Abstract: In some aspects, surrogate netlists are used instead of the actual netlist of interest (the target netlist) in order to speed up the runtime for variation analysis. It is desired to characterize the distribution of a circuit's response as a function of process variation, in a tail region of the distribution. The tail region of the distribution is located by performing a variation analysis based on samples generated by circuit simulations of one or more transistor-level surrogate netlists. The circuit simulations of the surrogate netlists have shorter runtimes than circuit simulations of the target netlist, resulting in a decrease of the overall runtime. The distribution in the tail region is then characterized based on samples generated by circuit simulations of the actual target netlist.

Abstract: A modular structure may comprise multiple mechanical linkages. The structure may undergo two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape transformations, such as bending, twisting, shearing, uniform scaling, and anisotropic scaling. These shape transformations may be actuated by applying force to one or more specific locations in the structure. Each of the linkages in the modular structure may comprise a four-bar linkage. The exact shape transformation that the structure undergoes may be determined by the type and location of the linkages in the structure.

Abstract: A modular structure may comprise multiple mechanical linkages. The structure may undergo two-dimensional or three-dimensional shape transformations, such as bending, twisting, shearing, uniform scaling, and anisotropic scaling. These shape transformations may be actuated by applying force to one or more specific locations in the structure. Each of the linkages in the modular structure may comprise a four-bar linkage. The exact shape transformation that the structure undergoes may be determined by the type and location of the linkages in the structure.