Intusoft has introduced support tools for a
new non-proprietary HDL (Hardware Description Language). The support comes
in two forms. A new Code Model Software Development Kit, or CMSDK, has
been introduced to allow designers to develop and debug HDL models for
use with IsSpice4. Secondly, the companies' SPICE 3 simulator, IsSpice4,
now includes simulator enhancements and support for models written using
the AHDL.
The AHDL modeling architecture is based on the Unix
based XSPICE program. The AHDL is called XDL (eXtended
Description Language) and it differs from current AHDL offerings which
are proprietary in nature and only work with Unix based simulators. XDL
is based on the C programming language and is the only non-proprietary
analog and mixed signal AHDL available for Windows. It represents a new
and powerful approach to making simulation models and interfaces. (XDL Feature List)
The Intusoft CMSDK provides a major breakthrough in HDL technology in
terms of power and affordability. It allows the designer to add new analog,
digital, or mixed analog/digital models to IsSpice4 very easily. Adding
a model to SPICE in the traditional manner can take several months. The
Intusoft CMSDK cuts this time to days or even hours. XDL modeling is also
called "Code Modeling" because models are developed using C
subroutines. The use of a standard programming language like C greatly
lessens the learning curve since users do not have to learn a proprietary
language or use unfamiliar tools. When coupled with IsSpice4 's behavioral
modeling features, the XDL modeling capability completes the AHDL picture
for IsSpice4 giving it all the features and portability of even the most
powerful modeling languages at a cost far below any existing solution.
Along with support for reading new model
DLLs, IsSpice4 includes an expanding set of over 42 new analog, hybrid
(mixed analog/digital), and digital models developed with XDL. The following
XDL models are of particular significance:
- Digital XDL Models: logic gates, flip-flops, Latches, State Machine, frequency
divider, RAM, MIDI controlled oscillator, advanced digital word generator
- Analog XDL Models: s-domain (Laplace) transfer function, magnetic core, hysteresis,
inductive coupling, table model, controlled oscillators, SOI MOSFET
model, smooth transition switch, repeating PWL function with Random
noise stimulus
- Mixed/Other XDL Models: digitally controlled oscillator, real gain, and real Z transform
- SALT
Models: repeating PWL with data from a
file, true random noise generator, convolution filter, array processing
block, PC hardware device (microphone, speaker) interface, analog output
board interface, data acquisition card interface
|