Introduction to PSpice Simulation Software: Origins and Evolution

1. Introduction to PSpice Simulation Software

2. The Origins of SPICE • In the 1960’s, simulation software begins • CANCER • Computer Analysis of Nonlinear Circuits, Excluding Radiation • Developed at the University of California, Berkley • Funded by United States public funds

3. The Origins of SPICE • From CANCER to SPICE • SPICE developed in the 1970’s • Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis • Developed to save money • Simulation of circuits, not physically building • Transistor sizes • Microprocessors vs. 2N2222

4. The Origins of SPICE • From SPICE to SPICE2 • SPICE 2 was in response to the wonderful acceptance of SPICE • Comments, questions, and complaints found their way back to UC-Berkley • SPICE 2 was released into the public domain • This means its free to use in the United States • Commercial versions that offer much more support and features

5. That Was Then • The original way of entering circuit information • A text file with syntax specific to the simulator • Easy to remember commands and syntax • R – Resistor • C – Capacitor • L – Inductor • {Element} {node1} {node2} {value} • Entered into any text editor with proper syntax

6. That Was Then • The circuit above is shown in the text file to the right

7. That Was Then

8. This Is Now • New user interface • Graphical circuit diagrams • Variation of simulation parameters with a few clicks

9. First Look at Capture • First window you will see when you open Capture • Create a new Project • File  New  Project • This will open a new window

10. New Project Window • Select a project name • PSpice Lab Simulation • Select a project location • C:\PSpice\{YourName} • Select what type of project • Analog or Mixed A/D • Click OK

11. Create PSpice Project • This window will open • Select the bottom option • Create a blank project • Click OK

12. The Project Windows • The Main Project Window • Two other information windows • Session Log Window • Project File Window • Our main window • Schematic 1: Page 1

13. Place Parts • Place the 5 resistors • Using Place  Part • Type ‘R’ in Part Field • Place the Voltage Source • Using Place  Part • Type ‘Vdc’ in Part Field • Right click and choose “End Mode”

14. Rotate and Move Resistors • Click on the resistor • Use ‘Ctrl+R’ to rotate • Repeat for 4 resistors • Move and place the resistors in parallel • Change the values • Double Click on the ‘1k’ and enter ‘4k’ of the parallel resistors

15. Change the Voltage and Wire • Change DC Voltage • Double Click on ‘0Vdc’ and enter ’16Vdc’ • Now wire the circuit • Using Place  Wire • Click on one node, and ‘draw’ to the other and click again • Right click and select “End Mode”

16. Placing the Ground • Every PSpice circuit must have a ground • Use the icons on the right • 9th icon down • This opens the “Place Ground” window • Select the ‘0/Source’ • Click OK

17. The Completed Circuit

18. Simulation Profile • Need to create a simulation profile • PSpice  New Simulation Profile • Name the profile • DC Solution • Click OK

19. Edit the Simulation Profile • Go to the Analysis Tab • Under the Analysis type, choose Bias Point • This is to find the DC solution • Click OK • Ready to Simulate

20. Running the Simulation • The last step is to RUN the simulation • Do this by selecting PSpice  Run • After running the simulation a new window will open • Close this window and return to the Schematic 1: Page 1 window • Use the “V” and “I” (and maybe “W”) icons on the top of the screen • For finding voltages and currents (and power)

21. Now You Know • With this basic underlying knowledge • Can change • Resistor values • Voltage supply values • Resistor configuration • Can learn • More simulation parameters • More components for simulation • Time for Lab – Good Luck