SpiceNet - Schematic Entry

The following describes the SpiceNet schematic entry portion of the Test Designer package. SpiceNet is also included in ICAP/4Windows.

Description: The SpiceNet schematic entry program that is designed to be an interactive front-end to IsSpice4. It greatly eases the burden of creating a SPICE netlist by generating a complete netlist, ready for simulation, directly from the schematic. Unlike other schematic packages, which are geared for digital circuits or PCB layout, SpiceNet supports all facets of SPICE. SpiceNet alleviates the editing and syntax headaches allowing you to spend your time creating a better design instead of debugging typos.

Benefits: Schematic entry with SpiceNet is designed to be faster than pencil and paper. Most components can be placed on the schematic with a single keystroke. And with all its functions on pull down menus, you can input and simulate your first design in less than an hour. SpiceNet has a direct interface to IsSpice4 allowing waveforms to be interactively cross-probed directly on the schematic. Additionally, the circuit operating point voltages can be updated as component values are changed.

Full-Featured Schematic Editing

• Multiple design configurations allow you to place design variations and production drawings in a single schematic database
• Multiple schematic layers allow you to reconfigure and resimulate your designs quickly and easily
• True Windows interface and 32-bit performance makes you instantly productive
• Mechanical data entry capability allows you to use a single schematic for simulation and PCB layout
• Hierarchical schematic entry with easy subcircuit/symbol generation
• Full window cut/copy paste functions enable you to easily reuse existing designs
• Unlimited undo/redo functions save you time and help you avoid costly mistakes
• On-line help with an integrated SPICE reference guide is always available to guide you through your design
• True-type fonts are available for all text, with user-definable font style, size, and color
• Clipboard copy function allows you to include your design in MS Word or other Windows applications

Time Saving Features

• Auto-label placement makes it easy to capture a good-looking schematic rapidly
• Automatic on-the-fly connectivity saves you time - there’s no need to place connectivity dots
• Intelligent part attribute editor simplifies data entry and allows you to edit any part graphically or via a list
• There is no need to separately generate a SPICE netlist; a simple menu function does everything for you and launches the simulation right from SpiceNet
• Hierarchical Bus support gives you added flexibility for mixed signal designs
• Report quality graphics: supports all Windows output devices

Interactive Symbol Editing

• On-line symbol editor makes it easy to add or reconfigure symbols - there’s no need to exit the schematic
• Quick symbol modify and replace function gives you the schematic appearance you want
• Symbol shapes including arcs, ellipses, Beziers, polylines, fills, metafiles, and colored bitmaps enable you to make production schematics that stand out

Unequaled SPICE Power and Ease-Of-Use

• New Parameter Sweeping tool allows you to sweep the value of any component, or the circuit temperature, and view a curve family of the results
• Perform linear, logarithmic, or list-based sweeps and plot any waveform
• Enter data for all SPICE analyses using “fill-in-the-blank” dialogs; there’s no need to know SPICE syntax
• Change any model parameter in the design or add a new model based on an existing device
• Monte Carlo tolerance dialog lets your schematic database hold custom tolerances for all parts
• Support for ALL vendor supplied SPICE models, regardless of format or syntax variations
• Run a simulation directly from the schematic
• Two new powerful Wizards are included in SpiceNet. Together, they eliminate the SPICE syntax complexities that engineers have complained about for years.
• The Convergence Wizard makes it easy to solve your toughest convergence problems without having to know SPICE syntax. Based on your answers to simple questions, the Convergence Wizard intelligently optimizes key .OPTIONS variables for you.
• The Analysis Wizard helps novice and power users specify all key SPICE analyses without the use of a SPICE reference guide.

Superior Waveform Cross-Probing

• Cross-probing lets you select a net and see the trace displayed right on the schematic or in the IntuScope waveform analyzer
• Resizable waveforms can be placed directly on the schematic; no separate display dialogs or programs are needed
• Test point symbols let you see current or power from any device or any node voltage.
• Detailed or brief operating point information can be displayed on the schematic
• Cross-probe node voltages, device currents and power dissipation
• Cross-probe data from the AC, DC, or Transient analyses
• Print or copy schematics with waveforms and operating point data to the clipboard; great for documentation purposes

Easy Part Selection

• Easily find any of the 10,000+ parts in the ICAP/4 model libraries using the hierarchical Graphical Parts Browser
• Search by part number, model name, part type or description
• Access model or symbol libraries from any drive or directory
• No need to pre-select symbol or model libraries; all parts are available, saving you time and search hassles
• Preferred Parts list lets you get to frequently used parts from a pull-down menu

Powerful Part Editing Features

• Edit All SPICE instance and model parameters from a single properties dialog (shown left)
• Versatile part labels allow you to configure custom schematic labels
• Enter part attributes, Monte Carlo tolerances, and part failure modes in the same dialog
• Edit subcircuit netlists right from the schematic
• Special attribute support for HDL models
• Add your own dialog features through the DLL interface (source code provided)