If set to 'F', 'N', 'FALSE','No' or '0' the default behavior will result.
Any other setting will force the parameters in the Parameters table to be
represented in lower case according to the following rules:
• If the parameter was declared with $dpar, $mpar, or $xpar, capitalization is
not affected.
• If the parameter contains a period, only the part of the parameter after the
last period is lower case.
• If the parameter does not contain a period, the entire parameter is lower
case.
If USE_OLD_CASE_PARM_RULE is set to anything other than 'F', 'N',
'FALSE','No' or '0' (case insensitive), this setting follows different rules. See
USE_OLD_CASE_PARM_RULE.
This setting affects all simulators but may be overridden by
HPEESOFSIM_USE_LOWER_CASE_PARAMS and
HPEESOFSIM_USE_MIXED_CASE_PARAMS for the hpeesofsim simulator.
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Table 83
11
General Simulation Options (continued)
Variable
Description
TEMP
Temperature at which simulations are performed. When performing an
optimization to extract model parameters, TEMP and TNOM should be set to
the same value so that simulations during optimization are performed at
TNOM. Default value is simulator-dependent.
TNOM
Temperature at which the model parameters are extracted. TNOM must be
defined in order to guarantee consistency between simulation and extraction.
Default value is 27 when performing an extraction, and is simulator dependent
when performing a simulation.
TWOPORT_C
Sets a DC decouple capacitance value when a 2-port circuit is generated from
a circuit for 2-port simulation. Default is 100 farad.
TWOPORT_L
Sets an AC decouple inductance value when a 2-port circuit is generated from
a circuit for 2-port simulation. Default is 100 henry.
TWOPORT_Z0
Sets a characteristic impedance value for 2-port circuit that is used in AC
extractions, TwoPort function, and Software calibration. Default is 50 ohm.
USE_OLD_CASE_PARM_RULE
If set to anything other than 'F', 'N', 'FALSE','No' or '0' (case insensitive), this
setting changes the rules for SIM_USE_UPPER_CASE_PARAMS,
SIM_USE_LOWER_CASE_PARAMS,
HPEESOFSIM_USE_LOWER_CASE_PARAMS, and
HPEESOFSIM_USE_MIXED_CASE_PARAMS to the following:
• If the parameter was declared with $dpar, $mpar, or $xpar, the case is
changed for the entire parameter name according to the case variable.
• If the parameter contains a period, only the part of the parameter after the
last period is changed according to the case variable.
• If the parameter does not contain a period and the parameter is named for
an instance, the case is unchanged.
• If the parameter does not contain a period and the parameter is named for a
parameter on a model, the case is changed according to the case variable.
For example,
rtest 1 2 50
Parameter rtest is named for the instance in SPICE, so case is not changed
according to the case variable.
model x NPN alpha=4
Parameter alpha is named for a model parameter, so case is changed
according to the case variable.
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11 Variables
NO TE
Table 84
When using the ADS simulator (hpeesofsim), there is no way to set the
temperature just for Noise analysis. Therefore, the analysis will be done at
the circuit temperature.
hpeesofsim Options
Variable
Description
BANDWIDTH
Bandwidth for noise analysis.
Default = 1 Hz.
HPEESOFSIM_HB_OPTIONS
A string that contains the analysis options used in an ADS Harmonic
Balance simulation. No default.
HPEESOFSIM_OPTIONS
A string which contains the analysis options used in an hpeesofsim
simulation. No default.
HPEESOFSIM_TRAN_OPTIONS
A string that contains the analysis options used in an ADS Transient
simulation. No default.
HPEESOFSIM_USE_LOWER_CASE_PARAMS
This setting affects only the hpeesofsim simulator. By default parameters
are converted to all uppercase. If set to 'F', 'N', 'FALSE','No' or '0' the
default behavior will result. Any other setting will force the parameters in
the Parameters table to be represented in lower case according to the
following rules:
• If the parameter was declared with $dpar, $mpar, or $xpar,
capitalization is not affected.
• If the parameter contains a period, only the part of the parameter after
the last period is lower case.
• If the parameter does not contain a period, the entire parameter is
lower case.
If USE_OLD_CASE_PARM_RULE is set to anything other than 'F', 'N',
'FALSE','No' or '0' (case insensitive), this setting follows different rules.
See USE_OLD_CASE_PARM_RULE.
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Table 84
11
hpeesofsim Options
Variable
Description
HPEESOFSIM_USE_MIXED_CASE_PARAMS
This setting affects only the hpeesofsim simulator. By default parameters
are converted to all uppercase. If set to ’F’, ’N’, ’FALSE’,’No’ or ’0’ the
default behavior will result. Any other setting will force the parameters in
the Parameters table to be represented with the same case as they appear
in the Circuit page according to the following rules:
• If the parameter was declared with $dpar, $mpar, or $xpar,
capitalization is not affected.
• If the parameter contains a period, only the part of the parameter after
the last period is the same case as they appear in the Circuit page.
• If the parameter does not contain a period, the entire parameter is the
same case as they appear in the Circuit page.
If USE_OLD_CASE_PARM_RULE is set to anything other than 'F', 'N',
'FALSE','No' or '0' (case insensitive), this setting follows different rules.
See USE_OLD_CASE_PARM_RULE.
INCLUDEPORTNOISE
Includes the port noise in noise voltage and currents. Default = Yes.
NOISETEMP
Circuit temperature (Kelvin) for noise analysis. Default = 290.
MAX_PARALLEL_SIMULATOR
Specifies the maximum number of simultaneous hpeesofsim simulators
that can be run. Default value is 3.
Table 85
MNS Options
Variable
Description
BANDWIDTH
Bandwidth for noise analysis. Default = 1 Hz.
INCLUDEPORTNOISE
Includes the port noise in noise voltage and currents.
Default = Yes.
MNS_OPTIONS
String that contains the analysis options used in an MNS simulation. No default.
MNS_HB_OPTIONS
A string that contains the analysis options used in an MNS Harmonic Balance simulation. No
default.
MNS_TRAN_OPTIONS
A string that contains the analysis options used in an MNS Transient simulation. No default.
NOISETEMP
Circuit temperature (Kelvin) for noise analysis.
Default = 290.
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Table 86
Mextram Extraction Options
Variable
Description
MXT_AUTO_RANGE
Type = INT , Default = 0, Values = 1/0
This variable selects auto range capabilities for MEXTRAM parameter extraction. It is usually
defined at model or setup level
MXT_AUTO_SMOOTH
Type = INT , Default = 0, Values = 1/0
This variable select smoothing on the measured data before applying the auto range algorithms
during MEXTRAM parameter extraction. It is usually not required unless the data is rather noisy.
It is usually defined at model or setup level.
Table 87
ELDO Options
Variable
Description
ELDO_VERSION
Specifies the version of ELDO being used in the simulation. This information is necessary
because the syntax used to call ELDO depends on the version number. If this variable is not
specified, IC-CAP will use the version specified in the environment variable eldover, if it exists.
Default is v4.2.1.
Table 88
Saber Options
Variable
Description
SABER_ALTER
A command string that appears in the Saber command file to modify simulation-related variables
in Saber. Multiple commands are separated by semi-colon.
SABER_DC_OPTIONS
String that contains the DC operating point options used in a SABER simulation. Multiple options
are separated by commas.
SABER_OPTIONS
String that contains the analysis options used in a SABER simulation. Multiple options are
separated by commas.
USE_ALTER
Specifies whether or not the alter command should be used in a SABER simulation. Default is
Yes.
SABER_VERSION
Specifies the version of SABER being used in the simulation. This information is needed if you are
using a version earlier than 4.3 (syntax for DC log sweeps is different) or 5.0 (output files have
different names). Default is 5.0.
USE_DCIP_COM
Specifies whether or not the dcip and dcep commands should be used in a SABER simulation to
speed up LIST and LOG sweeps. Valid entries are Yes and No. Default is Yes.
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Variables
Table 88
Saber Options
Variable
Description
USE_SABER_COM
Specifies whether or not the 'saber' command to load a new netlist without restarting the
simulator should be used in a SABER simulation. Valid entries are Yes and No. Default is No.
Table 89
HSPICE Options
Variable
Description
HSPICE_NODE_STRLEN
When netlisting the sources and analysis statements for HSPICE simulations, node names are
truncated to 3 characters by default. You can control the number of characters for node names by
setting HSPICE_NODE_STRLEN to 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7. If you set the value to less than 3, the minumin
value of 3 will be used. If you set the value to larger than 7, the maximum value of 7 will be used.
HSPICE_VERSION
Specifies the version of HSPICE being used in the simulation. Default is h93a. Other possible
values are h92 and h9007.
Table 90
Print/Plot Options
Variable
Description
DRIVER
Obsolete
DUMP_CMND
Sets the graphics dump command to a printer. Used in Plots. Default value on HP is pcltrans -e3 |
lp -oraw, and is xpr -device ps | lpr on Sun.
DUMP_DPI
Obsolete
DUMP_WHITE
Obsolete
PAPER
Sets paper size as either A4 or A3 for graphics output. Used in Plot. Default value is A4, which is
also good for US letter size.
PLOT_CMND
Sets the HPGL plotting command. Default value on HP is cat > HPGL, and is not applicable on
Sun.
PLOT_SCALE_FACTOR
Sets the scale factor used in conjunction with iccap_func Dump Via Server. Default value is 1.0.
PRINT_CMND
Sets the text output command to a printer. Used in several windows. Default is lp.
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11 Variables
Table 91
Factory Diagnostics
Variable
Description
IC_DIAG_FLAGS
Reserved for factory diagnostics.
Table 92
Curtice Extraction Options
Variable
Description
CONSTANT_TAU
When Yes, the AC extraction will extract the internal time delay in the Curtice GaAs MESFET
represented by the model parameter TAU. This model parameter forces the model to use a
constant delay time. When not defined the parameter A5 is extracted that represents a variable
time delay as a function of VDS. Default is No.
LINEAR_CGD
When Yes, the AC extraction for the Curtice GaAs MESFET will extract a value for a linear
gate-to-drain capacitance represented by the model parameter CGD. When not defined the only
capacitance extracted is the non-linear junction capacitance CGDO.
Default is No.
LINEAR_CGS
When Yes, the AC extraction for the Curtice GaAs MESFET will extract a value for a linear
gate-to-source capacitance represented by the model parameter CGS. When not defined the only
capacitance extracted is the non-linear junction capacitance CGSO.
Default is No.
Table 93
BJT High Freq Extraction Options
Variable
Description
SCALEITF
ITF multiplier for the decoupled extraction in the BJTAC_high_freq extraction function. The
decoupled extraction is called when the coupled extraction fails. Default value is 1.0.
SCALETF
TF multiplier for the decoupled extraction in the BJTAC_high_freq extraction function. The
decoupled extraction is called when the coupled extraction fails. Default value is 1.0.
SCALEVTF
VTF multiplier for the decoupled extraction in the BJTAC_high_freq extraction function. The
decoupled extraction is called when the coupled extraction fails. Default value is 1.0.
SCALEXTF
XTF multiplier for the decoupled extraction in the BJTAC_high_freq extraction function. The
decoupled extraction is called when the coupled extraction fails. Default value is 1.0.
MAXRB
Specifies the maximum value of the RB and RBM parameters for the extraction. Default is 5K.
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Variables
Table 94
UCB MOS Extraction Options
Variable
Description
WD
Used in the UCB MOSFET LEVEL 2 and 3 model characterizations to represent the channel width
reduction parameter. This parameter is not defined in the UCB models but has been added to
many proprietary versions of the models. Default is 0.
Table 95
X_HIGH/Y_HIGH Options
Variable
Description
OVERRIDE_LIMITS
When Yes, user can manually specify limits for certain bipolar and GaAs extractions with the
X_LOW and X_HIGH variables. Default is No.
X_HIGH, X_LOW
Plots can interactively set these values to the X values of a rescale rectangle.
Y_HIGH, Y_LOW
Plots can interactively set these values to the Y values of a rescale rectangle.
Table 96
Data Management Options
Variable
Description
MDM_AUTO_PRECISION
This variable is obsolete in version 5.3. See MDM_REL_ERROR and MDM_ZERO_TOL.
MDM_EXPORT_COMMENT
Specifies the text to be added as comment at the top of the MDM file when exporting
data. The text can include an embedded variable as val$(var-name), pre-defined
program variables DATE, NEWLINE, TAB, MODEL, DUT, SETUP. Some examples are:
MDM_STD_COM - Today’s date : $DATE
MDM_EXPORT_COMMENT - val$(MDM_STD_COM)
MDM_EXPORT_COMMENT - MDM file exported on $DATE
MDM_EXPORT_COMMENT - Date: $DATE $SETUP L=val$(L) W=val$(W) where W
and L are Model, DUT or Setup parameters/variables.
MDM_EXPORT_COMMENT_FILE
Specifies the Data Manager comment file to be used when exporting data to an MDM
file. The contents of the comment file are pre-pended to the MDM file
MDM_EXPORT_XFORM_DATA
Setting this value to TRUE, will export all the transform(s) data (or those transforms
specified by MDM_XFORM_LIST) in the setup to the MDM data-file. This variable is
automatically set to TRUE when you select the checkbox 'Export Transforms' in the
Export Data dialog.
Default is FALSE. See MDM_XFORM_LIST.
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Table 96
Data Management Options
Variable
Description
MDM_FILE_PATH
Specifies the Data Management file name path.
MDM_FILE_NAME
Specifies the Data Management file name.
MDM_HEADER_VERBOSE
Specifies if the header of the MDM file includes comments describing each field.
Default is FALSE.
MDM_PRECISION
This variable is obsolete in version 5.3. See MDM_REL_ERROR and MDM_ZERO_TOL.
MDM_REL_ERROR
When IC-CAP reads values from an MDM file, it tries to match requested input values
with data in the MDM.
If the data does not exist in the MDM file, importing the data is not advised. However,
due to roundoff errors, a tolerance must be assumed.
IC-CAP uses the formula
MDM_REL_ERROR > (req - mdm)/req
as its acceptance test.
Default value is 1E-10
This value should rarely need to be adjusted, and can be adjusted for an individual
Input. By assigning a value to MDM_REL_ERROR_<name> (where <name> is the
name of the Input to which the tolerance is to be applied), specific control is possible.
MDM_VALUES_LIST
Specifies a space or comma separated list of Parameter or Variable names. The values
of these Parameters/Variables are written to the MDM file. When an MDM file with
values stored in it is imported or used to auto-create a setup, these
Parameters/Variables are automatically reset to the values stored in the MDM.
However, if a Parameter or Variable no longer exists in the scope of the setup being
imported to, a variable will be created for that value in the Setup Variables Table.
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Variables
Table 96
Data Management Options
Variable
Description
MDM_XFORM_LIST
Specifies a comma separated list of transform names that will be exported when this
setup is exported. By using this variable, you may specify a subset of all transforms for
export. In addition you may specify the mode, nodes, and other data. Each transform
entry in the comma separated list will appear in the MDM file as an output. The actual
values of each output type are shown below:
Mode
------V,N,U
I
C,G
T
S,H,Z,K,A,Y
Values
----------------------------------------------------------<Name> <Mode> <+ Node> <- Node> <Unit> <Type>
<Name> <Mode> <To Node> <From Node> <Unit> <Type>
<Name> <Mode> <High Node> <Low Node> <Unit> <Type>
<Name> <Mode> <Node> <Pulse Param> <Unit> <Type>
<Name> <Mode> <Port 1> <Port 2> <AC Ground> <Unit> <Type>
Examples:
MDM_XFORM_LIST = calc_ic I C E, calc_ib I B E SMU2
MDM_XFORM_LIST = Hcalc H, beta
Note, only the transform name is required. You may include as many extra entries per
transform as desired.
This variable is only referenced if MDM_EXPORT_XFORM_DATA is true. See
MDM_EXPORT_XFORM_DATA.
MDM_ZERO_TOL
IC-CAP Reference
When IC-CAP reads values from an MDM file, it tries to match requested Input values
with data in the MDM.
If the data does not exist in the MDM file, importing the data is not advised. However,
due to roundoff errors, a tolerance must be assumed.
IC-CAP uses the formula
MDM_ZERO_TOL > (req - mdm) | req == 0 or mdm == 0
as its acceptance test.
Default value is 1E-30.
This value should rarely need to be adjusted, and can be adjusted for an individual
Inputs. By assigning a value to MDM_ZERO_TOL_<name> (where <name> is the
name of the Input to which the tolerance is to be applied), specific control is possible.
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11 Variables
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IC-CAP Reference
Agilent 85190A IC-CAP 2008
Reference
12
GPIB Analyzer
Menu Commands 784
Macro Files 784
The GPIB analyzer offers basic capabilities for
communicating with instruments via the GPIB. It can be
used to debug an instrument driver or to manually set an
instrument to a certain state not supported by IC-CAP. The
analyzer commands are found on the Tools menu in the
Hardware Setup window; the output is displayed in the
Status panel near the bottom of the window.
Agilent Technologies
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12 GPIB Analyzer
Menu Commands
Each of the menu items available in the Hardware Setup
Window is described in online help.
Macro Files
GPIB analyzer requests can be combined and placed in a
macro file that can be executed at any time.
NO TE
IC-CAP macros for IC-CAP Models are different from macro files
interpreted by the GPIB analyzer.
The GPIB analyzer’s ability to interpret a file containing a
series of requests is valuable for:
• Prototyping an instrument driver for testing a series of
commands and checking instrument responses. (The GPIB
analyzer macro facility includes some capabilities that are
not available in interactive use, such as serial polling until
a particular bit is set in the response, or delaying for a
fixed number of seconds.)
• Repeatedly manually executing a sequence of GPIB
analyzer commands.
Macro File Example
This section provides an example of a acceptable GPIB
analyzer macro file. The syntax of each line is very simple
and the system can readily distinguish comments from
commands. Note that expressions, accepted in IC-CAP
macros, are not accepted here; most arguments are treated
literally. These commands are typed in a text file using any
text editor, for example, vi.
784
IC-CAP Reference
GPIB Analyzer
12
The Macros submenu (from the Tools menu) provides 2
macro commands: choose Specify to provide the name of the
file to be read and executed; then, choose Execute. If
changes are made to the file, it is necessary only to save the
changes and again select Execute.
$c This is a small GPIB Analyzer macro file; this line is a comment
$a 17
active address = 17
$c
send request for instrument ID string:
ID\n
$r
read answer back
$p
print it to the Status window
$c
now send a string to reset the instrument:
RST\n
$w 2
wait 2 seconds after sending RST to instrument
$c
The following ’$m’ com