A Comprehensive Review of Modeling and Simulation of Electronic Circuits Using Advanced Software Tools

The relentless scaling of semiconductor technology, coupled with the increasing complexity of mixed-signal, radio-frequency (RF), and power electronic systems, has elevated the role of electronic design automation (EDA) to a critical position. Accurate modeling and high-fidelity simulation are the cornerstones of modern integrated circuit (IC) and printed circuit board (PCB) design, enabling first-pass success, performance optimization, and reliability assessment before costly fabrication. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art in modeling and simulation methodologies for electronic circuits, with a focused analysis of advanced software tools that implement them. We begin by establishing a taxonomy of modeling abstraction levels, spanning from physical/technology Computer-Aided Design (TCAD) and compact models (SPICE) to behavioral, system-level, and architectural descriptions. The core of the review provides a detailed analysis of key simulation domains: DC/transient analysis for nonlinear circuits, AC/small-signal analysis, noise analysis, harmonic balance and shooting methods for steady-state RF analysis, and electromagnetic (EM) simulation for passive structures. We evaluate the algorithms underpinning these simulations, including Modified Nodal Analysis (MNA), Newton-Raphson iteration, and finite-element method (FEM). A dedicated section critically examines leading commercial and open-source EDA tools-such as Cadence Virtuoso/Analog Design Environment (ADE), Synopsys HSPICE/FineSim, Keysight ADS, ANSYS HFSS, and ngspice-comparing their capabilities, performance, and application niches. The review further explores emerging paradigms, including machine learning (ML)-augmented compact modeling and simulation, cloud-based distributed simulation, and co-simulation frameworks that bridge circuit, EM, thermal, and mechanical domains. Finally, we discuss persistent challenges related to the accuracy-simulation speed trade-off, the "validation gap" for advanced technology nodes, and the integration of novel devices (e.g., MEMS, spin-torque oscillators), while outlining future directions toward intelligent, predictive, and fully virtual prototyping environments.

کلیدواژه ها:

Electronic Design Automation (EDA) ، SPICE Simulation ، Compact Modeling ، Harmonic Balance