Simplex approach to the analysis of piecewise-linear networks consisting of transistors, resistors, diodes and independent sources

A new approach to the analysis of piecewise-linear networks composed by transistors, diodes, resistors and independent sources is proposed in the present paper. The algorithm is based on a simplex-type procedure, on the basis of a philosophy regarding exchanges close to that of Katzenelson's method. The particular choice of the starting point guarantees the convergence in all the cases. The applicability of the algorithm requires the transformation of the non-linear network under the form of an N-port terminated in ideal diodes. The effectiveness of the algorithm is tested on several examples. Moreover, other aspects of its behaviour, illustrated in the paper, are: (1) its practical capability of solving the multiple solution problem; (2) the possibility of using additional techniques, as the 'jump algorithm', for simplifying the tracing of the solution curve, when inversions of movement are required.