Estimating key parameters in the EKV MOST model for analogue design and simulation

Recent availability of the public-domain EKV (Enz-Krummenacher-Vittoz) MOST model from EPFL in a number of circuit simulators facilitates the intuitive design, analysis and simulation of analogue and mixed-mode circuits and systems exploring the numerous modes of operation of the MOST, particularly at low-voltage (LV) and low-current (LC). A practical approach for either extracting the most critical parameters and/or adapting those already available from widely used SPICE models (levels 2 and 3) for use with the EKV model is presented and opportunities for engineering education are considered. The effectiveness of the approach is illustrated by measured results from CMOS and BiCMOS technologies.