Electronic Circuit Simulation (Research Paper Sample)

Electronic circuit simulation
Name
Institution
Outline.
This report clearly shows the behaviors of electronic devices and circuits. The report shows how electronic circuit simulation integrates and uses mathematical models in order to replicate the behavior of electronic circuit or devices. This electronics simulation software totally engages the users by integrating them successfully into the learning experience.
Introduction.
Electronic devices mostly exhibit non-ideal characteristics, which occasionally influence the functionality and behavior of a circuit. A good example is when PN junction diode is used. You will discover that there will be no voltage that can be dropped across the diode, making forward bias resistance 0Ω and reverse bias resistance ∞. Although this is not the case in the real world.
For centuries now people have been manually calculating errors that are introduced by some of these characteristics, by using different models of varying complexity as well as interpreting varying component response curves, which are provided on the manufacturer data sheets. Nonetheless, as circuits continue becoming more complex and bigger, they continue becoming more difficult to manually determine real world circuit behavior.
Constructing circuit on a prototype and analyzing it using lab measurement instruments is one of the most accurate way to evaluate a circuit's real behavior, though its often very expensive, time consuming and impractical. Electronic circuit simulation software is a unique software which uses models to replicate any behavior of real life electronic circuits and devices. This software allows engineers to model the circuit operation before building it. This greatly improves the efficiency of the circuit, reducing any likelihood of faults in the prototype build.
Background research
Before someone begins to do this experiment he or she must familiarize him or herself with different options available. One must also research and understand the whole concept behind electronic circuit simulators.
SPICE is an acronym for simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis. It is the basis for a lot of commercial computer software programs. Most of these programs provide graphical user interface; however the program depend on SPICE simulation engine to perform wide circuit calculations. What every engineer should know is that SPICE usually do not simulate any form of electromagnetic field in a circuit because it primarily depend on the layout of the circuit.
In today's world there are a number of industry standard simulators such as HSPICE. When it comes to SPICE; HSPICE is the most trusted industry and comprehensive circuit simulator.
Another industry standard simulators is PSIM, it is designed to specifically integrate multiple unconnected security devices and applications. It can also be used to simulate different electronic circuit.
There are quite a number of free simulators available they include:
* LTSpice, which is free from any linear technology.
* ngSpice, which is available for gEDA.
* The other free simulator is gnuCAP and is available for gEDA.
Most the simulators which are free are not distributed with the models. This is mainly because re-distribution of models is mostly a copyright violation. Majority of manufacturers refuse to reveal a lot of details concerning their process. According to my knowledge LTspice is usually distributed with the models of linear tech parts.
Task 3 - results.
The third task mostly involved constructing simple diode circuit, simulating it carefully and analyzing the results. The results obtained are as followed.
R1
Resistance = 89 Ω.
D1
Semiconductor Material = Rectifier diode.
Vbrk dn (V) = 208V
Iave (A) = 28
Rs = 1mohm
Current is inversely proportional to voltage; this is because when the voltage increases the amount of current reduces. Higher voltage reduces the amount of current passing through it.
The relationship between voltage and current in this experiment is best expressed using Ohm's law. When constant is introduced the mathematical expression of the relationship