Device Modelling Vlsi Design
Device Modelling Vlsi Design
In device modelling, with the help of an appropriate model of a device, one can design a device of
chosen specifications based on a set of device parameters. The performance of VLSI devices in turn are
closely determined by process conditions.
Importance of device modelling and process simulation: Rapid progress of IC technology in recent
years has led to reduction of device dimensions and development of sophisticated process steps. With
increase in complexity in fabrication of VLSI chips, need for device modelling and process simulation
has become increasingly important. In device modelling, with the help of an appropriate model of a
device, one can design a device of chosen specifications based on a set of device parameters. The
performance of VLSI devices in turn are closely determined by process conditions. It is, therefore,
necessary to understand, characterise and optimize the process steps involved in device fabrication. This
can be achieved by simulation of each process through formulation of an accurate model of the basic
physical mechanism involved. Once the models are developed and coded in a comprehensive computer
program, the device and process parameters can be correctly predicted without going through the actual
process and fabrication steps.
In VLSI technology a large number of devices and process steps are involved. Since there is a continuing
need for faster and more complex systems for the information age, existing semiconductor devices are
being constantly studied for improvement and new ones are being invented. Whether it is for higher
speed, lower power, higher density, higher efficiency or new functionality, the number and types of
semiconductor devices have been growing steadily in electronic industry. In the present study the
transistor structure which is selected is known as Polysilicon Emitter Transistor (PET). It is currently
being widely used in VLSI circuits due to its very good performance characteristics..
"Large signal" is the opposite of "small signal", which means that the circuit can be reduced to a linearized
equivalent circuit around its operating point with sufficient accuracy.
A large signal model, on the other hand, takes into account the fact that the large signal actually affects the
operating point, as well as that elements are non-linear and circuits can be limited by power supply values to
avoid variation in operating point. A small signal model ignores simultaneous variations in the gain and supply
values.