Analog simulator includes support for digitally enhanced power analog controllers, linear regulators, MOSFET and LED drivers

PLAB Mindi analog simulation software, which was updated to include more models and features, is now available from Microchip Technology Inc. The MPLAB Mindi Analog Simulator is a circuit simulation tool that now supports more than 300 Microchip analog products, with SIMetrix’s enhanced SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis) and SIMPLIS Technologies’ SIMPLIS (SIMulation of Piecewise LInear Systems) simulation environments. The updated Mindi analog simulation software is available as a free download by visiting: http://www.microchip.com/mindi.

Analog simulation is often a crucial step for circuit design, where complicated device interactions can be difficult to refine and debug in hardware. The proper simulation tools can help designers avoid significant risk—decreasing time to market and saving costly hardware revisions. The MPLAB Mindi Analog Simulator can test a circuit or sub-circuit, including transient and stability analyses, providing valuable estimation for the target circuit operation. Many applications require simulation before production. In the past, larger companies were often reliant on third-party providers or internal development for their analog component models, while many smaller companies wanted to run simulations but were not able to afford tool licenses for a full software package. The features and affordability of the MPLAB Mindi Analog Simulator make it an excellent option for customers of all sizes.

The MPLAB Mindi Analog Simulator allows for fast simulation of a wide variety of circuits, including closed-loop control systems like filters, power supplies and motor drive applications. Powered by SIMetrix/SIMPLIS simulation engines, and pre-loaded with Microchip’s analog device models, this analog simulation package allows for more accurate and faster simulation.

The updated software package now includes support for additional Digitally Enhanced Power Analog (DEPA) controllers, linear regulators, MOSFET drivers and LED drivers not present in previous software releases. In addition, it is based on the SIMetrix/SIMPLIS 8.1 software package, with added support for file-defined piecewise linear sources, Laplace transform transfer functions, arbitrary filters, Fourier analysis plots, transmission line modeling and improved convergence in the SIMetrix environment. The update also added convergence reporting to help with debug issues in the SIMetrix environment.

“Customers want a full solution, including software tools,” said Keith Pazul, director of marketing for Microchip’s Analog, Power and Interface Division. “The MPLAB Mindi Analog Simulator complements the compiler and integrated development environment Microchip is famous for, adding analog simulation capabilities. Now people can get the same industry-leading level of software support for analog and digital designs with Microchip’s full suite of design tools.”