Advanced Circuit Simulation for Practicing Engineers Training Course
Build practical expertise in Analog Circuit Simulation, SPICE Simulation, and Electronic Circuit Design through hands-on training with ngspice and LTspice. This course covers DC, AC, and transient analysis, semiconductor device modeling, op-amp design, feedback stability, frequency response, noise analysis, and distortion measurement. Learn to simulate switching power converters, analyze control loops, perform Monte Carlo and worst-case analysis, and troubleshoot circuit convergence issues. Explore behavioral modeling, Python-based simulation automation, signal integrity, mixed-signal simulation, and KiCad integration. With practical simulation exercises and a capstone project, you will develop the skills to design, simulate, analyze, debug, and validate electronic circuits for reliable performance, efficiency, and stability under real-world operating conditions.
Course Objectives:
- Strengthen SPICE simulation skills using DC, AC, transient, and noise analyses.
- Develop accurate semiconductor device and behavioral models for real-world components.
- Design and verify analog and power electronic circuits for stability, performance, and reliability.
- Apply Monte Carlo, worst-case, and corner analysis to evaluate design variations.
- Troubleshoot simulation convergence issues and automate workflows using Python scripting.
- Validate simulation results against laboratory measurements and prepare technical design reports.
Course Content:
Module 1: Simulation Workflow and SPICE Fundamentals Refresher
- Understanding SPICE simulation fundamentals and workflows
- Introduction to ngspice and LTspice simulation tools
- Creating and structuring SPICE netlists
- Setting up circuit schematics and simulation environments
- Running and verifying circuit simulations
- Analyzing simulation results and waveforms
- Establishing a repeatable simulation workflow
Module 2: DC, AC, and Transient Analysis in Depth
- DC operating point analysis
- DC sweep analysis and component parameter variation
- AC small-signal analysis and frequency response
- Transient analysis and time-domain waveform evaluation
- Selecting simulation time steps and resolution
- Configuring numerical tolerances and solver settings
- Comparing simulation results across analysis types
Module 3: Device Models and Parameters
- Understanding semiconductor device modeling
- Diode models and parameter configuration
- Bipolar Junction Transistor (BJT) modeling
- MOSFET models and operating characteristics
- Reading and editing SPICE model parameters
- Importing manufacturer-provided component models
- Validating device models through simulation
Module 4: Op-Amp Circuits and Real-World Non-Idealities
- Understanding operational amplifier models
- Designing inverting and non-inverting amplifier circuits
- Summing, differential, and buffer amplifier configurations
- Analyzing input offset voltage and bias currents
- Evaluating finite bandwidth and slew rate limitations
- Simulating output voltage and current limits
- Comparing ideal and non-ideal op-amp performance
Module 5: Feedback, Stability, and Frequency Response
- Understanding feedback principles in electronic circuits
- Analyzing open-loop and closed-loop frequency response
- Generating and interpreting Bode plots
- Measuring loop gain and phase margin
- Evaluating gain margin and stability conditions
- Identifying oscillation and instability risks
- Applying compensation techniques to improve circuit stability
Module 6: Noise and Distortion Analysis
- Understanding thermal, shot, and flicker noise
- Identifying noise sources in analog circuits
- Performing noise analysis using SPICE tools
- Evaluating input-referred and output noise
- Measuring harmonic distortion and signal distortion
- Estimating signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)
- Optimizing circuit performance for lower noise and distortion
Module 7: Power Electronics Simulation
- Introduction to power electronics circuit simulation
- Modeling buck converter circuits
- Modeling boost and other switching converter topologies
- Simulating switching devices and gate-drive behavior
- Analyzing switching waveforms and ripple characteristics
- Evaluating conduction and switching losses
- Calculating power conversion efficiency
Module 8: Control Loop Design for Power Converters
- Understanding feedback control in switching converters
- Developing converter control loop models
- Analyzing power-stage and compensator responses
- Designing voltage and current feedback loops
- Evaluating loop gain, bandwidth, and phase margin
- Testing line and load regulation
- Simulating transient response under changing operating conditions
Module 9: Monte Carlo, Worst-Case, and Corner Analysis
- Understanding component tolerances and design variation
- Setting up Monte Carlo simulation
- Performing worst-case circuit analysis
- Configuring process, voltage, and temperature (PVT) corners
- Evaluating temperature and supply voltage variations
- Analyzing statistical distributions of circuit performance
- Verifying circuit reliability against design specifications
Module 10: Convergence Problems and Simulation Troubleshooting
- Understanding SPICE convergence algorithms and limitations
- Identifying convergence errors and simulation failures
- Troubleshooting floating nodes and circuit connectivity issues
- Diagnosing unrealistic waveforms and incorrect results
- Adjusting solver settings and numerical tolerances
- Applying initial conditions and alternative simulation methods
- Following a systematic simulation debugging checklist
Module 11: Behavioral Modeling and Custom Models
- Understanding behavioral modeling in SPICE
- Creating reusable subcircuits and hierarchical models
- Developing custom component models
- Using behavioral voltage and current sources
- Modeling nonlinear circuit behavior
- Introduction to Verilog-A style modeling
- Validating and reusing custom simulation models
Module 12: Automating Simulations with Python and Scripting
- Introduction to Python-based simulation automation
- Running SPICE simulations through scripts
- Automating batch simulations and parameter sweeps
- Extracting simulation data and waveform measurements
- Processing and analyzing results with Python
- Generating plots and automated reports
- Building repeatable and reproducible simulation workflows
Module 13: Signal Integrity, Mixed-Signal, and the KiCad Workflow
- Introduction to signal integrity fundamentals
- Understanding transmission lines and parasitic effects
- Analyzing trace impedance and signal reflections
- Simulating parasitic resistance, capacitance, and inductance
- Introduction to mixed-signal circuit simulation
- Preparing schematics and circuits in KiCad
- Integrating KiCad schematic design with SPICE simulation
Module 14: Capstone Project: Design, Simulate, and Validate a Circuit
- Defining circuit design requirements and performance targets
- Selecting components and developing the circuit schematic
- Building and configuring the SPICE simulation model
- Performing DC, AC, and transient analysis
- Conducting noise, stability, and statistical analysis
- Comparing simulation results with laboratory measurements
- Troubleshooting discrepancies and validating circuit performance
- Preparing a technical report and presenting design review findings
Learning Outcomes:
- Perform DC, AC, transient, and noise simulations using ngspice and LTspice.
- Select, modify, and import semiconductor device models and configure key parameters.
- Simulate op-amp circuits while accounting for real-world non-idealities.
- Measure loop gain and phase margin to evaluate and improve circuit stability.
- Analyze noise, distortion, and signal-to-noise ratio in analog circuits.
- Simulate switching power converters and evaluate their control loops.
- Apply Monte Carlo, worst-case, and corner analysis to verify design robustness.
- Diagnose and resolve simulation convergence and modeling issues.
- Develop reusable subcircuits and custom behavioral models.
- Automate simulations, parameter sweeps, and result processing using Python.
- Validate simulation results against laboratory measurements and document technical findings.
Course Prerequisites:
- Basic understanding of circuit analysis, including Ohm’s law, Kirchhoff’s laws, and Thevenin and Norton equivalents.
- Working knowledge of semiconductor devices, diodes, transistors, and operational amplifiers.
- Familiarity with SPICE-based circuit simulation is recommended.
- Basic Python programming knowledge is helpful for simulation automation and data analysis.
- A laptop capable of running ngspice or LTspice, KiCad, and Python.
International Student Fees: 550 USD
Flexible Class Options
- Corporate Group Training | Fast-Track
- Weekend Classes For Professionals SAT | SUN
- Online Classes-Live Virtual Class (L.V.C) Online Training
