Electronic Circuit Simulation Research Articles

Analyzing the particularities of electronic circuits simulation in the software package Simulink using a transistor amplifier as an example

Means of simulation of electronic circuits in software package Simulink are considered in the article using the model of a transistor amplifier as an example, assembled as a common-emitter circuit. It is shown, that for making models of electronic components mathematical blocks are very important, and for simulation of electrical connections the blocks of electrical and electronic components are convenient to use. For simulation of complex electronic systems the block-hierarchical approach is very suitable. It is shown, that the means of simulation in software package Simulink are very effective for making the models of electronic circuits and that they can be the real alternative to CAD software for the modern electronic circuits simulation.

Software Integration for Heat Transfer Simulation of Electronic Circuits

Software Integration for Heat Transfer Simulation of Electronic Circuits

A Novel Intermittent Fault Detection Algorithm and Health Monitoring for Electronic Interconnections

There are various occurrences and root causes that result in no-fault-found (NFF) events but an intermittent fault (IF) is the most frustrating. This paper describes the challenging and most important area of an IF detection and health monitoring that focuses toward NFF situation in electronics interconnections. The experimental work focuses on mechanically-induced intermittent conditions in connectors. This paper illustrates a test regime, which can be used to repeatedly reproduce intermittence in electronic connectors, while subjected to vibration. A novel algorithm is used to detect an IF in interconnection. It sends a sine wave and decodes the received signal for intermittent information from the channel. This algorithm has been simulated to capture an IF signature using PSpice (electronic circuit simulation software). A simulated circuit is implemented for practical verification. However, measurements are presented using an oscilloscope. The results of this experiment provide an insight into the limitations of existing test equipment and requirements for future IF detection techniques. Aside from scheduled maintenance, this paper considers the possibility for in-service intermittent detection to be built into future systems, i.e., can IFs be captured without external test gear?

A new 3D chaotic system: Dynamical analysis, electronic circuit design, active control synchronization and chaotic masking communication application

This study presents a new three dimensional continuous time chaotic system. Dynamical analysis and numerical simulation of the new chaotic system were first carried out. Then electronic circuit design of the new chaotic system was implemented considering practical applications. The numerical and electronic circuit simulation results were found to be in good accordance. Besides, synchronization by active control was realized for secure communication applications, followed by designing a communication system with chaotic masking method. Finally, a secure signal masking application was implemented on Matlab platform. In the developed secure communication system, information signal sent over noisy channel was successfully retrieved at the receiver.

An Efficient Procedure for Transient Analysis of Electronic Circuits with Increased Precision

This article presents an efficient procedure allowing to increase the final accuracy of the electronic circuits simulation. To obtain Transient Analysis of a nonlinear circuit the simulator needs to perform various algorithms, from an evaluation of initial DC state through a nonlinear iterative algorithm, to a numerical integration. These complex computations have to be implemented effectively with regards to memory and processor usage. Direct implementation of arbitrary precision types can directly lead to increased simulation accuracy but also significantly decrease simulation performance. As a compromise, we suggest using an additional algorithm based on Newton Iteration method for the solution of matrix inversion. The method was modified to be comparable to direct LUF solver.

Impact of Simulator as a Technology Tool on Problem Solving Skills of Engineering Students-A Study Report

Technology integration in education is one of the important approaches to develop higher order thinking skill among engineering students. In this study, we report the use of electronic circuit simulator SEQUEL to develop student's conceptual understanding. We applied SEQUEL in classroom environment to show students the effect of parameter variations on outputs of circuits. We conducted pre post single group study for two learning objectives such as (1) Draw output waveforms (LO1) (2) Predict output in given condition (LO2). We found that SEQUEL helped students to predict output for given conditions as number of students who scored high in post-test are more than pre-test for LO2.

Full electrothermal physically-based modeling of the power diode using PSPICE

In this paper, an improved electrothermal model of power diode has been developed. This improved model is based on the numerical solution of the ambipolar diffusion equation (ADE) for all levels of injection instead of high level injection only as usually encountered. The main local physical effects are taken into consideration. The proposed model is capable in tracing the electrical and thermal effects including self-heating of the device under practical operation (with current density levels ranging from few mA/cm2 to few thousands of A/cm2). The model has been validated against measurements and other models showing close agreement for different circuits (DC forward characteristics, turn-on and turn-off) and different temperatures (over the range of 25–125°C). The comparison shows that the presented model is superior in predicting the main circuit parameters needed for power electronic design. The transient thermal responses are demonstrated for both repetitive and single pulse modes. The presented results show that our model is suitable for full electrothermal simulations of power electronic circuits.

Co-Simulation Interfacing Capabilities in Device-Level Power Electronic Circuit Simulation Tools: An Overview

Power electronic circuit simulation today has become increasingly more demanding in both the speed and accuracy. Whilst almost every simulator has its own advantages and disadvantages, co-simulations are becoming more prevalent. This paper provides an overview of the co-simulation capabilities of device-level circuit simulators. More specifically, a listing of device-level simulators with their salient features are compared and contrasted. The co-simulation interfaces between several simulation tools are discussed. A case study is presented to demonstrate the co-simulation between a device-level simulator (PSIM) interfacing a system-level simulator (Simulink), and a finite element simulation tool (FLUX). Results demonstrate the necessity and convenience as well as the drawbacks of such a comprehensive simulation.

Low power electronic interface for electrostatic energy harvesters

This paper presents design and simulation of a power electronic interface circuit for MEMS electrostatic energy harvesters. The designed circuit is applicable to highly miniaturized electrostatic harvesters with small transducer capacitances below 10 pF. It is based on comb- drive harvesters with two anti-phase capacitors that are connected as charge pumps and uses a flyback-path scheme. Controlled activation and deactivation of sub-circuits, some by help of clocking, were exploited to reduce power consumption down to 1.03 μW. Net power generation can be achieved with as low initial voltage as 3.0 V.

Multiple resonance and anti-resonance in coupled Duffing oscillators

We investigate the resonance behaviour in a system composed by n coupled Duffing oscillators where only the first oscillator is driven by a periodic force, assuming a nearest neighbour coupling. We have derived the frequency-response equations for a system composed of two coupled oscillators by using a theoretical approach. Interestingly, the frequency-response curve displays two resonance peaks and one anti-resonance. A theoretical prediction of the response amplitudes of two oscillators closely matches with the numerically computed amplitudes. We analyse the effect of the coupling strength on the resonance and anti-resonance frequencies and the response amplitudes at these frequencies. For the n coupled oscillators’ system, in general, there are n-resonant peaks and ( $$n-1$$ ) anti-resonant peaks. For large values of n, except for the first resonance, other resonant peaks are weak due to linear damping. The resonance behaviours observed in the n coupled Duffing oscillators are also realized in an electronic analog circuit simulation of the equations. Understanding the role of coupling and system size has the potential applications in music, structural engineering, power systems, biological networks, electrical and electronic systems.

How to Increase Students’ Activity When Performing Simulations of Electronic Systems

Abstract When creating educational simulation models, and in classes where computer simulation experiments are used, what frequently happens is that some students meet the targets and achieve the intended educational objectives earlier than the teaching time planned for this activity expires. The teacher can resolve such a situation in an appropriate manner, by encouraging the creativity of the “fast” students. This article is concerned with the possibilities of increasing students’ activity in classes where computer simulation of electronic circuits is used. Using a particular example of a simulation experiment, it shows one possible option for how to engage students in the classwork. To achieve this, the function of “fault”, available in the majority of electronic virtual computing labs, is used. This feature allows a teacher to assign one of three possible errors to a selected component; students have no direct way to find out which component is faulty. To resolve the problem, they must use their own creativity and effort, their own ideas, knowledge, and skills, and the tools that they have available in the electronic laboratory.

A Comparison of Electric Power Smoothing Control Methods for Distributed Generation Systems

SUMMARYRenewable forms of energy such as solar energy have attracted attention as alternative sources of fossil fuel. The output power of photovoltaic generation systems changes steeply. Changes in output power have an effect on the electric power quality of the power system. For that reason, a system which can smooth fluctuations of output power is required. In this paper, the moving average, modified moving average, single exponential smoothing, and double exponential smoothing methods are applied to electric power smoothing control schemes for distributed generation systems with photovoltaic generation. The reduction rate of power fluctuations and the maximum stored energy of electric double layer capacitors are adopted as system evaluation measures. To confirm the effectiveness of the power smoothing control methods, a distributed generation power system with photovoltaic generation systems is simulated with the power electronics circuit simulation software PSIM. The methods are then compared by evaluating the reduction in the capacity of electric double layer capacitors without loss in the power smoothing effect.

Software Based Approach for teaching in Electrical Engineering Classroom Courses: a Case Study

As the day by day changes in the technology, technical requirements and techniques of the industry changes simultaneously. Therefore the requirements to educate our students not only the conceptual as well as new approaches based on the latest techniques. Involvement of software in teaching is not only providing a better support, more clear and visual operation of complex circuits and waveforms of the faculty of power electronics in classroom teaching as well as to the student to understand a better concept. The software packages available for simulation of power electronic circuits are MATLAB, PSPICE and PSIM and many more. In this paper author takes an example of an AC voltage controller to explain the software based teaching approach. Author used two software based simulation tool to explain the AC Voltage Controller and compare the software based approach with the blackboard & PPT Presentation based technique. This paper is helpful for the faculty of electrical engineering to find the applications of MATLAB/SIMULINK and PSIM in teaching.

Software Based Approach for teaching in Electrical Engineering Classroom Courses: a Case Study

As the day by day changes in the technology, technical requirements and techniques of the industry changes simultaneously. Therefore the requirements to educate our students not only the conceptual as well as new approaches based on the latest techniques. Involvement of software in teaching is not only providing a better support, more clear and visual operation of complex circuits and waveforms of the faculty of power electronics in classroom teaching as well as to the student to understand a better concept. The software packages available for simulation of power electronic circuits are MATLAB, PSPICE and PSIM and many more. In this paper author takes an example of an AC voltage controller to explain the software based teaching approach. Author used two software based simulation tool to explain the AC Voltage Controller and compare the software based approach with the blackboard & PPT Presentation based technique. This paper is helpful for the faculty of electrical engineering to find the applications of MATLAB/SIMULINK and PSIM in teaching.

Synthetic Biology: A Unifying View and Review Using Analog Circuits.

We review the field of synthetic biology from an analog circuits and analog computation perspective, focusing on circuits that have been built in living cells. This perspective is well suited to pictorially, symbolically, and quantitatively representing the nonlinear, dynamic, and stochastic (noisy) ordinary and partial differential equations that rigorously describe the molecular circuits of synthetic biology. This perspective enables us to construct a canonical analog circuit schematic that helps unify and review the operation of many fundamental circuits that have been built in synthetic biology at the DNA, RNA, protein, and small-molecule levels over nearly two decades. We review 17 circuits in the literature as particular examples of feedforward and feedback analog circuits that arise from special topological cases of the canonical analog circuit schematic. Digital circuit operation of these circuits represents a special case of saturated analog circuit behavior and is automatically incorporated as well. Many issues that have prevented synthetic biology from scaling are naturally represented in analog circuit schematics. Furthermore, the deep similarity between the Boltzmann thermodynamic equations that describe noisy electronic current flow in subthreshold transistors and noisy molecular flux in biochemical reactions has helped map analog circuit motifs in electronics to analog circuit motifs in cells and vice versa via a `cytomorphic' approach. Thus, a body of knowledge in analog electronic circuit design, analysis, simulation, and implementation may also be useful in the robust and efficient design of molecular circuits in synthetic biology, helping it to scale to more complex circuits in the future.

Circuit models and SPICE macro-models for quantum Hall effect devices

Precise electrical measurement technology based on the quantum Hall effect is one of the pillars of modern quantum electrical metrology. Electrical networks including one or more QHE elements can be used as quantum resistance and impedance standards. The analysis of these networks allows metrologists to evaluate the effect of the inevitable parasitic parameters on their performance as standards. This paper presents a concise review of the various circuit models for QHE elements proposed in the literature, and the development of a new model. This last model is particularly suited to be employed with the analogue electronic circuit simulator SPICE. The SPICE macro-model and examples of SPICE simulations, validated by comparison with the corresponding analytical solution and/or experimental data, are provided.

Dynamic characteristic analysis of nonresonance-type ultrasonic actuator using electronic circuit simulator

The electromechanical equivalent circuit of an ultrasonic actuator is useful for gaining intuitive understanding or for design. However, the equivalent circuit had not been simulated directly on commercial computer software such as an electronic circuit simulator (ECS), because the nonlinear elements that express friction or contact separation are rarely expressed on the equivalent circuit. In this paper, the equivalent circuit model of a nonresonance-type ultrasonic actuator, which is created on the basis of the equation of motion and can be simulated on a commercial ECS, is proposed, and some simulated results obtained using a commercial ECS are reported.

Compact model for parametric instability under arbitrary stress waveform

A deterministic compact model of the parametric instability of elementary devices is further developed. The model addresses the device instability class that can be traced back to microscopic reactions obeying reversible first-order kinetics. It can describe the response to any periodic stimulus waveform and it is suitable for the implementation in commercial electronic circuit simulators (Eldo UDRM). The methodology is applied to model the negative-bias-temperature threshold voltage instability of a p-channel MOSFET. A simple circuital example is shown where the simulation of threshold voltage recovery is crucial for circuit design.

Detailed PVT-water model for transient analysis using RC networks

A new detailed transient model for PVT-water collectors is presented. The model uses a nodal approach based on the electrical–thermal analogy using RC networks to model the thermal response of the PVT collector. Unlike models found in the literature, the RC network is directly used to simulate the PVT collector in an electronic circuit simulator. Heat flow is modelled in one dimension only and average temperatures are used for the fluid and absorber plate in order to calculate the transient thermal output of the collector. A discussion on the correct calculation of the average temperatures for the collector and possible approximations is presented. The model was used to simulate a PVT collector coupled to a domestic hot water load, in order to study the daily performance of a PVT-water system and its transient behaviour. Results show that the proposed solution can achieve extremely good agreement with experimental data, and that the model could be used for performance analysis and product design.

Behaviour of an Educational Simulation Model Depending on the Initial Conditions of the Simulation

When using simulation experiments in classes, it sometimes happens that students, after creating a simulation model, execute the simulation in order to verify the behaviour and working principle of an electronic circuit, but find that the outputs are completely different from the theoretical assumptions. The problem hardly ever lies in the model being erroneously assembled, but is usually caused by the simulation being run with default initial conditions whose suitability has not been verified with regard to achieving the intended educational objective. The same situation is also experienced by teachers using simulations of electronic systems in their classes. The situation described above can negatively influence secondary-school students' attitude towards computer simulations and give the false impression that simulations do not work well. The aim of this article is not only to warn teachers and others interested in simulations of electronic circuits about such a situation, but also to demonstrate its possible solution with an illustrative example.