Analogue circuit optimization in a graphical environment

A general-purpose optimization engine is described which can exploit the extensive circuit parameterization, macromodeling, and analysis features of a mature circuit simulator and can easily be coupled to new optimization algorithms. This engine is couched in a novel interactive environment which integrates the manual design cycle of modification and simulation with automatic circuit improvement. Complicated performance requirements can be specified graphically, design variables easily identified, and an algorithm selected for optimization. the optimizer´s progress can be replayed, comparing circuit performance against specifications.<>