TopSpice Simulator

Mixed-mode mixed-signal 32-bit enhanced version of SPICE program with built-in logic simulator, analog behavioral modeling extensions, PSpice^tm and HSPICE^tm compatible syntax extensions and many other enhancements. Circuit size is limited only by available system resources.

Input/Output File
TopSpice input format is an ASCII text file using the SPICE2G6 syntax with extensions for digital simulation and behavioral modeling. TopSpice also accepts many PSpice^tm, HSPICE^tm and SPICE3 syntax extensions. Output is an ASCII text file in SPICE2G6 format. The simulation results data are also saved as a compact binary data file.

Analysis
DC operating bias point, DC sweep, AC (frequency) response, transient response, noise, distortion, Fourier, transfer function, sensitivity, temperature and parametric stepping, "alter" circuit, Monte Carlo and worst case.

Built-in Circuit Elements
Resistors, capacitors, inductors, coupled inductors, nonlinear magnetic cores, switches, diodes (model levels 1 and 3), BJTs, JFETs, MOSFETs (model levels 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 44, 49, 53, 55), GaAs FETs (model levels 1, 2, 3 and 6), ferroelectric capacitors, ideal and lossy transmission lines, voltage and current sources, controlled sources, digital elements, analog/digital interfaces, and subcircuits (macromodels).

Analog Behavioral Modeling
POLY (polynomial functions of voltage and current), VALUE (arbitrary expressions of voltage, current, time and temperature), TABLE (look-up tables), FREQ (frequency response and s-parameter tables), LAPLACE (Laplace transforms).

FUNC and PARAM statements to define user functions and parameters.

TopSpice support both the PSpice and HSPICE syntax formats for specifying analog behavioral modeling expressions.

Digital Simulation
Built-in event-driven logic simulator; SPICE like syntax for logic elements; nine-state logic simulation; separate analog and digital time step control; no limitations in analog/digital connections; user specified gate delays; user specified A/D interface models; glitch and race condition detection; digital state and waveform output options.

Digital Primitives

Signal Sources
AM (amplitude modulated), EXP (exponential), FILE (data file), PULSE (pulsed waveform), PWL (piecewise linear), RANDOM (random waveform), SFAM (single-frequency AM), SFFM (single-frequency FM), SIN (sine), CLOCK (digital), DATA (digital). Any arbitrary function in time or frequency may also be generated using the behavioral modeling options.

Model libraries
.LIB and .INC commands to search and insert model definitions from model library files. Index search mode for fast searches of multiple or large library files. Compatible with most component vendor and third party model libraries. Includes extensive model libraries of over 26,000 analog and digital (74, 74LS, 74ALS, 74AS, 74F, 74HC, 74AHC, CD4000, ECL 10K, ECL 10HK series) parts, and vendor supplied models.

To view the complete list of models included, browse the Model Library Catalog file (library.txt). Or, download and install the Demo version. Then, open the "Model Library Database" icon in the TopSpice folder, or select "Tools|Model libraries|Model Database" command from either the Schematic Editor or Circuit File Editor menu.

Other Features
Alphanumeric node names, global nodes, user defined parameters and expressions, parameter passing to subcircuits, automatic search of default model libraries, user definable default device models, in-line and multiple comment line markers, simulation status display.

Topview Graphical Post-Processor

TopView is the graphical postprocessor program included with TopSpice for plotting the simulation results and performing waveform analysis. To take full advantage of SPICE simulation results the user must be able to display the results graphically with a minimum of fuss. TopView allows quick and intuitive analysis of the output data in a manner similar as oscilloscopes are used to analyze real electronic circuits.

TopView was specifically designed for rapid viewing of the results for most typical design situations. Unlike other SPICE graphical postprocessor programs, which require the user to go through a cumbersome process of selecting waveforms and plot settings, TopView features fully automated plotting of simulation data. TopView's "Auto Plot" function will read a SPICE output file data, and it will automatically select the appropriate graph settings, assign different plot windows to different variable types such as voltages and currents, determine the units for labeling the axes and plot all the waveforms. To facilitate debugging or tracing of a circuit operation, TopView also includes a "Probe" mode which allows users to interactively pick and plot any waveforms from the simulation data.

Input Format: TopView accepts SPICE text output files in SPICE2G6 format (including HSPICE(tm), PSpice(tm) and SPICE3), TopSpice binary output files, CSDF data files and user generated text data files.

Plots: Unlimited data points per waveform and unlimited number of waveforms (limited by available system resources) are supported. Data from multiple output files can be displayed on the same plot. Simultaneous display of analog and digital waveforms. Up to eight plots per graph.

Auto/Probe Plotting Modes: users can choose fully automated plotting of simulation results or manual selection of circuit variables. Fast automatic plotting with auto scaling, auto window selection, auto labeling. Auto/manual linear/log scaling of plots. X axis variable selection. Data can be shown as lines, symbols or bars.

Cursors: two cursors are available for reading out waveform values, calculating deltas and slopes, and placing labels anywhere on the plot area. Cursors can be used to find maximum, minimum, peak, RMS, etc. points on waveform. User selectable cursor shapes.

Zoom and scroll: users can zoom-in to any area of the plot, or manually set the axes limits. Then, the plot can be scrolled left-right or up-down.

Waveform operations: any arbitrary expression that can include waveform variable names, constants, arithmetic operator and math functions. Complex vector expressions. Also integration, differentiation and FFT analysis.

Post-processing: instant FFT, Smith charts, histogram plots, "eye" displays, tabulate variable & performance analysis functions.

Embedded commands: allows TopView postprocessor directive commands to be embedded in SPICE netlist files.

Output: high quality output to printers. Graphic file export (WMF, EMF, BMP, PNG) option.

Schematic Editor

A graphical schematic entry program is included with TopSpice. It allows the designer to draw electrical circuit schematics from which it generates complete SPICE netlist files automatically. It features:

• Easy to use graphical user interface. All commands are available through pull-down and pop-up menus and toolbar.

• Hierarchical designs. Both top-down and bottom-up hierarchical design methodologies are supported. Large design projects can be implemented in multiple levels of hierarchy.

• Support for SPICE subcircuits (macromodels). The user has options to draw separate subcircuits on a schematic, use SPICE netlist (text) subcircuits, and save subcircuits, or the entire schematic, as SPICE models to a file.

• Support for schematic with multiple pages. A circuit schematic may be partitioned into a number of separate pages (up to 100).

• Includes symbols for all the SPICE circuit elements, TopSpice model library parts and many other common components. Users can create and add new schematic symbols using a text editor or the symbol utility functions. Symbols from multiple symbol library files may be used on the same drawing.

• Extensive symbol attributes options. Most symbols may be rotated, mirrored and/or flipped. No separate definitions are needed for each view. Option to draw symbols at twice normal size. Symbol "preview" box for quick part selection. Option to draw symbols at twice normal size.

• Snap-to-grid, automatic part numbering and "double-click" to repeat part for fast placement of components.

• "Auto-junction" and orthogonal drawing constraint modes for easy wiring connections.

• Complete edit commands include cut, paste, copy, move, rotate, mirror, flip and change attributes. Double-click to edit any object attribute on the drawing. Edit operations can be applied to a group, area, subcircuit or entire schematic.

• Advanced wire "rubberbanding" feature maintains both electrical connectivity and aesthetic appearance when moving parts on a schematic.

• Node names may be given to wires and part pins by placing a label next to it. The assigned node name is used in the SPICE netlist file instead of a node number.

• Easy schematic navigation with position scroll bars, multiple zoom levels, area zooming, hierarchical block "push-down" and many convenient keyboard shortcuts. Full page display option for any sheet size (A through E).

• Auto symbol generator function automatically creates schematic symbols to match any subcircuit block.

• Fast and user transparent generation of complete SPICE circuit files. SPICE commands, models, etc. may be included in a separate command file, which is automatically inserted to the SPICE netlist, or they may also be added directly on the schematic as text objects.

• Option to show SPICE node numbers on schematic. Automatic connection of same name wires, pins, power rails and ground.

• Full support for SPICE syntax including specification of device and source parameters, and subcircuits.

• Support for TopSpice digital functions and analog behavioral models.

• DC operating point node voltages and source currents display on the schematic drawing.

• Selection "disable" feature to remove temporarily components from the simulation circuit without modifying the schematic drawing for convenient debugging and design analysis.

• "Auto save" feature automatically saves changes at user specified intervals.

• User set configuration settings, zoom level and cursor position are saved and restored when editing the same schematic for quick design iterations.

• Automatic updating of title block information.

• High quality hard copy to most printers. Any sheet size may be printed on any paper size. Graphic file (WMF, EMF, BMP, PNG) export option.

System Requirements

PC with Pentium compatible or better CPU, 512MB RAM (for best performance, we recommend at least 1GB for Windows Vista/7 systems), 500MB hard disk drive space, CD-ROM drive and/or internet connection, display with 800x600 minimum resolution, Windows XP, Vista (32 or 64 bit) or 7 (32 or 64 bit) operating system.

This product requires online license activation (offline activation option also available).

Product specifications are subject to change without notice. All company and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

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