What is circuit simulation?
MBA Technologies considers various design parameters when creating a successful board. In addition, designers use circuit simulation to understand the dynamic behaviour of their circuits to ensure the design is accurate.
Before manufacturing and product deployment, circuit simulation is used to test and verify the functionality of electrical or electronic circuits. It’s used in everything from microelectronics and integrated circuits to power electronics and electrical power distribution networks. Circuit simulation can be performed on linear and non-linear circuits, depending on the application.
Circuit simulation entails:
- Mathematic modelling of the circuit elements or devices.
- Defining circuit or network equations.
- Procedures to solve these equations.
Linear and non-linear circuits
In a linear circuit, the current flowing through it is directly proportional to the voltage on the circuit.
In a non-linear circuit, the current flowing through it is not directly proportional to the voltage in the circuit, resulting in a curve-shaped graph.
How circuit simulation works
Circuit simulation works by creating a circuit with a schematic editor and then subjecting the circuit representation to constant or varying inputs. The outputs of the resulting signals are recorded and analysed.
A circuit simulator is designed to simulate the behaviour of circuit components to produce signal outputs that are identical to the circuit if it were in use.
Different types of circuit simulation
There are various types of circuit simulation.
Analogue simulation
Analogue circuit simulation uses precise representations of an electronic circuit to obtain accurate signal outputs corresponding to the inputs and can be linear or non-linear. Analogue circuit simulations can be run in various modes, including:
- AC (frequency domain)
- DC (non-linear quiescent)
- Transient (time-domain)
Analogue circuit simulation employs algorithms to analyse circuit behaviour in various modes. To predict circuit performance, these algorithms use the process of solving matrices.
Digital simulation
Digital circuit simulation uses circuit behaviour models generated by hardware description language (HDL). Compared to analogue simulation, this technique allows for the simulation of much larger circuits in less time and with fewer computational resources.
Mixed-signal simulation
The mixed-signal circuit simulation combines analogue and digital simulation techniques.
Contact MBA Technologies today
For more information about our circuit simulation services, get in touch with our team today to assist with any project.
