Electronic Circuit Simulation Research Articles

Transport properties of interface-type analog memristors

Interface-type, analog memristors have quite a reputation for real-time applications in edge sensorics, edge computing, and neuromorphic computing. The -type conducting BiFeO3 (BFO) is such an interface-type, analog memristor, which is also nonlinear and can therefore not only store, but also process data in the same memristor cell without data transfer between the data-storage unit and the data-processing unit. Here we present a physical memristor model, which describes the hysteretic current-voltage curves of the BFO memristor in the small and large current-voltage range. Extracted internal state variables are reconfigured by the ion drift in the two write branches and are determining the electron transport in the two read branches. Simulation of electronic circuits with the BFO interface-type, analog memristors was not possible so far because previous physical memristor models have not captured the full range of internal state variables. We show quantitative agreement between modeled and experimental current-voltage curves exemplarily of three different BFO memristors in the small and large current-voltage ranges. Extracted dynamic and static internal state variables in the two full write branches and in the two full read branches, respectively, can be used for simulating electronic circuits with BFO memristors, e.g., in edge sensorics, edge computing, and neuromorphic computing. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Evaluation of Light-Induced Electroluminescence in Photovoltaic Field Applications

We present a performance analysis of the new measurement method Light-Induced Electroluminescence (LIEL) in a PV system. The LIEL method is applied to photovoltaic (PV) modules consisting of two PV module halves which are internally connected in parallel. Today’s main stream half-cell modules are constructed this way. To measure the electroluminescence of one half of the module, the other half is illuminated by an LED array. Our LIEL prototype system is a hood-based setup. It is equipped on one half with a LED array that is separated by a wall from the other half. This other half is observed by an InGaAs camera. We measure the impact of a LIEL hood misalignment to the electroluminescence intensity, the influence of the PV generator working point to the electroluminescence intensity and determine the measurement speed under realistic conditions. We show that the experimentally realized LIEL hood alignment to the PV modules is in 97.7% of the cases sufficient for acquiring high quality EL images. The LIEL system work with a switched off and on inverter. Under inverter on working condition the luminescence intensity is a function of the intensity of the sun. The effect of hood alignment and sun intensity on the luminescence intensity is successfully reproduced by an analogue electronic circuit simulation using LT Spice. The maximum measuring speed of a full module is in this study 12 s including the time for movement and alignment of the measurement hood from PV module to PV module

Sparse reservoir computing with vertically coupled vortex spin-torque oscillators for time series prediction

Spin torque nano-oscillators possessing fast nonlinear dynamics and short-term memory functions are potentially able to achieve energy-efficient neuromorphic computing. In this study, we introduce an activation-state controllable spin neuron unit composed of vertically coupled vortex spin torque oscillators and a V–I source circuit is proposed and used to build an energy-efficient sparse reservoir computing (RC) system to solve nonlinear dynamic system prediction task. Based on micromagnetic and electronic circuit simulation, the Mackey–Glass chaotic time series and the real motor vibration signal series can be predicted by the RC system with merely 20 and 100 spin neuron units, respectively. Further study shows that the proposed sparse reservoir system could reduce energy consumption without significantly compromising performance, and a minimal response from inactivated neurons is crucial for maintaining the system’s performance. The accuracy and signal processing speed show the potential of the proposed sparse RC system for high-performance and low-energy neuromorphic computing.

Development of generalized photovoltaic model using ISIS-PROTEUS

Photovoltaic (PV) energy is a form of renewable energy that generates electricity from sunlight. PV systems consist of solar cells, which convert sunlight into electricity using a process known as the photovoltaic effect. Modeling and simulating PV systems involves using mathematical and computational models to predict the behavior and performance of PV systems under various conditions. This can include modeling the electrical characteristics of solar cells, as well as the interactions between multiple cells in a PV module or system. Following this sense, we present in this work a novel implementation of a generalized PV model using ISIS Proteus software. Proteus is layout software for electronic circuit simulation, schematic capture and PCB design. Some studies have indeed taken this context to model the PV modules either by using a Proteus Spice model of the photovoltaic panel without including the effect of climatic conditions variation, or by using pure mathematical relations that describe all physical and environmental parameters which will lead to a static behavior. The developed model in this paper as it is generalized, can be typically used as a PV cell, module even a generator for a complete simulation of a PV system. PV cell, which is the elementary component of PV system, is modeled using the single diode equivalent circuit (SDM) also known as five-parameter model and its behavior is simulated in details. The most advantage in our study is the fact that the PV output can be obtained wherever what solar radiation and ambient temperature where PV module is operating. Our model gives also the possibility to simulate a dynamic behavior under any climatic conditions. The accuracy between obtained results of simulation and the experimental data confirm the reliability and the high performance of the developed model.

Dynamics, circuit design, feedback control of a new hyperchaotic system and its application in audio encryption

In this study, a 4D hyperchaotic system is constructed based on the foundation of a 3D Lü chaotic system. The newly devised hyperchaotic system possesses a sole equilibrium point, showcasing a simplified system structure that reduces complexity. This simplification offers a clearer opportunity for in-depth analysis of dynamic behaviors in the realm of scientific research. The proposed hyperchaotic system undergoes an in-depth examination of its dynamical characteristics, including chaotic attractors, equilibrium point stability, Lyapunov exponents’ spectrum, and bifurcation diagram. Numerical analysis results reveal that the attractor of this hyperchaotic system exhibits highly complex, non-periodic, and fractal structural dynamics. Its motion demonstrates extreme sensitivity and randomness, even within a wide range of variations in parameter d, affirming its hyperchaotic properties with two positive Lyapunov exponents. Hyperchaotic bifurcation diagrams typically exhibit highly intricate structures, such as fractals, branches, and period doubling characteristics, signifying that even minor parameter adjustments can lead to significant changes in system behavior, presenting diversity and unpredictability. Subsequently, to further investigate the practical utility of this hyperchaotic system, a linear feedback control strategy is implemented. Through linear feedback control, the hyperchaotic system is stabilized at its unique equilibrium point. Experimental validation is conducted using both computer software simulation Matlab, electronic circuit simulation Multisim, and embedded hardware STM32. The results of these experiments consistently align, providing theoretical support for the application of this hyperchaotic system in practical domains. Finally, leveraging the hyperchaotic keys generated by this hyperchaotic system, audio encryption is achieved using a cross-XOR algorithm, which is then realized on the embedded hardware platform STM32. The results show that the audio encryption scheme based on the hyperchaotic system is feasible, and the method is simple to implement, has nonlinear characteristics and certain algorithm complexity, which can be applied to audio encryption, image encryption, video encryption, and more.

Nonlinear distributed-order models: Adaptive synchronization, image encryption and circuit implementation

The main aim of present work is to investigate the dynamics of the chaotic nonlinear distributed order Lü model (DOLM). The distributed order (DO) derivative is used for describing the viscoelasticity of various technical models and materials. The modified spectral numerical method is used to evaluate the numerical solutions for DOLM. Using nonlinear feedback control and the Lyapunov direct approach, the adaptive synchronization of two chaotic distributed order models (DOMs) is presented. We state a theorem to drive analytical controllers which are used to achieve our synchronization. The DOLM is introduced as an example of DOMs to verify the validity of our analytical results. Numerical computations are displayed to show the agreement between both analytical and numerical results. The DOMs appear in many applications in engineering and physics, e.g., image encryption and electronic circuits (ECs). Based on our proposed synchronization, the encryption and decryption of color images are studied. Information entropy, visual analysis and histograms are calculated, together with the experimental results of image encryption and decryption. We design the EC of the DOLM using the Multisim circuit simulator for the first time to our knowledge. Using electronic circuit simulation, we achieved the same results for the numerical treatment of our synchronization. Other ECs can be similarly designed for other DOMs.

Computer-Assisted Teaching and Learning of Electronic Circuit on Student’s Motivation, Achievement and Cognitive Load

This paper aims to see the effectiveness of computerized simulation with electronic circuits on students' motivation, achievement and cognitive load. This study uses mechanical electronic circuit simulation as a teaching aid and facilitator for students studying Design and Technology subjects. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of using simulation on students' motivation, achievement and cognitive load. This study is also to discuss the development of Simulation and laboratory worksheets for LiveWire software that will be developed for the Design & Technology subject for second-year students at the high school level. The method presented using LiveWire is a systematic work step in exploring the use of simulation for electronic circuits. This electronic circuit simulation is able to give students the ability to read, interpret and transfer wiring circuits to schematic circuits. This LiveWire simulation is also suitable and able to improve the construction of meaningful knowledge for students. Assessment is done through post-tests, Instructional Material Motivation Scale (IMMS) questions and the NASA Task Load Index cognitive load test. The results of this study show that electronic circuit simulation has a positive effect on students' motivation, achievement and cognitive load.

Adaptation of Inductive Power Transfer to Small Household Appliances That Can Operate on Induction Heating Cooktops: Wireless Electric Kettle

In this paper, an inductive power transfer (IPT) system without compensation elements is presented for small house appliances. The proposed system’s transmitter side is an independent induction heating cooktop. IPT can be achieved when the kettle with the receiving coils is placed on the transmitter coil. The coils are designed with a high coupling coefficient. The magnetic system model consisting of aligned transmitter and receiver coils is created in the Maxwell program. In the created model, the analysis depends on the air gap and frequency, which are the variables that affect the wireless power transfer. The electronic circuit simulation uses the coil model to examine the system’s dynamic behavior. The design of the transmitter/receiver coils of the IPT system is made with a cylindrical coil with a diameter of 145 mm, taking into account that it is compatible with the dimensions of the existing kettle and induction heating cooktops coil. A half-bridge series resonant converter circuit is used to adjust the power transferred to the load. To verify the simulation results and test the designed system, an experimental circuit using a 2200 W kettle is carried out. In the experiments, the air gap between the coils is kept constant at 7 mm, and measurements are taken for different powers. Experimental results confirm the magnetic model and simulation results. As a result, wireless power transfer is realized in a wide range without loss of performance in the kettle. System efficiency is greater than the 90% specified in the Ki cordless kitchen standard, and the harmonic currents drawn from the mains are lower than the values determined by the IEC 61000-3-2 standard.

Accelerating DC Circuit Simulation through Feature Selection and LSTM-Based Time-Step Control

Circuit simulation has become increasingly significant in circuit design with the development of very large scale integration, and direct current (DC) analysis, which serves as the basis of circuit behavior analysis, is the foundation for nonlinear electronic circuit simulation. Among the several continuation algorithms for DC analysis, pseudo-transient analysis (PTA) methods have gained great success. However, PTA tends to be computationally intensive without a proper time-step control method. In order to improve this problem, we propose a novel time-step control method enhanced by advanced deep learning in this paper. Specifically, a coarse and fine-grained hybrid sampling strategy is introduced to find the optimal time step, which resolves the problem that the optimal time step has no precise definition in PTA theory. After that, a long short-term memory (LSTM) network, with the ability to process temporal information, can be employed to learn the optimal time-step control method based on feature selection and a two-stage data preprocessing strategy, which accelerates DC analysis. Furthermore, random forest (RF) is also used to evaluate feature importance, which can achieve feature selection with reduced dimensions, thereby speeding up the network’s training speed and improving the accuracy of prediction. Experimental results demonstrate a significant speedup: up to 61.32 times.

Optimal Wireless Power Transfer Circuit without a Capacitor on the Secondary Side

This study proposes an approach to obtain maximum power via wireless power transfer using a single primary-side capacitor. It is shown that higher power is achieved when compared to the common wireless power transfer circuit under resonance with dual (primary- and secondary-side) capacitors. This approach is divided into three phases. By choosing the capacitor and frequency as freely assignable variables, we symbolically obtain a formula that allows us to determine the optimized capacitance and frequency for maximum power. To verify our method, we used a numerical analysis and compared it with an electronic circuit simulation. The symbolic formula is able to maintain maximum power despite changes in load or in the coupling coefficients.

An implicitly coupled finite element-electronic circuit simulator method for efficient system simulations of piezoelectric energy harvesters

A piezoelectric vibration-based energy harvester (PVEH) consists of an electromechanical structure and an electric circuit, influencing each other. The finite element method (FEM) allows for the simulation of arbitrarily shaped and nonlinear electromechanical structures, while an electronic circuit simulator (ECS) can be applied to simulate arbitrary electric circuits. We propose a novel implicit FEM-ECS coupling method, which combines the advantages of the FEM and the flexibility of an ECS. The Newton-Raphson method is applied to achieve rapid convergence at the interface between the FEM and ECS simulations, so that arbitrary PVEHs can be efficiently analyzed. The new implicit FEM-ECS coupling is validated against explicitly and monolithically coupled FEM-ECS simulations of PVEHs from literature. Moreover, an application example consisting of a nonlinear electromechanical structure and a self-powered SSHI circuit is considered and a shock-like base excitation is applied. The examples demonstrate the practical applicability of the novel coupling method for realistic simulations of PVEHs.

Controlling Pulse-Like Self-Sustained Oscillators Using Analog Circuits and Microcontrollers

Using simulation from analog electronic circuits and from a microcontroller, this paper considers the control or synchronization of pulse-like self-sustained oscillators described by the equations derived from the chemical system known as Brusselator. The attention is focused on the effect of proportional control when the Brusselator is subjected to disturbances such as pulse-like oscillations and square signals. The analog electronic circuits simulation is based on Multisim, while the microcontroller simulation uses mikroC software and PIC 18F4550. In order to determine the intervals for which the synchronization is effective, the equations of the Brusselator are solved numerically using the fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. As software used for conducting numerical simulations, FORTRAN 95 version PLATO is used for numerical simulation and MATLAB for plotting curves using the data generated from FORTRAN simulations. It has been shown that the control is effective for some values of the proportional control parameter. A good qualitative and quantitative agreement is found from the results of the numerical simulation and those obtained from the analog electronic circuits as well as those delivered by the microcontroller. Since the oscillations delivered by the heart are pulsed oscillations, this study gives an idea of how to control the heart frequency of an individual whose heart is subject to certain disturbances related to stress or illness, to name just a few examples.

Hidden chaotic mechanisms for a family of chameleon systems

<abstract><p>Chameleon chaotic systems are nonlinear dynamical systems whose chaotic attractors can transform between hidden and self-excited types by tuning system parameters to modify equilibrium points. This paper proposes a novel family of chameleon chaotic systems, which can exhibit three types of chaotic attractors: self-excited attractors with a nonhyperbolic equilibrium, hidden attractors with a stable equilibrium, and hidden attractors with no equilibrium points. Bifurcation analysis uncovers the mechanisms by which self-excited and hidden chaotic attractors arise in this family of chameleon systems. It is demonstrated that various forms of chaos emerge through period-doubling routes associated with changes in the coefficient of a linear term. An electronic circuit is designed and simulated in Multisim to realize a hidden chaotic system with no equilibrium points. It is demonstrated that the electronic circuit simulation is consistent with the theoretical model. This research has the potential to enhance our comprehension of chaotic attractors, especially the hidden chaotic attractors.</p></abstract>

Electronic Circuit Simulations as a Tool to Understand Distorted Signals in Single-Entity Electrochemistry.

Electrochemical analysis relies on precise measurement of electrical signals, yet the distortions caused by potentiostat circuitry and filtering are rarely addressed. Elucidation of these effects is essential for gaining insights behind sensitive low-current and short-duration electrochemical signals, e.g., in single-entity electrochemistry. We present a simulation approach utilizing the Electrical Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE), which is extensively used in electronic circuit simulations. As a proof-of-concept, we develop a universal electrical circuit model for single nanoparticle impact experiments, incorporating potentiostat and electronic filter circuitry. Considering these alterations, the experimentally observed transients of silver nanoparticle oxidation were consistently shorter and differently shaped than those predicted by established models. This reveals the existence of additional processes, e.g., migration, partial or asymmetric oxidation. These results highlight the SPICE approach's ability to provide valuable insights into processes occurring during single-entity electrochemistry, which can be applied to various electrochemical experiments, where signal distortions are inevitable.

ANALYSIS OF METHODS FOR AUTOMATED RESEARCH OF DC VOLTAGE CONVERTERS OF MODULAR STRUCTURE

Context. DC voltage converters (DCV) are part of modern power supply systems (PSS) and power supply ensuring the operation of electronic and radio devices, telecommunication systems and communication and to a large extent determine their power consumption, reliability, time of readiness for operation, weight, size and cost indicators. Even though there are a large number of different software packages used in engineering practice for the study and design of radio engineering devices, such computer-aided design (CAD) systems and virtual computer simulation of electronic circuits have some limitations that do not allow to quickly carry out the entire complex of studies of DCV required for the analysis of electrical processes in various operating modes.
 Objective. In this section, the goal is to select the most suitable methods and algorithms that allow the development of software necessary for solving the problems of research and analysis of electrical processes for select energy parameters of the DCV of a modular structure in a separate power channel (PWC).
 Method. The paper proposes a method that consists in using mathematical models describing electrical processes in DC voltage converters and creating, on the basis of the developed calculation algorithms, specialized software for the automated study of electrical processes in the DCV of a modular structure using a computer.
 Results. The paper discusses the main methods of automated research of radio engineering devices, which can be used to analyze the electrical processes of pulsed DC voltage converters of a modular structure. Algorithms of calculation are given and, as an example, some results of automated research obtained using this method.
 Conclusions. The analysis of the known methods of automated research of DC voltage converters of modular structure is carried out. Their advantages and disadvantages are given. It is shown that the most suitable method is based on the use of mathematical models describing electrical processes in DC voltage converters of this type. On the basis of the mathematical models presented in the second section of the work, algorithms and specialized software have been developed that allow them to be widely used in the automated research and design of modular-structured DC voltage converters.

Thyristor Circuits Modelling for Fast Simulation of Controlled Rectifiers

This paper presents the mathematical modeling of thyristor circuits as the core to the development of a JavaScript application to be used as a pedagogical tool for teaching and self-studying of thyristor controlled rectifiers. The adopted methodology is based on the resolution of the Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE) related to a set of selected rectifier topologies. The roots of the ODEs are found in real time by a numerically routine as a function of the source parameters, the load parameters and the thyristor firing angle set by the user. This approach enables the determination of the rectifier operating mode and the representation of the waveforms of the circuit variables. It is possible to simulate all the theoretical possible scenarios since there is no limitation of any kind to the range of variation of the circuit parameters. Since the application is implemented in JavaScript, it is not required any installation and runs in any web browser, either on a PC or on a mobile phone, thus facilitating the autonomous study of students. With the proposed approach, the software is extremely fast where the results are updated almost instantaneously in response to the user’s actions, promoting a deep understanding on how the rectifier control determines the converter operation. The presented features make the developed application unique and innovative when compared to similar applications published in the literature, as well as a very interesting alternative to usual electronic circuit simulators.

Real-time alpha-particle spectroscopy by a low-cost COTS digitizer system: A fast pulse-shaper incorporation

In this study, having designed the electronics readout and an appropriate PIN diode, the digital alpha-particle spectroscopy was undertaken by an external sound card digitizer. The designed electronic circuit simulation was performed using the LTSpice simulator. On the other hand, since the appropriate choice of digital pulse-shaper considerably improves the performance, a fast and easy-to-use pulse shaper was incorporated. A digital pulse-shaper based on a band-pass filter was also designed for the waveforms digitized by the sound card. The results of the energy resolution of the proposed pulse-shaper were compared with the results of conventional digital ones (i.e., trapezoidal, cusp-like, and FFT cusp-like). The results showed that band-pass filter-based pulse-shaper also improved the energy resolution as expected. The main advantages of the proposed pulse-shaper are its pulse-shaping speed (40% faster than the conventional ones) and ease of use (without needing to regulate parameters).

Parallel Boost Converter for Power Factor Correction

This paper aims to develop a circuit for PFC using active filtering approach by implementing two boost converters arranged in parallel. It shall be based on an optimised power sharing strategy to improve the current quality and at the same time reduce the switching losses. The work initially involves simulation of basic power electronic circuits and the analysis of the current and voltage waveforms. It starts with simple circuits with a gradual increase in complexity by inclusion of new components and their subsequent effect on the current and voltage waveforms. We focus on the objective of improving the input current waveform i.e. making it sinusoidal by tuning the circuits. All the simulation work is done in MATLAB Simulink software.

Development of Electrothermal Models for Electrical Traction

In this paper, improved electrothermal models of the power diode and IGBT have been developed. The main local physical effects have been considered. The proposed models are able to deal with electrical and thermal effects. The models were confirmed by comparison with other models having similar characteristics for different circuits and different temperatures. The developed models are implemented in a traction unit to study the electrothermal performance in an electric vehicle system. The models were implemented in the Pspice circuit simulation platform using standard Pspice components and analog behavior modeling (ABM) blocks. The switching performance of the diode and the IGBT have been studied under the influence of different circuit elements in order to study and estimate the on-state and switching losses pre-required for the design of various topologies of converters and inverters. The comparison shows that these models are simple, configurable with the electrical circuit simulator software. They are better able to predict the main circuit parameters needed for power electronics design. Transient thermal responses have been demonstrated for single pulse and repetition modes. The obtained results show that our model is suitable for a fully electrothermal use of power electronic circuit simulations.

Research on Real-time Simulation of Power Electronic Circuits Based on Simscape

In order to realize hardware-in-the-loop simulation of commonly used power electronic circuits, a method of joint simulation using Simcape and field programmable gate array (FPGA) is proposed. This article adopts a switch modeling method suitable for high-frequency characteristics, namely the switch function method. It effectively solves the problem of rigidity non-convergence in the modeling of the binary resistance method, as well as the transient error caused by the binary LC method when the system state is switched with the increase of the switching frequency, which reduces the simulation accuracy. Taking the single-phase full-bridge inverter circuit as an example, a Simscape model based on the state-space averaging method was established, and the HDL code was automatically generated using the Simscape HDL Workflow Advisor tool, and the hardware-in-the-loop simulation was completed with FPGA. Finally, the simulation results with Simulink comparison verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the method.