Designing IA for AI - Information Architecture Conference 2024
Swan dws story_270113_pb_google_drive
1. 1
Copyright Piero Belforte 2012-2013
Piero Belforte June 9th, 2013
Leonardo da Vinci, Leda and the Swan (1510)
2. 2
Copyright Piero Belforte 2012-2013
SWAN/DWS HISTORY (1974-2013)
The history of DWS (Digital Wave Simulator, trademark of Piero Belforte and Giancarlo
Guaschino) is very long and begins when we discovered and applied digital wave
algorithms to electrical simulation in the early 1970s. At this time when I worked as
researcher at CSELT, the R&D labs of the Italian Telecom Operator (now Telecom Italia).
Until 1985 we developed in CSELT several programs for modeling and simulation of high-
speed electronics.
These programs (ETA Easy Transient Analysis, APICE Advanced Programs for Integrated
Circuital Evaluation), implemented on HP desktop computers in HPGL and HP Basic,
dealt with a cell topology suitable for many practical situations and were tightly integrated
with automated instrumentation (TDR) for component modeling based on time domain
scattering parameters.
ETA and APICE were utilized for the development of several advanced high-speed
systems both in CSELT and by third parties (high-tech companies like Selenia, Selenia
Spazio, SGS and Italtel). Using these programs and methodologies, I personally
developed several patented circuits and systems. Most of them are still operating on
digital switching systems serving more than 27 Million digital telephone subscriber lines
worldwide.
Some papers and presentation regarding this early phase can be found at the following
links:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNUnZNSU9Wemo4VXc/edit
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-
ZqV10CSiNYzk0OTA5N2QtOWY2My00MmM0LTllNWItY2U0NzUzOTQ2OWVi/edit
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-
ZqV10CSiNYTM3YjVjYmUtNTk1Yy00NzU3LTgyMzItMThmZmJhYTQ2NjYx/edit
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-
ZqV10CSiNZTJhYmNmZTQtNjc4OS00ZjQyLThhZjMtOTNlOTdjYWZkNTM2/edit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1z4CsvcHhw
https://sites.google.com/site/pierobelforte/Home/piero-s-papers-1
https://sites.google.com/site/pierobelfortedoc/home/additional_piero-s_papers
http://www.slideshare.net/pierobelforte
http://www.slideshare.net/PieroBelforte1
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Copyright Piero Belforte 2012-2013
During 1985 this research activity was stopped by CSELT, because considered not
strategic with respect the future goals of the Center.
Due to previous success stories, I personally decided to continue and finance the
research work for developing a general purpose simulation program based on DWN. So I
found the basic general algorithms. The related procedures and the basic software
structure were developed with the cooperation of Giancarlo Guaschino
.https://plus.google.com/photos/118285010585894969594/albums/5358370748014438481
/5725637101418435666 .
I called the new general purpose simulator SPRINT (Simulation Program of Response of
Integrated Network Transient) . A specific company for both technical development and
marketing of the simulator was founded by ourselves (HDT,HighDesignTechnology,1988).
I developed several applications of the simulator, reported at this link:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNMG9CMGEzdnZxVTQ/edit
Other application notes and publications are reported in the Appendix.
Sprint was sold to several high-tech companies and used for the development of high-
performance systems.
In 1991 HDT started the development of the post-layout simulation environment for p.c.b.s
(PRESTO) based on Sprint.
HDT also cooperated with HP in the field of high-speed design (Signal Integrity and EMC),
and had several partnerships with major CAD vendors (Valid former Cadence, Mentor
Graphics) as well with Anacad (French-German company, developer of CNET's Eldo)
until its merge with Mentor. A general description of Presto feature is available at the
following link:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNdDU0X1Izd0szNE0/edit
The description of the methodology developed for the design of high-speed digital systems
is shown at the following link:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNNHpVTzV3TWtJOWc/edit
In 1995 HDT, HP and CSELT started a cooperation for the development of THRIS
(Telecom Hardware Robustness Inspection System), the DWN-based (Sprint, PRESTO
etc.) multifunctional hardware qualification environment invented by myself.
In 1997 THRIS became a nationwide standard tool used by CSELT and Telecom Italia
for qualification of apparatus to be deployed in the telecom network . THRIS was
recommended by Telecom Italia to all telecom manufacturers in Italy.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNWU5acXBVR29fOFU/edit
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Copyright Piero Belforte 2012-2013
THRIS was a large project involving high-tech companies and several Universities. A great
emphasis was given to EMC aspects including the prediction of e.m. fields radiated from
digital pcb and systems based on PRESTO. Several software and instrumentation add-on
modules of THRIS covered predictive and experimental EMC issues.
http://www.slideshare.net/pierobelforte/thris-project-images-3214631
Several international projects involving HDT and major European high-tech manufactures
in the fields of Telecoms, Automotive, Avionics and Aerospace, were based on
THRIS/PRESTO research.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-
ZqV10CSiNOGJjMmM0YmItMDM0YS00N2Y2LWJkYmEtYTk0NTg2ZWVmNDZl/edit
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNc00yVDdvcW1aODA/edit
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNTml1eGJUbzFZNnM/edit
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNQlFKa2hwY3FFNmc/edit
In year 2000, after a three-year technical and commercial cooperation with Zuken Redac,
HDT had to stop its activity for financial reasons related to the large amount of resources
required by software developments (about 15 people involved).
From 2001 to present, as inventor, I continued to develop and use DWN simulator at
home with the cooperation of my former colleague and friend Giancarlo. These new
versions of DWN simulator were called DWS (Digital Wave Simulator ) and with the
companion DWV (Digital Wave Viewer) were included in the SWAN (Simulation by Wave
ANalysis, trademark 2009 of Piero Belforte) environment.
I personally used DWS for the creation of HiSAFE (High Speed Automated Fault
Evaluation, trademark of Piero Belforte), a new generation FI (Fault Insertion) testing
environment following THRIS. HiSAFE became soon a de facto standard for high-speed
system testing in Cisco Systems.
A new 20Gbps front-end for the new HiSAFE+ version (2012) has been recently
successfully invented by myself still using SWAN.
In 2009 I created the Linkedin SWAN group to update members about the DWS status:
http://www.linkedin.com/groups/SWAN-Simulation-Wave-ANalysis-
2673743?goback=%2Enppvan_%2Fpierobelforte
In March 2012 a new project, called Spicy SWAN, was started with Ed Pataky, founder
and owner of Ischematics (http://ischematics.com/).
The goal of this project is to give to Electronics Engineers the most powerful and
comprehensive simulation tool on the market by adding DWS to ngspice as simulation
engine.
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Copyright Piero Belforte 2012-2013
Spicy SWAN full exploits the concept of Hybrid Simulation Engine (HSE), being based on
a common schematic entry that allows the user to choose between with the two simulation
engines. Spicy SWAN is supported by a Multi-server architecture (MULHE: MULti-
processor Hybrid Environment) with scalable performance for users.
Spicy SWAN is now available as both Web-browser based and as mobile device app.
Spicy SWAN is included as simulation tool of HiSAFE+ for Cisco Systems.
From the beginning to 2013 the manpower spent in DWS developments and applications
can be estimated in more than 500 manyears (see Appendix 2).
Appendix 1: Other Links related to DWS
My Linkedin page:
http://it.linkedin.com/in/pierobelforte
SWAN group on Linked In:
http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=2673743&trk=anet_ug_hm&goback=
%2Egpa_2673743_2_*2_*2_*2_true_cad
A gallery of pictures regarding past activity are available here:
https://plus.google.com/photos/118285010585894969594/albums/5358370748014438481
Screenshots collections of DWS simulations are available here:
https://plus.google.com/photos/118285010585894969594/albums/5726003292402895713
A gallery of artistic images I have created from actual circuit simulations (SWAN ART
collection) is available here:
https://plus.google.com/photos/118285010585894969594/albums/5728609416950179441
Some Youtube videos about my recent DWS applications can be found at the following
links:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTMBnvUChog
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJnA5ioAwb4
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Copyright Piero Belforte 2012-2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LH4X0xeyhk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1z4CsvcHhw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8MJrkzqRL0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btmrIN62iDc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xO8RN3WncTs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycvbxu9oaRY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HktyaWhySC4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXpKi08StIk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuHdcEot5Uk
Facebook groups:
CSELTMUSEUM where historical documents about CSELT are gathered and
discussed (please ask if interested in membership)
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_145028675558533&ap=1
SpicySchematics FB group where applications of Spicy SWAN are shown and
discussed:
https://www.facebook.com/SpicySchematics
10. 10
Copyright Piero Belforte 2012-2013
Years 1995-1999
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNZ3NIVGNEcklWMk0/edit
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNSnBiTDNURG9oTm8/edit
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-
ZqV10CSiNMjk0NWViNzItMThkNy00YWZmLWFlOWItMzU3ZjFiNTU2ZDVl/e
dit
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-
ZqV10CSiNMzM2MGM1N2MtMjVlYS00MDMyLWI0ZjUtYjlmMDdiNzU0Mzc0/
edit
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNNXFtOVRpQjRVN3c/edit
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNMFV0dG92YjhRVkk/edit
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-
ZqV10CSiNOGJjMmM0YmItMDM0YS00N2Y2LWJkYmEtYTk0NTg2ZWVmN
DZl/edit ( Hp seminar,1997)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNWU5acXBVR29fOFU/edit
11. 11
Copyright Piero Belforte 2012-2013
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNdDU0X1Izd0szNE0/edit
(PRESTO general features, 1995)
Years 1989-1994
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNRWVmSVlGcWRIWGs/edit
(Italtel application to ATM crossconnects,1994)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNOUJoY2xRRC1YaXM/edit
(Manuscript of 2D modeling of metal planes, Piero Belforte 1993)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNeWVIQ1hTaHg3TzA/edit
(HP seminar on high-performance systems design, 1993)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNeWVIQ1hTaHg3TzA/edit
(Modeling & simulations of 1Gbps MCMs, 1993)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNVV9YckthUnV5ajA/edit
(Modeling & simulation of a Digital cross-connect system, 1993)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNWGg2MUdzem1xNzg/edit
(Modeling & simulation of power distribution in semicustom CMOS ICs,
Flavio Maggioni, 1992)
12. 12
Copyright Piero Belforte 2012-2013
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNbE85c3JCTnBaMkU/edit
(Design of high-speed optical data links, PB 1991)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNeS1mVkdYWEI2a00/edit
(Design of Microwave Mixers,PB 1991)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNZXRSY3RSOTJHU1U/edit
(Modeling of active components, PB 1990)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNenVya1hKd3VGMFU/edit
(Post-layout simulations of p.c.b.s, PB 1990)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNUjMzVmxwRzVPYWs/edit
(Optimization of high-performance systems, PB1990)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNWHlYQ0Rwa01WbzA/edit
(DWN simulation of Multiconductor Transmission Lines, PB 1990)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNeDhDc2Fxdk54Mzg/edit
(DWN mixed -mode Simulation of high speed boards, PB 1990)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNMG9CMGEzdnZxVTQ/edit
(SPRINT&SIGHTS applications brochure, PB 1989)
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Copyright Piero Belforte 2012-2013
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNa3J4dzNxZHFBa0U/edit
(DWN simulation of a HDTV digital program selector, PB 1987)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-
ZqV10CSiNOGRlYzNhYmYtMmNjMS00ZDIwLTkyMWEtNWUyMDkyMjM2M
GI5/edit (Ten years of DWN applications, PB-GG 1985)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-ZqV10CSiNZUs1OUdfbTlfNzA/edit
(DWN design of a full-duplex transceiver as bipolar IC, PB 1985)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-
ZqV10CSiNYTM3YjVjYmUtNTk1Yy00NzU3LTgyMzItMThmZmJhYTQ2NjYx/e
dit
(DWN modeling & simulation of lossy interconnections, PB-GG 1982)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0Bx-
ZqV10CSiNYzk0OTA5N2QtOWY2My00MmM0LTllNWItY2U0NzUzOTQ2OW
Vi/edit
(Digital Wave methods for high-speed interconnects simulation, PB-GG 1975)
14. 14
Copyright Piero Belforte 2012-2013
Three generations of DWN simulators.
Images of my professional story:
https://www.box.com/files/0/f/90895948/Piero_Belforte_professional_story
