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OrCAD X Circuit Simulation With PSpice

Key Takeaways

  • PSpice combines advanced analog and mixed-signal simulation engines for circuit verification and optimization to meet dynamic design requirements.

  • With features like transient, smoke, sensitivity, and Monte Carlo analyses, PSpice enables detailed examination and optimization of circuits.

  • PSpice boasts an extensive library of over 35,000 components and is natively integrated within OrCAD X Capture.

OrCAD X and PSpice workflow flow highlighting simulation stage

OrCAD X and PSpice workflow flow highlighting simulation stage

The simulation stage is a crucial step in the PCB design process. PSpice is natively integrated with OrCAD X Capture, and acts as an effective preliminary step before the board design phase and after layout to determine impacts of parasitics on circuits. This step significantly enhances PCB manufacturing efficiency and guarantees the final PCBs' optimal performance, including reliability, thermal stress, aging, temperature tolerance, and design validation. PSpice is a comprehensive tool for simulating and verifying analog and mixed-signal circuit functionality. 

Why Use PSpice for Circuit Simulation?

Simulation Type

What PSpice Can Do

Advanced Circuit Simulation

  • Cadence PSpice unites exceptional analog and mixed-signal engines.

  • Provides a comprehensive solution for circuit simulation and verification that aligns with the dynamic requirements of circuit designers.

  • Allows simulation of power electronics, power management, and automotive / EV circuits. 

Circuit Optimization

Leveraging Cadence's PSpice Advanced Analysis (AA) engines alongside core PSpice simulations enhances:

  • Design performance

  • Yield

  • Cost efficiency

  • Reliability

Electro-Mechanical Simulation

The integration of PSpice with MathWork's Simulink via the Cadence PSpice MATLAB Simulink Interface allows for powerful system-level simulation platform for electro-mechanical systems, blending two leading simulation technologies.

PSpice Simulation Capabilities

As portable wireless communication devices continue to proliferate at a rapid pace, assessing the performance, reliability, and production feasibility of designs has become increasingly crucial. PSpice offers a comprehensive SPICE simulation platform, boasting the most extensive collection of models available. Some major use cases for PSpice include automotive designs, power delivery, power management, battery management, power train charging, IoT devices, and more.

PSpice is versatile in its application, capable of conducting several types of analyses such as DC, AC, transient, and advanced analysis. This platform empowers designers to virtually prototype their projects using analysis engines. With PSpice, users can effortlessly examine and optimize both straightforward circuits and intricate systems along with their components and parameters. This process is essential before proceeding to the layout and manufacturing stages, ensuring a thorough design verification.

PSpice Simulation Capabilities

Analysis Type

Associated Analysis Type Description

Transient Analysis

Observes circuit behavior over a specific time as it shifts between steady states, allowing for the graphical tracking of voltage or current over time.

Smoke Analysis

Assesses components to ensure they operate within safe limits, evaluating reactions to changes in voltage, current, power, and temperature to maintain reliability.

Sensitivity Analysis

Identifies components crucial to achieving performance goals, analyzing how variations in component parameters affect the overall circuit, thus facilitating cost-effectiveness through yield-cost trade-offs.

Monte Carlo Analysis

Uses statistical methods to predict circuit performance under varying conditions, aiming to optimize yield and cost by evaluating the impact of tighter component tolerances on design and performance.

Optimizer

Adjusts analog circuits to fulfill specific design and performance criteria, enabling the identification of ideal component or system values.

Matlab Integration

Facilitates electro-mechanical co-simulation by integrating PSpice with MATLAB/Simulink, allowing for the simultaneous simulation of electrical circuits and mechanical, hydraulic, and thermal blocks, offering a comprehensive emulation of real-world applications.

OrCAD X Circuit Simulation PSpice Features

With its extensive library of over 35,000 components, PSpice allows designers to simulate and optimize their circuits before moving on to the manufacturing phase, significantly improving design accuracy and reliability. PSpice’s wide feature set makes it an indispensable tool for engineers aiming to push the boundaries of circuit design.

OrCAD X Features and Descriptions 

Feature Category

Description of OrCAD X Feature

Simulation Types

PCB SPICE simulation focuses on time domain, bias point, and circuit behavior analysis.

Model Library

Includes a comprehensive library boasting over 35,000 SPICE models for various design needs.

Design Compatibility

Suitable for analog, digital, or mixed-signal designs.

Design Analysis

Enhances design reliability through critical component and stress level analysis.

Production Prediction

Utilizes advanced simulation to predict yield for bulk production, maximizing cost-effectiveness.

Manufacturing Optimization

Aims to maximize manufacturing efficiency and reliability by analyzing component tolerance and yield.

Prototype Reduction

Facilitates system-level analysis, reducing the need for physical prototypes.

Software Integration

Offers integration with MATLAB and Simulink for expanded simulation capabilities.

Importance for Wireless Devices

Essential for evaluating the behavior, reliability, and manufacturability of portable wireless communication devices.

Unlock the full potential of OrCAD X circuit simulation with PSpice. Experience firsthand how OrCAD X streamlines your workflow, from advanced circuit simulation and optimization to seamless software integration with a free trial of OrCAD X.

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