Variables

Several variable names are reserved by IC-CAP and cannot be used for user-defined variables. You can assign values to reserved variables and define your own variables at several different levels:

These levels can be viewed as a hierarchy where variables at lower levels inherit their values from variables at some level above them.

You define global variables through the IC-CAP/Main window. These variables apply to all Models, DUTs, and Setups unless you explicitly set the variables differently at the Model, DUT, or Setup level.

You define Model, DUT, and Setup variables through the Model window:

Table 75 Plot Characteristics 

Variable	Description
ANNOTATE_AUTO	Sets a flag to enable or disable automatic annotation update upon data changes. Default is No.
ANNOTATE_CSET	Sets a Starbase character set to be used for annotation texts. Default value is determined by /usr/lib/starbase/defaults.
ANNOTATE_FILE	Sets a file name from which a plot reads in an annotation text. Default is no file to read.
ANNOTATE_MACRO	Sets a macro name that is executed by a Plot for generating an annotation text. Default is no macro to execute.
ANNOTATE_PLOTS	Obsolete in IC-CAP 2006. Now to enable or disable annotation on a plot, use the Plot Options dialog box. See "Setting Plot Options" in the User's Guide.
CDF_ERROR_FIT	Can be set to TRUE or FALSE. TRUE will draw the Gaussian curve fitted to the Cumulative plot. Default is TRUE.
CHECK_PLOT_MATCH	Lets IC-CAP check if a given XY pair belongs to the same Setup. If No, potentially mismatched XY pair can be shown in a tabular format with Display Data. Default is Yes.
DASH_DOT	Sets the number of data points at which a simulated line changes from a dashed to a dotted line. Used in Plot. Default value is 32.
DYNAMIC_MULTIPLOT_MODE	Sets the location where the manual scaling setting is saved for a Multiplot. If set to FALSE, the manual scaling setting for each subplot in a Multiplot is saved with the Multiplot, allowing different scaling to be saved for the same plot if opened as a single plot or on one or more Multiplot. If set to TRUE, the manual scaling setting for each subplot in a Mulitplot is saved with the subplot. In this mode, no matter where the plot is opened (as a single plot or on one or more Multiplots), it will use the same scaling information. However, if the same subplot appears on multiple Multiplots, or in multiple positions of the same Multiplot, then the settings for only the last subplot closed is saved. Default is FALSE.
FIX_PLOT_SIZE	If Yes, Plot windows open using the size specified by GWINDX and GWINDY. If No, they open using the last displayed size. Default is No.
GWIND_WHITE	Obsolete in IC-CAP 2006. Now to set the background color of plots, use the Plot Options dialog box. See "Setting Plot Options" in the User's Guide.
GWINDX	Sets the initial Plot window horizontal size in 1/100mm. Used in Plot. Default value is 12500.
GWINDY	Sets the initial Plot window vertical size in 1/100mm. Used in Plot. Default value is 9000.
HISTOGRAM_NUM_BINS	Number of bins in the histogram plot. Default is 10.
HISTOGRAM_NORMALIZATION	Can be set to either TRUE or FALSE. Setting it to TRUE will normalize the histogram. Default is TRUE.
HISTOGRAM_GAUSSIAN_FIT	Can be set to either TRUE or FALSE. Setting it to TRUE will draw the Gaussian curve fitted to the histogram. Default is TRUE.
IGNORE_PLOT_LOC	If Yes, Plot windows open using the X windows system configuration. If No, they open using the last displayed location. Default is No.
MINLOG	Can be set to a real value. Defines the value to be used in a LOG plot, if data point value is zero or negative. Default is 10e-18.
OFFSCREEN_PLOT_LINE_WIDTH	Same as PLOT_LINE_WIDTH, except has no effect when the plot is drawn to the screen. It does have effect when plotting to a file or sending to a printer.
OFFSCREEN_PLOT_TRACE_LINE_WIDTH	Same as PLOT_TRACE_LINE_WIDTH, except has no effect when the plot is drawn to the screen. It does have effect when plotting to a file or sending to a printer.
PLOT_LINE_WIDTH	Sets the line thickness used when drawing a plot grid and annotation. Note: use PLOT_TRACE_LINE_WIDTH to set trace widths on a plot. Default is 1.
PLOT_TRACE_LINE	Sets whether trace line is drawn or not. If defined as Yes, the trace lines are drawn. If defined as No, the trace lines will not be drawn, and instead markers will be drawn. Default is Yes.
PLOT_TRACE_LINE_WIDTH	Sets the line thickness used when drawing the traces of a plot. Note: use PLOT_TRACE_LINE to set line thickness for grid and annotation. Default is 1.
RETAIN_PLOT	When Yes and Auto Scale is off, plot is not erased when updated to allow overlay of curves if the X server has backing store capability. Default is No.
RI_GRAPH_SYMMETRY	When defined as Yes, the plot title is displayed. If defined as No, the plot title is not displayed. Default is Yes.
SCATTER_CONTOURS	Can be set to either TRUE or FALSE. Setting it to TRUE will draw the contours. Default is TRUE.
SCATTER_NUM_SEGMENTS	The number of segments with which to draw the contours. Default is 1500.
SHOW_GRID	When No, plot eliminates XY grids and leaves tics. Default is Yes.
SHOW_PLOT_TITLE	Obsolete in IC-CAP 2006. Now to show or hide the plot title, use the Plot Options dialog box. See "Setting Plot Options" in the User's Guide.
USE_PLOT_LOOKUP	Lets IC-CAP perform auto-lookup of X data from each Y data. Another way to disable auto-lookup is to use an arbitrary expression for an X data. Default is Yes.

Table 76 Plot Optimizer 

Variable	Description
AUTOSET_COEFF	Sets the coefficient value used to calculate the Plot Optimizer's Min and Max parameter values. Min and Max parameter values are calculated as follows: if (value > 0) Min = value/coeff Max = value × coeff if (value < 0) Min = value × coeff Max = value/coeff if (value ==0) Min = -coeff Max = +coeff Default is 5.
OPT_PARTABLE_SHOW_MODEL_ONLY	If set to Yes, displays the model parameters in the parameter list shown in the parameter table tab of Plot Optimizer and normal Optimizer transforms. If set to No, displays all the model and DUT parameters found in the enable plots paths. Default is Yes for the Plot Optimizer and No for the Extract/Optimize folder.
OPT_PARTABLE_SHOW_PARS	If set to Yes, displays all parameters, except model parameters, in the parameter list in the Plot Optimizer and Extract/Optimize folder. If set to No, hides the parameters. Default is Yes.
OPT_PARTABLE_SHOW_VARS	If set to Yes, displays all variables in the parameter list in the Plot Optimizer and Extract/Optimize folder. If set to No, hides the variables. Default is Yes.
PLOTOPT_USE_YAXES_TYPE	Sets whether the Plot Optimizer algorithm can use the LOG10() and DB() functions to insert the trace equations into the Plot Optimizer. If defined as Yes (Default), the Plot Optimizer algorithm uses the LOG10() function when the Y Axis Type is LOG10 and the DB() function when the Y Axis Type is DB. If defined as No, the Plot Optimizer algorithm does not use the LOG10() and DB() functions regardless of the Axis Type. Default is Yes.
PLOTOPT_AUTOCONFIG_WARNING	Sets whether autoconfigure issues a warning to the Status window when one or more traces could not be autoconfigured. If defined as Yes (Default), a warning is issued when one or more traces could not be autoconfigured. If defined as No, no warning is issued when autoconfigure fails. Default is Yes.

Table 77 Calibration 

Variable	Description
CAL_OPEN_C	Obsoleted and replaced by CAL_OPEN_C0.
CAL_OPEN_C0 CAL_OPEN_C1 CAL_OPEN_C2	Sets the open capacitance of an Open standard in farads that is used with Software Calibration. The combined value Copen applies to both port 1 and 2. A second-order polynomial represents its frequency dependence. Default value is 0. Copen = C0 + C1 * F + C2 * F^2
CAL_Z0	Obsoleted and replaced by TWOPORT_Z0.

Table 78 UI Options 

Variable	Description
DUT_TREE_COLS	Controls the width of the tree list in the DUTs-Setups folder. The variable controls the folder in the scope of the variable table where it is defined. The variable's value sets the list's width in number of columns.
MACRO_LIST_COLS	Controls the width of the Select Macro list in the Macros folder. The variable controls the folder in the scope of the variable table where it is defined. The variable's value sets the list's width in number of columns.
MAXIMUM_LIST_LENGTH	The maximum number of value fields allowed for an input where LIST is the Sweep Type and a variable is used to specify `# of Values.' If a constant is used to specify `# of Values,' MAXIMUM_LIST_LENGTH is ignored. Default is 15.
MEAS_SIM_LIST_COLS	Controls the width of the Input/Output Finder list in the Measure/Simulate folder. The variable, SHOW_INPUT_OUTPUT_FINDER, must be enabled to control the list width. The variable controls the folder in the scope of the variable table where it is defined. The variable's value sets the list's width in number of columns.
PARAMETER_PRECISION	Specifies the number of digits used when displaying parameter values in the Parameters table and when sending the values to a simulator. Default is 4.
PLOT_LIST_COLS	Controls the width of the Plot Finder list in the Plots folder. The variable controls the folder in the scope of the variable table where it is defined. The variable's value sets the list's width in number of columns.
RETAIN_DATA	When Yes, data from a Setup is retained if a sweep limit changes but the number of points remains the same. Default is No, which causes the data to be zeroed.
RETAIN_SIMU	A simulator run in piped mode is normally stopped if a new simulator is selected. If Yes, the old simulator is kept running, which will speed up simulations if there is frequent switching between simulators. Default is No.
SHOW_INPUT_OUTPUT_FINDER	When Yes, enables the Input/Output Finder list in the Measure/Simulate folder. If you enable this variable or change its value after viewing the folder, you must close, then re-open the model for the change to take effect. Default is No.
WORKING_PRECISION	Controls the precision of numeric values when converted to text. This precision setting affects only those parts of a model for which the variable is defined. Although all math in IC-CAP is performed using double precision, precision may be lost when a number is converted to text. This conversion occurs in the following situations: any time the function val$() is called; the PRINT statement is used; a numeric value is assigned to a variable in the IC-CAP Variable Table. Because all variables in the IC-CAP Variable Table are text by definition, assigning a numeric value to such a variable will implicitly call val$(). Range of values: 6 through 29. Default is 6. Note: While settings above 17 are allowed, they seldom show any affect.
XFORM_LIST_COLS	Controls the width of the Select Transform list in the Extract/Optimize folder. The variable controls the folder in the scope of the variable table where it is defined. The variable's value sets the list's width in number of columns
GUI_PAGE_SUPRESS_SUMMARY	Normally, IC-CAP displays a short summary of each GUI Item on the GUI Items pages. To suppress this summary and display only the item name (for a cleaner look to the page), set this variable to anything but 0, F, FALSE, N, NO, or blank.

Table 79 PEL

Variable

Description

ICCAP_MAXIMUM_CALL_CHAIN

Sets the maximum number of transforms/macros (written in PEL) that can be called (via iccap_func()) without returning. This limit may be set to protect automations under development from infinitely recurring by accident. Without this limit, such infinite recursions will cause IC-CAP to consume all the memory available in your system and then crash. The default value is 0 which means to permit any number of calls.

Table 80 Measurement Options 

Variable	Description
8510_MAXFREQ	The 8510 driver checks that the maximum frequency of the instrument is not exceeded. Use this variable to override the built-in value and specify the desired maximum frequency to be checked.
BYPASS_CV_CAL	When set to NO (Default), CV measurements using an HP/Agilent 42XX CV or LCR Meter will request user to calibrate the instrument. After a successful calibration, this step is bypassed on all subsequent measurements. If set to YES, the calibration step is always bypassed. CAUTION: Setting variable to YES assumes the instrument has already been calibrated. Use YES for measurement automation.
CV_FREQ	Sets the frequency in Hz at which CV simulation is performed. Default value is 1MEG (Hz).
HPIB_READ_STRING	Gets the results of a Read String operation in the GPIB Analyzer.
IGNORE_8510_RF_UNLOCK	When defined as Yes IC-CAP ignores a temporary and benign RF UNLOCK error from the 8510.
INST_START_ADDR	Specifies the start address for instrument searching during Rebuild (active list). This value should be an integer between 0 and 31, inclusively. When there is a printer, plotter, or prober on the same GPIB with measurement instruments, set INST_START_ADDR greater than any one of those non-instruments to avoid the identification process. Default is 0.
INST_END_ADDR	Specifies the ending address for instrument searching during Rebuild (active list). This value should be greater than the INST_START_ADDR value and less than 31.
LCR_RST_MEM LCR_RST_MEM_<unit>	Sets the reset instrument state for the 4284, 4285, and E4980A instruments. To specify a particular unit, set LCR_RST_MEM_<unit> (e.g., LCR_RST_MEM_CM). IC-CAP drivers reset instruments to known states prior to configuring them for the current measurement. The 4284, 4284, and E4980 send the *RST command, which resets the instruments to a known factory state. However, this default state (1V, 1KHz signal) may cause damage to certain devices between the time the $RST is requested and the time the requested signal level is set. If LCR_RST_MEM or LCR_RST_MEM_<unit> is set, the 4284, 4285, and E4980A instruments will use the value of the variable to set the instrument state. For example, if set to 1, the driver will recall instrument state 1 instead of *RST. For additional information, see the example model file in misc/prepare_CV_Meter.mdl.
MAX_SETUP_POINTS	Specifies the maximum number of points to be permitted within a setup. Default value is 50000.
MDS_MEASURE_FAST	Flag reserved for use by the HPRoot model extraction in the High-Frequency IC-CAP software. Default is No.
MEASURE_FAST	When Yes, IC-CAP will attempt to minimize instrument re-initialization during repeated measurements on the same Setup. Refer to Speeding Up Repetitive Measurements in the Measurement chapter. Default is No.
NO_ZEROING	When Yes, IC-CAP will avoid a preliminary step of zeroing DC and other signal sources at the beginning of measurements. Refer to MEASURE_FAST. Default is No.
PARALLEL_INPUT_UNITS_OK	Overrides a warning when multiple units share a single input node. Default value is No, to issue a warning.
PRE_5_8510_FIRMWARE	For HP 8510B Network Analyzers with firmware revisions prior to HP8510B.05.00: Dec 5, 1988 only. Declaring this variable prevents certain commands (DETENORB--set detector to normal bandwidth, and EXTTOFF--external triggr off) from being sent to the NWA. These commands are not supported in the above-referenced firmware and sending such commands causes a measurement failure. Declare this variable to prevent the failure. No value assignment required.
8510_MAXFREQ	The 8510 driver checks that the maximum frequency of the instrument is not exceeded. Use this variable to override the built-in value and specify desired maximum frequency to be checked.

Table 81 HP85124 Measurement Options

Variable	Description
These variables are used to modify the source tuning process. Source tuning is specified with an entry in the options table. Source tuning process varies the supply voltage to compensate for I*R drop in getting to the device under test.
p1_step_size	Type = REAL, Default = 0.0 This variable sets a fixed step size for newton iterations when tuning the source voltage for port 1. Default is an auto step size, determined from dvm noise floor.
p2_step_size	Type = REAL, Default = 0.0 This variable sets a fixed step size for newton iterations when tuning the source voltage for port 2. Default is an auto step size, determined from dvm noise floor.
p1_step_scale	Type = REAL, Default = 1.0 This variable sets a scale factor to modify the auto step size in newton iterations when tuning the source voltage for port 1. The auto step size is multiplied by this value.
p2_step_scale	Type = REAL, Default = 1.0 This variable sets a scale factor to modify the auto step size in newton iterations when tuning the source voltage for port 2. The auto step size is multiplied by this value.
p1_tune_error	Type = REAL, Default = 0.0 This variable sets a fixed error goal for tuning the source voltage for port 1 instead of the default auto ranged error which is determined from the dvm noise floor.
p2_tune_error	Type = REAL, Default = 0.0 This variable sets a fixed error goal for tuning the source voltage for port 2 instead of the default auto ranged error which is determined from the dvm noise floor.
p1_error_scale	Type = REAL, Default = 1.0 This variable sets a scale factor to modify the auto ranged error goal for tuning the source voltage for port 1 The auto ranged error goal is multiplied by this value.
p2_error_scale	Type = REAL, Default = 1.0 This variable sets a scale factor to modify the auto ranged error goal for tuning the source voltage for port 2 The auto ranged error goal is multiplied by this value.
max_newton_iters	Type = INT, Default = 6 This variable sets the maximum number of newton iterations to complete before quitting the source tuning process.
pulse_rise_time	Type = REAL, Default = 0.2E-6 This variable specifies the average rise time for the pulse. This is used in determining if the measurement delay results in a measurement in the pulse. If the measurement for source tuning is not in the pulse then the resulting voltage will be very high.
pulse_fall_time	Type = REAL, Default = 0.2E-6 This variable specifies the average fall time for the pulse. This is used in determining if the measurement delay results in a measurement in the pulse. If the measurement for source tuning is not in the pulse then the resulting voltage will be very high.
These variables can be used to initiate printing of data to the status window. This data is useful in troubleshooting measurement problems and data accuracy questions.
show_tuning	Type = INT, Default = 0, Values 0 or 1 When set to 1 measured values, tuning error, and next value to be tries are displayed for the source tuning process. These values are printed the status window.
show_samples	Type = INT, Default = 0, Values 0 or 1 When set to 1 all the dvm or adc measurements are displayed in the status window.
show_stats	Type = INT, Default = 0, Values 0 or 1 When set to 1 statistical information about the measured data is displayed. Data includes mean , min, and max. Data is displayed in the status window.
show_current_range	Type = INT, Default = 0, Values 0 or 1 When set to 1 the present current range is displayed to the status window when the measurement begins and any time the range changes.
show_voltage_range	Type = INT, Default = 0, Values 0 or 1 When set to 1 the present voltage range is displayed to the status window when the measurement begins and any time the range changes.
These variables are used to over-ride the offsets defined in the hp85124.cal file.
p1_meas_offset	Type = REAL, Default = value in hp85124.cal This variable will over-ride the input_measurement_offset variable in the hp85124.cal file. This variable adjusts the delay for the port 1 voltage measurement.
p2_meas_offset	Type = REAL, Default = value in hp85124.cal This variable will over-ride the output_measurement_offset variable in the hp85124.cal file. This variable adjusts the delay for the port 2 voltage measurement.
p1_meas_i_offset	Type = REAL, Default = value in hp85124.cal This variable will over-ride the input_current_measurement_offset variable in the hp85124.cal file. This variable adjusts the delay for the port 1 current measurement. This offset is relative the voltage measurement.
p2_meas_i_offset	Type = REAL, Default = value in hp85124.cal This variable will over-ride the output_current_measurement_offset variable in the hp85124.cal file. This variable adjusts the delay for the port 2 current measurement. This offset is relative the voltage measurement.
These variables are used to over-ride the instrument types specified in the hp85124.cfg file.
p1_v_type	Type = STRING, Default = value in hp85124.cfg This variable over-rides the value of dmm_vin in the hp85124.cfg file. This will also over-ride the automatic change for risetime mode. The default is to use the hp3458 dvm for slow mode and the internal adc (K49 only) for fast mode.
p1_i_type	Type = STRING, Default = value in hp85124.cfg This variable over-rides the value of dmm_iin in the hp85124.cfg file. This will also over-ride the automatic change for risetime mode. The default is to use the hp3458 dvm for slow mode and the internal adc (K49 only) for fast mode.
p2_v_type	Type = STRING, Default = value in hp85124.cfg This variable over-rides the value of dmm_vout in the hp85124.cfg file. This will also over-ride the automatic change for risetime mode. The default is to use the hp3458 dvm for slow mode and the internal adc (K49 only) for fast mode.
p2_i_type	Type = STRING, Default = value in hp85124.cfg This variable over-rides the value of dmm_iout in the hp85124.cfg file. This will also over-ride the automatic change for risetime mode. The default is to use the hp3458 dvm for slow mode and the internal adc (K49 only) for fast mode.
These variables are used to make changes in the default settings used for the hp3458 dmms
dvm_terminals	Type = CHAR, Default = R, Values = R or F This variable will change which set of terminals the dmm will read. The choice is R for rear and F for front.
dvm_trigger_mode	Type = CHAR, Default = E, Values = E or I This variable will change the trigger mode of the dmm. E for external and I for internal.
dvm_aperture	Type = REAL, Default = 1E-6 This variable changes the value of the aperture for DCV mode of the dmms.
dvm_track_hold	Type = INT, Default = 1, Values 0 or 1 This variable sets either track and hold mode (DSDC) or integrated mode (DCV).
dvm_auto_zero	Type = STRING, Default = ONCE, Values = OFF, ON, or ONCE This variable sets the auto zero mode on the dmms.
allow_internal	Type = INT , Default = 0, Values = 1/0 This variable allows the dmm to take more samplings within the same pulse during time domain pulse profile measurements if the time interval is less than 20us.

Table 82 General Extraction Options 

Variable	Description
EXTR_DUT	Used internally in extractions. When a circuit or test circuit has been defined, set this variable to the name of the DUT whose parameters are either extracted or used by the IC-CAP device extraction functions.
EXTR_MODEL	Used internally in extractions. When a circuit has been defined, set this variable to the name of the model whose parameters are either extracted or used by the IC-CAP device extraction functions.
POLARITY	Specifies the device polarity of the device to be extracted. Allowed values for bipolar devices are NPN or PNP. Default is NPN for bipolar devices. Allowed values for MOS devices are NMOS or PMOS. Default is NMOS for MOS devices.
WORKING_PRECISION	Controls the precision of numeric values when converted to text. This precision setting affects only those parts of a model for which the variable is defined. (Converting to text is done when: the function val$() is called; the PRINT statement is used; a numeric value is assigned to a variable in the IC-CAP Variable Table.) Range of values: 6 and higher. Default is 6. Note: While settings above 17 are allowed, a double precision number cannot be expressed to this precision.

Table 83 General Simulation Options 

Variable	Description
DEFAULT_SIMU	Sets the default simulator name. Used in Utilities.
MAX_DC_SWEEPS	Specifies the maximum number of DC sweeps for a simulation. Default is simulator-dependent.
MAX_SETUP_POINTS	Specifies the maximum number of points to be permitted within a setup. Default value is 50000.
OPEN_RES	Specifies the resistance value that is automatically connected to all floating nodes in the circuit. This is available for all simulators with links to IC-CAP. When this variable is not specified, a zero amp current source is connected to the node.
PARAMETER_PRECISION	Specifies the number of digits used when displaying parameter values in the Parameters table and when sending the values to a simulator. Default is 4.
SIMULATOR	Specifies the simulator name to be used in all simulations performed under the level in which this variable is defined. The name must be a valid simulator; otherwise, the currently selected simulator is used. Default is the currently selected simulator.
SIM_USE_UPPER_CASE_PARAMS	By default parameters are entered into the Parameters table with the same capitalization as entered in the circuit page. (The hpeesofsim simulator is an exception.) If set to 'F', 'N', 'FALSE','No' or '0' the default behavior will result. Any other setting will force the parameters in the Parameters table to be represented in upper case according to the following rules:     • If the parameter was declared with $dpar, $mpar, or $xpar, capitalization is not affected.     • If the parameter contains a period, only the part of the parameter after the last period is upper case.     • If the parameter does not contain a period, the entire parameter is upper case. If USE_OLD_CASE_PARM_RULE is set to anything other than 'F', 'N', 'FALSE','No' or '0' (case insensitive), this setting follows different rules. See USE_OLD_CASE_PARM_RULE. This setting affects all simulators but may be overridden by HPEESOFSIM_USE_LOWER_CASE_PARAMS and HPEESOFSIM_USE_MIXED_CASE_PARAMS for the hpeesofsim simulator.
SIM_USE_LOWER_CASE_PARAMS	By default parameters are entered into the Parameters table with the same capitalization as entered in the circuit page. (The hpeesofsim simulator is an exception.) If set to 'F', 'N', 'FALSE','No' or '0' the default behavior will result. Any other setting will force the parameters in the Parameters table to be represented in lower case according to the following rules:     • If the parameter was declared with $dpar, $mpar, or $xpar, capitalization is not affected.     • If the parameter contains a period, only the part of the parameter after the last period is lower case.     • If the parameter does not contain a period, the entire parameter is lower case. If USE_OLD_CASE_PARM_RULE is set to anything other than 'F', 'N', 'FALSE','No' or '0' (case insensitive), this setting follows different rules. See USE_OLD_CASE_PARM_RULE. This setting affects all simulators but may be overridden by HPEESOFSIM_USE_LOWER_CASE_PARAMS and HPEESOFSIM_USE_MIXED_CASE_PARAMS for the hpeesofsim simulator.
TEMP	Temperature at which simulations are performed. When performing an optimization to extract model parameters, TEMP and TNOM should be set to the same value so that simulations during optimization are performed at TNOM. Default value is simulator-dependent.
TNOM	Temperature at which the model parameters are extracted. TNOM must be defined in order to guarantee consistency between simulation and extraction. Default value is 27 when performing an extraction, and is simulator dependent when performing a simulation.
TWOPORT_C	Sets a DC decouple capacitance value when a 2-port circuit is generated from a circuit for 2-port simulation. Default is 100 farad.
TWOPORT_L	Sets an AC decouple inductance value when a 2-port circuit is generated from a circuit for 2-port simulation. Default is 100 henry.
TWOPORT_Z0	Sets a characteristic impedance value for 2-port circuit that is used in AC extractions, TwoPort function, and Software calibration. Default is 50 ohm.
USE_OLD_CASE_PARM_RULE	If set to anything other than 'F', 'N', 'FALSE','No' or '0' (case insensitive), this setting changes the rules for SIM_USE_UPPER_CASE_PARAMS, SIM_USE_LOWER_CASE_PARAMS, HPEESOFSIM_USE_LOWER_CASE_PARAMS, and HPEESOFSIM_USE_MIXED_CASE_PARAMS to the following:     • If the parameter was declared with $dpar, $mpar, or $xpar, the case is changed for the entire parameter name according to the case variable.     • If the parameter contains a period, only the part of the parameter after the last period is changed according to the case variable.     • If the parameter does not contain a period and the parameter is named for an instance, the case is unchanged.     • If the parameter does not contain a period and the parameter is named for a parameter on a model, the case is changed according to the case variable. For example, rtest 1 2 50 Parameter rtest is named for the instance in SPICE, so case is not changed according to the case variable. model x NPN alpha=4 Parameter alpha is named for a model parameter, so case is changed according to the case variable.

Table 84 hpeesofsim Options

Variable	Description
BANDWIDTH	Bandwidth for noise analysis. Default = 1 Hz.
HPEESOFSIM_HB_OPTIONS	A string that contains the analysis options used in an ADS Harmonic Balance simulation. No default.
HPEESOFSIM_OPTIONS	A string which contains the analysis options used in an hpeesofsim simulation. No default.
HPEESOFSIM_TRAN_OPTIONS	A string that contains the analysis options used in an ADS Transient simulation. No default.
HPEESOFSIM_USE_LOWER_CASE_PARAMS	This setting affects only the hpeesofsim simulator. By default parameters are converted to all uppercase. If set to 'F', 'N', 'FALSE','No' or '0' the default behavior will result. Any other setting will force the parameters in the Parameters table to be represented in lower case according to the following rules:     • If the parameter was declared with $dpar, $mpar, or $xpar, capitalization is not affected.     • If the parameter contains a period, only the part of the parameter after the last period is lower case.     • If the parameter does not contain a period, the entire parameter is lower case. If USE_OLD_CASE_PARM_RULE is set to anything other than 'F', 'N', 'FALSE','No' or '0' (case insensitive), this setting follows different rules. See USE_OLD_CASE_PARM_RULE.
HPEESOFSIM_USE_MIXED_CASE_PARAMS	This setting affects only the hpeesofsim simulator. By default parameters are converted to all uppercase. If set to 'F', 'N', 'FALSE','No' or '0' the default behavior will result. Any other setting will force the parameters in the Parameters table to be represented with the same case as they appear in the Circuit page according to the following rules:     • If the parameter was declared with $dpar, $mpar, or $xpar, capitalization is not affected.     • If the parameter contains a period, only the part of the parameter after the last period is the same case as they appear in the Circuit page.     • If the parameter does not contain a period, the entire parameter is the same case as they appear in the Circuit page. If USE_OLD_CASE_PARM_RULE is set to anything other than 'F', 'N', 'FALSE','No' or '0' (case insensitive), this setting follows different rules. See USE_OLD_CASE_PARM_RULE.
INCLUDEPORTNOISE	Includes the port noise in noise voltage and currents. Default = Yes.
NOISETEMP	Circuit temperature (Kelvin) for noise analysis. Default = 290.
MAX_PARALLEL_SIMULATOR	Specifies the maximum number of simultaneous hpeesofsim simulators that can be run. Default value is 3.

Table 85 MNS Options 

Variable	Description
BANDWIDTH	Bandwidth for noise analysis. Default = 1 Hz.
INCLUDEPORTNOISE	Includes the port noise in noise voltage and currents. Default = Yes.
MNS_OPTIONS	String that contains the analysis options used in an MNS simulation. No default.
MNS_HB_OPTIONS	A string that contains the analysis options used in an MNS Harmonic Balance simulation. No default.
MNS_TRAN_OPTIONS	A string that contains the analysis options used in an MNS Transient simulation. No default.
NOISETEMP	Circuit temperature (Kelvin) for noise analysis. Default = 290.

Table 86 Mextram Extraction Options

Variable	Description
MXT_AUTO_RANGE	Type = INT , Default = 0, Values = 1/0 This variable selects auto range capabilities for MEXTRAM parameter extraction. It is usually defined at model or setup level
MXT_AUTO_SMOOTH	Type = INT , Default = 0, Values = 1/0 This variable select smoothing on the measured data before applying the auto range algorithms during MEXTRAM parameter extraction. It is usually not required unless the data is rather noisy. It is usually defined at model or setup level.

Table 87 ELDO Options

Variable	Description
ELDO_VERSION	Specifies the version of ELDO being used in the simulation. This information is necessary because the syntax used to call ELDO depends on the version number. If this variable is not specified, IC-CAP will use the version specified in the environment variable eldover, if it exists. Default is v4.2.1.

Table 88 Saber Options

Variable	Description
SABER_ALTER	A command string that appears in the Saber command file to modify simulation-related variables in Saber. Multiple commands are separated by semi-colon.
SABER_DC_OPTIONS	String that contains the DC operating point options used in a SABER simulation. Multiple options are separated by commas.
SABER_OPTIONS	String that contains the analysis options used in a SABER simulation. Multiple options are separated by commas.
USE_ALTER	Specifies whether or not the alter command should be used in a SABER simulation. Default is Yes.
SABER_VERSION	Specifies the version of SABER being used in the simulation. This information is needed if you are using a version earlier than 4.3 (syntax for DC log sweeps is different) or 5.0 (output files have different names). Default is 5.0.
USE_DCIP_COM	Specifies whether or not the dcip and dcep commands should be used in a SABER simulation to speed up LIST and LOG sweeps. Valid entries are Yes and No. Default is Yes.
USE_SABER_COM	Specifies whether or not the 'saber' command to load a new netlist without restarting the simulator should be used in a SABER simulation. Valid entries are Yes and No. Default is No.

Table 89 HSPICE Options

Variable	Description
HSPICE_NODE_STRLEN	When netlisting the sources and analysis statements for HSPICE simulations, node names are truncated to 3 characters by default. You can control the number of characters for node names by setting HSPICE_NODE_STRLEN to 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7. If you set the value to less than 3, the minumin value of 3 will be used. If you set the value to larger than 7, the maximum value of 7 will be used.
HSPICE_VERSION	Specifies the version of HSPICE being used in the simulation in the syntax of <year>.<rel>[-SP<N>] without A- to Z- in front of the date, for example: 2008.03-SP1. If this variable is not specified, IC-CAP will assume the latest version of HSPICE is being used.
HSPICE_LICENSE_TIMEOUT	Setting this variable to a real F will cause IC-CAP to issue the interactive HSPICE command 'timeout F' when simulating to HSPICE with CAN_PIPE mode. It represents the seconds before the underlying HSPICE process will timeout and release the HSPICE license. If not set, IC-CAP will not try to issue a timeout command and the default value built into HSPICE will be used. Note: HSPICE_LICENSE_TIMEOUT is only valid for HSPICE 2008.03-SP1 or later version.

Table 90 Print/Plot Options 

Variable	Description
DRIVER	Obsolete
DUMP_CMND	Sets the graphics dump command to a printer. Used in Plots. Default value on HP is pcltrans -e3 | lp -oraw, and is xpr -device ps | lpr on Sun.
DUMP_DPI	Obsolete
DUMP_WHITE	Obsolete
PAPER	Sets paper size as either A4 or A3 for graphics output. Used in Plot. Default value is A4, which is also good for US letter size.
PLOT_CMND	Sets the HPGL plotting command. Default value on HP is cat > HPGL, and is not applicable on Sun.
PLOT_SCALE_FACTOR	Sets the scale factor used in conjunction with iccap_func Dump Via Server. Default value is 1.0.
PRINT_CMND	Sets the text output command to a printer. Used in several windows. Default is lp.

Table 91 Factory Diagnostics

Variable	Description
IC_DIAG_FLAGS	Reserved for factory diagnostics.

Table 92 Curtice Extraction Options

Variable	Description
CONSTANT_TAU	When Yes, the AC extraction will extract the internal time delay in the Curtice GaAs MESFET represented by the model parameter TAU. This model parameter forces the model to use a constant delay time. When not defined the parameter A5 is extracted that represents a variable time delay as a function of VDS. Default is No.
LINEAR_CGD	When Yes, the AC extraction for the Curtice GaAs MESFET will extract a value for a linear gate-to-drain capacitance represented by the model parameter CGD. When not defined the only capacitance extracted is the non-linear junction capacitance CGDO. Default is No.
LINEAR_CGS	When Yes, the AC extraction for the Curtice GaAs MESFET will extract a value for a linear gate-to-source capacitance represented by the model parameter CGS. When not defined the only capacitance extracted is the non-linear junction capacitance CGSO. Default is No.

Table 93 BJT High Freq Extraction Options 

Variable	Description
SCALEITF	ITF multiplier for the decoupled extraction in the BJTAC_high_freq extraction function. The decoupled extraction is called when the coupled extraction fails. Default value is 1.0.
SCALETF	TF multiplier for the decoupled extraction in the BJTAC_high_freq extraction function. The decoupled extraction is called when the coupled extraction fails. Default value is 1.0.
SCALEVTF	VTF multiplier for the decoupled extraction in the BJTAC_high_freq extraction function. The decoupled extraction is called when the coupled extraction fails. Default value is 1.0.
SCALEXTF	XTF multiplier for the decoupled extraction in the BJTAC_high_freq extraction function. The decoupled extraction is called when the coupled extraction fails. Default value is 1.0.
MAXRB	Specifies the maximum value of the RB and RBM parameters for the extraction. Default is 5K.

Table 94 UCB MOS Extraction Options

Variable	Description
WD	Used in the UCB MOSFET LEVEL 2 and 3 model characterizations to represent the channel width reduction parameter. This parameter is not defined in the UCB models but has been added to many proprietary versions of the models. Default is 0.

Table 95 X_HIGH/Y_HIGH Options 

Variable	Description
OVERRIDE_LIMITS	When Yes, user can manually specify limits for certain bipolar and GaAs extractions with the X_LOW and X_HIGH variables. Default is No.
X_HIGH, X_LOW	Plots can interactively set these values to the X values of a rescale rectangle.
Y_HIGH, Y_LOW	Plots can interactively set these values to the Y values of a rescale rectangle.

Table 96 Data Management Options

Variable	Description
MDM_AUTO_PRECISION	This variable is obsolete in version 5.3. See MDM_REL_ERROR and MDM_ZERO_TOL.
MDM_EXPORT_COMMENT	Specifies the text to be added as comment at the top of the MDM file when exporting data. The text can include an embedded variable as val$(var-name), pre-defined program variables DATE, NEWLINE, TAB, MODEL, DUT, SETUP. Some examples are: MDM_STD_COM - Today's date : $DATE MDM_EXPORT_COMMENT - val$(MDM_STD_COM) MDM_EXPORT_COMMENT - MDM file exported on $DATE MDM_EXPORT_COMMENT - Date: $DATE $SETUP L=val$(L) W=val$(W) where W and L are Model, DUT or Setup parameters/variables.
MDM_EXPORT_COMMENT_FILE	Specifies the Data Manager comment file to be used when exporting data to an MDM file. The contents of the comment file are pre-pended to the MDM file
MDM_EXPORT_XFORM_DATA	Setting this value to TRUE, will export all the transform(s) data (or those transforms specified by MDM_XFORM_LIST) in the setup to the MDM data-file. This variable is automatically set to TRUE when you select the checkbox 'Export Transforms' in the Export Data dialog. Default is FALSE. See MDM_XFORM_LIST.
MDM_FILE_PATH	Specifies the Data Management file name path.
MDM_FILE_NAME	Specifies the Data Management file name.
MDM_HEADER_VERBOSE	Specifies if the header of the MDM file includes comments describing each field. Default is FALSE.
MDM_PRECISION	This variable is obsolete in version 5.3. See MDM_REL_ERROR and MDM_ZERO_TOL.
MDM_REL_ERROR	When IC-CAP reads values from an MDM file, it tries to match requested input values with data in the MDM. If the data does not exist in the MDM file, importing the data is not advised. However, due to roundoff errors, a tolerance must be assumed. IC-CAP uses the formula MDM_REL_ERROR > (req - mdm)/req as its acceptance test. Default value is 1E-10 This value should rarely need to be adjusted, and can be adjusted for an individual Input. By assigning a value to MDM_REL_ERROR_<name> (where <name> is the name of the Input to which the tolerance is to be applied), specific control is possible.
MDM_VALUES_LIST	Specifies a space or comma separated list of Parameter or Variable names. The values of these Parameters/Variables are written to the MDM file. When an MDM file with values stored in it is imported or used to auto-create a setup, these Parameters/Variables are automatically reset to the values stored in the MDM. However, if a Parameter or Variable no longer exists in the scope of the setup being imported to, a variable will be created for that value in the Setup Variables Table.
MDM_XFORM_LIST	Specifies a comma separated list of transform names that will be exported when this setup is exported. By using this variable, you may specify a subset of all transforms for export. In addition you may specify the mode, nodes, and other data. Each transform entry in the comma separated list will appear in the MDM file as an output. The actual values of each output type are shown below: Mode            Values -------            ----------------------------------------------------------- V,N,U           <Name> <Mode> <+ Node> <- Node> <Unit> <Type> I                    <Name> <Mode> <To Node> <From Node> <Unit> <Type> C,G               <Name> <Mode> <High Node> <Low Node> <Unit> <Type> T                   <Name> <Mode> <Node> <Pulse Param> <Unit> <Type> S,H,Z,K,A,Y    <Name> <Mode> <Port 1> <Port 2> <AC Ground> <Unit> <Type> Examples:    MDM_XFORM_LIST = calc_ic I C E, calc_ib I B E SMU2    MDM_XFORM_LIST = Hcalc H, beta Note, only the transform name is required. You may include as many extra entries per transform as desired. This variable is only referenced if MDM_EXPORT_XFORM_DATA is true. See MDM_EXPORT_XFORM_DATA.
MDM_ZERO_TOL	When IC-CAP reads values from an MDM file, it tries to match requested Input values with data in the MDM. If the data does not exist in the MDM file, importing the data is not advised. However, due to roundoff errors, a tolerance must be assumed. IC-CAP uses the formula MDM_ZERO_TOL > (req - mdm) | req == 0 or mdm == 0 as its acceptance test. Default value is 1E-30. This value should rarely need to be adjusted, and can be adjusted for an individual Inputs. By assigning a value to MDM_ZERO_TOL_<name> (where <name> is the name of the Input to which the tolerance is to be applied), specific control is possible.