AMEYA360:SPICE Simulators and SPICE Models

　　Points of this article

　　Free SPICE simulator versions are provided by simulator vendors, and can be downloaded and used.

　　In order to simulate circuits using ICs or other components, SPICE models for the components, which provide parameter information for the devices, are necessary.

　　Many SPICE models are provided by different manufacturers for downloading from websites.

　　This article introduces sources for downloading SPICE-based simulators and SPICE models. It is after all best to actually run a simulator in order to come to understand it. The simulators run on general-use PCs and OSes; please give one a try.

　　SPICE Models

　　In order to execute a simulation, the simulator software, and SPICE models (macro models) that provide parameters for the devices and elements, are necessary. SPICE models of general-use transistors, resistors, capacitors and other basic components may be included with the simulator. SPICE models of specific transistors, ICs and so on are provided on the websites of the manufacturers.

　　Moreover, SPICE models of different manufacturers can be downloaded from the PSpice Community managed by Cadence. Also, circuit examples in which external components required by specific ICs and devices are positioned and optimized are provided by manufacturers, in the guise of evaluation circuits and demo circuits; these can be used to greatly speed up design. Nearly all evaluation circuits and demo circuits are for use with specific simulators, and so it is important to check the simulator for which the circuit is intended.

　　Below, details for downloading SPICE models and evaluation circuits from the ROHM website and from the PSpice Community are provided.