Serious nonsense or real tricks? Let’s see what the AI big model says about power supply simulation

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Serious nonsense or real tricks? Let’s see what the AI big model says about power supply simulation [Copy link]

What is QSPICE?

In the past, I participated in the power supply-themed exchange activities for engineers. When talking about power supply design tools, I often heard various complaints about simulators, such as

The simulator is prone to running away;

Not easy to converge;

No model library is needed;

After running for more than an hour, an error message was given directly, and I was very frustrated...

In recent years, various software developers and semiconductor manufacturers have launched and iterated a variety of simulator tools. Do these problems still exist?

Regarding this question, the editor asked the universal big model. (Note: The following answer comes from Tongyi Qianwen)

What are the shortcomings of current mainstream power circuit simulation tools?

A: While power circuit simulation tools meet most design requirements, they also have some limitations and shortcomings, including:

1. Completeness and accuracy of model library: Component model libraries of different software may not fully cover all commercial or customized power components, such as new semiconductor switching devices, magnetic components, etc. The accuracy of the model directly affects the validity of the simulation results, and old or inaccurate models may cause simulation errors.

2. Simulation speed and computing resource consumption: For complex power systems and multi-physics coupling simulations (such as thermal-electric coupling), some simulation tools have slow calculation speeds and require a lot of memory and CPU time, especially when performing transient analysis or parameter sweeps.

3. User-friendly interface and ease of use: Although many software provide rich functions, novice users may find it difficult to get started. The use of advanced functions is complicated and requires a certain learning cost.

4. Integration and collaborative working capabilities: In multidisciplinary optimization design, the data exchange and collaborative working capabilities between different simulation software are limited, which may lead to reduced efficiency of the design process.

5. Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) simulation capability: Some power supply design tools do not provide comprehensive support for electromagnetic compatibility simulation, and may require the use of specialized electromagnetic simulation tools to complete this part of the design verification.

6. Real-time and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation support: In order to conduct tests that are closer to reality, engineers sometimes need to combine simulation with real hardware for HIL simulation. However, not all tools provide good hardware interfaces and real-time simulation capabilities.

7. Multi-physics simulation integration: When it comes to thermal management, noise analysis or other multi-physics effects, it may be necessary to use multiple independent tools or dedicated modules for comprehensive simulation, and the integration of this aspect is usually more complicated.

8. Copyright and cost issues: Some high-end professional-grade power simulation tools are expensive. For small businesses or individual developers, the cost of obtaining genuine licenses is a major challenge.

In response to the above shortcomings, many software vendors continue to improve product features, add new model libraries, and strengthen integration with other tools to improve overall simulation effects and user experience.

By the way, I believe everyone already knows that Qorvo launched its own power simulator QSPICE in 2023, achieving a comprehensive performance upgrade of the power simulation tool, and won the "2023 Elektra Design Tool and Development Software Product of the Year Award" from the British Electronics Weekly. So, what does AI Big Model think of QSPICE? So, continue the dialogue with AI Big Model (with comments and supplements from the editor).

How do you evaluate the latest generation of QSPICE simulation tools launched by Qorvo?

A: The power simulation tool QSPICE has the following possible features and advantages:

1.Excellent performance and precision

QSPICE promises to deliver a higher level of performance than traditional SPICE techniques, supporting large-scale circuit simulations and delivering breakthroughs in speed and accuracy, which are critical for modern power supply designs that require processing of large amounts of digital logic and analog mixed signals.

Comment - Basically correct: the upgraded simulation engine uses advanced numerical methods and is optimized for modern computing hardware, including GPU-rendered user interfaces and SSD-aware storage management, resulting in significantly improved speed and accuracy.

2. Massive digital logic support

QSPICE optimizes digital logic simulation capabilities for complex power management integrated circuits (PMICs) and power converters using digital control, and can effectively simulate mixed-signal systems including complex digital controllers.

Comments - Basically correct: One of the key differences of QSPICE compared to other simulators is that it provides mixed-signal simulation; supporting a large number of digital circuit networks is a major advancement in SPICE simulators; the purpose of adding digital circuits is mainly to consider the needs of power engineers, that is, to bring them the capabilities of analog circuits and systems. These circuits and systems combine RF technology to handle high power levels while maintaining RF performance, efficiency and reliability. Full support for advanced analog and digital system simulation, such as those used in AI and machine learning applications.

3. High-efficiency power supply simulation function

Designed specifically for power designers, it provides simulation acceleration algorithms and technologies for power conversion, efficiency analysis, transient response, and thermal effects, making the power design process more efficient and accurate.

Comments - Basically correct: Based on Qorvo benchmarks and a set of challenging test circuits, the overall run time was reduced and a 100% completion rate was achieved. In contrast, the failure rate of running the same test circuit using other popular SPICE simulators was as high as 15%. By the way, users can also write C++ or Verilog source code to native object code to perform simulations faster and more efficiently, making it possible to perform larger and more complex simulations within a reasonable time frame.

4. Integrated design environment

It may provide an integrated solution from circuit design, device model library, parameter scanning, optimization to result analysis, making it convenient for users to complete the entire design process on a single platform.

Comments: The statement is basically correct. The data for the estimated large model is limited, so the word "may" is used here to indicate the uncertainty of the view. QSPICE is a design practice service and free system-level design tool provided by Qorvo, which can help complete the design easily and efficiently; some of the tools also include: RF-based interactive tools and calculators (including MatchCalc), FET-Jet calculator, Modelithics (Qorvo's GaN model library), Keysight model library, etc.

5. Advanced model library and component support

Contains a rich and timely updated component model library, which is specially optimized for new power semiconductors such as GaN and SiC to meet the design needs of high-performance power converters.

Comments - Basically correct: Qorvo provides a regularly updated QSPICE model library that includes Qorvo's silicon carbide and advanced power management solutions, allowing customers to easily evaluate and design with Qorvo power. Updates to QSPICE will include models for Qorvo's new power management solutions, and users can also create their own models and integrate them into the software, or easily import third-party models.

6. User-friendly interface and ease of use

Provides an intuitive graphical user interface that simplifies the process of circuit building and simulation setup, while making it easy to view and interpret detailed simulation results.

Comment - Basically correct: QSPICE has a more modern and very intuitive GUI, and provides a graphical circuit view, allowing users to easily create and edit circuits.

Original link: https://www.eeworld.com.cn/zt/Qorvo/view/1575