Towards a visual modeling approach to designing microelectromechanical system transducers

In this paper, we address initial design capture and system conceptualizati on of microelectromechanical system transducers based on visual modeling an d design. Visual modeling frames the task of generating hardware descriptio n language (analog and digital) component models in a manner similar to the task of generating software programming language applications. A structure d topological design strategy is employed, whereby microelectromechanical f oundry cell libraries are utilized to facilitate the design process of expl oring candidate cells (topologies), varying key aspects of the transduction for each topology, and determining which topology best satisfies design re quirements. Coupled-energy microelectromechanical system characterizations at a circuit level of abstraction are presented that are based on branch co nstitutive relations and an overall system of simultaneous differential and algebraic equations. The resulting design methodology is called visual int egrated-microelectromechanical VHDL-AMS interactive design (VHDL-AMS is vis ual hardware design language for analog and mixed signal).