ABSTRACT
A good statistical analysis is pretty much more complex than a SPICE transient analysis. Yield analysis or even a full statistical analysis is more like fast-SPICE or mixed-signal simulation, in which also many clever speed-up techniques are integrated. One problem in pure algorithm selection is to decide on the crossover point; because seldom we have a clear separation, usually there is a smooth transition and overlaps. The simple divide-and-conquer approach of pure corner optimization plus optimization at pure statistical corners is non-optimum in the general case, and especially for more difficult designs. Using corners instead of MC runs provides a big speed-up, but further speed-up in conjunction with optimization is still desirable, and it is often possible by reducing the number of overall WC corners.
