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Run-Time Output

1. Overview​

This section provides a brief introduction to the simulator's run time output. Run time output is generated while a simulation is running. Any errors that occur during this process will appear in the run time output window. Not all errors will be fatal. The software may attempt to interpret the input file and continue running. When this happens, certain statements may be skipped or ignored, which can lead to unexpected or incorrect results. For this reason, we recommend reviewing the run time output the first time you run any newly created input file so that any issues can be identified and resolved promptly.

During solve or iteration steps, the software will display residuals for each equation at each iteration. Although it is not essential to understand these numbers during normal operation, they can provide valuable insights when you are diagnosing problems with convergence.

2. General​

When you run any type of simulation, the Simulation Status window will open automatically. This window displays the simulation run time output, including the current bias point / time step number and the bias voltage and the currents, including hole, electron and total currents foreach contact.

Before the simulation output is displayed, the numerical precision used by the solver is shown. This will be either double precision, displayed as Precision Device Simulator : 8, or quadruple precision displayed as Precision Device Simulator : 16. The name of the solution file (.sol), is also listed. A message confirms whether all required files have been read correctly. These include the solution file and any device model (.sdm) files. The total size of the problem is then reported, including the number of nodes, contacts and elements. For example:

3. Usage Instructions​

The Simulation Status window contains three buttons.

  1. Stop Simulation. This cancels the execution of the simulation.
  2. Export Log. This prompts you to save the full simulation output as a text file with the file extension .txt.
  3. Close. This closes the window.
note

The Export Log and Close buttons are only available once the simulation has stopped. The simulation may stop because it has completed its process or because you have selected the Stop Simulation button.