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ECE 718 Computer-Aided Circuit Analysis |
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The course will examine the simulation of circuits and systems. Recent advances in object oriented simulation and of numerical methods that enable the fast modeling of large mixed systems will be examined. Steady-state and transient analysis of circuits with emphasis on circuit theory and computer methods will be covered so the course will appeal to mixed signal designers as well as high speed digital circuit designers. A broad spectrum of analysis techniques are considered including linear nodal, time-domain, harmonic balance, and functional analyses, and simulation of sampled data systems. Additional topics are object oriented circuit simulation, representations of circuit elements in a simulator, and electrothermal/mechanical modeling. 3 credit hours. |
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Prerequisite |
Graduate standing in Electrical and Computer Engineering (this is an advanced graduate class – exploratory type). You must have a background in circuits.
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| Course Objectives | Computer aided tools are used in modeling and simulating circuits and systems with the aim of representing a circuit fully so that it works the first time it is fabricated. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to circuit analysis topics with emphasis on their computer implementation. Students will learn how the most important simulation programs, e.g. Spice and Harmonic Balance, work, how to interpret their results, and how to optimize their performance. It is anticipated that many of the people taking this course will be involved in managing or developing computer aided circuit analysis tools. A major objective of this course is to adequately prepare these people by teaching the theory behind a wide range of computer aided circuit analysis schemes. Working on a simulator will be a major vehicle for learning about circuit simulators.
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| Textbook | Textbook is draft of book authored by the instructor. The notes will be available for download by lecture from the class website.
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| Course Outline | The course will be taught as three modules that will overlap slightly in time to enable problems to be resolved in setting up the project environment.
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| Course Requirements | Homework: Ten homework sets (10%) Examinations: Two quizzes (25% each). The second quiz will be held at the time of the scheduled final exam. Computer Software: C++ programming skills required for the project. Computer Facilities: Students should have a Linux, Windows XP or higher, Macintosh XOS, or Unix workstation for the project. Things will be smoothest (that is we know it works well) with a Linux Box or a Windows XP system. For Windows you will need to load and install cygwin. Project: The project is oriented towards gaining detailed knowledge of how devices, circuits and systems are modeled. This illustrates both the compromises imposed by our simulation technology and how detailed circuit knowledge is used enable complex circuits, such as mixed-signal circuits, to be modeled. The project will be extensive and involve implanting a model in fREEDA. Students will work individually on the project. The project will be worth 40%.
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| Computer and Internet Requirements | NCSU has recommended minimum specifications for computers used for classes. Depending on your computer needs, we recommend your computer meet or exceed the following minimum specifications below. PCs must have an Intel-compatible 1 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB hard drive with 1 GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 1024x768 (min.) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system should be Windows XP Pro. Real One Player Basic (available free online) and high speed Internet connection such as cable, DSL, T1 or LAN will be required for EOL courses. MAC users must have a G4 processor with firewire and USB factory built-in, 512 MB RAM, 60 GB with 1GB free space available, 256 Color Display, CD-ROM drive, 1024x768 (min) video adapter, sound card, and speakers. The operating system must be MacOS 10.4 (minimum) along with the above RealOne and Internet specifications above. For more detailed information on computer specifications and recommendations, please refer to our website at: http://engineeringonline.ncsu.edu/currentstudents/computeraccess.htm
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| Instructor | Dr. Michael Steer, Professor Phone: (919) 515-5191 |