On VLSI interconnects

Abstract

The author reviews some recent approaches to the computation of transient response of VLSI circuits interconnected by transmission lines and discontinuities such as angled-bends. These approaches are based on modeling of the interconnects as subcircuits consisting of ordinary lumped elements, controlled sources and sections of ideal transmission lines (delay elements). In this way, the transient solution of the entire circuit can be obtained from a SPICE-like simulator, and FFT, discrete convolution or inversion of the Laplace transform can all be avoided. Examples of models of lossy transmission lines and 90 degrees bends are given.<>