Course Outline

Module 1 - Overview of the SIMPLIS Environment

Module 1 lays the groundwork for the entire course, by whetting the attendee's appetite through examples and exercises.

In the first section, a number of examples compare and contrast SIMPLIS with more common SPICE-based simulators. Models designed for SIMPLIS use Piecewise Linear (PWL) modeling, and the basics of PWL modeling and the accuracy of PWL models are discussed. The POP analysis, which is unique to SIMPLIS is introduced and the AC analysis on the time-domain PWL model is also covered. A brief introduction to the Design Verification Module (DVM) prepares users to automate model testing.

The third section describes how the user interface is constructed. In this section, you will install a few script files which will customize your SIMetrix/SIMPLIS user interface.

By the end of this module you will understand the basic framework on which all of the following modules are based.

Module 2 - Advanced SIMPLIS

Module 2 expands on the Module 1 topics, covering the SIMPLIS analyses in greater detail.

The module starts with an in-depth coverage of the SIMPLIS transient analysis, followed by topics that deal with managing simulation output data files, advanced probing, including plotting frequency spectra and arbitrary functions of curves. The two ways that SIMPLIS back-annotates, or loads a previous circuit state, are described and then compared and contrasted. Finally, you will learn how the SIMPLIS POP analysis works in detail.

Module 3 - Running SIMPLIS Simulations

Module 3 starts with a detailed look under the hood of a SIMPLIS simulation. After this module you will have a firm grasp on the run process, from pressing F9 to viewing the graph output. You will learn about the SIMetrix/SIMPLIS Netlist Preprocessor and how the individual run process steps affect parametrization and model creation. Next, you will learn how to run basic multi-step and Monte Carlo analyses on a model. Finally, how to load circuit templates with values from a text file is covered in detail.

Module 4 - Introduction to Modeling

Module 4 represents a distinct shift away from how SIMPLIS works to a focus on creating content, both symbols and models. The differences between symbols, models, components, and devices is clearly delineated. The very important topic of subcircuit encryption is introduced, and the different encryption schemes are discussed. Finally, a deeper look under the SIMPLIS hood is covered, including how to troubleshoot slow models.

Module 5 - Parameterization

Parameterization is one of the most important concepts in modeling. Before you can parameterize a model, you will learn how subcircuits provide a universal interface to electrical models. You will then learn that once the design has been divided into subcircuit blocks, adding parameters which configure those subcircuits will open a realm of modeling flexibility. The importance of the two key concepts of subcircuits and parameters cannot be over-emphasized. Finally, you will learn how to add two different parameter editing dialogs to your models.

Module 6 - Modeling

In this module you will build real, production-worthy models. These models will have the look and feel of any of the models built into SIMPLIS. These models will be robust and will include inherent parameter error checking and will have parameter editing dialogs. Most importantly, you will learn how to exclude schematic component subcircuits from the model based on parameter values. This further opens the realm of circuit parameterization - that parameters can select the schematic configuration.

Applications

In this module, you will learn how to use PWL modeling to model several blocks commonly used in switching power converters. This module is under construction, with other topics coming. The first topic describes in detail how SIMPLIS can model MOSFET drivers. The second topic covers how SIMPLIS can simulate the Load Line characteristics of a multi-phase VR regulator.