SPICE Analysis Fundamentals

by National Instruments

The National Instruments SPICE Analysis Fundamentals Series includes step-by-step tutorials on how to configure and run the different SPICE analyses available in Multisim, ranging from basic to sophisticated. Each analysis helps students obtain valuable information such as the effects of component tolerances and sensitivities. For each analysis, students review background, configure settings, run the analysis, and study the results to find useful information.

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will simulate and analyze 10 circuits using Multisim
Students will gain practical simulation analysis skills by learning to use a variety of the SPICE analysis tools in Multisim
Students will draw useful information from analysis results, such as component tolerances and sensitivies

COURSE ALIGNMENT

Level	University
Topic	Circuit simulation
Style	Tutorial
Prerequisite Skills	Introductory circuits and electronics

Included Course Labs

DC OPERATING POINT ANALYSIS

DC Operating Point Analysis calculates the behavior of a circuit when a DC voltage or current is applied to it. The result of this analysis is generally referred as the bias point or quiescent point, Q-point. In most cases, the results of the DC Operating Point Analysis are intermediate values for further analysis.

DC SWEEP ANALYSIS

DC Sweep Analysis is used to calculate a circuits’ bias point over a range of values. This procedure allows users to simulate a circuit many times, sweeping the DC values within a predetermined range. Users can control the source values by choosing the start and stop values and the increment for the DC range. The bias point of the circuit is calculated for each value of the sweep.

TRANSIENT ANALYSIS

In Transient Analysis Multisim computes the circuit’s response as a function of time. This analysis divides the time into segments and calculates the voltage and current levels for each given interval. Finally, the results, voltage versus time, are presented in the Grapher View.

AC ANALYSIS

AC Analysis is used to calculate the small-signal response of a circuit. In AC Analysis, the DC operating point is first calculated to obtain linear, small-signal models for all nonlinear components. Then, the equivalent circuit is analyzed from a start to a stop frequency. The result of an AC Analysis is displayed in two parts: gain versus frequency and phase versus frequency.

TEMPERATURE SWEEP ANALYSIS

Using Temperature Sweep Analysis you can quickly verify the operation of your circuit by simulating it at different temperatures. The effect is the same as simulating the circuit several times, once for each temperature. Users control the temperature values by choosing start, stop and increment values.

FOURIER ANALYSIS

Fourier Analysis is a method of analyzing complex periodic waveforms. It permits any nonsinusoidal period function to be resolved into sine or cosine waves, possibly an infinite number, and a DC component. This permits further analysis and allows users to determine the effect of combining the waveform with other signals.

WORST CASE ANALYSIS

Worst Case Analysis is a statistical technique that uses a “what if” approach to provide a practical result and its primary purpose is to identify the most critical components of a circuit.

NOISE ANALYSIS

Noise Analysis calculates the noise contribution from each resistor and semiconductor device at the specified output node. Multisim creates a noise model of the circuit using noise models of each resistor and semiconductor devices and then performs AC-like analysis.

NOISE FIGURE ANALYSIS

Noise figure is used to specify exactly how noisy a device is. Users will learn to configure and run this analyzer to determine the noise of a provided simulated circuit.

PARAMETER SWEEP ANALYSIS

The behavior of a circuit is affected when certain parameters in specific components change. With Parameter Sweep Analysis, users can verify the operation of a circuit by simulation across a range of values for a component parameter. The effect is the same as simulating the circuit several times, once for each value.

Requirements

Multisim

Multisim is a circuit simulation tool built for educators to teach analog, digital, and power electronics by connecting simulation to experimentation. Learn more