This tutorial demonstrates how to setup additional PSpice simulations in version 17.4 (2021). After you complete this tutorial, you will be able to:
- Perform Transient and AC sweep simulations
- View measurements on your simulation plot
- Edit simulation profiles
If you would like to follow along with this tutorial, you can visit our walk-through page to view video tutorials and download design files .
To follow along, continue working with the design completed in PSpice Walk-through 4 or open the provided design file, PSpice Walk-through 5_Additional Simulations.
1. Select V1 and press Delete on the keyboard.
2. Select Place> PSpice Component > Modeling Application from the menu.
3. In the Modeling Application, select Sources > Independent Sources.
4. Select the Sine tab.
5. Assign AC a value of 10.
6. Assign DC a value of 10.
7. Click Place.
8. Click to place in the circuit.
9. Double click the ResistorOne value of 100k.
10. Change the value to 1k and click OK.
11. Select PSpice > New Simulation Profile from the menu.
12. Name the new simulation Transient and click Create.
Note: A transient simulation is a measurement of the circuit in the time domain. The results of the simulation are presented as if the circuit is being tested with an oscilloscope. This is the only type of simulation that can be performed on digital designs.
13. Set the Run To Time to 100m. Click OK.
Note: Set maximum step size to determine how many points are measured during the run time. Setting up a maximum step allows you to set a step size that is less than the default.
14. Select the Voltage Probe button from the menu or PSpice > Markers> Voltage Level from the menu.
15. Click to place voltage probes at the Input and Output.
Note: To rotate the voltage probe, press R on the keyboard.
16. Right click and select End Mode (ESC).
17. Select the Current Probe button from the menu or PSpice > Markers> Current into Pin from the menu.
18. Click to place the current probe on the ResistorOne pin.
19. Right click and select End Mode (ESC).
20. Select the Power Probe button from the menu or PSpice > Markers> Power Dissipation from the menu.
21. Click to place the power probe on component C1.
22. Right click and select End Mode (ESC).
Note: Voltage probes can be placed on any node, current nodes must be placed on component pins, and power pins must be placed on a component. There are also advanced probes you can select such as Fourier, average, derivative and more.
23. Select PSpice > Run from the menu.
24. View the results in the PSpice A/D window.
Note: Traces are automatically added to the plot based on the probes placed in the schematic.
25. In the Plot Window, select the Edit Simulation Settings button.
26. Set the Maximum Step Size to 100ns and click OK.
27. Select the Run button on the toolbar or Simulation > Run SCHEMATIC1-Transient from the menu.
28. Select Plot > Add Y Axis.
Note: This allows you to view measurements on the same plot with a different y-axis scale.
29. Right click and select Add Trace.
30. In the Simulation Output Variables, select V(Output). Click OK.
31. Select Trace > Cursor > Display from the menu or use the Toggle Cursor button on the toolbar.
Note: This will show measurements in the plot window such as peak, trough, slope, maximum, minimum or a specific point in the circuit.
32. In the Plot Window, select Edit Simulation Settings.
33. Select Probe Window and show Last Plot.
Note: This will recall the settings of your current plot window, instead of resetting the plot each time a simulation is run.
34. Back in the schematic, select PSpice > New Simulation Profile from the menu.
35. Name the new simulation AC_Sweep and click Create.
36. In Analysis Type, select AC Sweep/Noise.
37. Set the Start Frequency to 10.
38. Set the End Frequency to 100MEG.
39. Set Points/Decade to 11. Click OK.
40. Select PSpice > Run from the menu.
41. In the Plot Window, select Trace > Add Trace from the menu.
42. In Simulation Output Variables, select V(Output). Click OK.
