Transient sensitivity computation in circuit simulation

A new method for computing time domain sensitivity concurrently in time with the circuit simulation is proposed in this paper. First we present the mathematical derivation of this approach which simultaneously provides the sensitivity of one circuit variable with respect to all the design parameters. Then, we discuss its advantages with respect to the well-know direct techniques, comparing their cost equations in terms of CPU “expensive” operations. Finally practical issues to include the proposed analysis in a Spice-like simulator are addressed by means of an explanatory example. Results confirm the accuracy of our implementation