Analysis of parameters' uncertainty effects on equivalent circuit macromodels

In this work we present a method for the analysis of SPICE-like circuits characterized by uncertain parameters. With the proposed technique it is possible to calculate the response bounds related to the uncertainty of the circuit parameters. In general such problems are solved by using a Monte Carlo procedure, which is characterized by high CPU time consumption; on the other hand the proposed method allows a fast and accurate calculation. The importance of the method arises from the fact that lumped parameters equivalent circuits are needed for the fast simulation of interconnects. They are usually obtained by mathematical procedures based on the analysis of simulation results or experimental data that are inherently affected by measurements or simulation errors; nevertheless this effect is rarely considered. The obtained bounds are compared with the results obtained by a Monte Carlo method.