Like your previous analog IC courses, we will make extensive use of SPICE simulation in this class. Each homework assignment will have a SPICE simulation portion that will require you to run HSPICE (or other SPICE variant). If you do not have access to SPICE, you can run it on our instructional machines.

Additionally, many assignments, mixer simulations in particular, will require you to run SpectreRF or ADS, a simulation engine similar to SPICE but with additional periodic-steady state (PSS) or harmonic balance capability. This will allow you to simulate the effects of noise folding in a time-varying circuit. See below for some helpful links on getting Cadence started.

Useful links:

• How to set up an instructional account.
• Al's demo
• How to run cadence.
• A quick tutorial on running spectre.
• Another cadence tutorial from MIT.