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How to Analyze Circuit Performance with PSpice

When designing a circuit, verifying and optimizing performance is critical to PCB operation and reliability. Parametric sweeps and multi-dimensional parametric plots can help determine optimal component values with numerical analysis; however, fine-tuning the circuit may require a more visual approach. With PSpice Designer you can analyze circuit performance and plot a parametric sweep to quickly verify and optimize circuit functionality over a range of values with Performance Analysis.

This quick how-to will provide step-by-step instructions on how to analyze circuit performance with Performance Analysis in PSpice Designer.

To follow along, download the provided files above the table of contents.

How-To Video

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Creating a Parameter List

Step 1: Open the provided design in PSpice Designer.

PerformanceAnalysis Step2
Activating the Component Explorer in PSpice

Step 2: To run performance analysis, a variable parameter must be defined. This can be done by placing a parameter list. Select Place > Component from the menu.

PerformanceAnalysis Step3
The Component Explorer Tab

Step 3: The Component Explorer tab opens. From here, you can place components with pre-defined PSpice models as well as defined components from Ultra Librarian, SamacSys, and SnapMagic.

Expand PSpice and select Simulator Command > Setup.

Step 4: Select PARAM from the list. Double-click to attach the component to your cursor.

Note: This is a parameter list that can be used to define global parameters

PerformanceAnalysis Step5
Placing a Parameter List in PSpice

Step 5: Click to place the PARAM list in the schematic. Right-click and select End Mode.

Analyze Circuit Performance: Define Parameters

Step 6: Global parameters can be defined in the parameter list. To add parameters, double-click the list.

PerformanceAnalysis Step7
The Property Editor Tab

Step 7: The Property Editor tab opens. All properties for the selected object are defined in this window, as well as any global parameters for a PARAM list. Select New Property to add a new parameter.

Step 8: The Add New Property window opens. Enter RVAL for the property name and 15 for the value.

PerformanceAnalysis Step9
Defining a Property in PSpice

Step 9: Check Display [On/Off] to show the property on the parameter list object. Click OK.

PerformanceAnalysis Step10
The Display Properties Window

Step 10: The Display Properties window opens. Here you can define which components of the property are displayed. Select Both if Value Exists and click OK.

Step 11: Click Apply and close the Property Editor tab.

Step 12: For this example, the RVAL property will be assigned to the load resistor and swept. Double-click the value of the load resistor R_Load2 to change it.

Step 13: The Display Properties window opens. Enter {RVAL} for the value to assign the parameter as the resistance and click OK.

Analyze Circuit Performance: Define a Sweep

Step 14: Before performance analysis can be run, a transient simulation must be run and a parametric sweep must be defined. A transient simulation is already defined for this circuit. Select PSpice > Edit Simulation Profile from the menu.

PerformanceAnalysis Step15
The Simulation Settings Window

Step 15: The Simulation Settings window opens. Select and check Parametric Sweep under Options.

Step 16: Select Global Parameter for the Sweep Variable and enter RVAL for the Parameter Name.

Step 17: Select Linear for the Sweep Type.

PerformanceAnalysis Step18
Defining a Parametric Sweep

Step 18: Enter 10 for the Start Value, 20 for the End Value, and 1 for the Increment.

Note: This will repeat the simulation for values of RVAL ranging from 10-20, incrementing by 1.

Step 19: Click OK to save the simulation settings and close the window.

Running the Simulation

Step 20: With the sweep defined, the simulation is ready to be run. Select PSpice > Run from the menu.

Step 21: The Available Sections window with a list of runs for each value of RVAL opens. Select All to view all run results and click OK.

PerformanceAnalysis Step22

Step 22: View the simulation results. Each resistance value is shown in a different color. As resistance increases, peak output voltage increases as well. This can be plotted with Performance Analysis.

Activating Performance Analysis

Step 23: To start performance analysis, select Trace > Performance Analysis from the menu.

PerformanceAnalysis Step24
Configuring Performance Analysis in PSpice

Step 24: The Performance Analysis window opens, showing the sections currently plotted. Select Wizard to define the Performance Analysis trace.

Step 25: The Performance Analysis Wizard opens to the intro section. Click Next.

PerformanceAnalysis Step26
Define Measurements to Analyze Circuit Performance

Step 26: First, a measurement must be defined. Select Max and click Next.

Note: The Max measurement calculates trace peak within the simulation.

PerformanceAnalysis Step27

Step 27: Next, the trace to measure must be specified. Enter V(VOUT) into the Name of Trace to Search field. Click Next.

Step 28: A preview of the calculation is shown, with the peak voltage highlighted and labeled. Click Finish in the wizard.

Analyze circuit performance with Performance Analysis in PSpice
Analyze Circuit Performance in PSpice

Step 29: View the plot window. A new trace is shown, with RVAL plotted in the X axis and Max(V(VOUT)) plotted in the Y axis. The trace shows a more or less linear relationship between load resistance and output voltage.

Wrap Up & Next Steps

Quickly and easily plot a parametric sweep to analyze circuit performance, verify circuit functionality, and optimize your PCB designs with Performance Analysis in PSpice Designer. Test out this feature and more with a free trial of OrCAD. Want to learn more about the advanced analysis options in PSpice? View the Level 1 and Level 2 PSpice Advanced Analysis workshops.

Follow Along, Download the Pre-Packaged Design Files

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