A Simple Hybrid Model for Accurate Delay Modeling of a Multi-Input Gate

Abstract: Faithfully representing small gate delay variations caused by input switchings on different inputs in close temporal proximity is a very challenging task for digital delay models. In this paper, we use the example of a 2-input NOR gate to show that a simple hybrid model leads to a surprisingly accurate digital delay model. Our model utilizes simple first-order ordinary differential equations (ODEs) in all modes, resulting from considering transistors as ideal switches in a simple RC model of the gate. By analytically solving the resulting ODEs, we derive expressions for the gate delays, as well as formulas that facilitate model parametrization. It turns out that our model almost faithfully captures the Charlie effect, except in just one specific situation. In addition, we experimentally compare our model's predictions both to SPICE simulations, using some 15 nm technology, and to some existing delay models. Our results show a significant improvement of the achievable modeling accuracy.