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 )