(P)SpiceItUp: PSpice A/D Modeling Applications

What if you need a model with specific parameters, generated for your schematic on the fly? What if you need a model that is created by adding few parameters from a data sheet? What if you want to see the changes in the model behavior by varying a certain parameter value? PSpice^® A/D Modeling Applications is your answer to all these questions.

Use modeling applications if you need to generate custom PSpice models for devices such as, transformers, switches, VCOs, diodes, passives, voltage sources, and current sources.

All you need to do is select the device type, specify the parameters values, and use the generated component directly on the schematic without having to leave the OrCAD Capture canvas.

Accessing Modeling Applications

Modeling Application is accessible from OrCAD Capture. Choose Place – PSpice Component – Modeling Application or use the icon from the PSpice toolbar.

Using Modeling Applications

If there is a way to quickly create simulation-ready components, it is using modeling applications. To generate a symbol with its associated model together and use it directly on the design has been made super easy and effortless with modeling application.

Components generated using modeling applications are for use in the current design only. They cannot be saved in any library or reused in other designs.

For example, you need to create a Zener diode from a data sheet. Look up the required parameter in the data sheet (Zener Voltage (Vzt), the Temperature Coefficient of Vzt (TCBV) in this example) and find the corresponding parameter names in the graphical interface of the Zener Diode modeling application. Specify the desired values and click Place. Simple!

This Zener diode data sheet is from ON Semiconductor.

Another example is the Independent Sources application. It has a comprehensive list of sources that you may require in your transient simulation including voltage and current versions, such as Step, Pulse, Square, Ramp, Sawtooth, Reverse Sawtooth, Triangular, Sine, Cosine, DC, Exponential, and FM (Frequency Modulated). So, if you need to create a Voltage Sawtooth waveform, select the Pulse tab, choose the Voltage radio button, and then the Sawtooth radio button. Specify the desired parameters and click the Place button.

To simulate, create a simulation profile, and select the analysis to be performed. There is no need to set up the libraries for any device instance. The modeling application automatically does the necessary library setup required for simulation.

Post-simulation, if you want to change the parameter values, you can do that using the Edit PSpice Component option in the context menu.

I am sure you would like to explore this fast, easy-to-use, and fully-integrated method of modeling different types of devices. Try using these applications and do let us know about your experience. We’d love to hear from you!