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Overview
The Electronics Workbench SPICE Simulation Fundamentals series is your free resource on the internet for learning about circuit simulation. The series is a set of tutorials and information on SPICE simulation, OrCAD pSPICE compatibility, SPICE modeling, and other concepts in circuit simulation.
For more information, see the SPICE Simulation Fundamentals main page.
The series is divided among a number of in-depth detailed articles that will give you HOWTO information on the important concepts and details of SPICE simulation.
Circuit simulation is an important part of any design process. By simulating your circuits, you can detect errors early in the process, and avoid costly and time consuming prototype reworking. You can also easily swap components to evaluate designs with varying bills of materials (BOMs).
An important key to performing accurate and successful SPICE simulation is to use high quality SPICE models. While most circuit simulation packages such as Multisim come with thousands of components and SPICE simulation models, frequently designers need to use a part that does not exist in the available database. When these situations arise, the software tool will typically have a way of adding custom components and models to the database. Multisim for example has a detailed component creation wizard that will guide designers through the process of defining custom parts for simulation and PCB layout (See Creating Custom Components in Multisim).
What is a SPICE Model?
A SPICE model is a text-description of a circuit component used by the SPICE Simulator to mathematically predict the behavior of that part under varying conditions. SPICE models range from the simplest one line descriptions of a passive component such as a resistor, to extremely complex sub-circuits that can be hundreds of lines long.
SPICE models should not be confused with pSPICE models. pSPICE is a proprietary circuit simulator provided by OrCAD. While some pSPICE models are compatible with SPICE, there is no guarantee. SPICE is the most widely used circuit simulator, and is an open standard.
Model Makers
Some SPICE simulation programs such as Multisim include model makers to automatically generate SPICE models for various components. Multisim version 9 has 24 SPICE Model makers.
Where to look for SPICE Simulation models
The best place to look for SPICE models is to browse the vendor or manufacturer’s website. Listed below are some of the most popular chip vendors that supply SPICE models on their website.
| Vendor | Description |
| Amplifiers and Comparators, Analog to Digital Converters, Digital to Analog Converters, Embedded Processing & DSP, MEMS and Sensors, RF/IF Components, Switches/Multiplexers, Analog Microcontrollers, Interface, Power and Thermal Management | |
| Analog and RF Models | |
| Linear Amplifiers, PWM Amplifiers | |
| Switch-mode power supplies | |
| Power Magnetics, RF Inductors, EMI / RFI Filters, Broadband Magnetics | |
| Diodes, Switch-mode MOSFETs, HF / VHF Linear MOSFETs, MOSFET Driver ICs | |
| Amplifiers, Vacuum tubes | |
| Amplifiers & Comparators, Diodes & Rectifiers, Interfaces, Digital Logic Devices, Signal Conversion, Voltage to Frequency Converters, Microcontroller, Optoelectronics, Switches, Power Controllers, Power Drivers, Transistors, Filters, Voltage Regulators | |
| Fiber Optics, Microcontrollers, Power Semiconductors, Small Signal Discretes | |
| HEXFET Power MOSFETs, Diodes, Bridges, Thyristors, Relays, High Voltage ICs, Intelligent Power Modules, Intelligent Power Switch, HiRel Power MOSFETs, HiRel High Voltage Gate Drivers | |
| Surface-mount capacitors in aluminum, ceramic and tantalum and leaded capacitors in ceramic and tantalum | |
| Signal Conditioning, Data Conversion, Power Management, Interfacing, High Freuqency & Optical | |
| Amplifiers and Comparators, Analog Switches and Multiplexers, Clocks, Counters, Delay Lines, Oscillators, RTCs, Data Converters, Sample-and-Holds, Digital Potentiometers, Fiber and Communications, Filters (Analog), High-Frequency ASICs, Hot-Swap and Power Switching, Interface and Interconnect, Memories: Volatile, NV, Multi-Function, Thermal Management, Sensors, Sensor Conditioners, Voltage References, Wireless, RF, and Cable | |
| Amplifiers,Power Management, Temp Sensors, Interface, LVDS, Ethernet, USB Technologies, Micro SMD | |
| Power Management, Amplifiers, Comparators, Analog Switches, Thyristors, Diodes, Rectifiers, Bipolar Transistors, FETs, Standard Logic, Differential Logic, | |
| Analog/Linear, Audio, Automotive, Connectivity, Data/Media/Video processing, Discretes, Displays, Interface and control, Logic, Microcontrollers, Power and power management, RF, Sensors | |
| Polyfet transistors | |
| Transient Voltage Suppression | |
| Switch-mode power supply simulation | |
| Switch-mode power supply design | |
| Mixed signal semiconductor, High-voltage interface products | |
| Amplifiers & Linear,Analog & Mixed Signal ICs, Diodes, EMI Filtering & Conditioning, Logic, Signal Switch, Memories, Microcontrollers, Power Management, Protection Devices, Sensors, Smartcard ICs, Thyristors & AC Switches, Transistors | |
| Buffers, Drivers and Transceivers, Flip-Flops, Latches and Registers, Gates, Counters, Decoders/Encoders/Multiplexers, Digital Comparators | |
| Electromechanical components, passive components, power sources, RF & Microwave products | |
| Manufacturer of analog switches, capacitors, diodes, inductors, integrated modules, power ICs, LEDs, power MOSFETs, resistors and thermistors. | |
| DC-DC boost controllers, Voltage references, Current monitors, Motor control, Acoustar™ audio solutions, Linear regulators |
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