A direct covariance algorithm for computer-aided statistical electronic circuit design
James R. Rowland, W. M. Holmes · International Journal of Electronics · 1974
A direct covariance algorithm is presented far handling problems of component tolerance analysis and random input variations with a particular emphasis for utilization in computer-aided statistical electronic circuit design. It is shown that this result is applicable to a wide range of electronic circuit arrays having non-linear components. Moreover, a systematic procedure is developed for predicting in advance the expected accuracy. Numerical results comparing the direct covariance algorithm with up to 1000 Monte Carlo ensemble-averaged computer runs are provided. Contrary to popular belief, errors of 10 to 25% are obtained by using 25 to 100 Monte Carlo runs. Improvements in both accuracy and computational speed clearly demonstrate that the direct covariance algorithm is a versatile and effective computer-aided design tool.