An overview of analogue optimisation using "AD-OPT"

A system for optimising analogue circuits is presented. The system "AD-OPT" (Analog Devices OPTimiser) uses numerical simulation and interpolation methods to determine an optimal set of circuit element values and device geometries to meet specific analogue performance requirements. This paper presents an overview of AD-OPT and of its three central modules: the datasheet generator, the database creation module and the optimiser. The paper demonstrates that the increasing speed of work stations and the judicious use of numerical methods, is altering the balance between theoretical and numerical approaches to problem solving.<>