UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION TO ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT SIMULATION

ELECTRONIC COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN

EC302

OUTCOMES
Describe the significance of simulation packages. Describe the development of simulation packages State the simulation packages available in the market Illustrate the process flow of design and simulation in a project Categorize simulation methods Categorize types of simulation circuits Categorize types of analyses in simulation Elaborate on the advantages and disadvantages of simulation process.

WHAT IS CIRCUIT SIMULATION?

A process of imitation the behaviour of electronic

components put together in a circuit or a project.

This behaviour imitation is done using a specific

electronic circuit simulation package.

ADVANTAGES OF SIMULATION PROCESS

Able to detect circuit problems before testing in

the laboratory.
Enhances the design and redesign of electronic

circuit.
Reduces the cost and time spent in project design.

WHY do WE NEED TO SIMULATE THE CIRCUIT?

To test your designs or circuits before you build

them. It is used to verify the operation of the circuit you designed.

A simulation is not used to figure out how a circuit

works. It is important to know the theory of your design before you simulate.

WHY do WE NEED TO SIMULATE THE CIRCUIT?

In the verification process, results generated by the

simulation package will give information about the designed circuit. i.e.
circuit outputs : voltage distribution, current flow, waveforms,

frequency response curve, switching speed in digital circuits. circuit operation sensitivity towards change in other component values. change in circuit characteristics due to temperature change. circuit elements parameters could be modify for optimum operation.
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WHAT TOOLS TO USE IN SIMULATION?

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Pspice Protel Microcap Orcad Mentor Graphics Cadence Multisim Workbench Cadstar Altium Designer

DESIGN AND SIMULATION PROCESS

Identify Project Design / Redesign Project Simulation

Prototype

PCB Design Layout

Testing

SCHEMATIC CIRCUIT

TESTING THE CIRCUIT

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PCB DESIGN & PROTOTYPE

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PCB PROTOTYPE

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TYPES OF SIMULATION CIRCUITS

There are FOUR (4) types of simulation circuits. I. Analog Circuit Circuit that consists of passive and/or active analog components. II. Digital Circuit Circuit that consists of digital components such as logic gates and digital devices. III. Mixed-signal circuit Circuit that combines analog and digital components. IV. Integrated Circuit (IC) The internal circuit of an IC. The internal circuit consists of transistors which are 13 constructed from n and p material of a semiconductor.

SIMULATION METHODS
There are THREE (3) methods of simulation. I. Circuit level An analog circuit is simulated and results i.e. voltage drop, current flow, noise, impedance in the circuit are obtained. II. Logic level A digital circuit is simulated and the logic level of the inputs and outputs are obtained. III. System level to determine the characteristics of a system i.e the design of a telecommunication network. Characteristics such as losses due to the cabling and the quality of transmitted and recepted signals between two distant 14 locations can be determined.

TYPES OF SIMULATION ANALYSIS

There are FOUR (4) types of analysis used in simulation process
I. II. III. IV.

DC Analysis Transient Analysis AC Analysis Fourier and Noise Analysis

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QUESTION & ANSWER

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