System Analysis Knowledge Bytes: Celsius PowerDC Methodology to Accurately Model DC/DC Converters

The System Analysis Knowledge Bytes blog series explores the capabilities and potential of the System Analysis tools offered by Cadence®. In addition to providing insight into the useful features and enhancements in this area, this series aims to broadcast the views of different bloggers and experts who share their knowledge and experience on all things related to System Analysis.

Traditionally, we separate one DC-DC/LDO into two ports for IR drop analysis: Sink and VRM. We consider these two sources to be independent. The VRM will supply power for its loads. Based on the simulation, we will calculate the VRM total current. Then, we will use the law of conservation of energy to calculate the sink current of the DC-DC by assuming the sink voltage is the same as its VRM nominal voltage.

This method has some limitations, which impact the accuracy:

1. The voltage of sink part of the DC-DC is not the real voltage
2. The sink and VRM of the DC-DC are not independent
3. One time simulation without iteration

This Rapid Adoption Kit (RAK) introduces a new quick and accurate method for DC-DC/LDO calculation, which overcomes all of the above issues. This and other RAK's covering a wide range of topics and questions are available to all customers with a Cadence Online Support Account. 

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You might also be interested in our Sigrity PowerDC and OptimizePI training byte channel and/or in our free online training Sigrity PowerDC and OptimizePI.

Stay with us as we continue to explore what’s new in the world of Cadence Sigrity and Systems Analysis. For information about the most recent enhancements, check the Sigrity and Systems Analysis 2023.1 What's New. Happy reading!

Author of the RAK: Dingru Xiao, Product Engineering Director 

Jasmine

Related Resources 

RAKs	Allegro IDA Workflows: IR Drop Allegro IDA Workflows: IR Drop using PowerTree Team-Based PDN Design with PowerTree, PowerDC, and OptimizePI
Online Course	Sigrity PowerDC and OptimizePI v2022HF3 (Online)
Videos	Running an Impedance Analysis in OptimizePI (Video) Optimizing Capacitor Selection in OptimizePI (Video)
Blog	IC Packagers: Analyze, Simulate, and Resolve Signal Integrity Issues Using In-Design Analysis Flows

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