A Novel Phase-Noise Module for the QUCS Circuit Simulator. Part I : the Periodic Steady-State

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new, efficient steady-state analysis module for the open-source QUCS circuit simulator, enabling simulation of autonomous circuits and noise performance, expanding its capabilities beyond existing harmonic-balance methods.

Contribution

The paper presents the first implementation of a time-domain steady-state analysis module for autonomous circuits in QUCS, supporting noise simulation and large-signal analysis.

Findings

First autonomous circuit steady-state analysis in QUCS

Supports noise performance simulation under large signals

Enhances QUCS capabilities for oscillator circuit analysis

Abstract

The paper discusses work done to expand and extend the capabilities of the open-source QUCS circuit simulator through the implementation of a computationally efficient time-domain steady-state analysis module, supporting simulation of autonomous circuits. To our knowledge, this represents the first time such an analysis module has been implemented in the QUCS environment. Hitherto, the only available option was a harmonic-balance module which was strictly limited to non-autonomous (driven) circuits. The research has several important scientific and industrial applications in the area of large-signal steady-state analysis of autonomous circuits e.g. free-running and coupled oscillator circuit networks. The reported results will have great impact w.r.t. analyzing, synthesizing and optimizing oscillatory behavior of various important industrial circuits and systems. The developed tool, furthermore, introduces support for simulating noise performance of circuits operating under large-signal conditions. This paper is the first part of a two-part series documenting the implementation of a novel (coupled)-oscillator phase-noise simulator engine in the QUCS environment. The goal of this undertaking is the advancement of the open-source QUCS project towards becoming a viable competitor to the commercial simulators currently on the market.