Full Power Assist DVM Control Symbol

The Full Power Assist DVM control symbol stores the same information as the Basic DVM control symbol but also includes specifications for the sources and loads, as well as performance specifications. The DVM control symbol dialog consists of two areas:

  • The page selection box on the left where you select the page that you want to edit
  • The entry fields on the right side of the dialog where you enter specifications

In this topic:

Adding a Full Power Assist DVM Symbol to a Schematic

To add a Full Power Assist DVM Control Symbol to a working schematic, follow these steps:

  1. From the parts selector, choose DVM ▶ Control Symbols ▶ Full Power Assist DVM Control Symbol.
    Result: The SIMPLIS DVM Power Assist Control Symbol appears.
  2. Place the symbol at the top of the schematic.
  3. Double click the symbol.
    Result: The SIMPLIS DVM Control Panel dialog opens for you to enter the information that is described in the following sections.

Circuit Specifications

The Circuit Specifications page allows you to define circuit descriptions and specifications that DVM uses when measuring and checking scalar values in the simulation. On this dialog, you also specify the number of DC inputs, AC inputs, and outputs. Additional pages appear for each input and for each output as shown in the page selection panel below. This dialog is configured for one DC input and one output load.

Label Parameter Description
Circuit Name Name of the circuit as it will appear in the DVM report; for display purposes only.
Circuit Description Description of the circuit under test which appears in the DVM Control symbol; for display purposes only.
Switching Frequency Nominal switching frequency used to calculate simulation timing for DC/DC test objectives
Supports Startup? If checked, the Startup() test objectives startup tests will be performed; if not checked, the Startup() test objectives will be skipped.
Supports Short Circuit? If checked, the ShortCkt() test objectives will be performed; if not checked, theShortCkt() test objectives will be skipped.
Number of DC Inputs The numbers that you select in these three fields dynamically change the page selection list to accommodate the number of AC and DC inputs and the outputs that will then be available for you to configure.
Number of AC Inputs
Number of Outputs

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DC Input Page

A DC Input page is added for each DC input defined on the Circuit Specifications page. The input page allows you to define specifications for each DC input source in your circuit. The DC Input drop-down menu at the top allows you to select the reference designator from a list of available DC input source symbols. Each DVM source can call a variety of subcircuit models. For a list of available DC input source subcircuits, see DC Input Sources.

Note: DVM supports a combined total of up to six DC and AC input sources with the number of AC input sources limited to three.

To increase or decrease the number of managed DC inputs, change that number on the Circuit Specifications page before you edit the DVM control symbol to add a new source.

To place a new source on the schematic and then manage the source, follow these steps:

  1. From the DC Input drop-down menu, select  Place New Source, and then click Ok.
    Result: A dialog opens, prompting you to place the new source.
  2. Click Ok and then click to place the source on the schematic.
    Note: If you click Cancel at any point when you are placing sources and loads, all previous actions will be cancelled and you must re-edit the control symbol and place all the sources and loads again; or you can manually place the sources and loads before you edit the control symbol and then select them from the drop-down menus.
Voltage: Values used to set up the simulation test conditions
Nominal Nominal input voltage These parameters are Symbolic Values which can be used in a testplan.
Minimum Minimum input voltage
Maximum Maximum input voltage
Misc
Source Resistance Input source resistance

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AC Input Page

An AC Input page is added for each AC input defined on the Circuit Specifications page. The AC Input page allows you to define specifications for each AC input source in your circuit. The AC Input drop-down menu at the top allows you to select the reference designator from a list of available AC input sources. For a list of available AC input source subcircuits, see AC Line Input Sources.

Note: DVM supports up to three AC input sources.

To increase or decrease the number of managed AC inputs, change that number on the Circuit Specifications page before you edit the DVM control symbol to add a new source.

To place a new source on the schematic and then manage the source, follow these steps:

  1. From the AC Input drop-down menu, select  Place New Source, and then click Ok.
    Result: A dialog opens, prompting you to place the new source.
  2. Click Ok and then click to place the source on the schematic.
    Note: If you click Cancel at any point when you are placing sources and loads, all previous actions will be cancelled and you must re-edit the control symbol and place all the sources and loads again; or you can manually place the sources and loads before you edit the control symbol and then select them from the drop-down menus.
Low Line (LL): RMS voltages for the low-line condition
Minimum Minimum AC low-line input in volts RMS These parameters are Symbolic Values which can be used in a testplan.
Nominal Nominal AC low-line input in volts RMS
Maximum Maximum AC low-line input in volts RMS
High Line (HL): RMS voltages for the high-line condition
Minimum Minimum AC high-line input in volts RMS These parameters are Symbolic Values which can be used in a testplan.
Nominal Nominal AC high-line input in volts RMS
Maximum Maximum AC high-line input in volts RMS
Programmable Filter
Order Number of poles at a common corner frequency for the programmable filter.

All DVM AC input sources use a programmable filter with 1 to 3 poles at a common corner frequency.

To remove the programmable filter from the circuit, set this value to zero.
Corner Freq. Common corner frequency for the programmable filter
 Slew Rate Maximum slew rate limit for the DVM AC input source in volts per second. To remove the slew rate limiter from circuit, set this value to zero.
Line Frequency / Ph. Angle: Settings for line frequencies used in built-in AC/DC testplans
Low (F_LOW) Frequency value assigned to the symbolic name F_LOW for the lower of two line frequencies which is typically 50Hz. These parameters are Symbolic Values which can be used in a testplan.
 High (F_HIGH) Frequency value assigned to the symbolic name for the higher of two line frequencies which is typically 60Hz.
Line Ph.Angle Phase angle of the AC source at time equals zero  
Specs: Specifications used in AC/DC test objectives
Max. Inrush Spec Specification for the maximum current allowed to be drawn off of the AC source
Source Impedance: All AC sources have a programmable source impedance.
Inductance The inductance value for the AC source; zero is allowed.
  • For an ideal source, set both the inductance and resistance to zero.
  • If the source inductance is set to a non-zero value and the circuit has an inductor at the input, there may be problems in finding the bias point of the circuit. A simple fix is to lump the inductance in either this source or your circuit.
Resistance The resistance value for the AC source; zero is allowed.

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Output Page

An Output page is added for each load that was defined on the Circuit Specifications page. The Output page allows you to define specifications for each output source in your circuit. The Output drop-down menu at the top allows you to select the reference designator from a list of available DVM Loads. For a list of available output load subcircuits, see Output Load Subcircuits.

Note: DVM supports up to five outputs.

To increase or decrease the number of managed outputs, change that number on the Circuit Specifications page before you edit the DVM control symbol to add a new load.

To place a new load on the schematic and then manage the output, follow these steps:

  1. From the Output drop-down menu, select  Place New Load, and then click Ok.
    Result: A dialog opens, prompting you to place the new source.
  2. Click Ok and then click to place the load on the schematic.
    Note: If you click Cancel at any point when you are placing sources and loads, all previous actions will be cancelled and you must re-edit the control symbol and place all the sources and loads again; or you can manually place the sources and loads before you edit the control symbol and then select them from the drop-down menus.
Voltage: Specifications for output voltage
Nominal Nominal DC output voltage
Load Line The nominal output impedance of the output. This is used in conjunction with the nominal voltage to determine if the output voltage is within the setpoint range and overshoot/undershoot specifications. The formula for the output voltage setpoint, overshoot, and undershoot are shown below:
\[ \text{Positive Setpoint Limit} = \text{Nominal} * 1 + \frac{\text{Positive}}{100} - \text{Load Line} * \text{ILoad} \] \[ \text{Negative Setpoint Limit} = \text{Nominal} * 1 - \frac{\text{Negative}}{100} - \text{Load Line} * \text{ILoad} \] \[ \text{Overshoot Limit} = \text{Nominal} * 1 + \frac{\text{Overshoot}}{100} - \text{Load Line} * \text{ILoad} \] \[ \text{Undershoot Limit} = \text{Nominal} * 1 - \frac{\text{Undershoot}}{100} - \text{Load Line} * \text{ILoad} \]
Plot load line curves? If checked, curves representing the minimum and maximum output voltage specification will be added to the output voltage graph.
Tolerances:  Specifications for output voltage tolerances
Positive Maximum positive percentage tolerance for the output voltage setpoint
Negative Maximum negative percentage tolerance for the output voltage setpoint
Overshoot Maximum percentage tolerance for the output voltage overshoot
Undershoot Maximum percentage tolerance for the output voltage undershoot
Peak to Peak Maximum allowed peak-to-peak voltage at the output
Current: Specifications for output current
Maximum Maximum output current at 100% load This parameter is a Symbolic Value which can be used in a testplan.
Light Load: Specifications for minimum output current
@ Input 1 min Light load specification where POP analysis will succeed when Input 1 is at its minimum voltage These parameters are Symbolic Values which can be used in a testplan.
@ Input 2 max Light load specification where POP analysis will succeed when Input 1 is at its maximum voltage
Misc: Appears only when you have an AC Input
Dropout Spec Minimum output voltage specification for Line Dropout test objective.

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DC/DC Objectives

The DC/DC objectives section has seven sub categories of parameters:

Although you can use the DC/DC objectives on an AC/DC converter, you should also see the specialized . The DC/DC Objectives require at least one DC or AC input source and one output load. You can add these to your design on the Circuit Specifications page.

POP Analysis

The POP Analysis page allows you to define parameters for the Periodic Operating Point simulations used in the DC/DC test objectives. Each test objective, with the exception of the Startup objective, uses a POP analysis to find the steady-state operating point of the converter. When you first place a control symbol, these analysis parameters are automatically read from the schematic and saved on the control symbol. The DVM ▶Reset Analysis Parameters menu performs this action as well.

Note: A successful POP run is a prerequisite for AC analyses and for all DC/DC objectives except the Startup test objective.
Simulation Parameters
POP Trigger Source Device name of a defined logic gate considered the triggering gate of the POP analysis
Trigger Condition Trigger condition that defines the beginning of a new switching cycle for the POP analysis
Maximum Period Defines the maximum period, or lowest frequency, where POP looks for a steady-state solution
Cycles Before Launching POP The number of POP trigger events before starting the Core POP Process.
Number of plot points The number of points the simulation uses. SIMPLIS automatically adds plot points when a PWL device changes state or when a logic signal or switch changes state.

For more information on the POP analysis, see the Advanced SIMPLIS Training topic 2.3.1 Overview of the Periodic Operating Point (POP) Analysis.

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POP Advanced Options

Advanced Options
Convergence The maximum percent change in any inductor current or capacitor voltage from one POP trigger edge to the next
Iteration limit The maximum number of passes through the core POP process
Number of cycles to output The number of POP periods to display on the waveform viewer
Use snapshot from previous transient analysis If checked, a valid snapshot will be loaded from a previous transient analysis.
Enable automatic transient after a failed POP If checked, a transient analysis will be run after a failed POP run.
Use default transient runtime (100 x POP max period) If selected, the transient analysis will run for 100 times the maximum POP period.
Specify If selected, the transient analysis will run for the specified number of seconds.

For more information on the advanced POP options, see the Advanced SIMPLIS Training topic 2.3.2 The Core POP Process.

AC Analysis

The AC Analysis page allows you to define simulation parameters for the three AC test objectives:

Simulation Timing: BodePlot, Impedance and ConductedSusceptibility test objectives
Start Frequency Start frequency for AC analyses
Stop Frequency Stop frequency for AC analyses
Sweep Type AC sweep type: Decade or Linear
Points per Decade Number of points per decade, or the total number of points for a linear sweep.
Bode Plot Specifications
Minimum Phase Margin Minimum phase margin specification for BodePlot test objective.
Minimum Gain Margin Minimum gain margin specification for BodePlot test objective.
Source and load measurements
Bode Plot The Source and Load buttons allow you to select voltage and current measurements for each of these test objectives. The Gain|Phase and Mag|Phase buttons allow you to select magnitude and phase measurements.
Input Impedance
Output Impedance
Cond. Susceptibility

For more information on these parameters, see Chapter 11, SIMPLIS-FX, in the

SIMPLIS Reference Manual

. If your circuit is pre-configured to run an AC analysis when you place the DVM control symbol, these values will automatically be extracted from your schematic.

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Step/Pulse Line

The Step/Pulse Line Test Objectives page allows you to set the simulation timing to use for the Step Line and Pulse Line test objectives.

Simulation Timing
Slew Rate The slew rate of the line voltage step or pulse in V/s
Cycles Before Event Combined with the nominal switching frequency, this parameter determines the length of time before the start of the line transient.
Cycles to Recover Combined with the nominal switching frequency, this parameter determines the length of time that the circuit has to recover after the end of the line transient.
Pulse Line Duration The time duration of the line pulse expressed in the number of switching cycles

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Step/Pulse Load

The Step/Pulse Load Test Objectives page allows you to set the simulation timing to use for the Step Load and Pulse Load test objectives.

Simulation Timing
Slew Rate The slew rate of the load current step or pulse in A/s
Cycles Before Event Combined with the nominal switching frequency, this parameter determines the length of time before the start of the load transient.
Cycles to Recover Combined with the nominal switching frequency, this parameter determines the length of time that the circuit has to recover after the end of the load transient.
Pulse Load Duration The time duration of the load pulse expressed in the number of switching cycles
Source and load measurements
Step Line The Source and Load buttons allow you to select voltage and current measurements for each of these test objectives.
Pulse Line

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Startup

The Startup Test Objective page allows you to set the simulation timing for the Startup Test Objective.

Simulation Timing
Slew Rate The slew rate of the input voltage source in V/s
Cycles Before Event Combined with the nominal switching frequency, this parameter determines the length of time before the start of the startup transient.
Cycles to Recover Combined with the nominal switching frequency, this parameter determines the length of time that the circuit has to recover after the end of the startup transient.
Cycles Before Stop Time to Check Output Regulation Combined with the nominal switching frequency, this parameter determines the length of time at the end of the simulation in which the circuit is examined to determine that it is in regulation.
Source and load measurements
Startup The Source and Load buttons allow you to select voltage and current measurements for this test objective.

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Short Circuit

The Short Circuit Test Objective page allows you to set the simulation timing and short circuit resistance parameters for the Short Circuit test objective.

Simulation Timing and Short Circuit Parameters
Short Circuit Load Resistance ON resistance of the switch used to implement the short circuit
Short Circuit Duration Length of the short circuit event in seconds
Cycles Before Event Combined with the nominal switching frequency, this parameter determines the length of time before the start of the short circuit.
Cycles to Recover Combined with the nominal switching frequency, this parameter determines the length of time that the circuit has to recover after the end of the short circuit.
Cycles Before Stop Time to Check Output Regulation Combined with the nominal switching frequency, this parameter determines the length of time at the end of the simulation in which the circuit is examined to determine that it is in regulation; applies only to Short Circuit and Recover tests.
Source and load measurements
Short Circuit The Source and Load buttons allow you to select voltage and current measurements for each of these test objectives.
Short Circuit w/ Recovery

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AC/DC Objectives

The AC/DC Objectives section has six sub categories of parameters:

The DC/DC Objectives can also be applied to AC/DC converters if the converter is designed to perform a POP analysis.

Find AC Steady-State

The Find AC Steady-State Test Objective page allows you to define the simulation timing for the FindACSteadyState Test Objective. This test objective runs a long transient simulation and saves an initial-conditions file with the GenerateInitFile testplan entry. This initial-conditions file is then loaded into a future simulation to initialize the converter to a steady-state condition. The timing parameters here reference the F_LOW and F_HIGH symbolic values which are defined on the AC Input page.

Number of line cycles to simulate: Timing parameters that determine length of transient simulation for the Find AC Steady-State test objective
@Low Freq (F_LOW) Number of line cycles to simulate in order to find the steady-state operating point of the circuit at the lower frequency. The default values result in a stop time of 1s.
@High Freq (F_HIGH) Number of line cycles to simulate in order to find the steady-state operating point of the circuit at the higher frequency. The default values result in a stop time of 1s.
Source and load measurements
Find AC Steady-State The Source and Load buttons allow you to select voltage and current measurements for this test objective.

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AC Steady-State

The AC Steady-State test objective measures the performance of the converter under steady-state input voltage and output-load conditions. The converter is typically initialized to a steady state with an IncludeInitFile testplan entry. This includes an initial-conditions file from a FindAcSteadyState simulation. For additional details, see the AcSteadyState test objective topic.

 Power Factor (PF) / THD / Settling Specs: Specifications for the AC steady-state analyses
Max THD Maximum total harmonic distortion allowed for input source, specified as a percentage of the fundamental
Max Settling Maximum percent difference between the mean values of the output voltage over the last two lines cycles
Min PF for LL Minimum power factor for low-line tests
Min PF for HL Minimum power factor for high-line tests
Line Harmonics: Options to configure how line harmonics are presented in the DVM report
Calculate Select the line harmonics for which you want to generate scalar values for the DVM report; the menu options are None, Odd, Even, Both.
Units The units for the reported line harmonic scalar values; the menu options are RMS, % Fundamental, mA/W.
Graph Line Spectrum? If checked, DVM will generate a plot of the line harmonics for the AC input source.
  • If any check boxes are selected in the Limits (IE 61000-3-2) section, plots are generated in the units specific to those limits.
  • If no limits are selected, a single line current spectrum graph will be generated in the units selected from the Units drop-down menu.
Limits (IEC 61000-3-2): Specifications for line harmonic current limits
Class A If checked, measured line harmonic currents will be compared with IEC 61000-3-2 Class A harmonic limits.
Class B If checked, measured line harmonic currents will be compared with IEC 61000-3-2 Class B harmonic limits.
Class C If checked, measured line harmonic currents will be compared with IEC 61000-3-2 Class C harmonic limits.
Class D If checked, measured line harmonic currents will be compared with IEC 61000-3-2 Class D harmonic limits.
User Defined If checked, measured line harmonic currents will be compared with the user-specified limits. The limits are defined in a simple plain text file. For a full description, see the AC/DC Harmonic Specifications.
Simulation Timing: Parameters that determine the length of the simulation and when to start collecting waveform data
Simulate For Number of lines cycles to simulate after the Data Gathering Delay. In combination with the line frequency, this determines the stop time of the simulation.
Delay Data Gathering Number of line cycles before data generation starts. Usually this can be set to zero if the initial-conditions file is accurate
Source and load measurements
AC Steady-State The Source and Load buttons allow you to select voltage and current measurements for this test objective.

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Line Dropout

The Line Dropout Test Objective page allows you to define parameters for the LineDropout test.

Standard Timing
Delay before Dropout Number of full line cycles before dropout initiation
Dropout Phase Angle The phase angle, in degress, when the line drop out starts
Time to Recover Number of line cycles to simulate after the line returns to normal
Holdup Spec Maximum holdup time specification for all outputs
Custom Timing
Delay before Dropout Number of full line cycles before dropout initiation
Dropout Phase Angle The phase angle, in degrees, when the line dropout starts
Time to Recover Number of line cycles to simulate after the line returns to normal
Holdup Spec Maximum holdup time specification for all outputs
Duration of Dropout Duration of the dropout in line cycles
Source and load measurements
Line Dropout The Source and Load buttons allow you to select voltage and current measurements for this test objective.

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Line Surge/Sag

The Line Surge/Sag Test Objective page allows you to define parameters for the LineSurge and LineSag test objectives.

Options: Low Line (LL) and High Line (HL)
Surge Voltage Voltage, in volts RMS, to which the line surges for LineSurge test objectives
Sag Voltage Voltage, in volts RMS, to which the line sags for LineSag test objectives
Delay before Surge/Sag Number of full line cycles to simulate before initiating the line surge or line sag
Duration of Surge/Sag Duration, in line cyles, of surge or sag
Surge/Sag Phase Angle The phase angle at which the line surge or sag is initiated
Time to Recover Number of line cycles to simulate after the line returns to normal
Source and load measurements
Line Surge The Source and Load buttons allow you to select voltage and current measurements for these test objectives.
Line Sag

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Pulse Load (AC Line Timing)

The Pulse Load (AC Line Timing) Test Objective page allows you to define the timing parameters for the LoadTrAC Test Objective.

Options
Slew Rate Maximum slew rate, in A/s, at which the load current changes
Delay before Event Number of full line cycles to simulate before initiating the load pulse
Step Load Phase Angle Line phase angle at which the load pulse is initiated
Duration of Event Duration, in line cycles of the load pulse
Time to Recover Number of line cycles to simulate after the load returns to the non-pulse amplitude
Source and load measurements
Pulse Load The Source and Load buttons allow you to select voltage and current measurements for this test objective.

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Startup

The AC Startup Test Objective page allows you to change timing specifications for the LineStartup and ControlStartup test objectives.

Simulation Timing:
Delay Before Startup Number of full line cycles to delay start up
Startup Phase Angle Phase angle at which the line or control startup occurs
Number of line cycles to simulate
@Low Freq (F_LOW) Number of line cycles to simulate at low frequency. This value is used to calculate the stop time that is determined by dividing this number by the F_LOW value specified on the AC Input page. For example, if this value is 34 and the value on the AC Input page is 50 Hz, the stop time is 680ms.
@High Freq (F_HIGH) Number of line cycles to simulate at high frequency. This value is used to calculate the stop time that is determined by dividing this number by the F_HIGH value specified on the AC Input page. For example, if this value is 40 and the value on the AC Input page is 60 Hz, the stop time is 666.667ms.
Control Startup Aux. Source
Off Level The voltage level where the control input disables the converter
On Level The voltage level where the control input enables the converter
Rise/Fall Time The rise or fall time for the source
REF The reference designator for the control source. The schematic symbol must be a DVM Aux source.
Source and load measurements
Line Startup The Source and Load buttons allow you to select voltage and current measurements for these test objectives.
Control Startup

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Multi-Tone AC Analysis

The Multi-Tone AC Analysis page allows you to define parameters for the Multi-Tone AC Analysis, which is an alternative to the conventional POP/AC Analysis and it does not require a circuit to have a POP solution. The Multi-Tone AC Analysis is compatible with both DC/DC and AC/DC converters. Since this is a complicated analysis, you should read the Multi-Tone AC Analysis - Introduction and the Multi-Tone AC Analysis Theory topics before attempting to apply this analysis to a converter.

Sweep Parameters
Start Frequency The lowest injection frequency for the Multi-Tone Sweep. Because this input also sets the total simulation time in integer multiples of 1/Start Frequency, you should avoid extremely low start frequencies. For details, see the Timing table below.
Stop Frequency The highest injection frequency for the Multi-Tone Sweep
Sweep Type The following sweep types are available:
  • LIN sets a linear sweep of frequencies starting at the Start Frequency. This sweep will include every harmonic of the Start Frequency up to and including the Stop Frequency.
  • DEC approximates a decade sweep between Start Frequency and Stop Frequency with no more points than the value of Points/Dec.
  • DEC2 applies a combination of the LIN and DEC sweeps: the first decade consists of linear-spaced frequencies, and subsequent decades use the DEC method.

All sweeps are limited to 100 frequencies. This limits the LIN sweeps to two decades, whereas the DEC and DEC2 sweeps can be used for four or more decades. For details, see Points/Dec. below.
Points/Dec. The maximum number of points for DEC and DEC2 sweeps; not used for LIN sweep types. As more frequencies are injected, the signal-to-noise ratio in the system decreases and the AC output waveforms become noisier. Additionally, a high number of injected frequencies will slow down the simulation considerably. For this reason, using as few frequencies as possible produces the best results.
RMS Injection Amplitude
Bode Plot The RMS voltage injected for the BodePlot() Test Objective
Input Impedance The RMS voltage injected for the Input Impedance Test Objective
Cond. Susceptibility The RMS voltage injected for the Output Impedance Test Objective
Output Impedence The RMS voltage injected for the Conducted Susceptibility Test Objective
Timing
Data Gathering Delay: Find AC Steady-State This parameter sets the time delay before data is generated during Find AC Steady-State tests. The Data Gathering Delay time needs to be set to allow the circuit to settle completely into a steady state. For the Fourier analysis to yield noise-free results, the circuit must be completely settled; therefore, set this time delay generously.
Data Gathering Delay: Other Tests This parameter sets the time delay before data is generated for all tests except Find AC Steady-State. Typically, the initial-conditions file generated from a Find AC Steady-State test will be extremely close to the circuit's steady state and this delay can be set to zero. If there is some residual transient, this delay can be set to allow the circuit to settle before simulation data is generated.
Cycles to Simulate: Find AC Steady-State Find AC Steady-State data will be collected for this number of Start Frequency cycles after the Data Gathering Delay. The Find AC Steady-State tests generate an initial-conditions file. The only reason to make this parameter non-zero is if you wish to observe the settling behavior of the converter.
Cycles to Simulate: Other Tests In conjunction with the Start Frequency and the Data Gathering Delay: Other Tests, this parameter determines the simulation stop time:
  • Start Frequency
  • Data Gathering Delay: Other Tests
  • This parameter (Cycles to Simulate: Other Tests)
\[ \text{Simulation Stop Time} = \frac{\text{Cycles to Simulate: Other Tests}}{\text{Start Frequency}} + \text{Data Gathering Delay: Other Tests} \]

The simulation time span is then determined as follows:

\[ \text{Simulation Time Span} = \frac{\text{Cycles to Simulate: Other Tests}}{\text{Start Frequency}} \]

For example, if the Cycles to Simulate is 2 and the Start Frequency is 1kHz, the simulation will have 2ms of simulated data. The Simulation Time Span will always be an integer multiple of the lowest period: \[ \frac{\text{1}}{\text{Start Frequency}} \]

Sensitivity/Worst-Case Analysis

Sensitivity and Worst-Case Analysis is a special analysis used to evaluate the effect of parameter variation on converter performance. The analysis is described in detail in the DVM Sensitivity and Worst-Case Analysis topic. The dialog is described below.

Sensitivity / Worst Case Factor
Worst Case Factor During sensitivity analysis, each design parameter is increased by an amount equal to the worst-case factor multiplied by the user-defined tolerance. A value of 333m represents a change of one standard deviation in the positive direction.
Sensitivity Files
Base Testplan Select the sensitivity base testplan for this schematic. This is the tesplan is used for sensitivity and worst-case analyses.
Function Definitions Select the function definition file for the sensitivity analysis.
Parameter Definitions Select the parameter definition file for the sensitivity analysis.
Tolerance Definitions Select the tolerance definition file for the sensitivity analysis.

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Multi-Step Analysis

The DVM Multi-Step Analysis allows you to step a set of design parameters over a range of values using a decade-step or linear-step sequence. You may also step values over a defined list of parameter values. One advantage of using a single test with a multi-step analysis over multiple DVM tests is the multi-core capability which is part of the Pro and Elite license packages. The multi-core capability runs steps in parallel on multiple processor cores and will greatly reduce the simulation time required for the multi-step analysis. Even using a single processor core reduces the required simulation time as the schematic is setup once, as is the graph and data collection after the simulation completes.

For more information, see the Multi-Step Analysis topic.

The table on the Multi-Step Analysis page allows you to enter the parameter names and their associated step parameters. The dialog allows you to configure three different step modes:

  • A Linear step where the parameter is stepped from the Start Value to the Stop Value using the Number of Steps in a linearly spaced sequence. The number of steps run will always be the parameter entered into the Number of Steps field.
  • A Decade step where the parameter is stepped from the Start Value to the Stop Value using the Number of Steps per decade in a logarithmic sequence. The total number of steps depends on the Start Value, Stop Value, and the Number of Steps.
  • A List sequence where the parameter is stepped over a user-defined list of parameter values. There are no restrictions on the values of the list. The total number of steps depends only on the number of values entered.

To enter parameter step information, follow these steps:

  1. Enter a parameter name in the Parameter Name column.
  2. Select the desired Step Type from the drop-down list. After you select the step type, the rest of the valid controls for this parameter are enabled.
  3. For List step types, enter the list of values by double clicking on the List Values table cell or click on the Define List... button.
Table Column Description
Parameter Name The name of the stepped parameter. The schematic symbols should be parameterized with this parameter name using braced {} substitutions as shown at the top of the dialog image above.
Note: You can automatically change symbol property values by using the Change testplan entry.
Step Type The step type can be one of the following:
  • Decade: The stepped parameter is stepped logarithmically.
  • Linear: The stepped parameter is stepped in a linear fashion.
  • List:The parameter is stepped over a list of values. To define the list, click the Define List... button.
Start Value The starting value for the parameter step, used with decade and linear steps
Stop Value The ending value for the parameter step, used with decade and linear steps
Number of Steps The number of steps for the decade or linear steps. For decade steps, this parameter value is the number of steps per decade, for linear steps, the parameter value is the number of equally spaced steps.
List Values The list of stepped values. This cell is automatically populated by the dialog opened with the Define List... button.

Additional parameters can be stepped by clicking on the Add... button and individual parameters can be removed with the Remove... button. The total number of steps is the product of number of steps for each stepped parameter. The total number of steps is calculated and shown below the table in the Total number of steps text.

Note: Parameters in the table with an empty parameter name are not saved when you accept the dialog.
Multi-core
Number of cores The number of cores used for the simulation. The Pro and Elite licenses allow the use of 4 and 16 cores respectively.
Save state If checked, SIMPLIS will save initial conditions files with names which reflect the stepped parameter values. You can use the GenerateInitFile entry to save the initial conditions files and the IncludeInitFile entry to include these files.

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Monte Carlo Analysis

The Monte Carlo analysis allows you to investigate the effect of random parameter value changes on your circuit. The Monte Carlo analysis assumes that you have set up your circuit with statistical parameter distribution functions.

For more information, see the Monte Carlo Analysis topic.

Parameters
Number of Monte Carlo Steps The number of steps, or simulations, to run
Monte Carlo Seed The seed value for the Monte Carlo simulation. The seed value starts the pseudo-random number generator at a specific value. Subsequent seeds follow a predictable pattern, which makes the Monte Carlo simulation repeatable.
Multi-core
Number of cores The number of cores used for the simulation. The Pro and Elite licenses allow the use of 4 and 16 cores respectively.
Save state If checked, SIMPLIS will save initial conditions files with names which match the Monte Carlo seed values. You can use the GenerateInitFile entry to save the initial conditions files and the IncludeInitFile entry to include these files.
Important: You must enable and provide a starting seed to include the initial conditions files.

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Files Page

The Files page allows you to do the following:

  • Assign a default testplan
  • Customize the appearance of the simulation reports
  • Add Pre-process and Post-process scripts to be run on every simulation
Default Testplan: used when you select either DVM ▶ Run Schematic's Default Testplan or DVM ▶ Run Entire Schematic's Default Testplan from the menu bar.
Default Testplan Specifies the default testplan to be used with this schematic.
Report Customization: Options to customize the appearance of the DVM report
Overview Report Title The title used on the overview report. The titles for individual test reports can be changed with the HTMLTitle testplan entry.
Custom Style Sheet Cascading Style Sheet (CSS file) to use with the DVM report
Custom Logo Image Portable Network Graphics (PNG) file to use with the DVM report
Pre & Post Processing
Pre-process Script SIMetrix script to be executed immediately before launching each simulation; this allows you to change schematic values or analysis statements before running the test. Preprocess scripts are executed after all Objective entries are processed which allows users to override any schematic changes made by DVM.
Post-process Script SIMetrix script to be executed immediately after each simulation successfully completes; this allows you to perform waveform manipulation and to create custom scalar and specification values.

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Collected links
Basic DVM Control Symbol
2.2.1 Overview of the Periodic Operating Point (POP) Analysis
2.2.2 The Core POP Process
BodePlot() Test Objective
Impedance() Test Objective
ConductedSusceptibility() Test Objective
SIMPLIS Reference Manual
StepLine() Test Objective
PulseLine() Test Objective
StepLoad() Test Objective
PulseLoad() Test Objective
Startup() Test Objective
ShortCkt() Test Objective
FindACSteadyState() Test Objective
GenerateInitFile
Symbolic Values
IncludeInitFile
FindACSteadyState() Test Objective
AcSteadyState() Test Objective
AC/DC Harmonic Specifications
LineDropout() Test Objective
LineSurge() Test Objective
LineSag() Test Objective
LoadTrAC() Test Objective
LineStartup() Test Objective
ControlStartup() Test Objective
Sensitivity and Worst-case Analysis
Multi-Step Analysis
Monte Carlo Analysis