Monte Carlo Analysis

DVM - Design Verification Module

Monte Carlo Analysis

The Monte Carlo analysis allows you to investigate the effect of random parameter value changes on your circuit. The Monte Carlo analysis assumes that you have set up your circuit with statistical parameter distribution functions.

Parameters
Number of Monte Carlo Steps	The number of steps, or simulations, to run
Monte Carlo Seed	The seed value for the Monte Carlo simulation. The seed value starts the pseudo-random number generator at a specific value. Subsequent seeds follow a predictable pattern, which makes the Monte Carlo simulation repeatable.

Multi-core
Number of cores	The number of cores used for the simulation. The Pro and Elite licenses allow the use of 4 and 16 cores respectively.

For more information on the Monte Carlo analysis, see the Advanced SIMPLIS Training topic: 3.2 Monte-Carlo Simulations.

Testplan Syntax

The Monte Carlo analysis has three configurations, each of which is entered in an Analysis column.

The first configuration has no arguments and uses the parameters entered on the dialog described above.
The second configuration includes the number of steps for the Monte Carlo simulation.
The third configuration includes the number of steps for the Monte Carlo simulation and an optional parameter string.

The Monte Carlo analysis has the following syntax with the arguments described in the table below:

MonteCarlo
MonteCarlo( NUM_STEPS )
MonteCarlo( NUM_STEPS, OPTIONAL_PARAMETER_STRING )

Argument

Range

Description

NUM_STEPS

n/a

The number of steps, or simulations, to run

OPTIONAL_PARAMETER_STRING

n/a

Currently, two additional parameters can be entered as key=value pairs.

The number of cores and the seed value are read from the key names NUM_CORES and SEED. For example, to specify 8 cores and a seed value of 1234, use the following OPTIONAL_PARAMETER_STRING:
NUM_CORES=8 SEED=1234.

Note: The OPTIONAL _PARAMETER_STRING argument contains no commas.