Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1505220
AUGUST 2023 I DESIGN007 MAGAZINE 55 A completely redesigned advanced simula- tion engine that can handle complex circuits and mixed-signal designs drives the platform. at facilitates the co-simulation of analog and digital circuitry. It can quickly analyze the interaction between the two domains, ensur- ing proper integration and functionality. It supports various analysis types, including transient, AC, DC, and noise. Also, parameter sweeping is a remarkable advanced simulation technique for sweeping different circuit vari- ables, enabling them to analyze the circuit's response to varying component values. is feature helps understand circuit sensitivity and optimize design parameters. As mentioned earlier, SPICE circuit simula- tions mirror the advancements in our indus- try, which means the challenges are constantly shiing and changing. e primary area is the simulation of high-speed designs. Access to frequency domain analysis to analyze circuit behavior in the frequency domain is essential for RF and communication systems. It helps ensure proper frequency response, gain, and filter characteristics. Directly tied to that is transient response analysis, which assesses circuits' transient behavior during startup or switching events. is analysis is critical for understanding circuit stability, settling times, and response to input changes. Shrinking the Simulation Learning Curve SPICE was once seen as a complex tool that would take years to master, but today's SPICE flavors, such as Altium SPICE, are a tad more user-friendly. Of course, based on what I've seen teaching this subject, the time necessary to learn it will vary from person to person. As a PCB design instructor, if I were to set up a cur- riculum for a circuit simulation course (hey, that's a great idea), I would put the following time estimates for each objective of the course: • Basic simulation set-up (two to three weeks). Users start working with the cir- cuit simulation tool, learning to add and configure component simulation models. To understand component behavior, fun- damental simulation analyses like DC and AC analysis are explored. Users begin by running simulations on simple circuits and verifying the results. • Advanced analysis (two to four weeks). Users progress to more complex analysis types, such as transient analysis, noise analysis, and parameter sweeping. Con- vergence issues and adjusting simulation settings will be covered. Signal integrity analysis for high-speed designs may also be introduced. • Mixed-signal simulation (two to three weeks). Mixed-signal simulations, includ- ing simulating the interaction between analog and digital components, as well as co-simulation techniques and trou- bleshooting mixed-signal designs are addressed. • Design optimization and rules (two to three weeks). Students would use simu- lation results to optimize PCB designs iteratively and make design improvements