The sensitivities of time domain performance measures for gradient circuit optimization

Most of the effective and efficient methods for circuit optimization are gradient based. The sensitivities required in the gradient evaluations of the circuits governed by a set of nonlinear differential equations (state-equations) are of interest in this paper. A direct approach for the calculation of the sensitivities of the time domain performance measures of these circuits and the theory beyond it are presented. The proposed approach depends on the first order derivatives of the stationary points (maxima, minima and inflection points) of the circuit response. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the method. Also, the application of this approach in the optimal design of practical circuit examples is given.