SNEL: a switch-level simulator using multiple levels of functional abstraction

Abstract

A novel switch-level simulator, called SNEL, is presented. The SNEL simulator preprocesses the circuit description to abstract its functionality prior to simulation. Functional abstraction is concisely defined in terms of the functional domain and the functional application of circuit constructs. SNEL uses four algorithms that operate on levels ranging from single circuit elements to multiple DC-connected components. Since the functional abstraction preserves the complete functionality of the circuit, the accuracy of the simulation is maintained. However, SNEL models the circuit at a higher and more abstract level, which increases its simulation speed. The presented algorithms were implemented and tested on commercial designs. Without functional abstraction, the simulation speed of SNEL is competitive with current simulators. When functional abstraction was used, the simulation speed increased by more than an order of magnitude.<>