Simulation Library: Introduction

All types of numerical analysis require modeling to represent the real physical design within the simulation process. For Signal Integrity (SI), EMI, and Power Integrity (PI), models for the active and passive components are essential for a meaningful analysis. Models for devices, packages and individual device pins are held in the Simulation Library. The Simulation Library Manager allows you to manage them efficiently.

• Devices: device models can be assigned to a PCB component individually, or at part level. This assignment can be done in the Constraint Browser for ICs, Connectors or passive components, for example. The device description contains general information, such as the vendor, number of pins and models, etc. The device has individual pin models for some or all of its pins.
• Models: each pin of a device is described by its pin model. This could be an input or output buffer model, or a SPICE circuit for a passive device. The pin model data varies according to the type of the pin. Tailored visualizations and methods are provided by the Simulation Library Manager for the relevant type of pin.
• Packages: many IC devices also have an associated package model, which electrically separates the pin from the die.

The Simulation Library

The Simulation Library provides simulation models for SI, PI and EMI Analysis in eCADSTAR. The Simulation Library holds the model data on a per-project basis. This keeps the overall number of models within reasonable limits. It is also helpful as many models are specific to a particular PCB design project.

The export and import of selections is available in Simulation Library Manager . This allows you to transfer individual models or devices, or a total project library to another project. As the IBIS standard is an important external source of models, importing and managing these models is a key part of Simulation Library Manager. SPICE models for passive circuits can be also imported into the Simulation Library as well as S-Parameter based simulation models created by means of third party tools such as IdEM.