3 ECTS credits
90 h study time
Offer 1 with catalog number 4008168ENR for all students in the 1st semester at a (E) Master - advanced level.
Learning objective
Analysis and design of analog electronic circuits is done using computer aided engineering (CAE) tools. The methods used comprise dc analysis, ac analysis, transient analysis, harmonic balance analysis, shooting method, large-signal / small signal analysis,… It is evident that every tool is optimized to analyze a specific type of circuit or analysis. Take for example the transient simulation which is available in SPICE. This transient simulator is not suited for analyzing nonlinear microwave circuits or for the noise analysis in mixers. To solve this problem, simulation techniques such as harmonic balance were developed. Harmonic balance assumes that all signal are either periodic of quasi-periodic. This makes harmonic balance unsuited for non-quasi-periodic signals, but makes the technique superior for the analysis of nonlinear microwave circuit and the noise analysis of mixer.
The aim of the course is to teach the future engineer the pros and contras of the different available simulation tools. This way, he/she should be able to judge which CAE-tool is the most appropriate for solving his/her design or analysis problem. Besides the choice of the analysis tool, there is also the problem of setting the simulation parameters correctly. This requires some background in the actual implementation of the simulations techniques. Hence, a theoretical background of the different simulation techniques must be given in the course. In addition to the theoretical aspect, it is important to have practical experience with the simulation tools. This will lead to a future engineer which does not waste time by simulating with a sub-optimal simulation tool.
Elektronica, Netwerken en filters
Content
I. THEORETICAL CONSIDERATIONS
DC & AC ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES
TRANSIENT ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES
- Assumptions
- Integration methods and integration step
- Simulation parameters
- Simulation of oscillators
- Extension: transient analysis with periodic signals: the shooting method
HARMONIC BALANCE
- Principle of harmonic balance
- Time-domain to frequency domain transformation: periodic and quasi-periodic transformations
- Large-signal / small-signal analysis
- Analysis of oscillators with harmonic balance
- Sparse matrix technique for solving sets of equations
- Extension: non-quasi-periodic analysis: the envelop simulator.
II. PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF THE THEORY THROUGH THE USE OF THE CAE-TOOLS
To put the theory into practice, several practical assignments are given to apply the CAE-tools to analyze given designs. The assignment requires the analysis of one circuit with several simulation method. An example is the analysis of comparing a harmonic balance based method with a transient analysis based method. Following methods for the basis of the practical assignments:
- Analysis of a high-frequency oscillator
- Analysis of the nonlinear distortion of an amplifier: single-tone excitation en modulated signals, nonlinear behavior (IP2, IP3)
- Analysis of a mixer: isolation, nonlinear behavior (IP2, IP3)
- Noise analysis of a mixer
K.S. Kundert, "The Designer's Guide to SPICE&SPECTRE", Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1995.
Rodrigues P.J.C., "Computer-Aided Analysis of Nonlinear Microwave Circuits", Artech House Publisher, 1998
Maas, S.A., "Nonlinear Microwave Circuits", Artech House, 1988
Mode of assessment
The student must understand the underlying theory to efficiently apply the analysis techniques. He/she must therefore be able to pick-out the correct simulation technique, with the proper simulation parameters, in order to obtain an efficient and correct simulations.
The evaluation of the student's knowledge will be done through an assignment where the student applies the techniques on a practical problem. The problem at hand is defined together with the student and depends on his/her interest. The circuit to be simulated can e.g. be a design problem that the student needs to deliver for other courses.
Additional references:
K.S. Kundert, "The Designer's Guide to SPICE&SPECTRE", Kluwer Academic Publishers, 1995.
Rodrigues P.J.C., "Computer-Aided Analysis of Nonlinear Microwave Circuits", Artech House Publisher, 1998
Maas, S.A., "Nonlinear Microwave Circuits", Artech House, 1988
The aim of the course is to teach the future engineer the pros and contras of the different available simulation tools. This way, he/she should be able to judge which CAE-tool is the most appropriate for solving his/her design or analysis problem. Besides the choice of the analysis tool, there is also the problem of setting the simulation parameters correctly. This requires some background in the actual implementation of the simulation techniques. Hence, a theoretical background of the different simulation techniques must be given in the course. In addition to the theoretical aspect, it is important to have practical experience with the simulation tools. This will lead to a future engineer which does not waste time by simulating with a sub-optimal simulation tool.
The final grade is composed based on the following categories:
Oral Exam determines 100% of the final mark.
Within the Oral Exam category, the following assignments need to be completed:
The student must understand the underlying theory to efficiently apply the analysis techniques. He/she must therefore be able to pick-out the correct simulation technique, with the proper simulation parameters, in order to obtain an efficient and correct simulations.
Working out a practical analysis problem on an individual basis will test this.
This offer is part of the following study plans:
Master of Electronics and Information Technology Engineering: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Photonics Engineering: Standaard traject (only offered in Dutch)
Master of Electrical Engineering: Standaard traject BRUFACE J