DELIGHT.SPICE is the union of the DELIGHT interactive optimization-based computer-aided-design system and the SPICE circuit analysis program. With the DELIGHT.SPICE tool, circuit designers can take advantage of recent powerful optimization algorithms and a methodology that emphasizes designer intuition and man-machine interaction. Designer and computer are complementary in adjusting parameters of electronic circuits automatically to improve their performance criteria and to study complex tradeoffs between multiple competing objectives, while simultaneously satisfying multiple-constraint specifications. The optimization runs much more efficiently than previously because the SPICE program used has been enhanced to perform DC, AC, and transient sensitivity computation. Industrial analog and digital circuits have been redesigned using this tool, yielding substantial improvement in circuit performance.>

A new methodology for the optimization of integrated circuit (IC) parameters which takes into consideration realistic statistical fluctuations occurring in their fabrication, is proposed. The methodology is based on a problem formulation which consists of maximizing a criterion of goodness never before used in statistical circuit design. The criterion is one that recognizes the ultimate economic goal of engineering design--profit expected from the production and sale of the product being designed. In particular, this criterion is motivated in the general context of engineering design and of statistical circuit optimization. The form of profit most appropriate to statistical circuit optimization is specified. The design parameters of the methodology are identified, and the dependence of profit on them modeled.