Open-source circuit simulation tools for RF compact semiconductor device modelling

MOS-Modelle und Parameterextraktion Arbeitskreis MOS-AK is a European, independent compact modelling forum created by a group of engineers, researchers and compact modelling enthusiasts to promote advanced compact modelling techniques and model standardization using high-level behavioural modelling languages such as VHDL-AMS and Verilog-A. This invited paper summarizes recent MOS-AK open-source compact model standardization activities and presents advanced topics in metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor modelling, focusing in particular on analogue/radio frequency applications. The paper discusses links between compact models and design methodologies, finally introducing elements of compact model standardization. The open-source computer-aided design tools Qucs, QucsStudio and ngspice all support Verilog-A as a hardware description language for compact model standardization. Latter sections of this paper describe a Verilog-A implementation of the EKV3 MOS transistor model. Additionally, the simulated radio frequency model performance is evaluated and compared with experimental results for 90nm CMOS technology. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.