The VBIC model was introduced in 1995 by the Compact Model Council (CMC) as an extension and a successor of the SPICE Gummel-Poon (SGP) bipolar transistor model. With various modeling improvements and an easy migration path from the SGP model, VBIC has become widely used by circuit designers, implemented in major EDA tools, and available from most foundries. It is the only bipolar transistor model that is fully accepted today by both silicon and III-V HBT technology communities covering the wide range of applications in analog, RF/wireless and power electronics. The increasing complexity of bipolar processes and design requirements initiated demands for further enhancement of the existing VBIC version 1.2, released by the CMC in 1999. Simucad's new version of VBIC is the first commercially available model extension that satisfies all of these new requirements.
These new features advance the modeling of modern SiGe HBTs by introducing a description of quasi-neutral base recombination and band-gap grading effects. It significantly improves the accuracy of the transistor current gain, output conductance bias and temperature dependence. The new bias-dependent collector resistance extends the applicability of the model to complementary devices realized in Smart Power technologies. The electro-thermal modeling is enriched with temperature-dependent Early voltages and a nonlinear temperature-dependent thermal resistance for self-heating critical applications.
"Simucad's new enhanced VBIC model delivers greater simulation accuracy for designs that utilize Si, SiGe and III-V bipolar technologies in circuits operating over wide bias and temperature ranges," said Dr. Ivan Pesic, Simucad CEO. "This model will minimize design errors and reduce design iterations."
Version 1.3 is available as either a C or Verilog-A library.
About SIMUCAD Design Automation
Simucad Design Automation is a leading provider of simulation and CAD software tools used for developing analog, mixed-signal, and RF integrated circuits. Founded in 2004 as a spin-off from Silvaco International, the company delivers products for circuit simulation, custom IC layout and verification, interconnect modeling, digital simulation, and IP characterization. The company provides a complete PDK-based design flow with interfaces to third-party design platforms. Simucad has a worldwide presence inherited from Silvaco's twenty years of business and is preparing for an IPO.
Contact:
Dr. Ivan Pesic
408-567-1000