A language and elaboration method to support mixed-signal modeling and simulation

This dissertation reports the research results in mixed-signal language design and elaboration of analog behavioral descriptions for simulation, using a set analysis method, called the ${\cal P}$ set analysis method. The elaboration method has been developed to map descriptions of mixed discrete/continuous system in equational form to simulatable structures. The ${\cal P}$ set analysis method also aids in performing static semantic checking of the mixed-signal model. An integrated mixed discrete/continuous system description language, the AnaVHDL language, is designed and implemented to facilitate the application of the ${\cal P}$ set analysis method for static analysis of mixed discrete/continuous system description. The AnaVHDL language is an integrated mixed-signal system description language based on minimal extensions to VHDL-93. AnaVHDL has "analog" signals and "equation" statements as the two major vehicles for continuous system behavior description. AnaVHDL supports (1) multiple level of abstractions for mixed-signal system modeling, (2) user-defined A/D and D/A conversion routines, and (3) user-specified error tolerances. Equations in AnaVHDL are mapped into the ${\cal P}$ set and are classified into six classes to aid the analysis process of AnaVHDL descriptions. A modification of the Modified Nodal Analysis (MNA), the Compacted Nodal Analysis (CNA) method is introduced to formulate a mixed-signal system's Differential/Algebraic Equation (DAE) set for efficient simulation. AnaVHDL also supports behavioral description using signal flow equations. A prototype simulator has been developed for the simulation of continuous systems described in AnaVHDL. The research and experimental results indicate that the ${\cal P}$ set analysis method is a viable method to support the simulation of mixed discrete/continuous system described in a canonical form of mixed-signal language such AnaVHDL, and a canonical form of mixed-signal language such AnaVHDL is useful for the study of mixed-signal system modeling issues and the analysis methods.