[comp.lsi] SPICE3a7 operation...

gonnason@enelk.uucp (01/13/89)

We've used SPICE 3A7 here in the past (when we had VAX 11/780 and 11/750
systems) with `reasonable' results.  However, when we switched to SUN
systems, the SPICE code would no longer run properly, even though it
compiled...  The AC analyses produce core dumps, and the results from
the DC analysis, using MOS devices, were way off ( about an order of
magnitude) from the earlier versions of SPICE (2g5 and 2g6).

We made a few stabs at tracking down the problem, but to no avail.  We
kept using 2g6 and HSPICE.  Then, about 3 months ago, I decided to try
and get the latest version from Berkeley, suspecting that they might
have corrected the problems.  The letter they sent back informed me:

    "Thank you for your interest in the software and documents
    distributed by the EECS/ERL Industrial Liason Program.  We are
    unable to fill your request because foreign distribution of software
    is restricted by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the
    International Trade and Arms Regulatiuons (ITAR)."

The letter was a form letter dated June, 1988, and it went on to give
details on how U.S. companies could get permission to redistribute
programs.  In addition, addresses for DEC user groups were given, and
they mentioned that `some programs might be available from your local
DEC user group'.

At this point I lost interest in the red tape, and haven't pursued the
matter any further.  However:

    I would still love to know if there are any `quick fixes' that will
    allow SPICE 3a7 to compile and run properly under version 4 of SUN's
    O/S.  If anyone has any hints or patch files, I'd be interested in
    hearing about it.

Remember, though, those of you in the states, that UC Berkeley's letter
states that your government says you CAN'T distribute software to those
of us north of the border, without permission from the U.S. Department
of Commerce.


                OS/2 - the other half is in the mail...

 - gonnason@enel.UCalgary.CA  ( University of Calgary Electrical Engineering )