HSPICE Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• HSPICE: also called STAR-HSPICE
• We will be using HSPICE for simulation pursposes. HSPICE is similar to PSPICE.
• Use "module add hspice" to add HSPICE to path (you need to do this before you can run HSPICE)
  Type man module and/or ask a lab assistant if you have problems with this
• There is 1 Hspice manual is in the IT labs
• To generate output: In general hspice is similar to probe. Replace the ".probe" statement with a ".options post" statement.
• To run: type "hspice input.file > output.file" at unix prompt
• To view output: type "mwaves" at unix prompt. This is similar to probe. Note: is for tr0, tr1 for transient runs, sw0, sw1 for DC sweeps etc.
• Level 3, AMI 1.2u models for HSPICE
• BSIM 3.1, AMI 1.2u models for HPSPICE
• Find the newest models in MOSIS/Venders
• Examples and other information (courtesy of UC Davis)

Other circuit simulation tools

• PSPICE
  • Though not one of the officially supported tools PSPICE may be used for simulation purposes. First make sure you are using version 9 of PSPICE. Other versions do not support BSIM3V3 models well. Make sure you use level 7 (BSIM3V3.1) Models only. You can use the HSPICE models from the MOSIS website. Just replace the level number for both the NMOS and PMOS devices from level 49 to level 7.
  • A free CD containing the latest version of PSPICE can obtained from version of PSPICE can be obtained from ORCAD's website
  • PSPICE manuals are available from here - also ORCAD's website.
    Model details are available in the reference manual
  • PSPICE models and symbols (available on TA's website)