Full-chip harmonic balance

Abstract

Fast and accurate computation of the steady-state response of large nonlinear networks under periodic and quasi-periodic drive is a key simulation problem for integrated RF designs. In this paper we describe recent work which extends the method of Harmonic Balance to networks containing several million unknowns. A new implementation is described, which includes new methods of preconditioning linear solves and an efficient method of storing derivative information. Then we report simulation and bench measurement results for several large designs, including a complete dual-conversion transmitter chip with extracted layout parasitics.