Difference between revisions of "RF.Spice A/D: Getting Started"

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== RF.Spice A/D in a Nutshell ==
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[[File:rfspice_banner.png|right|640px]]
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[[Image:Back_icon.png|40px]] '''[[RF.Spice_A/D | Back to RF.Spice A/D Wiki Gateway]]'''
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== Product Overview ==
  
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[[File:b2MainFig1.png|thumb|540px|]]
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=== RF.Spice A/D in a Nutshell ===
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[[RF.Spice A/D]] is a powerful simulation environment for analysis and design of analog, digital, RF and mixed-mode circuits. Rather than designing and testing circuits with real physical components in a laboratory with expensive test equipment, [[RF.Spice A/D]] allows you to perform accurate and realistic simulations of your circuits without clipping wires or splashing solder. With [[RF.Spice A/D]], editing and simulating circuits is a quick, easy, even enjoyable, process.
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[[RF.Spice A/D]] consists of a number of tightly integrated tools and utilities that work together seamlessly and provide the ultimate computational power with an intuitive and easy-to-use visual interface. When you start the [[RF.Spice A/D]] application, you are in the '''[[RF.Spice A/D]] Workshop''', with its [[Schematic Editor]] occupying the main window. This is where you assemble your circuit. A circuit is made up of a number of parts like resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, voltage and current sources, logic gates, transmission line segments, etc., which are connected to one another using wires. [[RF.Spice A/D]] comes with a very large parts database featuring thousands of passive and active devices including generic models and real parts supplied by major semiconductor device manufacturers. Active device models include no less than six distinct MOSFET models including BSIM3 and BSIM4.  
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[[RF.Spice A/D]] is a powerful visual simulation environment for analysis and design of analog, digital, RF and mixed-signal circuits and systems. Rather than verifying your circuit designs using real physical components in a laboratory with expensive test equipment, [[RF.Spice A/D]] allows you to perform accurate and realistic simulations of your circuits without clipping wires or splashing solder. With [[RF.Spice A/D]], editing and simulating electronic circuits and systems is a quick, easy, even enjoyable, process.  
  
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Once your circuit is ready for simulation, [[RF.Spice A/D]] generates a Netlist input and calls its SPICE engine(s). [[RF.Spice A/D]] supports the full Berkeley SPICE 3F5 set of commands, options and models. These include a variety of simulation types such as DC and AC sweeps, transient and Fourier analyses, pole-zero and distortion analyses, network analysis, Monte Carlo and sensitivity analyses, and more. [[RF.Spice A/D]] also provides a large number of black-box blocks including all of XSPICE models such as differentiator, integrator and s-domain transfer function blocks and mutual coupling for transformer modeling. Event-driven [[Digital Simulation|digital simulation]] is fully supported as well as A/D and D/A bridge models for mixed-mode simulation. With a comprehensive library of generic and physical transmission line components and multiport devices, you can perform nodal analysis or network analysis of passive and active RF circuits as well as mixed-signal analog/digital/RF circuits.  
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{{Note| <b><u>Notice to Our Valued B2.Spice A/D Users: </u></b><br />
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EMAG Technologies Inc. proudly announces the completion of transition from our popular B2.Spice A/D product to [[RF.Spice A/D]], our new comprehensive visual software environment for analog, digital, RF and mixed-signal circuit and system simulation. We highy encourage our B2.Spice A/D customers to upgrade to [[RF.Spice A/D]] R15 and enjoy a wealth of new exciting features and powerful simulation capabilities. However, we will continue to support and offer B2.Spice A/D to the public as a very affordable '''"Lite Edition"''' of [[RF.Spice A/D]]. Please note that the online documentation and tutorial lessons of the two products have now been consolidated. Click here to learn about the '''[[#RF.Spice_A.2FD_vs._B2.Spice_A.2FD | Differences between RF.Spice A/D and B2.Spice A/D]]'''.}}
  
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Using [[RF.Spice A/D]] you can perform live simulations, where output data are generated and animated as the simulation proceeds. You can vary the circuit [[parameters]] in real time during a live simulation. You can also run a large variety of [[tests]] (DC bias, AC, transient, etc.). You can visualize, manipulate and process the output data in the form of graphs or tables in the Data Manager, which is part of the [[RF.Spice A/D]] Workshop.
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[[Image:Tutorial_icon.png|40px]] '''[[RF.Spice_A/D#RF.Spice_A.2FD_Tutorials | RF.Spice A/D Tutorial Gateway]]'''
  
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The [[RF.Spice A/D]] Device Manager is a separate application you can use for defining or importing new parts or modifying those already in the parts bin. You will often find [[RF.Spice]]'s large parts database adequate for most practical circuits. However, you can customize and expand the database to meet your growing analysis and design needs. The Device Manager has an integrated Symbol Editor with an array of drawing tools, which you can use to create new device symbols or modify the existing ones.
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=== What Can You Do with RF.Spice A/D? ===
  
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==System Requirements==
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Using [[RF.Spice A/D]] you can:
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* A Pentium P5 or later processor
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* 1 GB RAM minimum
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* Microsoft [[Windows]] 7 or 8 operating system
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== Installation ==
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Download and run the executable installer program from the download link that is provided to you by EMAG Technologies Inc. and follow the installer instructions step by step.
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== License ==
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The [[RF.Spice A/D]] application comes with a node-locked license that works only on the computer for which it was originally generated. After you install [[RF.Spice A/D]] on your computer and try to start the program for the first time, it pops up an error message saying it could not locate the license file. This message also displays one or more MAC Addresses specific to the computer on which you have installed the [[RF.Spice A/D]] application. A MAC address is a 12-character string that is a combination of letters and numbers. You need to email this MAC address to us so we can generate a license file for you. Once you receive the ".LIC" license file from us, place it in the "Licenses" folder of your [[installation]] directory. You are now set to go!
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== An Overview of RF.Spice A/D Workshop ==
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[[File:b2MAN_Fig210.png|thumb|540px|RF.Spice A/D Workshop]]
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[[RF.Spice A/D]] allows you to enter a circuit design in its [[Schematic Editor|schematic editor]], run simulations on your circuit, and view the simulation results. All this is done in the [[RF.Spice A/D]] Workshop. To open the Workshop, double-click the [[RF.Spice A/D]] icon on your desktop. When you start the application, a blank circuit appears in the Main Window. This is the [[Schematic Editor]] window, where you define and place your parts, connect them using wires and build up your circuit.
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[[RF.Spice A/D]] has two distinct and independent simulators: Mixed-Mode and Digital. Each of these two simulators has its own schematic mode. The mixed-mode simulator simulates analog and mixed analog/digital circuits. If your circuit is analog or mixed-mode, then the mixed-mode schematic and simulator are used. If your circuit is pure digital, then the digital schematic and simulator are evoked, which allow for interactive inputs and outputs. The selection of the appropriate schematic mode and simulation engine is done automatically by [[RF.Spice A/D]]. In other words, you do not have to specify the type of your circuit or choose a particular simulation engine type.
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The [[RF.Spice A/D]] Workshop consists of a number of visual elements:
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* Toolbox
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* [[Toolbars]]
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* [[Windows]]
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* [[Menus]]
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* [[Virtual Instruments]]
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== Toolbox Overview ==
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[[File:b2MAN_Fig3.png|thumb|400px|The RF.Spice A/D Parts Bin and the Toolbox tabs on the left side panel.]]
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One of the important visual elements of [[RF.Spice A/D]] is its '''Toolbox''' located on its left side panel. The Toolbox allows you quick access and navigation to all your project properties, parts in the current project, parts in your custom palette, and all the parts in the database. It also contains the Test Panel and all the graph settings and controls. From the toolbox, you can quickly select parts, set various [[parameters]] for the analysis of your circuit and customize your output data and graphs.
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[[RF.Spice]]'s Toolbox has a number of tabs:
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* Parts Bin
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* [[Parameters]]
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* [[Tests]]
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* Workspace
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* [[Animation]]
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* Wizards
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* Edit Plots (Only when a graph window is active)
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* Edit Graph (Only when a graph window is active)
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* Tracker (Only when a graph window is active)
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* Edit Axes (Only when a graph window is active)
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=== Parts Bin ===
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Besides [[RF.Spice]]'s standard database browser where you can search a part by name or filter by category or keyword, the '''Parts Bin''' of the toolbox allows you to pick and place the exact part you want by function, manufacturer or name from a pop-up menu. Clicking on the "Parts Bin" tab allows you to scroll through a parts list grouped by function, or by manufacturer or by name. "Parts Palette" allows you to store your most frequently used parts available in your company's inventory for quick and easy access. You can add and remove parts as your requirements change.
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The first time you select a part, the program will seem to hang, but it is indeed pulling data from the parts database. This might take a few seconds and is completely normal. More importantly, this will only happen the FIRST time you select a part. Once the program fills in the data, subsequent device selections will take place without a pause.
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[[Image:Info_icon.png|40px]] For further discussion of how to choose and place parts, please see the section on [[b2_schematic#Choosing_and_Placing_Parts | Choosing and Placing Parts]].
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=== Circuit Parameters ===
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The '''[[Parameters]]''' tab of the toolbox contains a list of all the parts in your circuit whose [[parameters]] can be changed, such as resistors, capacitors, etc. Next to each part is its current value. The purpose of this area is to allow quick value changes to part values while a live simulation is running.
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To learn more about [[RF.Spice]]'s live [[parameters]], please refer to the section on [[parameters| Circuit Parameters]].
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* Analyze passive and active analog circuits involving RLC elements, diodes, transistors, operational amplifiers, integrated circuits, power devices, transformers, etc. either in real time or in frequency domain 
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* Analyze digital circuits made of logic gates, flip flops, complex digital devices, etc. and probe them using live timing diagrams
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* Simulate RF circuits consisting of transmission line components, S-parameter-based multiport devices, distributed passive circuits, etc. and perform a network analysis on the Smith chart
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* Combine analog, digital and RF devices in mixed-sginal circuits and perform mixed-mode simulations using A/D and D/A bridges
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* Build complex systems using a large collection of black-box virtual blocks and perform system-level simulations
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* Develop behavioral macromodels of devices, circuits and subsystems, create your own new symbols for them and turn them into new custom parts or blocks and add them to your parts database or share them with others
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<br />
 
<table>
 
<table>
 
<tr>
 
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<td>[[File:b2MAN_Fig4.png|thumb|220px|The RF.Spice A/D Circuit Parameters tab.]]
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</td>
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[[File:RFMainFig1.png|thumb|left|720px|Time-domain simulation of a single-balanced BJT mixer circuit.]]
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<td>[[File:b2MAN_Fig5.png|thumb|220px|The RF.Spice A/D Test Panel.]]
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</td>
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<td>[[File:b2MAN_Fig6.png|thumb|220px|The RF.Spice A/D Circuit Animation tab.]]
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</td>
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<td>[[File:b2MAN_Fig7.png|thumb|200px|The RF.Spice A/D Project Workspace.]]
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</td>
 
</td>
 
</tr>
 
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</table>
 
</table>
  
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=== Circuit Tests ===
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== RF.Spice A/D Features at a Glance==
  
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In [[RF.Spice A/D]], "Predefined [[Tests]]" and "Live Simulations" are now two distinct simulation modes. Live simulations refer to perpetual time-domain simulations that start at t = 0 and end only when you pause or reset them. [[Tests]] are pre-defined analysis types that you run on your circuit to see how it behaves under various domains. DC Bias (Operating Point), AC, Transient are some examples of test types you will frequently run in [[RF.Spice A/D]]. Each test can be selected, set up, and run from the pull down menu in the '''[[Tests]]''' tab of the toolbox. Unlike live simulations, [[tests]] are NOT interactive, and the results are displayed on a graph or in a table, NOT on [[Virtual Instruments|virtual instruments]].
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=== Schematic Editor ===
  
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For detailed descriptions on each Test, refer to the section on [[Tests]].  
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<ul>
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Streamlined user interface with intuitive toolbars, menus and a convenient side panel</li>
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Tabbed workspace to keep a project&rsquo;s documents all in one window</li>
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25,000 digital, analog and RF parts including hundreds of realistic behavioral models for resistors, inductors and capacitors</li>
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New Parts Browser with customizable Parts Palette</li>
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Quick and easy schematic entry using a large set of keyboard shortcuts for generic parts and a versatile wiring tool</li>
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&quot;Live Circuit Parameters&quot; that can be altered during a simulation. Results are displayed on virtual instruments or on the schematic via circuit animation.</li>
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Digital buses allow you to group a set of wires together into a single bus to keeps large circuits compact and easy to edit and debug</li>
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One-click generation of Netlist file from any schematic</li>
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Circuit Wizard to step you through the creation of most commonly used circuit configurations</li>
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</ul>
  
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=== Circuit Animation ===
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=== Analog, Digital, RF &amp; Mixed-Mode SPICE Simulators ===
  
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Circuit [[Animation]] allows graphical and text representation of the circuit state on the schematic using wire/part colors as well as symbols and text to represent the voltage, current and power states of the circuit while a live simulation is running. More details about live data visualization can be found in the section on [[animation| Circuit Animation]].
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Featuring Berkeley Spice 3F5 and Georgia Tech XSpice simulation engines</li>
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Extension of standard SPICE transmission line models to generic and physical T-Line devices for RF analysis</li>
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New multiport capability with S-parameter models as functions of frequency</li>
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Continuous (perpetual) transient simulation allows you to vary live circuit parameters while the simulation is running</li>
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Virtual instruments: oscilloscope, function generator, ammeter, voltmeter, wattmeter, distortion meter, and more, to be used during a live continuous simulation</li>
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Many powerful analysis types (known as Tests): transient, dc bias, ac sweep, sensitivity analysis, distortion, noise, network analysis, etc.</li>
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Multiple level tests: Multivariable sweeps or Monte Carlo sweeps for all test types</li>
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A large variety of sources and excitation waveforms, including sine, square and triangle waves, single-tone modulated signals, nonlinear dependent sources and arbitrary waveforms defined through mathematical expressions</li>
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A large number of &ldquo;black box&rdquo; blocks performing signal processing and conditioning functions such as gain block, summer, multiplier, divider, differentiator, integrator, limiter, etc.</li>
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Curve tracer circuits to examine the behavior of an active device before you place it in your circuit</li>
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Event-driven digital simulation: manual stepping, walk and continuous clocking</li>
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Accurate simulation of the propagation delays and setup and hold times for each device according to the specifications in logic data books</li>
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Customizable device properties: You can modify propagation delays and other characteristics of devices in your circuit and of the models of devices in the libraries.</li>
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</ul>
  
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=== Project Management ===
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=== Parts Database &amp; Device Manager ===
  
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The '''Workspace''' tab of the toolbox allows you total control over the all the files associated with a circuit. The workspace is set up in a collapsible tree-based structure. Each project can be expanded to show all the files associated with that project, including the circuit itself, the simulations, simulation results, and associated graphs. You can add new files or close existing files in the workspace by highlighting the project or file, opening the File Menu and choosing the appropriate command.
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A large selection of active device models (diode, BJTs, FETs, MOSFETs, MESFETS, operational amplifiers, etc.) with no less than six distinct MOSFET models including BSIM3 and BSIM4</li>
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One-ports, two-ports, three-ports, four-ports, complex impedance, and other S-parameter-based devices</li>
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Import high frequency models of capacitors, inductors, diodes, BJTs, JFETs, MOSFETs, MESFETs, from simple text files</li>
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19 types of physical transmission line models including microstrip, stripline, coplanar waveguide, coaxial lines, etc.</li>
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A large variety of RF generic components such as Wilkinson power divider, branchline and rat-race hybrid couples, etc. as well as physical line discontinuities</li>
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130 virtual blocks representing black-box system behaviors</li>
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Powerful Device Manager with integrated Symbol Editor</li>
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Unlimited user-defined parameterized subcircuit models</li>
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Create a part from any circuit and package it as a reusable database device</li>
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Import and manage external parts libraries</li>
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=== Circuit Wizards ===
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=== Data Visualization ===
  
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The idea behind the Circuit Wizards is easy circuit creation. Just select the type of circuit that you wish to create, fill in a few choices and the rest of the work is done for you. You may select to place the new circuit directly into your existing circuit or place it into a blank circuit to start a new design.
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Extensive graphing utilities with complete control over all aspects of the graph</li>
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Real and complex data plots (Mag/Phase or Re/Im) and Smith chart</li>
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Live digital timing diagrams during live digital circuit simulations</li>
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Cross probing interactively updates the graph as you add or move the probes around the circuit.</li>
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Simulation data update on virtual instruments or via circuit animation on the schematic during live in response to live circuit parameter variations</li>
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Circuit visualization/animation displays the actual current flow through a circuit and relative voltage relationships by varying the wires&rsquo; display color.</li>
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<table>
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== A Brief History of RF.Spice A/D ==
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<td> [[File:b2MAN_Fig8.png|thumb|250px|RF.Spice A/D Circuit Wizard - Main Page]]
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</td>
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<td> [[File:b2MAN_Fig9.png|thumb|250px|RF.Spice A/D Circuit Wizard - Filter Design]]
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</td>
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</tr>
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</table>
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== Graphing and Plot Controls ==
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'''[[RF.Spice A/D]]''' is the outcome of evolution of EMAG Technologies' older EDA tool, '''B2.Spice A/D''', which was originally developed by Beige Bag Software Inc. in mid nineties. For nearly two decades, B2.Spice has been productively used by thousands of electronic engineers, system designers, students, hobbyists, government agencies, etc. across the globe. [[RF.Spice A/D]] has been built upon the solid and age-tested foundation of B2.Spice A/D with an emphasis on maintaining its versatility and ease of use. [[RF.Spice A/D]] continues to offer the schematic, simulation and data visualization tools and utilities of the older product including its extensive parts database, its powerful device editor and all the analog, digital and mixed-mode analysis capabilities. To these we have now added a wide variety of transmission line models, multiport RF devices, a greatly expanded network analysis capability and a large library of system-level "black-box" virtual blocks for waveform generation, analog and digital signal processing, spectral operations and popular modulation schemes.
  
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When a graph window is active, the toolbox contains four additional tabs: "Edit Graph", "Edit Axes", "Tracker" and "Edit Plots". All aspects of the graph are controlled from these tabs. The '''Edit Graph''' tab controls the appearance of the graph itself, including the graph size, color and text on the graph, as well as the plot colors. The '''Tracker''' tab allows you to view the various plots on the graph and information relevant to the plots. From the '''Edit Axes''' tab, you can adjust the individual axes, their bounds and appearance. The '''Edit Plots''' tab controls the individual plots in the graph and how they appear. Here you can add and remove plots from the graph as well as making custom plots using a built-in function library.
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== RF.Spice A/D vs. B2.Spice A/D ==
  
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To learn more about graphs and plotting data in [[RF.Spice A/D]], see the section on [[B2_output | Visualizing Simulation Data Using Graphs and Tables]].
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[[RF.Spice A/D]] is an extensive superset of B2.Spice A/D, offering additional RF simulation capability plus a comprehensive library of system-level black-box virtual blocks. Due to popular demand, EMAG Technologies Inc. continues to offer B2.Spice A/D simply as the '''"Lite Version"''' of the [[RF.Spice A/D]] product. The user interface of the two products are now identical and both share the same consolidated online documentation and tutorial lessons. However, the users of the B2.Spice A/D edition will find the following submenus or menu items greyed out and inaccessible:
  
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<table>
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* [[RF.Spice A/D]] Workshop > Parts Menu > Multiport Networks > ...
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* [[RF.Spice A/D]] Workshop > Parts Menu > Transmission Lines > ...
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<td> [[File:b2MAN_Fig10.png|thumb|220px|RF.Spice A/D Edit Graph Tab]] </td>
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* [[RF.Spice A/D]] Workshop > Parts Menu > RF Devices > ...
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<td> [[File:b2MAN_Fig11.png|thumb|220px|RF.Spice A/D Edit Axes Tab]] </td>
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* [[RF.Spice A/D]] Workshop > Parts Menu > Waveform Generation Blocks > ...
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<td> [[File:b2MAN_Fig12.png|thumb|220px|RF.Spice A/D Tracker Tab]] </td>
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* [[RF.Spice A/D]] Workshop > Parts Menu > Analog Signal Processing Blocks > ...
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<td> [[File:b2MAN_Fig13.png|thumb|220px|RF.Spice A/D Edit Plots Tab]] </td>
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* [[RF.Spice A/D]] Workshop > Parts Menu > Digital Signal Processing Blocks > ...
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</tr>
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* [[RF.Spice A/D]] Workshop > Parts Menu > Spectral Processing Blocks > ...
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</table>
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* [[RF.Spice A/D]] Workshop > Parts Menu > Modulation Blocks > ...
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* [[RF.Spice A/D]] Device Manager > Tools Menu > Transmission Line Calculators > ...
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* [[RF.Spice A/D]] Device Manager > Tools Menu > Transmission Line Designers > ...
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* [[RF.Spice A/D]] Device Manager > File Menu > Import S-Parameter Model from Text File
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* [[RF.Spice A/D]] Device Manager > File Menu > Create New Generic Multiport from S-Parameter Text File
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* [[RF.Spice A/D]] Device Manager > File Menu > Create New RF Device from S-Parameter Text File > ...
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* [[RF.Spice A/D]] Device Manager > File Menu > Create New Generic T-Line Component from S-Parameter Text File > ...
  
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== Toolbars ==
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Needless to say, the parts database of the B2.Spice A/D edition is a reduced subset of the parts database of [[RF.Spice A/D]].
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[[RF.Spice A/D]] is mainly controlled by the Toolbox and [[Toolbars]]. [[Toolbars | Toolbars]] are collections of icons that are shortcuts to menu commands, and are located below the [[menus]]. [[RF.Spice A/D]] has a [[main toolbar]] which is common to all modes of operation and is used to control file and simulation functions. It also has two other window-specific [[toolbars]] to control other functions available for specific [[windows]]. [[Toolbars#Schematic_Toolbar |Schematic Toolbar]] appears only when a schematic is the active window. [[Toolbars#Graph_Toolbar |Graph Toolbar]] appears only when a graph is the active window. For a more information on each toolbar, follow these links:
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* [[Toolbars#Main_Toolbar | Main Toolbar]]
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== The Stages of a Circuit or System Simulation ==
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* [[Toolbars#Schematic_Toolbar | Schematic Toolbar]]
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* [[Toolbars#Graph_Toolbar | Graph Toolbar]]
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To learn more about building schematics in [[RF.Spice A/D]], see the section on [[B2_schematic| Working with Schematic Editor]].
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Every circuit simulation, regardless of analog, digital, RF, mixed-signal or system-level type, involves a number of common and recurring steps:
  
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To learn more about graphs and plotting data in [[RF.Spice A/D]], see the section on [[B2_output | Visualizing Simulation Data Using Graphs and Tables]].
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* Construction of the schematic using parts and wires or connections
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* Definition of stimuli or sources to excite your circuit
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* Definition of observables such as node voltages, branch currents, device powers, digital timing diagrams, port characteristics, etc.
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* Simulation of the circuit using the SPICE solver
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* Visualization of the output data
  
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<table>
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[[RF.Spice A/D]] consists of a number of tightly integrated tools and utilities that work together seamlessly and provide the ultimate computational power with an intuitive and easy-to-use visual interface. When you start the [[RF.Spice A/D]] application, you are in the '''[[RF.Spice A/D]] Workshop''', with its Schematic Editor occupying the main window. This is where you assemble your circuit. A circuit is made up of a number of parts like resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, voltage and current sources, logic gates, transmission line segments, virtual blocks, etc., which are connected to one another using wires. [[RF.Spice A/D]] comes with a very large parts database featuring thousands of passive and active devices including generic models and real parts supplied by major semiconductor device manufacturers. Active device models include no less than six distinct MOSFET models including BSIM3 and BSIM4. 
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<td> [[File:b2MAN_Fig14.png|thumb|700px|RF.Spice A/D Main Toolbar]] </td>
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<td> [[File:b2MAN_Fig15.png|thumb|700px|RF.Spice A/D Schematic Toolbar]] </td>
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<td> [[File:b2MAN_Fig16.png|thumb|700px|RF.Spice A/D Graph Toolbar]] </td>
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</tr>
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</table>
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== Windows ==
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Once your circuit is ready for simulation, [[RF.Spice A/D]] generates a Netlist input and calls its SPICE engine(s). [[RF.Spice A/D]] supports the full Berkeley SPICE 3F5 set of commands, options and models. These include a variety of simulation types such as DC and AC sweeps, transient and Fourier analyses, pole-zero and distortion analyses, network analysis, Monte Carlo and sensitivity analyses, and more. [[RF.Spice A/D]] also provides a large number of black-box blocks including all of XSPICE models such as differentiator, integrator and s-domain transfer function blocks and mutual coupling for transformer modeling. Event-driven digital simulation is fully supported as well as A/D and D/A bridge models for mixed-mode simulation. With a comprehensive library of generic and physical transmission line components and multiport devices, you can perform nodal analysis or network analysis of passive and active RF circuits as well as mixed-signal analog/digital/RF circuits. Black-box virtual blocks allow you to quickly test and verify new system concepts without getting into the nitty gritty of particular circuit realizations.  
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[[RF.Spice A/D]] has changed the way [[windows | windows]] are arranged and appear. The biggest difference is that now all [[windows]] are "tabs" in a larger Project window. Projects contain all the files associated with a particular circuit, including any graphs, netlists, and other related files. All Project files will appear in one window with the different Project files as Tab at the bottom left of the window. If you load a new circuit, it will automatically open in a new Project Window. More than one Project can be open at once. To switch to a different view, just click on the Tab that you wish to view. If you right click on a window tab, you will get the contextual pop-up menu, from which you can choose to close the Tab, add a new Tab, or rename the Tab.
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For more specific information on each type of window, refer to the specific [[windows]] section below.
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Using [[RF.Spice A/D]] you can perform live simulations, where output data are generated and animated as the simulation proceeds. You can vary the circuit parameters in real time during a live simulation. You can also run a large variety of tests (DC bias, AC, transient, etc.). You can visualize, manipulate and process the output data in the form of graphs or tables in the Data Manager, which is part of the [[RF.Spice A/D]] Workshop.  
  
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* [[Windows#Schematic_Window | Schematic Window]]
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The [[RF.Spice A/D]] Device Manager is a separate application you can use for defining or importing new parts or modifying those already in the parts bin. You will often find RF.Spice's large parts database adequate for most practical circuits. However, you can customize and expand the database to meet your growing analysis and design needs. The Device Manager has an integrated Symbol Editor with an array of drawing tools, which you can use to create new device symbols or modify the existing ones.
  
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* [[Windows#Graph_Window | Graph Window]]
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== Choosing from Two Simulation Modes ==
  
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* [[Windows#Table_Window | Table Window]]
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In [[RF.Spice A/D]], you can choose two distinct simulation modes: interactive "Live Simulations" and non-interactive "Predefined Tests". There are important differences between a test and a live simulation that must be understood before you can use [[RF.Spice A/D]] effectively.
  
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* [[Windows#Text_Window | Text Window]]
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A "Live Simulation" is simply a continuous transient simulation, which starts at time t = 0 and increments indefinitely by a user-defined time step. Simulations can be paused and continued but they run continuously until they are stopped, paused or reset. Live simulations can be stimulated by virtual instruments like a Function Generator or Power Supply, and their results can be measured by virtual instruments like the Oscilloscope, Ammeter, Voltmeter, etc. You can also use regular voltage or current sources to excite your circuit during a live simulation or use probes or circuit animation to display node voltages and currents in real time. You can vary your circuit's parameter values in real time from the "Circuit Parameters" panel of the toolbox and observe the circuit's response immediately.
  
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The Project window can be arranged so that the Tabs are displayed side by side or one atop another. To do so select the layout you wish from the Layout button in the toolbar. Any layout chosen will arrange the Tab [[windows]] as indicated by the icon in the menu only for that project. If there are not enough tabs to split as chosen by the Layout button, the program will leave that pane empty. You can then fill it up with new tabs that you create. You can also drag existing [[windows]] to the empty frames. To move [[windows]], drag the window tab to the window that you wish to move the existing window to.
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"Predefined Tests", on the other hand, are run with some advance planning and preset simulation parameters. You can run tests to analyze your circuit in time and frequency domains and characterize its DC bias (operating point), transient and steady-state AC responses, noise performance, network parameters, etc. The output results of [[RF.Spice A/D]] tests are displayed on graphs or tabulated in tables.
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To learn more about building schematics in [[RF.Spice A/D]], see the section on [[B2_schematic| Working with Schematic Editor]].
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To learn more about graphs and data tables in [[RF.Spice A/D]], see the section on [[B2_output | Visualizing Simulation Data Using Graphs and Tables]].
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== Working with Two Simulation Engines ==
  
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<table>
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[[RF.Spice A/D]] has two distinct and independent simulation engines: the mixed-mode simulator and the event-driven digital simulator. Each of these two simulators has its own schematic mode and both are based on the Berkeley Spice and XSpice engine codes. The mixed-mode simulator simulates analog, RF and mixed analog/digital circuits. If your circuit is pure analog or RF or contains both analog and digital parts, then the mixed-mode schematic and simulator are used. If your circuit is pure digital, then the digital schematic and simulator are evoked, which allow for interactive inputs and outputs.  
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<tr>
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<td> [[File:b2MAN_Fig19.png|thumb|450px|RF.Spice A/D Schematic Window]] </td>
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<td> [[File:b2MAN_Fig20.png|thumb|450px|RF.Spice A/D Graph Window]] </td>
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</tr>
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<tr>
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<td> [[File:b2MAN_Fig21.png|thumb|450px|RF.Spice A/D Table Window]] </td>
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<td> [[File:b2MAN_Fig22.png|thumb|450px|RF.Spice A/D Text Window]] </td>
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</tr>
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</table>
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== Menus ==
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{{Note|The selection of the appropriate schematic mode and simulation engine (mixed-mode vs. digital) is done automatically by [[RF.Spice A/D]] based on the parts used in your circuit.}}
  
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Another important visual element of [[RF.Spice A/D]] is its menu bar located at the top of the screen underneath the title bar. [[Menus | Menus]] provide another convenient way to access many different functions such as file and edit operations, view settings, simulation, as well as a large number of generic parts passive and active elements, digital parts and virtual blocks. The contents of the menu bar changes depending on the active window: 
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You can run both of RF.Spice's mixed-mode and digital simulation engines in either of its two simulation modes, that is, either as a live simulation or as a predefined test. However, digital circuit analysis is more effective as a live simulation, whereby you can step time by the clock cycles and observe your circuit's response using live digital timing diagrams. On the other hand, for most RF circuits you need to perform either an AC frequency sweep test or a network analysis.
  
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* [[Menus#Schematic_Editor_Menus | Schematic Editor Menus]]
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==System Requirements==
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* [[Menus#Graph_View_Menus | Graph View Menus]]
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* [[Menus#Table_View_Menus | Table View Menus]]
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To learn more about building schematics in [[RF.Spice A/D]], see the section on [[B2_schematic| Working with Schematic Editor]].
+
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To learn more about graphs and data tables in [[RF.Spice A/D]], see the section on [[B2_output | Visualizing Simulation Data Using Graphs and Tables]].
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<table>
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<tr>
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<td> [[File:b2MAN_Fig17.png|thumb|400px|RF.Spice A/D Schematic Menu]] </td>
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</tr>
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<tr>
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<td> [[File:b2MAN_Fig18.png|thumb|400px|RF.Spice A/D Graph and Table Menus]] </td>
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</tr>
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</table>
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[[File:b2MAN_Fig23.png|thumb|250px|RF.Spice A/D Virtual Instrument Panel]]
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=Virtual Instruments=
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A very useful and important feature of [[RF.Spice A/D]] is the [[Virtual_Instruments | Virtual Instruments]]. Now you have ten instruments to manipulate and measure your circuit. Click on each instrument below to see a detailed description of it.
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* A Pentium P5 or later processor
  
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* [[Virtual_Instruments#Virtual_Ammeter | Virtual Ammeter]]
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* 4GB RAM minimum
  
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* [[Virtual_Instruments#Virtual_Distortion_Meter | Virtual Distortion Meter]]
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* Microsoft Windows 7, 8 or 10 operating system or higher
  
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* [[Virtual_Instruments#Virtual_Bode_Plotter | Virtual Bode Plotter]]
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== Installation ==
  
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* [[Virtual_Instruments#Virtual_Function_Generator | Virtual Function Generator]]
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Download and run the executable installer program from the download link that is provided to you by EMAG Technologies Inc. and follow the installer instructions step by step.
  
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* [[Virtual_Instruments#Virtual_Gain_Meter | Virtual Gain Meter]]
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{{Note|The [[RF.Spice A/D]] program is installed in a folder called "B2Spice" located under the "Program Files (x86)" folder of your computer's C drive for downward compatibility.}}
  
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* [[Virtual_Instruments#Virtual_Power_Supply | Virtual Power Supply]]
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== License ==
  
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* [[Virtual_Instruments#Virtual_Oscilloscope | Virtual Oscilloscope]]
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The [[RF.Spice A/D]] application comes with a node-locked license that works only on the computer for which it was originally generated. After you install [[RF.Spice A/D]] on your computer and try to start the program for the first time, it pops up an error message saying it could not locate the license file. This message also displays one or more MAC Addresses specific to the computer on which you have installed the [[RF.Spice A/D]] application. A MAC address is a 12-character string that is a combination of letters and numbers. You need to email this MAC address to us so we can generate a license file for you. Once you receive the ".LIC" license file from us, place it in the "Licenses" folder of your [[installation]] directory. You are now set to go!
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
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[[Image:Tutorial_icon.png|40px]] '''[[RF.Spice_A/D#RF.Spice_A.2FD_Tutorials | RF.Spice A/D Tutorial Gateway]]'''
  
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* [[Virtual_Instruments#Virtual_Transient_Signal_Recorder | Virtual Transient Signal Recorder]]
 
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* [[Virtual_Instruments#Virtual_Voltmeter | Virtual Voltmeter]]
 
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* [[Virtual_Instruments#Virtual_Wattmeter | Virtual Wattmeter]]
 
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The specific [[parameters]] of each instrument are set using its "setup" button. Pressing the “Setup” button toggles the size of the virtual instrument window. Most instruments have two or more tabs in their settings section containing a number of [[parameters]] that can be adjusted. When the setup is complete, press the "Setup" button once again to make the instrument only as tall as its title bar.
 
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
 
 
[[Image:Back_icon.png|40px]] '''[[RF.Spice_A/D | Back to RF.Spice A/D Wiki Gateway]]'''
 
[[Image:Back_icon.png|40px]] '''[[RF.Spice_A/D | Back to RF.Spice A/D Wiki Gateway]]'''

Latest revision as of 18:07, 17 November 2016

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Back icon.png Back to RF.Spice A/D Wiki Gateway

Product Overview

RF.Spice A/D in a Nutshell

RF.Spice A/D is a powerful visual simulation environment for analysis and design of analog, digital, RF and mixed-signal circuits and systems. Rather than verifying your circuit designs using real physical components in a laboratory with expensive test equipment, RF.Spice A/D allows you to perform accurate and realistic simulations of your circuits without clipping wires or splashing solder. With RF.Spice A/D, editing and simulating electronic circuits and systems is a quick, easy, even enjoyable, process.

Attention icon.png Notice to Our Valued B2.Spice A/D Users:

EMAG Technologies Inc. proudly announces the completion of transition from our popular B2.Spice A/D product to RF.Spice A/D, our new comprehensive visual software environment for analog, digital, RF and mixed-signal circuit and system simulation. We highy encourage our B2.Spice A/D customers to upgrade to RF.Spice A/D R15 and enjoy a wealth of new exciting features and powerful simulation capabilities. However, we will continue to support and offer B2.Spice A/D to the public as a very affordable "Lite Edition" of RF.Spice A/D. Please note that the online documentation and tutorial lessons of the two products have now been consolidated. Click here to learn about the Differences between RF.Spice A/D and B2.Spice A/D.

Tutorial icon.png RF.Spice A/D Tutorial Gateway

What Can You Do with RF.Spice A/D?

Using RF.Spice A/D you can:

  • Analyze passive and active analog circuits involving RLC elements, diodes, transistors, operational amplifiers, integrated circuits, power devices, transformers, etc. either in real time or in frequency domain
  • Analyze digital circuits made of logic gates, flip flops, complex digital devices, etc. and probe them using live timing diagrams
  • Simulate RF circuits consisting of transmission line components, S-parameter-based multiport devices, distributed passive circuits, etc. and perform a network analysis on the Smith chart
  • Combine analog, digital and RF devices in mixed-sginal circuits and perform mixed-mode simulations using A/D and D/A bridges
  • Build complex systems using a large collection of black-box virtual blocks and perform system-level simulations
  • Develop behavioral macromodels of devices, circuits and subsystems, create your own new symbols for them and turn them into new custom parts or blocks and add them to your parts database or share them with others


Time-domain simulation of a single-balanced BJT mixer circuit.

RF.Spice A/D Features at a Glance

Schematic Editor

  • Streamlined user interface with intuitive toolbars, menus and a convenient side panel
  • Tabbed workspace to keep a project’s documents all in one window
  • 25,000 digital, analog and RF parts including hundreds of realistic behavioral models for resistors, inductors and capacitors
  • New Parts Browser with customizable Parts Palette
  • Quick and easy schematic entry using a large set of keyboard shortcuts for generic parts and a versatile wiring tool
  • "Live Circuit Parameters" that can be altered during a simulation. Results are displayed on virtual instruments or on the schematic via circuit animation.
  • Digital buses allow you to group a set of wires together into a single bus to keeps large circuits compact and easy to edit and debug
  • One-click generation of Netlist file from any schematic
  • Circuit Wizard to step you through the creation of most commonly used circuit configurations

Analog, Digital, RF & Mixed-Mode SPICE Simulators

  • Featuring Berkeley Spice 3F5 and Georgia Tech XSpice simulation engines
  • Extension of standard SPICE transmission line models to generic and physical T-Line devices for RF analysis
  • New multiport capability with S-parameter models as functions of frequency
  • Continuous (perpetual) transient simulation allows you to vary live circuit parameters while the simulation is running
  • Virtual instruments: oscilloscope, function generator, ammeter, voltmeter, wattmeter, distortion meter, and more, to be used during a live continuous simulation
  • Many powerful analysis types (known as Tests): transient, dc bias, ac sweep, sensitivity analysis, distortion, noise, network analysis, etc.
  • Multiple level tests: Multivariable sweeps or Monte Carlo sweeps for all test types
  • A large variety of sources and excitation waveforms, including sine, square and triangle waves, single-tone modulated signals, nonlinear dependent sources and arbitrary waveforms defined through mathematical expressions
  • A large number of “black box” blocks performing signal processing and conditioning functions such as gain block, summer, multiplier, divider, differentiator, integrator, limiter, etc.
  • Curve tracer circuits to examine the behavior of an active device before you place it in your circuit
  • Event-driven digital simulation: manual stepping, walk and continuous clocking
  • Accurate simulation of the propagation delays and setup and hold times for each device according to the specifications in logic data books
  • Customizable device properties: You can modify propagation delays and other characteristics of devices in your circuit and of the models of devices in the libraries.

Parts Database & Device Manager

  • A large selection of active device models (diode, BJTs, FETs, MOSFETs, MESFETS, operational amplifiers, etc.) with no less than six distinct MOSFET models including BSIM3 and BSIM4
  • One-ports, two-ports, three-ports, four-ports, complex impedance, and other S-parameter-based devices
  • Import high frequency models of capacitors, inductors, diodes, BJTs, JFETs, MOSFETs, MESFETs, from simple text files
  • 19 types of physical transmission line models including microstrip, stripline, coplanar waveguide, coaxial lines, etc.
  • A large variety of RF generic components such as Wilkinson power divider, branchline and rat-race hybrid couples, etc. as well as physical line discontinuities
  • 130 virtual blocks representing black-box system behaviors
  • Powerful Device Manager with integrated Symbol Editor
  • Unlimited user-defined parameterized subcircuit models
  • Create a part from any circuit and package it as a reusable database device
  • Import and manage external parts libraries

Data Visualization

  • Extensive graphing utilities with complete control over all aspects of the graph
  • Real and complex data plots (Mag/Phase or Re/Im) and Smith chart
  • Live digital timing diagrams during live digital circuit simulations
  • Cross probing interactively updates the graph as you add or move the probes around the circuit.
  • Simulation data update on virtual instruments or via circuit animation on the schematic during live in response to live circuit parameter variations
  • Circuit visualization/animation displays the actual current flow through a circuit and relative voltage relationships by varying the wires’ display color.

A Brief History of RF.Spice A/D

RF.Spice A/D is the outcome of evolution of EMAG Technologies' older EDA tool, B2.Spice A/D, which was originally developed by Beige Bag Software Inc. in mid nineties. For nearly two decades, B2.Spice has been productively used by thousands of electronic engineers, system designers, students, hobbyists, government agencies, etc. across the globe. RF.Spice A/D has been built upon the solid and age-tested foundation of B2.Spice A/D with an emphasis on maintaining its versatility and ease of use. RF.Spice A/D continues to offer the schematic, simulation and data visualization tools and utilities of the older product including its extensive parts database, its powerful device editor and all the analog, digital and mixed-mode analysis capabilities. To these we have now added a wide variety of transmission line models, multiport RF devices, a greatly expanded network analysis capability and a large library of system-level "black-box" virtual blocks for waveform generation, analog and digital signal processing, spectral operations and popular modulation schemes.

RF.Spice A/D vs. B2.Spice A/D

RF.Spice A/D is an extensive superset of B2.Spice A/D, offering additional RF simulation capability plus a comprehensive library of system-level black-box virtual blocks. Due to popular demand, EMAG Technologies Inc. continues to offer B2.Spice A/D simply as the "Lite Version" of the RF.Spice A/D product. The user interface of the two products are now identical and both share the same consolidated online documentation and tutorial lessons. However, the users of the B2.Spice A/D edition will find the following submenus or menu items greyed out and inaccessible:

  • RF.Spice A/D Workshop > Parts Menu > Multiport Networks > ...
  • RF.Spice A/D Workshop > Parts Menu > Transmission Lines > ...
  • RF.Spice A/D Workshop > Parts Menu > RF Devices > ...
  • RF.Spice A/D Workshop > Parts Menu > Waveform Generation Blocks > ...
  • RF.Spice A/D Workshop > Parts Menu > Analog Signal Processing Blocks > ...
  • RF.Spice A/D Workshop > Parts Menu > Digital Signal Processing Blocks > ...
  • RF.Spice A/D Workshop > Parts Menu > Spectral Processing Blocks > ...
  • RF.Spice A/D Workshop > Parts Menu > Modulation Blocks > ...
  • RF.Spice A/D Device Manager > Tools Menu > Transmission Line Calculators > ...
  • RF.Spice A/D Device Manager > Tools Menu > Transmission Line Designers > ...
  • RF.Spice A/D Device Manager > File Menu > Import S-Parameter Model from Text File
  • RF.Spice A/D Device Manager > File Menu > Create New Generic Multiport from S-Parameter Text File
  • RF.Spice A/D Device Manager > File Menu > Create New RF Device from S-Parameter Text File > ...
  • RF.Spice A/D Device Manager > File Menu > Create New Generic T-Line Component from S-Parameter Text File > ...

Needless to say, the parts database of the B2.Spice A/D edition is a reduced subset of the parts database of RF.Spice A/D.

The Stages of a Circuit or System Simulation

Every circuit simulation, regardless of analog, digital, RF, mixed-signal or system-level type, involves a number of common and recurring steps:

  • Construction of the schematic using parts and wires or connections
  • Definition of stimuli or sources to excite your circuit
  • Definition of observables such as node voltages, branch currents, device powers, digital timing diagrams, port characteristics, etc.
  • Simulation of the circuit using the SPICE solver
  • Visualization of the output data

RF.Spice A/D consists of a number of tightly integrated tools and utilities that work together seamlessly and provide the ultimate computational power with an intuitive and easy-to-use visual interface. When you start the RF.Spice A/D application, you are in the RF.Spice A/D Workshop, with its Schematic Editor occupying the main window. This is where you assemble your circuit. A circuit is made up of a number of parts like resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, voltage and current sources, logic gates, transmission line segments, virtual blocks, etc., which are connected to one another using wires. RF.Spice A/D comes with a very large parts database featuring thousands of passive and active devices including generic models and real parts supplied by major semiconductor device manufacturers. Active device models include no less than six distinct MOSFET models including BSIM3 and BSIM4.

Once your circuit is ready for simulation, RF.Spice A/D generates a Netlist input and calls its SPICE engine(s). RF.Spice A/D supports the full Berkeley SPICE 3F5 set of commands, options and models. These include a variety of simulation types such as DC and AC sweeps, transient and Fourier analyses, pole-zero and distortion analyses, network analysis, Monte Carlo and sensitivity analyses, and more. RF.Spice A/D also provides a large number of black-box blocks including all of XSPICE models such as differentiator, integrator and s-domain transfer function blocks and mutual coupling for transformer modeling. Event-driven digital simulation is fully supported as well as A/D and D/A bridge models for mixed-mode simulation. With a comprehensive library of generic and physical transmission line components and multiport devices, you can perform nodal analysis or network analysis of passive and active RF circuits as well as mixed-signal analog/digital/RF circuits. Black-box virtual blocks allow you to quickly test and verify new system concepts without getting into the nitty gritty of particular circuit realizations.

Using RF.Spice A/D you can perform live simulations, where output data are generated and animated as the simulation proceeds. You can vary the circuit parameters in real time during a live simulation. You can also run a large variety of tests (DC bias, AC, transient, etc.). You can visualize, manipulate and process the output data in the form of graphs or tables in the Data Manager, which is part of the RF.Spice A/D Workshop.

The RF.Spice A/D Device Manager is a separate application you can use for defining or importing new parts or modifying those already in the parts bin. You will often find RF.Spice's large parts database adequate for most practical circuits. However, you can customize and expand the database to meet your growing analysis and design needs. The Device Manager has an integrated Symbol Editor with an array of drawing tools, which you can use to create new device symbols or modify the existing ones.

Choosing from Two Simulation Modes

In RF.Spice A/D, you can choose two distinct simulation modes: interactive "Live Simulations" and non-interactive "Predefined Tests". There are important differences between a test and a live simulation that must be understood before you can use RF.Spice A/D effectively.

A "Live Simulation" is simply a continuous transient simulation, which starts at time t = 0 and increments indefinitely by a user-defined time step. Simulations can be paused and continued but they run continuously until they are stopped, paused or reset. Live simulations can be stimulated by virtual instruments like a Function Generator or Power Supply, and their results can be measured by virtual instruments like the Oscilloscope, Ammeter, Voltmeter, etc. You can also use regular voltage or current sources to excite your circuit during a live simulation or use probes or circuit animation to display node voltages and currents in real time. You can vary your circuit's parameter values in real time from the "Circuit Parameters" panel of the toolbox and observe the circuit's response immediately.

"Predefined Tests", on the other hand, are run with some advance planning and preset simulation parameters. You can run tests to analyze your circuit in time and frequency domains and characterize its DC bias (operating point), transient and steady-state AC responses, noise performance, network parameters, etc. The output results of RF.Spice A/D tests are displayed on graphs or tabulated in tables.

Working with Two Simulation Engines

RF.Spice A/D has two distinct and independent simulation engines: the mixed-mode simulator and the event-driven digital simulator. Each of these two simulators has its own schematic mode and both are based on the Berkeley Spice and XSpice engine codes. The mixed-mode simulator simulates analog, RF and mixed analog/digital circuits. If your circuit is pure analog or RF or contains both analog and digital parts, then the mixed-mode schematic and simulator are used. If your circuit is pure digital, then the digital schematic and simulator are evoked, which allow for interactive inputs and outputs.

Attention icon.png The selection of the appropriate schematic mode and simulation engine (mixed-mode vs. digital) is done automatically by RF.Spice A/D based on the parts used in your circuit.

You can run both of RF.Spice's mixed-mode and digital simulation engines in either of its two simulation modes, that is, either as a live simulation or as a predefined test. However, digital circuit analysis is more effective as a live simulation, whereby you can step time by the clock cycles and observe your circuit's response using live digital timing diagrams. On the other hand, for most RF circuits you need to perform either an AC frequency sweep test or a network analysis.

System Requirements

  • A Pentium P5 or later processor
  • 4GB RAM minimum
  • Microsoft Windows 7, 8 or 10 operating system or higher

Installation

Download and run the executable installer program from the download link that is provided to you by EMAG Technologies Inc. and follow the installer instructions step by step.

Attention icon.png The RF.Spice A/D program is installed in a folder called "B2Spice" located under the "Program Files (x86)" folder of your computer's C drive for downward compatibility.

License

The RF.Spice A/D application comes with a node-locked license that works only on the computer for which it was originally generated. After you install RF.Spice A/D on your computer and try to start the program for the first time, it pops up an error message saying it could not locate the license file. This message also displays one or more MAC Addresses specific to the computer on which you have installed the RF.Spice A/D application. A MAC address is a 12-character string that is a combination of letters and numbers. You need to email this MAC address to us so we can generate a license file for you. Once you receive the ".LIC" license file from us, place it in the "Licenses" folder of your installation directory. You are now set to go!

 

Tutorial icon.png RF.Spice A/D Tutorial Gateway

Back icon.png Back to RF.Spice A/D Wiki Gateway

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