A Survey of Computer-Aided-Design and Analysis Programs.

Abstract : This report contains a survey of sixteen computer aided design programs useful for electronic circuit analysis. Most of the well known, first generation programs (such as ECAP) were not included in this survey. These older programs can no longer compete with the second and third generation nonlinear, sophisticated programs. However, some of the lesser known European linear programs were included, as a matter of information only. It is divided into three major parts. Part 1 contains general data on each program along with a summary of each of the user's manuals. This part of the report is prefixed by four tables which summarize the properties of all the programs. Part 2 of the report contains a critical analysis of each of the programs. The eighteen circuits given in the appendix were the basis upon which flexibility, accuracy, and cost comparisons were made. Part 3 contains a comparison analysis of all the programs and conclusions which may be known from the results of this survey. As a result of some of the advanced publicity concerning this survey, several individuals brought to our attention programs which were not being included. Some of these do look promising, but were unknown and unpublished, hence there was no realistic way to have found out about them in time. (Author)