Review #3

PROPOSAL NO.: 0340256
INSTITUTION: pragc
NSF PROGRAM: SMALL BUSINESS PHASE I
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: Meyer, Steven J
TITLE: SBIR Phase I: SPICE Circuit Simulator Direct Solution Improvement
RATING:Fair

REVIEW:
What is the intellectual merit of the proposed activity?

The goal of this proposal is to show that it is possible to increase the speed and capacity of the SPICE circuit simulation program,which works by solving directly the DEs that describe circuit transistors.  SPICE is apparently an acronym, but it was not apparent for what, which might have been helpful.  It is suggested that SPICE exactly solves  a set of ODEs using numerical methods, which is confusing to me, as I have always assumed the point of numerical methods  is to produce approximations to exact solutions.  Nevertheless, it is possible that the direct solution method, if it exists, could be improved.  But I would then hope to hear of specifics as to "how?".  I'm afraid I don't see how the old masters of modern physics have suggested solutions to the problems.

What are the broader impacts of the proposed activity?

I don't see any feasible commercial applications for this proposal.

Summary Statement

This is a fair proposal which could use some reworking.