Simulation of real world circuits: Extending conventional analysis methods to circuits described by heterogeneous languages

Circuit simulation is seen by some people as a well established discipline, where there remains little or no space for improvement. Yet, no steady state and stability analysis methods are available for circuits described by a combination of analog, digital and behavioral parts. Recently, the theory necessary for development of such simulators was proposed and a circuit simulator incorporating these theoretical developments has been presented. It manages analog, digital and behavioral components, while retaining all the classical "spice-like" features. This was possible by importing some mathematical concepts from the hybrid dynamical systems realm. Such tools represent the interface between the conventional analog world and the more contemporary digital/behavioral one. The reviewed simulation framework is appealing not only for people interested in circuit analysis and design, but for all researches and engineers working in the wider field of system simulation where the analog mixed signal concept is absolutely pervasive.