Learn Know-how
SPICE Simulators and SPICE Models
2018.09.20
Points of this article
・Free SPICE simulator versions are provided by simulator vendors, and can be downloaded and used.
・In order to simulate circuits using ICs or other components, SPICE models for the components, which provide parameter information for the devices, are necessary.
・Many SPICE models are provided by different manufacturers for downloading from websites.
table of contents
This article introduces sources for downloading SPICE-based simulators and SPICE models. It is after all best to actually run a simulator in order to come to understand it. The simulators run on general-use PCs and OSes; please give one a try.
Free SPICE Simulators
The following are vendors who provide free simulator packages, and the downloading sites. In some cases registration is required.
| Name | Vendor | Download Site |
|---|---|---|
| OrCAD | Cadence Design Systems | Download (free) |
| LTSpice | Analog Devices (former LTC) | Download (free) |
| SIMetrix | SIMetrix Technologies | Download (free) |
※The above company and product names and the like are generally trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
SPICE Models
In order to execute a simulation, the simulator software, and SPICE models (macro models) that provide parameters for the devices and elements, are necessary. SPICE models of general-use transistors, resistors, capacitors and other basic components may be included with the simulator. SPICE models of specific transistors, ICs and so on are provided on the websites of the manufacturers. Moreover, SPICE models of different manufacturers can be downloaded from the PSpice Community managed by Cadence. Also, circuit examples in which external components required by specific ICs and devices are positioned and optimized are provided by manufacturers, in the guise of evaluation circuits and demo circuits; these can be used to greatly speed up design. Nearly all evaluation circuits and demo circuits are for use with specific simulators, and so it is important to check the simulator for which the circuit is intended.
Below, details for downloading SPICE models and evaluation circuits from the ROHM website and from the PSpice Community are provided.
●ROHM Website
From the main page, click on Technical Support, and then click on Design Support/Design Simulation Models.
The following page appears; upon searching on products and product categories and then clicking on the relevant part number, the SPICE model and an evaluation circuit can be downloaded. Evaluation circuits are currently intended for use with SIMetrix.
ROHM currently provides the following SPICE models.
Evaluation circuits can also be downloaded from “Reference Designs”.
Upon finding a reference circuit that matches your design, click on “Reference Document Download”. A PDF file will open; upon clicking on “SIMetrix SPICE Simulation Data File” in the file, the download will begin. The PDF file also shows simulation results. A downloaded evaluation circuit can be modified and customized.
●PSpice Community
Access the PSpice Community of Cadence, and click on “Model Library”.
Next, click on “ROHM” from the selection of manufacturers. SPICE models offered by ROHM can then be downloaded.
In the next article, we will explain what is possible using SPICE.
Learn Know-how
Electrical Circuit Design
- Soldering Techniques and Solder Types
- Seven Tools for Soldering
- Seven Techniques for Printed Circuit Board Reworking
-
Basic Alternating Current (AC)
- AC Circuits: Alternating Current, Waveforms, and Formulas
- Complex Numbers in AC Circuit
- Electrical Reactance
- What is Impedance? AC Circuit Analysis and Design
- Impedance Measurement: How to Choose Methods and Improve Accuracy
- Impedance Matching: Why It Matters for Power Transfer and Signal Reflections
- Resonant Circuits: Resonant Frequency and Q Factor
- RLC Circuit: Series and Parallel, Applied circuits
- What is AC Power? Active Power, Reactive Power, Apparent Power
- Power Factor: Calculation and Efficiency Improvement
- What is PFC?
- Boundary Current Mode (BCM) PFC: Examples of Efficiency Improvement Using Diodes
- Continuous Current Mode (CCM) PFC: Examples of Efficiency Improvement Using Diode
- LED Illumination Circuits：Example of Efficiency Improvement and Noise Reduction Using MOSFETs
- PFC Circuits for Air Conditioners：Example of Efficiency Improvement Using MOSFETs and Diodes
-
Basic Direct Current (DC)
- Ohm’s Law: Voltage, Current, and Resistance
- Electric Current and Voltage in DC Circuits
- Kirchhoff’s Circuit Laws
- What Is Mesh Analysis (Mesh Current Method)?
- What Is Nodal Analysis (Nodal Voltage Analysis)?
- Thevenin’s Theorem: DC Circuit Analysis
- Norton’s Theorem: Equivalent Circuit Analysis
- What Is the Superposition Theorem?
- What Is the Δ–Y Transformation (Y–Δ Transformation)?
- Voltage Divider Circuit
- Current Divider and the Current Divider Rule
Thermal design
-
About Thermal Design
- Changes in Engineering Trends and Thermal Design
- A Mutual Understanding of Thermal Design
- Fundamentals of Thermal Resistance and Heat Dissipation: About Thermal Resistance
- Fundamentals of Thermal Resistance and Heat Dissipation: Heat Transmission and Heat Dissipation Paths
- Fundamentals of Thermal Resistance and Heat Dissipation : Thermal Resistance in Conduction
- Fundamentals of Thermal Resistance and Heat Dissipation : Thermal Resistance in Convection
- Fundamentals of Thermal Resistance and Heat Dissipation : Thermal Resistance in Emission
- Thermal Resistance Data: JEDEC Standards, Thermal Resistance Measurement Environments, and Circuit Boards
- Thermal Resistance Data: Actual Data Example
- Thermal Resistance Data: Definitions of Thermal Resistance, Thermal Characterization Parameters
- Thermal Resistance Data: θJA and ΨJT in Estimation of TJ: Part 1
- Thermal Resistance Data: θJA and ΨJT in Estimation of TJ: Part 2
- Surface Temperature Measurements: Methods for Fastening Thermocouples
- Surface Temperature Measurements: Thermocouple Mounting Position
- Surface Temperature Measurements: Treatment of Thermocouple Tips
- Surface Temperature Measurements: Influence of the Thermocouple
- Estimating TJ: Basic Calculation Equations
- Estimating TJ: Calculation Example Using θJA
- Estimating TJ: Calculation Example Using ΨJT
- Estimating TJ: Calculation Example Using Transient Thermal Resistance
- Estimation of Heat Dissipation Area in Surface Mounting and Points to be Noted
- Surface Temperature Measurements: Thermocouple Types
- Summary
- Collection of Important Points Relating to Thermal Design
Switching Noise
- Procedures in Noise Countermeasures
- What is EMC?
-
Dealing with Noise Using Capacitors
- Understanding the Frequency Characteristics of Capacitors, Relative to ESR and ESL
- Measures to Address Noise Using Capacitors
- Effective Use of Decoupling (Bypass) Capacitors Point 1
- Effective Use of Decoupling Capacitors Point 2
- Effective Use of Decoupling Capacitors, Other Matters to be Noted
- Effective Use of Decoupling Capacitors, Summary
-
Dealing with Noise Using Inductors
- Frequency-Impedance Characteristics of Inductors and Determination of Inductor’s Resonance Frequency
- Basic Characteristics of Ferrite Beads and Inductors and Noise Countermeasures Using Them
- Dealing with Noise Using Common Mode Filters
- Points to be Noted: Crosstalk and Noise from GND Lines
- Summary of Dealing with Noise Using Inductors
- Other Noise Countermeasures
- Basics of EMC – Summary
Simulation
- Thermal Simulation of PTC Heaters
- Thermal Simulation of Linear Regulators
-
Foundations of Electronic Circuit Simulation Introduction
- About SPICE
- SPICE Simulators and SPICE Models
- Types of SPICE simulation: DC Analysis, AC Analysis, Transient Analysis
- Types of SPICE simulation: Monte Carlo
- Convergence Properties and Stability of SPICE Simulations
- Types of SPICE Model
- SPICE Device Models: Diode Example–Part 1
- SPICE Device Models: Diode Example–Part 2
- SPICE Subcircuit Models: MOSFET Example―Part 1
- SPICE Subcircuit Models: MOSFET Example―Part 2
- SPICE Subcircuit Models: Models Using Mathematical Expressions
- About Thermal Models
- About Thermal Dynamic Model
- Summary
-
About the ROHM Solution Simulator
- How to Access the ROHM Solution Simulator
- Trying Out the ROHM Solution Simulator (1)
- Trying Out the ROHM Solution Simulator (2)
- Starting a Simulation Circuit in the ROHM Solution Simulator
- ROHM Solution Simulator Toolbar Functions and Basic Operations
- ROHM Solution Simulator: User Interface
- Execution of Simulations
- Method for Displaying Simulation Results
- Simulation Result Display Tool: Wavebox
- Simulation Results Display Tool: Waveform Viewer
- Customization of Simulations
- Exporting Circuit Data to PartQuest™ Explorer
- Purchasing Samples for Evaluation
- Optimization of PFC Circuits
- Optimization of Inverter Circuits
- About Thermal Simulations of DC-DC Converters
- Circuit-Theory-Based Design Simulation