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User’s Manual
devices available from Place|From Model Library when in SIMPLIS mode will not be
the same as in SIMetrix mode.
However, SIMetrix is able to convert some SPICE models for use with SIMPLIS. This
conversion operation is performed behind the scenes and you don't necessarily need to
know what is happening. However, it is very useful to understand the process that is
being performed in order to understand the devices behaviour under SIMPLIS. This
conversion process is described in the next section.
SPICE to SIMPLIS Conversion
SIMetrix is able to convert the following SPICE models types to SIMPLIS models:
Type
Supported SPICE
Implementation
Conversion Method
Diode
Primitive model
Simulated parameter extraction
Zener Diode
Primitive model or
subcircuit
Simulated parameter extraction
BJT
Primitive model
Parameter translation
MOSFET
Primitive model or
subcircuit
Simulated parameter extraction
Supported SPICE Implementation refers to the way the SPICE model must be
implemented for the conversion operation to be supported. SPICE models can be either
primitive models using the .MODEL statement or can be sub-circuits using .SUBCKT.
.ENDS.
Conversion Method describes the method used to perform the conversion. Parameter
translation is a simple process whereby the .MODEL parameters are read from the
model and used to compile a SIMPLIS model using a knowledge of the SPICE device
equations. Simulated parameter extraction is a more sophisticated and general purpose
method that can be applied to any primitive model or subcircuit. In this method the
SPICE device is measured using the SIMetrix simulator in a number of test circuits.
The results of these tests are then analysed and used to derive the final SIMPLIS
model.
SPICE to SIMPLIS conversion takes place when you place the device on the schematic
and may be repeated if you edit one of the additional parameters - see below. If
Simulated parameter extraction is being used, the message “Extracting SIMPLIS
model for ???. Please wait.” will be displayed. For MOSFETs this process usually
takes less than about 0.5 seconds on a modern machine but can be much longer if the
SPICE model is complex. Note that Simulated parameter extraction is not guaranteed
to succeed and can fail if the SPICE model is faulty or badly designed.
Additional Parameters
Semiconductor devices converted for SIMPLIS operation have some additional
parameters that may be edited after the device is placed. This is done using the popup
menu Edit Additional Parameters.... In general each device has two types of additional
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