Modeling Semiconductors' characteristics

Hi everyone, I am a graduate student based in Texas and I'm starting my master's in EE (nanotech./semiconductor research) this semester. My professor is really interested in modeling transistors using Cadence. I'm just curious if anyone has used this kind of simulation software before to model semiconductor stuff such as IV characteristics, etc. Does anyone recommend it for semiconductor modeling or is there something better? If anyone has used it previously, are there any specific modules or components within Cadence that I need to get started?

My current goal is to just try to model the IV characteristics of a PN diode. I'm open to any recommendations/ suggestions you guys have!  This is my first time attempting research as well as messing around with modeling software like this so I appreciate any kind of help.

Eventually, we want to model our own transistor built from scratch.

Dear CreatorOfBJT,

CreatorOfBJT said:

This is my first time attempting research as well as messing around with modeling software like this so I appreciate any kind of help.

I am not sure of your academic background CreatorOfBJT, but as I read your question I was rather surprised. Perhaps your undergraduate degree is not in engineering? In any case, The Cadence custom IC tools are more than capable of performing semiconductor device simulations. Your need can be accomplished with just a basic SPICE simulator - some versions of which are available on-line. Countless number of papers have been published that refer to simulation results using Cadence tools at the device, subcircuit, and system levels.

In terms of learning about the devices and models Spectre supports, I might suggest you start with the Simulator Components and Device Models Reference at the On-line support site URL:

support.cadence.com/.../techpubDocViewerPage

There are numerous Cadence sponsored training modules to learn about schematic entry and simulating schematics using the Analog Design Environment tools. I would recommend you speak with your professor as I assume he or she knows your University contact that installs and maintain your Cadence tools. There are, of course, other training documents available from sources other than Cadence directly, but these documents may not be pertinent to the tools and their versions you to which you have access.

I hope this provides a little guidance CreatorOfBJT!

Shawn