System and method for accurate modeling of back-miller effect in timing analysis of digital circuits

Abstract

A system, method, and computer program product for modeling a receiver load in static timing analysis of digital circuits. Embodiments separate total receiver charge into static and dynamic components, and extract both from an improved library model. The receiver load is effectively modeled with a static capacitance and a current source connected in parallel. A method of extracting load model characteristics from a standard timing library is also provided. The improved receiver model reflects the physical phenomena not currently modeled, and enables a more accurate description of circuit behavior while still using a simple approximation of the transistor level circuit. The complete circuit switching response is found through a perturbative approach, combining a linear response using constant capacitance values with a correction having time-dependent charges for modeling physical phenomena such as the back-Miller effect. The result is improved circuit timing evaluation, with good accuracy versus SPICE simulation for waveforms and delays.