Murata adds circuit simulation to component modelling software
Extra functionality has been added to Murata’s SimSurfing tool, to simulate the company’s capacitor, inductor and filter components. The previous version of the tool allowed visualisation of individual component performance characteristics for impedance, transmission and reflection variation, with frequency and other operating conditions. The new tool features simulation of the application circuits, particularly DC/DC converters, where selection of components is critical for efficiency and size and cost considerations.
SimSurfing is now able to simulate DC/DC converter behaviour at high speed with user-specified variables such as I/O voltages, switching frequency and starting values for filter inductance and capacitance. It also has the ability to predict inductor power loss. This is normally a difficult value to calculate from published data, advises Murata, and designers typically measure prototype performance with a selection of components, slowly iterating to an optimum solution. In contrast, SimSurfing is pre-programmed with database information, allowing designers to create a final design using real (Murata) components with the latest performance data.
Further enhancements to the DC/DC simulation feature are planned such as inclusion of load transient response, vital for confirmation of converter stability and large signal performance.
Murata is also planning to allow SimSurfing to simulate the performance of combinations of Murata components in noise filter networks in the autumn of 2018. Inductors, capacitors, beads and common-mode chokes can be chosen from the company’s range in suggested circuit configurations and their combined performance analysed for impedance and loss variation with frequency. The tool also gives specific support for CISPR25, for radio disturbance characteristics in automotive and other transport applications.
SimSurfing is continuously updated and designers can prove their DC/DC and noise filter circuits from a single source.
SimSurfing is available free of charge.
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