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.
Save state	If checked, SIMPLIS will save initial conditions files with names which match the Monte Carlo seed values. You can use the GenerateInitFile entry to save the initial conditions files and the IncludeInitFile entry to include these files. Important: You must enable and provide a starting seed to include the initial conditions files.

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, three additional parameters can be entered as key=value pairs. The three parameters are: NUM_CORES SEED SAVE_STATE (Versions 8.10e and later) The optional parameter string is read for the parameter names listed above. If the parameters are found, the program used these parameters instead of the DVM Control Symbol values. 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 does not contain commas.