Course detail

Computer-aided Circuit Simulations

FEKT-BPC-ESIAcad. year: 2018/2019

Students become familiar with basic principles of computer-aided design of electronic circuits. They will learn the use of Spice-class simulators for circuit analysis and characterization in DC, AC, and time domains; analysis of influence of device parameter tolerances on circuit behavior; stability analysis; and optimization. Further, models of passive and active circuit elements and blocks, creation of new model and part libraries are explained. The methods and procedures are demonstrated on computer-aided design of elementary electronic circuits with operating amplifiers and transistors (amplifiers, oscillators, filters). In frame of an individual project, students will design and characterize a given electronic circuit.

Language of instruction

Czech

Number of ECTS credits

5

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

prof. Dr. Ing. Zdeněk Kolka

Department

Department of Radio Electronics (UREL)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

The graduate is able to (1) apply basic methods for analysis of electronic circuits in the DC, AC, and time domains; (2) use advanced methods for tolerance design; (3) perform optimization; (4) use symbolic analysis including automated simplification; (5) perform thermal analysis, (6) create simulation model for an elemental part or a complex subsystem, (7) completely design a simple electronic circuit and perform its characterization.

Prerequisites

Fundamentals of electronic devices (passive and semiconductor devices) and electronic circuits (basic laws, elemental circuits) are the pre-requisites. Generally, the knowledge of the Bachelor's degree level is required.

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Teaching methods depend on the type of course unit as specified in the article 7 of BUT Rules for Studies and Examinations. The methods include lectures and computer laboratories. Course is taking advantage of e-learning (Moodle) system. Students have to do a single project/assignment during the course.

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

Students can obtain 35 points for the activity in computer labs. An individual project is honored by 35 points (maximally), and the midterm test is honored by additional 30 points (maximally).

Course curriculum

1. Spice language: syntax, part definition, subcircuits, models, libraries
2. Methods for circuit simulation in DC, AC, and time domains
3. Advanced function of post-processor, data export
4. Tolerance and sensitivity analysis, Monte Carlo, worst-case analysis
5. Optimization
6. Thermal analysis
7. Symbolic analysis and its use for design
8. Modeling of electronic devices and structures, model identification
9. Behavioral models of complex structures, operational amplifiers
10. Analysis of feedback, stability, and compensation
11. Design and optimization of circuits with operational amplifiers
12. Analysis of influence of parasitic elements of active devices
13. Design and optimization of transistor circuits

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

Lectures are aimed to present basic methods and software tools for computer simulation, design, and optimization of electronic circuits and systems; creation of simulation models of basic elements and more complex subsystems; design of elemental circuits with transistors and operational amplifiers.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

Evaluation of activities is specified by a regulation, which is issued annually by the lecturer responsible for the course.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

BIOLEK, D.: Řešíme elektronické obvody. Praha: BEN, 2004. (CS)
KOLKA, Z.; BIOLEK, D.; BIOLKOVÁ, V.; BIOLEK, Z. Modelování a simulace pomocí PSpice. Brno: Tribun EU, 2011. (CS)
KOLKA, Z. Simulace elektronických obvodů v PSpice. Skriptum VUT v Brně, 2012. (CS)
MALIK, N. R. Electronic Circuits: Analysis, Simulation, and Design. Prentice Hall, 1995. (EN)

Recommended reading

Not applicable.

Classification of course in study plans

  • Programme BPC-ECT Bachelor's 2 year of study, summer semester, compulsory-optional

Type of course unit

 

Lecture

13 hod., optionally

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. Dr. Ing. Zdeněk Kolka

Syllabus

1. Spice language: syntax, parts, macros, models, libraries.
2. Circuit characterization in DC, AC, and time domains. Optimization.
3. Tolerance and sensitivity analysis, Monte Carlo, Worst-Case. Thermal analysis.
4. Modeling of electrical parts and blocks, operating amplifiers. Symbolic analysis.
5. Feedback and stability.
6. Design and optimization of circuits with operational amplifiers.
7. Design and optimization of transistor circuits.

Exercise in computer lab

39 hod., compulsory

Teacher / Lecturer

prof. Dr. Ing. Zdeněk Kolka

Syllabus

1. Introduction to PSpice.
2. Model creation.
3. Advanced functions of postprocessor.
4. Tolerance and sensitivity analysis and synthesis.
5. Identification of part model based on measured data.
6. Modeling of operating amplifier.
7. Analysis of feedback loops in opamp circuits, compensation.
8. Design and characterization of RC oscillator.
9. Transistor amplifier: design, symbolic analysis, stability.
10. Optimization. Thermal model and its analysis.
11. Design of frequency filter.
12. Analysis of influence of parasitic elements of active devices on filter characteristics.
13. Work on individual projects.