diff --git a/compiler/characterizer/charutils.py b/compiler/characterizer/charutils.py
index d933ba7c..a763737c 100644
--- a/compiler/characterizer/charutils.py
+++ b/compiler/characterizer/charutils.py
@@ -1,8 +1,6 @@
-import globals
 import re
 import debug
-
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
+from globals import OPTS
 
         
 def relative_compare(value1,value2,error_tolerance=0.001):
diff --git a/compiler/characterizer/delay.py b/compiler/characterizer/delay.py
index f519809e..03f0eda2 100644
--- a/compiler/characterizer/delay.py
+++ b/compiler/characterizer/delay.py
@@ -1,14 +1,12 @@
 import sys
 import re
-import globals
 import debug
 import tech
 import math
 import stimuli
 import charutils as ch
 import utils
-
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
+from globals import OPTS
 
 class delay():
     """
diff --git a/compiler/characterizer/lib.py b/compiler/characterizer/lib.py
index 7cece91a..b2a87479 100644
--- a/compiler/characterizer/lib.py
+++ b/compiler/characterizer/lib.py
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
 import os
 import sys
 import re
-import globals
 import debug
 import tech
 import math
@@ -11,8 +10,7 @@ import charutils as ch
 import tech
 import numpy as np
 from trim_spice import trim_spice
-
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
+from globals import OPTS
 
 class lib:
     """ lib file generation."""
diff --git a/compiler/characterizer/setup_hold.py b/compiler/characterizer/setup_hold.py
index e0c43ffd..919bb9b9 100644
--- a/compiler/characterizer/setup_hold.py
+++ b/compiler/characterizer/setup_hold.py
@@ -1,12 +1,10 @@
 import sys
-import globals
 import tech
 import stimuli
 import debug
 import charutils as ch
 import ms_flop
-
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
+from globals import OPTS
 
 
 class setup_hold():
diff --git a/compiler/characterizer/stimuli.py b/compiler/characterizer/stimuli.py
index ec6c00f0..ec735abe 100644
--- a/compiler/characterizer/stimuli.py
+++ b/compiler/characterizer/stimuli.py
@@ -4,15 +4,13 @@ simulation.  There are various functions that can be be used to
 generate stimulus for other simulations as well.
 """
 
-import globals
 import tech
 import debug
 import subprocess
 import os
 import sys
 import numpy as np
-
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
+from globals import OPTS
 
 vdd_voltage = tech.spice["supply_voltage"]
 gnd_voltage = tech.spice["gnd_voltage"]
diff --git a/compiler/debug.py b/compiler/debug.py
index f36a8df2..a5502fda 100644
--- a/compiler/debug.py
+++ b/compiler/debug.py
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ def warning(str):
 
 
 def info(lev, str):
-    OPTS = globals.get_opts()
+    from globals import OPTS
     if (OPTS.debug_level >= lev):
         frm = inspect.stack()[1]
         mod = inspect.getmodule(frm[0])
diff --git a/compiler/design.py b/compiler/design.py
index 15096de0..e655c570 100644
--- a/compiler/design.py
+++ b/compiler/design.py
@@ -4,8 +4,7 @@ import globals
 import verify
 import debug
 import os
-
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
+from globals import OPTS
 
 
 class design(hierarchy_spice.spice, hierarchy_layout.layout):
diff --git a/compiler/globals.py b/compiler/globals.py
index d169c496..d1f9c556 100644
--- a/compiler/globals.py
+++ b/compiler/globals.py
@@ -25,12 +25,8 @@ minor_python_version = sys.version_info.minor
 if not (major_python_version == 2 and minor_python_version >= 7):
     debug.error("Python 2.7 is required.",-1)
 
-# parse the optional arguments
-# this only does the optional arguments
-
-
 def parse_args():
-    """Parse the arguments and initialize openram"""
+    """ Parse the optional arguments for OpenRAM """
 
     global OPTS
 
@@ -57,8 +53,8 @@ def parse_args():
                              help="Use analytical models to calculate delays (default)"),
         optparse.make_option("-c", "--characterize", action="store_false", dest="analytical_delay",
                              help="Perform characterization to calculate delays (default is analytical models)")
+        # -h --help is implicit.
     }
-# -h --help is implicit.
 
     parser = optparse.OptionParser(option_list=option_list,
                                    description="Compile and/or characterize an SRAM.",
@@ -72,13 +68,8 @@ def parse_args():
     if OPTS.tech_name == "":
         OPTS.tech_name = "freepdk45"
     
-
     return (options, args)
 
-
-def get_opts():
-    return(OPTS)
-
 def print_banner():
     """ Conditionally print the banner to stdout """
     global OPTS
@@ -112,14 +103,15 @@ def init_openram(config_file):
 
 def get_tool(tool_type, preferences):
     """
-    Find which tool we have from a list of preferences and return the full path.
+    Find which tool we have from a list of preferences and return the
+    one selected and its full path.
     """
     debug.info(2,"Finding {} tool...".format(tool_type))
     global OPTS
 
     for name in preferences:
         exe_name = find_exe(name)
-        if exe_name!="":
+        if exe_name != None:
             debug.info(1, "Using {0}: {1}".format(tool_type,exe_name))
             return(name,exe_name)
         else:
@@ -130,17 +122,29 @@ def get_tool(tool_type, preferences):
     
 
 def read_config(config_file):
-    global OPTS
-    
-    OPTS.config_file = config_file
-    OPTS.config_file = re.sub(r'\.py$', "", OPTS.config_file)
+    """ 
+    Read the configuration file that defines a few parameters. The
+    config file is just a Python file that defines some config
+    options. 
+    """
 
-    # dynamically import the configuration file of which modules to use
-    debug.info(1, "Configuration file is " + OPTS.config_file + ".py")
+    # Create a full path relative to current dir unless it is already an abs path
+    if not os.path.isabs(config_file):
+        config_file = os.getcwd() + "/" +  config_file
+    # Make it a python file if the base name was only given
+    config_file = re.sub(r'\.py$', "", config_file)
+    # Expand the user if it is used
+    config_file = os.path.expanduser(config_file)
+    # Add the path to the system path so we can import things in the other directory
+    dir_name = os.path.dirname(config_file)
+    file_name = os.path.basename(config_file)
+    sys.path.append(dir_name)
+    # Import the configuration file of which modules to use
+    debug.info(1, "Configuration file is " + config_file + ".py")
     try:
-        OPTS.config = importlib.import_module(OPTS.config_file)
+        OPTS.config = importlib.import_module(file_name) 
     except:
-        debug.error("Unable to read configuration file: {0}".format(OPTS.config_file+".py. Did you specify the technology?"),2)
+        debug.error("Unable to read configuration file: {0}".format(config_file),2)
 
     # This path must be setup after the config file.
     try:
@@ -177,7 +181,9 @@ def end_openram():
     
     
 def cleanup_paths():
-    # we should clean up this temp directory after execution...
+    """
+    We should clean up the temp directory after execution.
+    """
     if os.path.exists(OPTS.openram_temp):
         shutil.rmtree(OPTS.openram_temp, ignore_errors=True)
             
@@ -199,9 +205,6 @@ def setup_paths():
     debug.check(os.path.isdir(OPENRAM_HOME+"/tests"),
                 "$OPENRAM_HOME/tests does not exist: {0}".format(OPENRAM_HOME+"/tests"))
     sys.path.append("{0}/tests".format(OPENRAM_HOME))
-    debug.check(os.path.isdir(OPENRAM_HOME+"/characterizer"),
-                "$OPENRAM_HOME/characterizer does not exist: {0}".format(OPENRAM_HOME+"/characterizer"))
-    sys.path.append("{0}/characterizer".format(OPENRAM_HOME))
     debug.check(os.path.isdir(OPENRAM_HOME+"/router"),
                 "$OPENRAM_HOME/router does not exist: {0}".format(OPENRAM_HOME+"/router"))
     sys.path.append("{0}/router".format(OPENRAM_HOME))
@@ -221,17 +224,18 @@ def setup_paths():
 
 
 def is_exe(fpath):
+    """ Return true if the given is an executable file that exists. """
     return os.path.exists(fpath) and os.access(fpath, os.X_OK)
 
 def find_exe(check_exe):
-    """ Check if the binary exists in the path and return the full path. """
+    """ Check if the binary exists in any path dir and return the full path. """
     # Check if the preferred spice option exists in the path
     for path in os.environ["PATH"].split(os.pathsep):
         exe = os.path.join(path, check_exe)
         # if it is found, then break and use first version
         if is_exe(exe):
             return exe
-    return ""
+    return None
         
 # imports correct technology directories for testing
 def import_tech():
diff --git a/compiler/tests/03_ptx_1finger_nmos_test.py b/compiler/tests/03_ptx_1finger_nmos_test.py
index 7f8e16f6..fccbc41d 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/03_ptx_1finger_nmos_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/03_ptx_1finger_nmos_test.py
@@ -146,8 +146,7 @@ class ptx_test(unittest.TestCase):
 
         self.assertFalse(verify.run_drc(fet.name, tempgds))
 
-        os.remove(tempspice)
-        os.remove(tempgds)
+        globals.end_openram()
 
 # instantiate a copy of the class to actually run the test
 if __name__ == "__main__":
diff --git a/compiler/tests/07_single_level_column_mux_array_test.py b/compiler/tests/07_single_level_column_mux_array_test.py
index fd92951c..c03a5d28 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/07_single_level_column_mux_array_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/07_single_level_column_mux_array_test.py
@@ -8,11 +8,10 @@ from testutils import header
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
 
 class single_level_column_mux_test(unittest.TestCase):
 
diff --git a/compiler/tests/08_precharge_array_test.py b/compiler/tests/08_precharge_array_test.py
index 1f3d3e2d..c5e70aba 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/08_precharge_array_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/08_precharge_array_test.py
@@ -8,10 +8,10 @@ from testutils import header
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
 
 #@unittest.skip("SKIPPING 08_precharge_test")
 
diff --git a/compiler/tests/09_sense_amp_array_test.py b/compiler/tests/09_sense_amp_array_test.py
index 9947c950..7d80efb6 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/09_sense_amp_array_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/09_sense_amp_array_test.py
@@ -8,11 +8,10 @@ from testutils import header
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
 #@unittest.skip("SKIPPING 09_sense_amp_test")
 
 
diff --git a/compiler/tests/10_write_driver_array_test.py b/compiler/tests/10_write_driver_array_test.py
index 752ff5da..dab8c2e2 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/10_write_driver_array_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/10_write_driver_array_test.py
@@ -8,11 +8,10 @@ from testutils import header
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
 #@unittest.skip("SKIPPING 10_write_driver_test")
 
 
diff --git a/compiler/tests/11_ms_flop_array_test.py b/compiler/tests/11_ms_flop_array_test.py
index 70ffff53..ce24f49a 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/11_ms_flop_array_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/11_ms_flop_array_test.py
@@ -8,12 +8,11 @@ from testutils import header
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 import importlib
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
 #@unittest.skip("SKIPPING 20_sram_test")
 
 
diff --git a/compiler/tests/12_tri_gate_array_test.py b/compiler/tests/12_tri_gate_array_test.py
index eb42ab8e..534e1656 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/12_tri_gate_array_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/12_tri_gate_array_test.py
@@ -8,11 +8,10 @@ from testutils import header
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
 
 class tri_gate_array_test(unittest.TestCase):
 
diff --git a/compiler/tests/13_replica_bitline_test.py b/compiler/tests/13_replica_bitline_test.py
index 66ca8bc2..a82d95b5 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/13_replica_bitline_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/13_replica_bitline_test.py
@@ -8,12 +8,11 @@ from testutils import header
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 import importlib
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
 #@unittest.skip("SKIPPING 14_delay_chain_test")
 
 
diff --git a/compiler/tests/14_delay_chain_test.py b/compiler/tests/14_delay_chain_test.py
index e71d4d61..888b4442 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/14_delay_chain_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/14_delay_chain_test.py
@@ -8,14 +8,11 @@ from testutils import header
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
 #@unittest.skip("SKIPPING 14_delay_chain_test")
-
-
 class delay_chain_test(unittest.TestCase):
 
     def runTest(self):
diff --git a/compiler/tests/16_control_logic_test.py b/compiler/tests/16_control_logic_test.py
index 4a4b9850..0d23bef6 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/16_control_logic_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/16_control_logic_test.py
@@ -8,12 +8,10 @@ from testutils import header
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
-
 class control_logic_test(unittest.TestCase):
 
     def runTest(self):
diff --git a/compiler/tests/19_multi_bank_test.py b/compiler/tests/19_multi_bank_test.py
index a15d9be6..9dbbf276 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/19_multi_bank_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/19_multi_bank_test.py
@@ -8,13 +8,10 @@ from testutils import header
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
-
-
 class multi_bank_test(unittest.TestCase):
 
     def runTest(self):
diff --git a/compiler/tests/19_single_bank_test.py b/compiler/tests/19_single_bank_test.py
index 90b60952..4e5ba00f 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/19_single_bank_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/19_single_bank_test.py
@@ -8,11 +8,10 @@ from testutils import header
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
 #@unittest.skip("SKIPPING 20_sram_test")
 
 
diff --git a/compiler/tests/20_sram_1bank_test.py b/compiler/tests/20_sram_1bank_test.py
index 5330b859..7e19161d 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/20_sram_1bank_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/20_sram_1bank_test.py
@@ -8,11 +8,10 @@ from testutils import header
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
 #@unittest.skip("SKIPPING 20_sram_test")
 
 
diff --git a/compiler/tests/20_sram_2bank_test.py b/compiler/tests/20_sram_2bank_test.py
index 93596593..f29d2038 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/20_sram_2bank_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/20_sram_2bank_test.py
@@ -8,11 +8,10 @@ from testutils import header
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
 #@unittest.skip("SKIPPING 20_sram_test")
 
 
diff --git a/compiler/tests/20_sram_4bank_test.py b/compiler/tests/20_sram_4bank_test.py
index a6d9e657..7539f10e 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/20_sram_4bank_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/20_sram_4bank_test.py
@@ -8,11 +8,10 @@ from testutils import header
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
 #@unittest.skip("SKIPPING 20_sram_test")
 
 
diff --git a/compiler/tests/21_hspice_delay_test.py b/compiler/tests/21_hspice_delay_test.py
index d86f53dc..3b39d958 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/21_hspice_delay_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/21_hspice_delay_test.py
@@ -8,11 +8,10 @@ from testutils import header,isclose
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
 #@unittest.skip("SKIPPING 21_timing_sram_test")
 
 
@@ -80,18 +79,15 @@ class timing_sram_test(unittest.TestCase):
         for k in data.keys():
             if type(data[k])==list:
                 for i in range(len(data[k])):
-                    self.assertTrue(isclose(data[k][i],golden_data[k][i]))
+                    self.assertTrue(isclose(data[k][i],golden_data[k][i],0.10))
             else:
-                self.assertTrue(isclose(data[k],golden_data[k]))
+                self.assertTrue(isclose(data[k],golden_data[k],0.10))
 
                 
         # reset these options
         OPTS.check_lvsdrc = True
-        OPTS.spice_version="hspice"
         OPTS.analytical_delay = True
-        globals.set_spice()
-
-        os.remove(tempspice)
+        reload(characterizer)
 
         globals.end_openram()
         
diff --git a/compiler/tests/21_hspice_setuphold_test.py b/compiler/tests/21_hspice_setuphold_test.py
index 2d49f4d1..9b40729c 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/21_hspice_setuphold_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/21_hspice_setuphold_test.py
@@ -8,11 +8,10 @@ from testutils import header,isclose
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
 #@unittest.skip("SKIPPING 21_timing_sram_test")
 
 
@@ -23,14 +22,16 @@ class timing_setup_test(unittest.TestCase):
 
         # we will manually run lvs/drc
         OPTS.check_lvsdrc = False
-        from characterizer import delay
+        OPTS.spice_version="hspice"
+        OPTS.analytical_delay = False
+        import characterizer
+        reload(characterizer)
+        from characterizer import setup_hold
 
         import sram
         import tech
         slews = [tech.spice["rise_time"]*2]
         
-        import setup_hold
-        
         sh = setup_hold.setup_hold()
         data = sh.analyze(slews,slews)
 
@@ -53,11 +54,13 @@ class timing_setup_test(unittest.TestCase):
         for k in data.keys():
             if type(data[k])==list:
                 for i in range(len(data[k])):
-                    self.assertTrue(isclose(data[k][i],golden_data[k][i]))
+                    self.assertTrue(isclose(data[k][i],golden_data[k][i],0.10))
             else:
-                self.assertTrue(isclose(data[k],golden_data[k]))
+                self.assertTrue(isclose(data[k],golden_data[k],0.10))
 
         OPTS.check_lvsdrc = True
+        OPTS.analytical_delay = True
+        reload(characterizer)
         globals.end_openram()
         
 # instantiate a copdsay of the class to actually run the test
diff --git a/compiler/tests/21_ngspice_delay_test.py b/compiler/tests/21_ngspice_delay_test.py
index 12daa90b..78bad910 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/21_ngspice_delay_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/21_ngspice_delay_test.py
@@ -8,11 +8,10 @@ from testutils import header,isclose
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
 #@unittest.skip("SKIPPING 21_ngspice_delay_test")
 class timing_sram_test(unittest.TestCase):
 
@@ -77,9 +76,9 @@ class timing_sram_test(unittest.TestCase):
         for k in data.keys():
             if type(data[k])==list:
                 for i in range(len(data[k])):
-                    self.assertTrue(isclose(data[k][i],golden_data[k][i]))
+                    self.assertTrue(isclose(data[k][i],golden_data[k][i],0.10))
             else:
-                self.assertTrue(isclose(data[k],golden_data[k]))
+                self.assertTrue(isclose(data[k],golden_data[k]),0.10)
 
         # reset these options
         OPTS.check_lvsdrc = True
@@ -87,8 +86,6 @@ class timing_sram_test(unittest.TestCase):
         OPTS.analytical_delay = True
         reload(characterizer)
 
-        os.remove(tempspice)
-
         globals.end_openram()
 
 # instantiate a copdsay of the class to actually run the test
diff --git a/compiler/tests/21_ngspice_setuphold_test.py b/compiler/tests/21_ngspice_setuphold_test.py
index 23620028..bbf0f18a 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/21_ngspice_setuphold_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/21_ngspice_setuphold_test.py
@@ -8,11 +8,10 @@ from testutils import header,isclose
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
 #@unittest.skip("SKIPPING 21_timing_sram_test")
 
 
@@ -20,9 +19,11 @@ class timing_setup_test(unittest.TestCase):
 
     def runTest(self):
         globals.init_openram("config_20_{0}".format(OPTS.tech_name))
+
         # we will manually run lvs/drc
         OPTS.check_lvsdrc = False
         OPTS.spice_version="ngspice"
+        OPTS.analytical_delay = False
         # This is a hack to reload the characterizer __init__ with the spice version
         import characterizer
         reload(characterizer)
@@ -54,14 +55,14 @@ class timing_setup_test(unittest.TestCase):
         for k in data.keys():
             if type(data[k])==list:
                 for i in range(len(data[k])):
-                    self.assertTrue(isclose(data[k][i],golden_data[k][i]))
+                    self.assertTrue(isclose(data[k][i],golden_data[k][i],0.10))
             else:
-                self.assertTrue(isclose(data[k],golden_data[k]))
+                self.assertTrue(isclose(data[k],golden_data[k],0.10))
 
         # reset these options
         OPTS.check_lvsdrc = True
         OPTS.spice_version="hspice"
-
+        OPTS.analytical_delay = True
         reload(characterizer)
 
         globals.end_openram()
diff --git a/compiler/tests/22_pex_func_test_with_pinv.py b/compiler/tests/22_pex_func_test_with_pinv.py
index 917af2ba..6e75e81b 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/22_pex_func_test_with_pinv.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/22_pex_func_test_with_pinv.py
@@ -8,11 +8,10 @@ from testutils import header
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
 
 @unittest.skip("SKIPPING 22_sram_func_test")
 class sram_func_test(unittest.TestCase):
diff --git a/compiler/tests/22_sram_func_test.py b/compiler/tests/22_sram_func_test.py
index f56e8fa0..be5ce574 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/22_sram_func_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/22_sram_func_test.py
@@ -8,21 +8,26 @@ from testutils import header
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
 #@unittest.skip("SKIPPING 21_timing_sram_test")
 
 
 class sram_func_test(unittest.TestCase):
 
     def runTest(self):
-        OPTS.analytical_delay = False
         globals.init_openram("config_20_{0}".format(OPTS.tech_name))
+
         # we will manually run lvs/drc
         OPTS.check_lvsdrc = False
+        OPTS.spice_version="hspice"
+        OPTS.analytical_delay = False
+        import characterizer
+        reload(characterizer)
+        from characterizer import delay
+
         import sram
 
         debug.info(1, "Testing timing for sample 1bit, 16words SRAM with 1 bank")
@@ -32,7 +37,6 @@ class sram_func_test(unittest.TestCase):
                       name="sram_func_test")
 
         OPTS.check_lvsdrc = True
-        import delay
 
         tempspice = OPTS.openram_temp + "temp.sp"
         s.sp_write(tempspice)
@@ -52,6 +56,7 @@ class sram_func_test(unittest.TestCase):
 
         os.remove(tempspice)
         OPTS.analytical_delay = True
+        reload(characterizer)
         globals.end_openram()
         
 # instantiate a copdsay of the class to actually run the test
diff --git a/compiler/tests/23_lib_sram_model_test.py b/compiler/tests/23_lib_sram_model_test.py
index 9cd5be3b..d33a7bb8 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/23_lib_sram_model_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/23_lib_sram_model_test.py
@@ -8,12 +8,10 @@ from testutils import header,isapproxdiff
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
-
 class lib_test(unittest.TestCase):
 
     def runTest(self):
@@ -22,7 +20,7 @@ class lib_test(unittest.TestCase):
         OPTS.check_lvsdrc = False
 
         import sram
-        import lib
+        from characterizer import lib
 
         debug.info(1, "Testing timing for sample 2 bit, 16 words SRAM with 1 bank")
         s = sram.sram(word_size=2,
@@ -43,8 +41,6 @@ class lib_test(unittest.TestCase):
         # Randomly decided 1% difference between spice simulators is ok.
         self.assertEqual(isapproxdiff(libname,golden,0.01),True)
 
-        os.system("rm {0}".format(libname))
-
         globals.end_openram()
 
 # instantiate a copdsay of the class to actually run the test
diff --git a/compiler/tests/23_lib_sram_prune_test.py b/compiler/tests/23_lib_sram_prune_test.py
index 082331a7..d975027b 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/23_lib_sram_prune_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/23_lib_sram_prune_test.py
@@ -8,22 +8,23 @@ from testutils import header,isapproxdiff
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
-
 class lib_test(unittest.TestCase):
 
     def runTest(self):
-        OPTS.analytical_delay = False
         globals.init_openram("config_20_{0}".format(OPTS.tech_name))
         # we will manually run lvs/drc
         OPTS.check_lvsdrc = False
+        OPTS.spice_version="hspice"
+        OPTS.analytical_delay = False
+        import characterizer
+        reload(characterizer)
+        from characterizer import lib
 
         import sram
-        import lib
 
         debug.info(1, "Testing timing for sample 2 bit, 16 words SRAM with 1 bank")
         s = sram.sram(word_size=2,
@@ -44,8 +45,8 @@ class lib_test(unittest.TestCase):
         # 15% worked in freepdk, but scmos needed 20%
         self.assertEqual(isapproxdiff(libname,golden,0.20),True)
 
-        os.system("rm {0}".format(libname))
         OPTS.analytical_delay = True
+        reload(characterizer)
         globals.end_openram()
         
 # instantiate a copdsay of the class to actually run the test
diff --git a/compiler/tests/23_lib_sram_test.py b/compiler/tests/23_lib_sram_test.py
index d4d49335..7e869b7f 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/23_lib_sram_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/23_lib_sram_test.py
@@ -8,23 +8,23 @@ from testutils import header,isapproxdiff
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
-
 class lib_test(unittest.TestCase):
 
     def runTest(self):
-        OPTS.analytical_delay = False
-        OPTS.trim_netlist = False
         globals.init_openram("config_20_{0}".format(OPTS.tech_name))
         # we will manually run lvs/drc
         OPTS.check_lvsdrc = False
+        OPTS.analytical_delay = False
+        OPTS.trim_netlist = False
+        import characterizer
+        reload(characterizer)
+        from characterizer import lib
 
         import sram
-        import lib
 
         debug.info(1, "Testing timing for sample 2 bit, 16 words SRAM with 1 bank")
         s = sram.sram(word_size=2,
@@ -45,9 +45,9 @@ class lib_test(unittest.TestCase):
         # Randomly decided 10% difference between spice simulators is ok.
         self.assertEqual(isapproxdiff(libname,golden,0.10),True)
 
-        os.system("rm {0}".format(libname))
         OPTS.analytical_delay = True
         OPTS.trim_netlist = True
+        reload(characterizer)
         globals.end_openram()
         
 # instantiate a copdsay of the class to actually run the test
diff --git a/compiler/tests/24_lef_sram_test.py b/compiler/tests/24_lef_sram_test.py
index 9fb169f9..33f7bc5d 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/24_lef_sram_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/24_lef_sram_test.py
@@ -8,11 +8,10 @@ from testutils import header,isdiff
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
 
 class lef_test(unittest.TestCase):
 
diff --git a/compiler/tests/25_verilog_sram_test.py b/compiler/tests/25_verilog_sram_test.py
index 418b6b79..7203c339 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/25_verilog_sram_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/25_verilog_sram_test.py
@@ -8,11 +8,10 @@ from testutils import header,isdiff
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import verify
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
 
 class verilog_test(unittest.TestCase):
 
diff --git a/compiler/tests/30_openram_test.py b/compiler/tests/30_openram_test.py
index 575cd39b..027fcf87 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/30_openram_test.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/30_openram_test.py
@@ -10,13 +10,12 @@ from testutils import header
 import sys,os
 sys.path.append(os.path.join(sys.path[0],".."))
 import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import debug
 import os
 import re
 import shutil
 
-OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
 class openram_test(unittest.TestCase):
 
     def runTest(self):
@@ -73,7 +72,7 @@ class openram_test(unittest.TestCase):
 
         globals.end_openram()        
 
-# instantiate a copdsay of the class to actually run the test
+# instantiate a copy of the class to actually run the test
 if __name__ == "__main__":
     (OPTS, args) = globals.parse_args()
     del sys.argv[1:]
diff --git a/compiler/tests/config_20_freepdk45.py b/compiler/tests/config_20_freepdk45.py
index 9f92fae9..71a655a7 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/config_20_freepdk45.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/config_20_freepdk45.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ num_banks = 1
 tech_name = "freepdk45"
 
 # Optional, will be over-ridden on command line.
-output_path = "/tmp/mysram"
+output_path = "/tmp/freepdk45_sram"
 output_name = "sram_2_16_1_freepdk45"
 
 decoder = "hierarchical_decoder"
diff --git a/compiler/tests/config_20_scn3me_subm.py b/compiler/tests/config_20_scn3me_subm.py
index 8bcb7027..fefc8474 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/config_20_scn3me_subm.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/config_20_scn3me_subm.py
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ num_banks = 1
 tech_name = "scn3me_subm"
 
 # Optional, will be over-ridden on command line.
-output_path = "/tmp/mysram"
+output_path = "/tmp/scn3me_subm_mysram"
 output_name = "sram_2_16_1_scn3me_subm"
 
 decoder = "hierarchical_decoder"
diff --git a/compiler/tests/testutils.py b/compiler/tests/testutils.py
index 9588dccd..63b98f95 100644
--- a/compiler/tests/testutils.py
+++ b/compiler/tests/testutils.py
@@ -110,7 +110,6 @@ def header(filename, technology):
     print "|=========" + tst.center(60) + "=========|"
     print "|=========" + technology.center(60) + "=========|"
     print "|=========" + filename.center(60) + "=========|"
-    import globals
-    OPTS = globals.get_opts()
+    from  globals import OPTS
     print "|=========" + OPTS.openram_temp.center(60) + "=========|"
     print "|==============================================================================|"
diff --git a/compiler/verify/assura.py b/compiler/verify/assura.py
index a4f4a96d..27949721 100644
--- a/compiler/verify/assura.py
+++ b/compiler/verify/assura.py
@@ -1,11 +1,11 @@
 """
-This is a DRC/LVS interface for Assura. It implements completely
-independently two functions: run_drc and run_lvs, that perform these
-functions in batch mode and will return true/false if the result
-passes. All of the setup (the rules, temp dirs, etc.) should be
-contained in this file.  Replacing with another DRC/LVS tool involves
-rewriting this code to work properly. Porting to a new technology in
-Assura means pointing the code to the proper DRC and LVS rule files.
+This is a DRC/LVS interface for Assura. It implements completely two
+functions: run_drc and run_lvs, that perform these functions in batch
+mode and will return true/false if the result passes. All of the setup
+(the rules, temp dirs, etc.) should be contained in this file.
+Replacing with another DRC/LVS tool involves rewriting this code to
+work properly. Porting to a new technology in Assura means pointing
+the code to the proper DRC and LVS rule files.
 
 LVS Notes:
 
@@ -23,19 +23,16 @@ import os
 import re
 import time
 import debug
-import globals
-
+from globals import OPTS
 
 def run_drc(name, gds_name):
     """Run DRC check on a given top-level name which is
        implemented in gds_name."""
-    OPTS = globals.get_opts()
 
     from tech import drc
-
     drc_rules = drc["drc_rules"]
     drc_runset = OPTS.openram_temp + name + ".rsf"
-    drc_log_file = "%s%s.log" % (OPTS.openram_temp, name)
+    drc_log_file = "{0}{1}.log".format(OPTS.openram_temp, name)
 
     # write the runset file
     # the runset file contains all the options to run Assura
@@ -51,10 +48,10 @@ def run_drc(name, gds_name):
     f.write(")\n")
     f.write("\n")
     f.write("avParameters(\n")
-    f.write("  ?inputLayout ( \"gds2\" \"%s\" )\n" % (gds_name))
-    f.write("  ?cellName \"%s\"\n" % (name))
-    f.write("  ?workingDirectory \"%s\"\n" % (OPTS.openram_temp))
-    f.write("  ?rulesFile \"%s\"\n" % (drc_rules))
+    f.write("  ?inputLayout ( \"gds2\" \"{}\" )\n".format(gds_name))
+    f.write("  ?cellName \"{}\"\n".format(name))
+    f.write("  ?workingDirectory \"{}\"\n".format(OPTS.openram_temp))
+    f.write("  ?rulesFile \"{}\"\n".format(drc_rules))
     f.write("  ?set ( \"GridCheck\" )\n")
     f.write("  ?avrpt t\n")
     f.write(")\n")
@@ -83,7 +80,7 @@ def run_drc(name, gds_name):
                debug.info(1, line)
 
     if errors > 0:
-        debug.error("Errors: %d" % (errors))
+        debug.error("Errors: {}".format(errors))
 
     return errors
 
@@ -91,13 +88,12 @@ def run_drc(name, gds_name):
 def run_lvs(name, gds_name, sp_name):
     """Run LVS check on a given top-level name which is
        implemented in gds_name and sp_name. """
-    OPTS = globals.get_opts()
-
     from tech import drc
-
     lvs_rules = drc["lvs_rules"]
     lvs_runset = OPTS.openram_temp + name + ".rsf"
+    # The LVS compare rules must be defined in the tech file for Assura.
     lvs_compare = drc["lvs_compare"]
+    # Define the must-connect names for disconnected LVS nets for Assura
     lvs_bindings = drc["lvs_bindings"]
     lvs_log_file = "{0}{1}.log".format(OPTS.openram_temp, name)
     # Needed when FET models are sub-circuits
@@ -168,3 +164,9 @@ def run_lvs(name, gds_name, sp_name):
            debug.info(1, line)
 
     return errors
+
+
+def run_pex(name, gds_name, sp_name, output=None):
+    """Run pex on a given top-level name which is
+       implemented in gds_name and sp_name. """
+    debug.error("PEX extraction not implemented with Assura.",-1)
diff --git a/compiler/verify/calibre.py b/compiler/verify/calibre.py
index 2565dbfe..3eed8560 100644
--- a/compiler/verify/calibre.py
+++ b/compiler/verify/calibre.py
@@ -62,14 +62,13 @@ import os
 import re
 import time
 import debug
-import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import subprocess
 
 
 def run_drc(name, gds_name):
     """Run DRC check on a given top-level name which is
        implemented in gds_name."""
-    OPTS = globals.get_opts()
 
     # the runset file contains all the options to run calibre
     from tech import drc
@@ -91,7 +90,7 @@ def run_drc(name, gds_name):
     # write the runset file
     f = open(OPTS.openram_temp + "drc_runset", "w")
     for k in sorted(drc_runset.iterkeys()):
-        f.write("*%s: %s\n" % (k, drc_runset[k]))
+        f.write("*{0}: {1}\n".format(k, drc_runset[k]))
     f.close()
 
     # run drc
@@ -125,19 +124,21 @@ def run_drc(name, gds_name):
 
     # always display this summary
     if errors > 0:
-        debug.error("%-25s\tGeometries: %d\tChecks: %d\tErrors: %d" %
-                    (name, geometries, rulechecks, errors))
+        debug.error("{0}\tGeometries: {1}\tChecks: {2}\tErrors: {3}".format(name, 
+                                                                            geometries,
+                                                                            rulechecks,
+                                                                            errors))
     else:
-        debug.info(1, "%-25s\tGeometries: %d\tChecks: %d\tErrors: %d" %
-                   (name, geometries, rulechecks, errors))
-
+        debug.info(1, "{0}\tGeometries: {1}\tChecks: {2}\tErrors: {3}".format(name, 
+                                                                              geometries,
+                                                                              rulechecks,
+                                                                              errors))
     return errors
 
 
 def run_lvs(name, gds_name, sp_name):
     """Run LVS check on a given top-level name which is
        implemented in gds_name and sp_name. """
-    OPTS = globals.get_opts()
     from tech import drc
     lvs_rules = drc["lvs_rules"]
     lvs_runset = {
@@ -167,7 +168,7 @@ def run_lvs(name, gds_name, sp_name):
     # write the runset file
     f = open(OPTS.openram_temp + "lvs_runset", "w")
     for k in sorted(lvs_runset.iterkeys()):
-        f.write("*%s: %s\n" % (k, lvs_runset[k]))
+        f.write("*{0}: {1}\n".format(k, lvs_runset[k]))
     f.close()
 
     # run LVS
@@ -246,7 +247,6 @@ def run_lvs(name, gds_name, sp_name):
 def run_pex(name, gds_name, sp_name, output=None):
     """Run pex on a given top-level name which is
        implemented in gds_name and sp_name. """
-    OPTS = globals.get_opts()
     from tech import drc
     if output == None:
         output = name + ".pex.netlist"
diff --git a/compiler/verify/magic.py b/compiler/verify/magic.py
index 38894b5a..97044bc2 100644
--- a/compiler/verify/magic.py
+++ b/compiler/verify/magic.py
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ import os
 import re
 import time
 import debug
-import globals
+from globals import OPTS
 import subprocess
 
 
@@ -66,12 +66,10 @@ def run_drc(name, gds_name):
 
     debug.warning("DRC using magic not implemented.")
     return 0
-    OPTS = globals.get_opts()
 
     # the runset file contains all the options to run drc
     from tech import drc
     drc_rules = drc["drc_rules"]
-
     drc_runset = {
         'drcRulesFile': drc_rules,
         'drcRunDir': OPTS.openram_temp,
@@ -88,7 +86,7 @@ def run_drc(name, gds_name):
     # write the runset file
     f = open(OPTS.openram_temp + "drc_runset", "w")
     for k in sorted(drc_runset.iterkeys()):
-        f.write("*%s: %s\n" % (k, drc_runset[k]))
+        f.write("*{0}: {1}\n".format(k, drc_runset[k]))
     f.close()
 
     # run drc
@@ -123,11 +121,15 @@ def run_drc(name, gds_name):
 
     # always display this summary
     if errors > 0:
-        debug.error("%-25s\tGeometries: %d\tChecks: %d\tErrors: %d" %
-                    (name, geometries, rulechecks, errors))
+        debug.error("{0}\tGeometries: {1}\tChecks: {2}\tErrors: {3}".format(name, 
+                                                                            geometries,
+                                                                            rulechecks,
+                                                                            errors))
     else:
-        debug.info(1, "%-25s\tGeometries: %d\tChecks: %d\tErrors: %d" %
-                   (name, geometries, rulechecks, errors))
+        debug.info(1, "{0}\tGeometries: {1}\tChecks: {2}\tErrors: {3}".format(name, 
+                                                                              geometries,
+                                                                              rulechecks,
+                                                                              errors))
 
     return errors
 
@@ -139,7 +141,6 @@ def run_lvs(name, gds_name, sp_name):
     debug.warning("LVS using magic+netgen not implemented.")
     return 0
     
-    OPTS = globals.get_opts()
     from tech import drc
     lvs_rules = drc["lvs_rules"]
     lvs_runset = {
@@ -253,7 +254,6 @@ def run_pex(name, gds_name, sp_name, output=None):
     debug.warning("PEX using magic not implemented.")
     return 0
 
-    OPTS = globals.get_opts()
     from tech import drc
     if output == None:
         output = name + ".pex.netlist"