spice circuit simulator

OrCAD PSpice Designer

Advanced circuit simulation and analysis for

analog and mixed-signal circuits

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What's New

QIR refers to Quarterly Incremental Release which delivers new OrCAD features in-between major releases. This accelerated release process was introduced in the 16.6 release. QIR updates are available to all customers on maintenance.
 

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17.2-2016
OrCAD PSpice Designer - 17.2 QIR#3
  • PSpice Advance Analysis Enhancements: The new enhancements in PSpice Advanced Analysis (AA) allow users to run PSpice AA on existing designs without the need to update any parts/models of the design. The key functional enhancements including (Watch Demo Videos): 
    • Assign global tolerance on device/model parameters
    • Assign global tolerance on global variables
    • Assign global tolerance on Voltage and Current sources
    • Assign global tolerance on sub circuit parameter
    • Models downloaded from web can be readily used in Advanced Analysis flows
    • Enhancements in PSpiceAA GUI
OrCAD PSpice Designer - 17.2 QIR#2
  • PSpice - MATLAB Interface: The integration of Cadence® PSpice® with MathWorks MATLAB and Simulink provides a complete system-level simulation solution for PCB design and implementation. (Learn More)
    • PSpice Device Model Interface:  Provide a bi-directional flow where the customer can import a Simulink model and co-simulate in PSpice
    • PSpice/MATLAB Visualization Interface: Capability to view PSpice simulation results in MATLAB, and customize waveform processing on export
    • PSpice/MATLAB Functions Interface: Use MATLAB functions directly in measurement expression and in behavioral modeling within PSpice and Capture/DEHDL environment. 
OrCAD PSpice Designer - 17.2-2016 Release
  • Virtual Prototyping:  New functionality for automating the code generation for multilevel abstraction models written in C/C++, and SystemC, VerilogA-ADMS, and a set of behavioral analog  devices and controlled sources. (Watch Demo Video)
  • 64 Bit Simulation Engine and Result Analysis – Leverage full potential of compute platform to perform simulation and waveform analysis on extremely large designs.  
  • New functions for Behavioral models – a set of Delay() functions to introduce delay in behavioral models or controlled sources.
  •  New Models – Models for TinySwitch-III family devices and new Optocoupler devices have been added
  • Support for TCL 8.6  - In 17.2 release Capture and PSpice support TCL 8.6.
OrCAD PSpice Designer - 16.6 QIR#7
  • PSpice Learning Resources Update: Users can use the new Digital Electronics and Data Convertors chapters with working examples that have been added to the Basic Electronics book in Learning PSpice.

  • Speed Upgrades: Users can take advantage of the 5 levels of speed upgrades with the default set at a level 3, (speed level should be set at 0 for compatibility with previous releases). The speed levels will allow for faster switching of devices and show substantial improvement from the previous release.

  • Enhanced Multicore Support: Removed multi-core usage limit (previously maxed out at 4 cores).

  • Convergence Improvements: With QIR7 improvements, users are recommended to use lower values of ITL4 to achieve convergence and performance compared to previous releases requiring high ITL4 values using Switches circuits to achieve convergence. This will help to eliminate performance and mathematic errors.

  • Hysteresis Core Loss Calculator: Users can now use this app that measures Steady State loss of energy in a magnetic core for power supplies.

  • New Simulation Reporting Capabilities: Users are now able to generate an HTML report for Analog Transient simulation where average, RMS, and Peak values of Current, Voltage, and Power can be reported. This is user customizable and there is a TCL source available in the installation hierarchy.

  • Enhanced PSpice Model Search Utility: Now PSpice Advance Analysis libraries, such as, aa_igbt.olb, and so on are added to the PSpice Part Search database so you are able to search and then place in your designs. The symbol viewer within the Searcher has also been updated.

  • Object Distribution Feature: Enhanced to force equal spaced distribution by default.
OrCAD PSpice Designer - 16.6 QIR#6
  • Windows 8.1 Support: OrCAD is officially supported on Windows 8.1
OrCAD PSpice Designer - 16.6 QIR#5(QIR #5 Factsheet)
  • Temperature Sweep for Monte Carlo: With this new PSpice app, multiple runs of Monte Carlo can be run sweeping at different temperatures.
  • New PSpice Modeling Applications: PSpice modeling applications for Switch, Transient Voltage Suppressors (TVS), Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO), Independent Sources, and PieceWise Linear (PWL) Sources have been added to Capture
  • Random Function for PSpice Simulation: A new, supported Random function has be added to the PSpice Engine eliminating the previous work-around that required a PieceWise Linear (PWL) source set to auto-repeat.
OrCAD PSpice Designer - 16.6 QIR#4
  • Frequency Response Analysis: New method to calculate open loop gain for switching circuits from transient analysis using Middlebrook's Method (blog article)
  • Learning PSpice Update: Added a new Power Electronics module. Complete theory and design with examples included. Accessible through Help>Learning PSpice
  • Comments as OrCAD PSpice Directives: All comments in the Capture canvas starting with @PSpice are net-listed into the .cir file. Used to quickly define commands not available through standard PSpice setup GUI
  • Option to Ignore DML Error: New option in the IBIS2Spice command to DML checks and attempt at translating to Spice.
  • New Convergence Options: The following convergence options are now available in .OPTIONS
    • PREORDERMODE
    • MINSIMPTS
    • RMIN
    • BPPseudoTran
    • TRANCONV1
  • Global Parasitics Support Convergence Option: Ability to set minimum parasitics for the following devices
    • BJT
    • JFET
    • MOS
  • Expression Support: Now available for the .TRAN, .OPTIONS, and .FOUR commands
  • .dat File Post Processing: TCL function support in circuit file allows automated post-processing of any PSpice output file
  • OrCAD Capture Simulation Parameters: New Probe statement supports P() function to capture parameter values in .DAT file
OrCAD PSpice Designer - 16.6 QIR#3
  • Option to Apply Parasitics Globally: On analysis of a large number of OrCAD PSpice designs, it was found that a number of issues were caused by ideal devices (without parasitics). For example, using an ideal diode with parasitics can lead to convergence and performance issues as the simulator quickly moves to very small timesteps and often goes over minimum timestep thresholds. New options are available to set a minimum parasitics value level for diodes and Bipolar Junction Transistors (BJT) globally.
  • "10p files for Convergence Failure" Option: This option allows the operating point values even if a convergence failure has occurred, thereby avoiding situations where the user is left with previous bias point values on convergence failure
  • CSHUNT On/Off Option: In a number of cases, the nodes values do not stabilize because one or more feedback path has no delay in path. Successive iterations within OrCAD PSpice solver result in node oscillations and convergence errors. The OrCAD PSpice 16.6 QIR 3 provides a CSHUNT option that adds capacitors of specified value to the nodes. While a default value of 1.0E-12 is recommended, it can be changed on a case-by-case basis
  • Enable Continuation Methods: This series of transient convergence methods allows OrCAD PSpice simulator to override default solution search schemes and apply other heuristic algorithms, and is applied when all other options have failed. An example of such an algorithm is to reject the last successful time point and start working out the simulation solutions from the time point previous to the last successful time point. Additional heuristic algorithms will be added under this option in subsequent releases
  • Learning OrCAD PSpice Technology and Adding Your Own Content: A new chapter is available in the Learning OrCAD PSpice module. This chapter explains the steps required to add your own content, lessons, or app notes to OrCAD PSpice environment
  • Subcircuit Definition: Subcircuit definitions in OrCAD PSpice environment can now support any character length
  • Fourier Output: Fourier output now supports NUMDGT
OrCAD PSpice Designer - 16.6 QIR#2
  • OrCAD PSpice Modeling App: FREE app to enable quick and accurate creation of OrCAD PSpice parts directly on the OrCAD Capture schematic using a wizard-style interface. The first version of the app includes the following model generators. This app can be downloaded at the OrCAD Capture Marketplace
    • Sources
    • RF Inductor
    • Zener Diodes

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  • Advanced Simulation Options: Options have been added to the Advanced Analog Options dialog box for improved convergence:
    • Shunt Capacitance (CSHUNT)
    • Diode Ohmic Resistance (DIODERS)
    • Diode Junction Capacitance (DIODECJO)
    • Alternate Path Search (TRANCONV)
    • Debugging Convergence Failure (CONVAID)
    • Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) Capacitance (BJTCJ)
OrCAD PSpice Designer - 16.6
  • Advanced Control Options: Numerous advanced convergence and simulation control options/parameters have been added or exposed, giving users greater control over simulation and convergence. These options include: bias-point convergence, voltage limiting, worst-case deviations, max-time step control, pseudo transient, and relative tolerance
  • Probe .dat Upgrade to 64-bit Precision: OrCAD PSpice technology now generates 64-bit data precision in the .dat file output. This ensures higher precision compared to the 32-bit .dat file data from previous releases. (As an example, in previous releases, when a very small amplitude voltage is superimposed on a large voltage, the resulting voltage lost its resolution in a 32-bit .dat file.)
  • UNDO Support for Captured Netlists: Netlisting to OrCAD PSpice environment now preserves UNDO, making it easier to make iterations and modify parameters, components, and connectivity
  • Enhanced IBIS Support: The IBIS to OrCAD PSpice model now supports V-T curves for all IBIS models up to version 5.0
  • Multi-core Engine Support: Enhancements to multi-core support and I/O read-write provide significant performance improvements. Focused performance enhancements, especially for large designs or designs with complex model instances (MOSFETS, BJT), also boost performance
  • Encryption Enhancements: Upgraded model encryption now includes 256-bit (AES) encryption support
  • Tcl-based Customization: Advanced Analysis, simulation, and .dat file access can be accessed and extended with user-definable actions and capabilities. This enables an environment that can be enhanced to specific flows and needs, and allows users to leverage enhanced features and design capabilities
OrCAD EE (PSpice) Designer - 16.5
  • New Models
    • MOSFET Drivers
    • Alkaline Battery
    • Optocouplers
    • Voltage Mode Control PWM Controller Models
    • Offline Switches
    • Power Inductors
    • Solid State Relays
    • Charge Pump-Based DC/DC Regulator
    • Integration of Operational Amplifier Models from vendor

 

  • Partial Design Simulation: This productivity-enhancing feature allows you to identify individual components of any design, and, using the partial design simulation feature, simulate only selected portions. You can simulate different circuits in the design with different simulation profiles, as well as netlist only a particular portion of the design. In addition, you can compare and merge portions of a design quickly.
OrCAD EE (PSpice) Designer - 16.3
  • OrCAD PSpice A/D Waveform Makeover and New Usability Improvements: Enhanced cursor support, and new simulation models. OrCAD PSpice Advanced Analysis contains all the productivity and usability improvements highlighted in OrCAD PSpice A/D environment
  • Easy To Use Pop-Up Menu for Traces: The context-sensitive menu for traces is now more usable with all the trace related options grouped together. When users select a trace and right-click, they are presented with the options in context of the trace
  • Easier Access to Trace Properties: Users can now choose the Trace Property option in the Trace pop-up menu to open the Trace Properties dialog box. This dialog box gives a range of choices to change color, pattern, width, and symbol for a selected trace, making it easier to identify individual traces. This dialog box also allows users to easily hide all traces or show all traces
  • Background and Foreground Color Control: Users can now specify different colors for the background of the Probe window, as well as grids and axis lines in the foreground
  • Customization of Trace Color Auto-Rotation: OrCAD PSpice A/D 16.3 users can choose to change the default trace colors from an extended list of 145 supported colors
  • Cursor Width and Color: The Cursor Settings tab of the Probe Settings dialog box allows users to specify the vertical and horizontal width and color for two cursors. The number of cursor digits can also be specified
  • Placement of Cursors Across Multiple Traces and Plots: OrCAD PSpice A/D 16.3 users can add cursors across multiple traces and plots. The cursor window displays values for the different traces
  • Export and Copy of Cursor Data: OrCAD PSpice A/D 16.3 users can export the cursor information to a comma separated value (.csv) file that can then be opened in a spreadsheet application, such as Microsoft Excel. Users can also copy selected values from the cursor window and paste the information from the clipboard to any text editor
  • Dockable Cursor Window: In OrCAD PSpice A/D 16.3 environment, the Cursor window is dockable and can be placed anywhere the user finds convenient
  • Export of Comma Separated (CSV) Files: Users can now easily export trace information as .csv files by choosing the File Export Comma Separated option in the OrCAD PSpice A/D Probe window. The trace information for specified variables will be exported to a location and file specified by the user and can be read using a spreadsheet application, such as Microsoft Excel
  • Faster .dat File Import and Export: In previous releases, the performance of large .dat files 2GB or more in size was improved. In the 16.3 release, the performance of opening a .dat file has been enhanced for files of all sizes
  • Highlighting In Circuit And .out Files: In OrCAD PSpice A/D 16.3 environment, circuit and .out file syntax are presented in easy-to-read colors that highlight different groups, such as text, numbers, comments, expressions, operators, and keyword. Users can also specify their own color schemes for the files
  • New Design Templates: OrCAD PSpice A/D 16.3 environment comes with a set of design templates covering basic electronics circuits and SMPS topologies. These design templates cover the range of analog, digital, and mixed designs. Users can use the new design templates, which are a combination of design and simulation profiles, as a starting point for new designs
  • New Models in 16.3: More than 330 new models are now available for simulation in OrCAD PSpice A/D 16.3 environment under the following categories: 
    • Pulse Width Controlled (PWM) Models
    • Linear Regulators
    • Zener Voltage Regulators
    • Glass Passivated Zener Diode
OrCAD EE (PSpice) Designer - 16.2
  • New supported devices in Smoke analysis
  • New MOSFET device model BSIM4 support in OrCAD PSpice environment
  • User interface updates
  • New supported devices in Smoke analysis
  • Enhanced performance for large DAT files
  • New models
  • Checkpoint restart support for digital and mixed circuits
OrCAD EE (PSpice) Designer - 16.0
  • Checkpoint restart
  • Auto-convergence
  • Run in resume mode accessible from GUI
  • Minimum step size
  • Usability enhancements
  • Improvement in performance
  • Cadence Help
  • Documentation enhancements
OrCAD EE (PSpice) Designer - 15.7
  • Encrypting OrCAD PSpice models
  • New Windows XP look and feel
  • Faster invocation of tool
  • New and improved documentation interface
  • New vendor libraries: IRF, Vishay Siliconix, Coilcraft
  • Better integration with OrCAD PSpice SLPS interface
  • REFDES-based filter in OrCAD PSpice Advanced Analysis
OrCAD EE (PSpice) Designer - 10.x
  • 10.5 - Enhanced behavioral support
  • 10.5 - Support for Philips Mextram 504 model
  • 10.5 - Model import wizard
  • 10.5 - Magnetic Parts Editor
  • 10.5 - Support for European notation
  • 10.5 - Behavioral libraries
  • 10.5 - New vendor models
  • 10.3 - Monte Carlo history support
  • 10.3 - Import waveforms
  • 10.3 - SPLS interface
  • 10.3 - Version information
  • 10.3 - Battery model
  • 10.3 - Model enhancements
  • 10.3 - Probe enhancements 
  • 10.0 - Enhancements in the support for simulation profiles
  • 10.0 - New directory structure for analog projects
  • 10.0 - Support for BSIM3 version 3.2 MOSFET model
  • 10.0 - Advanced Analysis Optimizer engine enhanced to support curve-fitting
  • 10.0 - Availability of Advanced Analysis libraries
  • 10.0 - Enhancements for handling large data files
  • 10.0 - Ignoring convergence errors in multi-sweep analysis
  • 10.0 - Controlling Advanced Analysis on individual devices
  • 10.0 - Sensitivity enhancements in Advanced Analysis
  • 10.0 - Using custom derate files in the Smoke flow
OrCAD EE (PSpice) Designer - 16.2
  • New supported devices in Smoke analysis
  • New MOSFET device model BSIM4 support in OrCAD PSpice environment
  • User interface updates
  • New supported devices in Smoke analysis
  • Enhanced performance for large DAT files
  • New models
  • Checkpoint restart support for digital and mixed circuits