I am a little confused as to what units silvaco ATLAS uses when computing the current when solve statement is used to compute the I-V characteristics of a solar cell. The example solarex07.in outputs Amperes but diodex01.in outputs Amperes/microns.
If I do not use any .set file, what is the default unit of current computed in this manner?
Many thanks
Ananth
Hi Ananth,
In my experience, starting from a blank file and working from there the default current unit is Amperes. Perhaps the example files include a subtle command to output in a specific unit.
Good luck.
Generally, silvaco atlas uses unit "A/microns" to plot I/V characteristics.
Generally, the units of current are written into the log file. In TonyPlot, it is Amperes per micron. This is because Atlas is a two-dimensional simulator. It sets the third dimension (or Z direction) to be one micron. Thus, if you compare Atlas 2D simulation results for a MOSFET versus the measured data from a MOSFET of width 20 micron, you need to multiply the current in the log file by 20.
There are four exceptions:
• In the 3D modules of Atlas, the width is defined in the 3D structure. Therefore, the units of the current are Amperes.
• In Mixed Mode, set the width of devices. The current is also in Amperes.
• When cylindrical coordinates are used, the current written to the log file is integrated through the cylinder and is also in Amperes.
• When the WIDTH parameter in the MESH statement is used, the current is scaled by this factor and is in Amperes.
Similar rules apply for the capacitance and conductance produced by AC simulations. These are usually in 1/ (ohms.microns) and Farads/micron respectively.
(Copy from Atlas manual pg 92)
Dear All,
I would like to change the width in z direction from default value 1 micron to 5 or 10 micron in 2D atlas. So I can simulate my device in 2D atlas with z direction variation. Would you please give me some hint? How can I do it in mesh structure? Thanks in advance!
Dear Raj Kumar
Use width parameter of MESH statement.
Ex.) If you want to change the width of your device from default to 20um then
MESH width=20
See the MESH statement at Chapter 22 of the ATLAS manual (2016 version)
Its in A/micron. To convert it into mA/cm2 multiply with (1e11/width_of _the_structure).
Thank you Ananth Saradhi for initiating this discussion,
What should be mesh width chosen to get current in A/mm.
100 or 1000?!
Thank you P. Murugapandiyan sir. This will settle the confusion...thanks to you
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