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  3. ADE-L simulation problem

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ADE-L simulation problem

gonsays1
gonsays1 over 10 years ago

Hello,

I've been designing a Two-stage CMOS OTA folded cascode amplifier and now I'm simulating the circuit, in order to get the values of certain parameters (slew-rate, small signal gain, bandwidth, phase margin and GBW product).

The first image is the simulation bench, the second image is the schematic of the Amplifier2 symbol and the third image are the properties of the MOS transistors.

First test:

I've started to simulate the circuit on ADE-L using adequated variables for the dimensions of each transistor (as an example: transistor M11 will have width strip and width defined as variable W11 and length as L11).

I've loaded all the variables to the ADE-L and gave them suitable values. On the output, I've used the calculator to get the functions of the referred parameters, getting the following results:

Av=70.85dB
SR=205.3M
Bw=67.47kHz
PM=62.51
GBW=235.9M

 

Second test:

After getting those results, I've replaced the variables on the transistor properties for exactly the same value used as the variable (as an example you can check the last image: for the transistor M5 on the ADE-L I had L5=0.55u and W5=13.5u - on that image you can see that I've changed L5 for 0.55u, for instance).

After replacing all the variables for their associated value on the simulation I got different values for the parameters (using the same dimensions):

Av=70.82dB
SR=201.5M
Bw=67.12k
PM=56.83
GBW=234M

Problem:


As you can see, it makes no sense using the same dimensions (with and without variables on the transistor properties) and getting different results.

Is there any way to get the "real" results? I mean, the same result for both cases?

The last image shows the properties of the transistors (on the 2nd test - with assigned values), is there any option that should be changed?

Thank you very much in advance! :)

Best Regards,

G

Simulation schematic:

Amplifier2 schematic:

 

Transistor properties (schematic):

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  • Andrew Beckett
    Andrew Beckett over 10 years ago

    I would in general say that this is indicative of a poorly designed PDK - if using design variables it gives incorrect results, then that is really a fault of the PDK. However, as Tom points out, the callback handling in ADE XL can compensate for this.

    Regards,

    Andrew.

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  • Andrew Beckett
    Andrew Beckett over 10 years ago

    I would in general say that this is indicative of a poorly designed PDK - if using design variables it gives incorrect results, then that is really a fault of the PDK. However, as Tom points out, the callback handling in ADE XL can compensate for this.

    Regards,

    Andrew.

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