A numerical model of GaAs MESFETs including energy balance for microwave applications

A novel decoupled solver has been developed that allows larger time steps than conventional decoupled Gummel algorithms and is less central processing unit (CPU) memory and time intensive than coupled Newton solvers. The order in which the quasi-hydrodynamic equations are solved exploits the large difference between the energy relaxation time, (typically 0.5 ps), and the dielectric relaxation time, tau /sub d/ (10 fs). The new decoupled scheme is numerically stable for time steps as large as 20* tau /sub d/. This makes it possible to reduce Cray Y-MP CPU times by 5-7 times compared to those required by conventional Gummel algorithms. This algorithm allows efficient analysis of GaAs MESFETs to study phenomena such as carrier heating near the drain, Gunn domain formation, and carrier injection into the semi-insulating substrate.<<ETX>>