Effects Of Corners In PCB Traces April 6, 2007
A novel SPICE simulation technique was developed to investigate the effects of corners in PCB traces. The PCB traces were modeled by breaking them down into tiny squares or finite elements. A SPICE sub-circuit was made for the finite element and a small square symbol with one pin on each face was also created for it. Many such symbols were then placed in a schematic (like tiles) to graphically and electrically represent a PCB trace. A comparison was then done between a straight trace, one with a 90 degree square corner, and another with a 90 degree corner beveled at 45 degrees. (more…)
Best Free Circuit Simulator January 21, 2006
I have been using LTspice (a.k.a. SwitcherCAD III) for about 3 years as my main circuit simulation tool and have been very happy with it. Linear Technology has generously made it available free on their web site, and it is full-featured, fast, and seems to converge very well. I’ll be posting some of my simulation tips and tricks, so I highly recommend that you download it and get familiar with it. They also have a great user’s group to help get you going.