Student Version of Spice 9.1

andrewpreece · Mar 31, 2005

I'm a new poster here so be easy on me! I downloaded the cut-down
student version of Spice 9.1 as a way of getting into simulation on no
budget. I realise it's not full functionalty, but having created a project,
designed a stupidly simple circuit ( two 1k resistors and a dc voltage
source, with a ground for reference ), I cannot even get it to do a simple
bias simulation. It throws back a file at me telling me that the nodes
are open circuit ( they are not ), so doesn't proceed. I even set the
computer date to March 2000 in case it loses almost all functionality
after a year or some similar knobbling device, but same result. Any
ideas?

Andy.

Jim Thompson · Mar 31, 2005

On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 20:36:19 +0100, "andrewpreece"
<andrewpreece@onetel.net.uk> wrote:

I'm a new poster here so be easy on me! I downloaded the cut-down
student version of Spice 9.1 as a way of getting into simulation on no
budget. I realise it's not full functionalty, but having created a project,
designed a stupidly simple circuit ( two 1k resistors and a dc voltage
source, with a ground for reference ), I cannot even get it to do a simple
bias simulation. It throws back a file at me telling me that the nodes
are open circuit ( they are not ), so doesn't proceed. I even set the
computer date to March 2000 in case it loses almost all functionality
after a year or some similar knobbling device, but same result. Any
ideas?

Andy.

Please post .CIR and .NET files.

480)460-2350 | |
| E-mail Address at Website Fax

andrewpreece · Mar 31, 2005

"Jim Thompson" <thegreatone@example.com> wrote in message
news:qoko4151dbv4re0dakt4i7ig2qndclr0i7@4ax.com...

On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 20:36:19 +0100, "andrewpreece"
andrewpreece@onetel.net.uk> wrote:

I'm a new poster here so be easy on me! I downloaded the cut-down
student version of Spice 9.1 as a way of getting into simulation on no
budget. I realise it's not full functionalty, but having created a
project,
designed a stupidly simple circuit ( two 1k resistors and a dc voltage
source, with a ground for reference ), I cannot even get it to do a
simple
bias simulation. It throws back a file at me telling me that the nodes
are open circuit ( they are not ), so doesn't proceed. I even set the
computer date to March 2000 in case it loses almost all functionality
after a year or some similar knobbling device, but same result. Any
ideas?

Andy.

Please post .CIR and .NET files.

...Jim Thompson

Here goes, I believe .CIR and .NET are both in there: I changed the computer
clock back to 2005 since it didn't help.....

**** 03/31/05 21:36:37 *********** Evaluation PSpice (Nov 1999)
**************

** Profile: "SCHEMATIC1-bias3" [ c:\Program
Files\Accessories\pspice\year2000-SCHEMATIC1-bias3.sim ]

**** CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION

****************************************************************************
**

** Creating circuit file "year2000-SCHEMATIC1-bias3.sim.cir"
** WARNING: THIS AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED FILE MAY BE OVERWRITTEN BY
SUBSEQUENT SIMULATIONS

*Libraries:
* Local Libraries :
* From [PSPICE NETLIST] section of pspiceev.ini file:
..lib "nom.lib"

*Analysis directives:
..PROBE
..INC "year2000-SCHEMATIC1.net"

**** INCLUDING year2000-SCHEMATIC1.net ****
* source YEAR2000
R_R1 OUT N00012 1k
R_R2 GND OUT 1k
V_V1 N00012 GND 5Vdc

**** RESUMING year2000-SCHEMATIC1-bias3.sim.cir ****
..INC "year2000-SCHEMATIC1.als"

**** INCLUDING year2000-SCHEMATIC1.als ****
..ALIASES
R_R1 R1(1=OUT 2=N00012 )
R_R2 R2(1=GND 2=OUT )
V_V1 V1(+=N00012 -=GND )
_ _(GND=GND)
_ _(0v=GND)
_ _(out=OUT)
_ _(GND=GND)
..ENDALIASES

**** RESUMING year2000-SCHEMATIC1-bias3.sim.cir ****
..END

ERROR -- Node OUT is floating
ERROR -- Node N00012 is floating
ERROR -- Node GND is floating

Doubtless I'm doing something exceptionally stupid... :0)

Andy

Jim Thompson · Mar 31, 2005

On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 21:46:14 +0100, "andrewpreece"
<andrewpreece@onetel.net.uk> wrote:

"Jim Thompson" <thegreatone@example.com> wrote in message
news:qoko4151dbv4re0dakt4i7ig2qndclr0i7@4ax.com...
On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 20:36:19 +0100, "andrewpreece"
andrewpreece@onetel.net.uk> wrote:

I'm a new poster here so be easy on me! I downloaded the cut-down
student version of Spice 9.1 as a way of getting into simulation on no
budget. I realise it's not full functionalty, but having created a
project,
designed a stupidly simple circuit ( two 1k resistors and a dc voltage
source, with a ground for reference ), I cannot even get it to do a
simple
bias simulation. It throws back a file at me telling me that the nodes
are open circuit ( they are not ), so doesn't proceed. I even set the
computer date to March 2000 in case it loses almost all functionality
after a year or some similar knobbling device, but same result. Any
ideas?

Andy.

Please post .CIR and .NET files.

...Jim Thompson

Here goes, I believe .CIR and .NET are both in there: I changed the computer
clock back to 2005 since it didn't help.....

**** 03/31/05 21:36:37 *********** Evaluation PSpice (Nov 1999)
**************

** Profile: "SCHEMATIC1-bias3" [ c:\Program
Files\Accessories\pspice\year2000-SCHEMATIC1-bias3.sim ]

**** CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION

****************************************************************************
**

** Creating circuit file "year2000-SCHEMATIC1-bias3.sim.cir"
** WARNING: THIS AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED FILE MAY BE OVERWRITTEN BY
SUBSEQUENT SIMULATIONS

*Libraries:
* Local Libraries :
* From [PSPICE NETLIST] section of pspiceev.ini file:
.lib "nom.lib"

*Analysis directives:
.PROBE
.INC "year2000-SCHEMATIC1.net"

**** INCLUDING year2000-SCHEMATIC1.net ****
* source YEAR2000
R_R1 OUT N00012 1k
R_R2 GND OUT 1k
V_V1 N00012 GND 5Vdc

**** RESUMING year2000-SCHEMATIC1-bias3.sim.cir ****
.INC "year2000-SCHEMATIC1.als"

**** INCLUDING year2000-SCHEMATIC1.als ****
.ALIASES
R_R1 R1(1=OUT 2=N00012 )
R_R2 R2(1=GND 2=OUT )
V_V1 V1(+=N00012 -=GND )
_ _(GND=GND)
_ _(0v=GND)
_ _(out=OUT)
_ _(GND=GND)
.ENDALIASES

**** RESUMING year2000-SCHEMATIC1-bias3.sim.cir ****
.END

ERROR -- Node OUT is floating
ERROR -- Node N00012 is floating
ERROR -- Node GND is floating

Doubtless I'm doing something exceptionally stupid... :0)

Andy

480)460-2350 | |
| E-mail Address at Website Fax

andrewpreece · Mar 31, 2005

"Jim Thompson" <thegreatone@example.com> wrote in message
news:vtoo41l80hn621pusa1ssn3rho2d41aopk@4ax.com...

On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 21:46:14 +0100, "andrewpreece"
andrewpreece@onetel.net.uk> wrote:

"Jim Thompson" <thegreatone@example.com> wrote in message
news:qoko4151dbv4re0dakt4i7ig2qndclr0i7@4ax.com...
On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 20:36:19 +0100, "andrewpreece"
andrewpreece@onetel.net.uk> wrote:

I'm a new poster here so be easy on me! I downloaded the cut-down
student version of Spice 9.1 as a way of getting into simulation on no
budget. I realise it's not full functionalty, but having created a
project,
designed a stupidly simple circuit ( two 1k resistors and a dc voltage
source, with a ground for reference ), I cannot even get it to do a
simple
bias simulation. It throws back a file at me telling me that the nodes
are open circuit ( they are not ), so doesn't proceed. I even set the
computer date to March 2000 in case it loses almost all functionality
after a year or some similar knobbling device, but same result. Any
ideas?

Andy.

Please post .CIR and .NET files.

...Jim Thompson

Here goes, I believe .CIR and .NET are both in there: I changed the
computer
clock back to 2005 since it didn't help.....

**** 03/31/05 21:36:37 *********** Evaluation PSpice (Nov 1999)
**************

** Profile: "SCHEMATIC1-bias3" [ c:\Program
Files\Accessories\pspice\year2000-SCHEMATIC1-bias3.sim ]

**** CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION

***************************************************************************
*
**

** Creating circuit file "year2000-SCHEMATIC1-bias3.sim.cir"
** WARNING: THIS AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED FILE MAY BE OVERWRITTEN BY
SUBSEQUENT SIMULATIONS

*Libraries:
* Local Libraries :
* From [PSPICE NETLIST] section of pspiceev.ini file:
.lib "nom.lib"

*Analysis directives:
.PROBE
.INC "year2000-SCHEMATIC1.net"

**** INCLUDING year2000-SCHEMATIC1.net ****
* source YEAR2000
R_R1 OUT N00012 1k
R_R2 GND OUT 1k
V_V1 N00012 GND 5Vdc

**** RESUMING year2000-SCHEMATIC1-bias3.sim.cir ****
.INC "year2000-SCHEMATIC1.als"

**** INCLUDING year2000-SCHEMATIC1.als ****
.ALIASES
R_R1 R1(1=OUT 2=N00012 )
R_R2 R2(1=GND 2=OUT )
V_V1 V1(+=N00012 -=GND )
_ _(GND=GND)
_ _(0v=GND)
_ _(out=OUT)
_ _(GND=GND)
.ENDALIASES

**** RESUMING year2000-SCHEMATIC1-bias3.sim.cir ****
.END

ERROR -- Node OUT is floating
ERROR -- Node N00012 is floating
ERROR -- Node GND is floating

Doubtless I'm doing something exceptionally stupid... :0)

Andy

I see no node 0 (zero)... thus the float warnings.

One node MUST be 0 (zero).

Do you have a ground symbol _on_the_schematic_ ?

I have a ground symbol, yes, it is on the node called GND. In fact, I named
that
node '0' as you suggest is necessary, but it is made up of five sections of
track,
all contiguous, but the program has only named the one section I dragged the
net alias name '0' down to as '0', the other four lengths are 'GND',
apparently
autonamed, as I only named the 'out' node, and the '0' node ( which doesn't
show in the netlist!!!)

In fact, if I name every bit of wire on that node ( to which the ground
symbol is
attached ) '0', by using the net alias command, the netlist still calls it
'GND'.
This is odd, since I had no trouble naming the node between the two
resistors
as 'out', using the same net alias command.

Am I using the wrong technique? I followed the example in the Orcad users
guide. I go to the 'part' menu, choose 'net alias' fill in the name as '0'
when the
dialogue box opens up, click ok, then drag the name box down to the node I
wish to name, left-hand corner must touch the node etc......

Dear me, any help appreciated, just to get me started :0)

Andy.

Jim Thompson · Mar 31, 2005

On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 23:57:48 +0100, "andrewpreece"
<andrewpreece@onetel.net.uk> wrote:

"Jim Thompson" <thegreatone@example.com> wrote in message
news:vtoo41l80hn621pusa1ssn3rho2d41aopk@4ax.com...
On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 21:46:14 +0100, "andrewpreece"
andrewpreece@onetel.net.uk> wrote:

"Jim Thompson" <thegreatone@example.com> wrote in message
news:qoko4151dbv4re0dakt4i7ig2qndclr0i7@4ax.com...
On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 20:36:19 +0100, "andrewpreece"
andrewpreece@onetel.net.uk> wrote:

I'm a new poster here so be easy on me! I downloaded the cut-down
student version of Spice 9.1 as a way of getting into simulation on no
budget. I realise it's not full functionalty, but having created a
project,
designed a stupidly simple circuit ( two 1k resistors and a dc voltage
source, with a ground for reference ), I cannot even get it to do a
simple
bias simulation. It throws back a file at me telling me that the nodes
are open circuit ( they are not ), so doesn't proceed. I even set the
computer date to March 2000 in case it loses almost all functionality
after a year or some similar knobbling device, but same result. Any
ideas?

Andy.

Please post .CIR and .NET files.

...Jim Thompson

Here goes, I believe .CIR and .NET are both in there: I changed the
computer
clock back to 2005 since it didn't help.....

**** 03/31/05 21:36:37 *********** Evaluation PSpice (Nov 1999)
**************

** Profile: "SCHEMATIC1-bias3" [ c:\Program
Files\Accessories\pspice\year2000-SCHEMATIC1-bias3.sim ]

**** CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION

***************************************************************************
*
**

** Creating circuit file "year2000-SCHEMATIC1-bias3.sim.cir"
** WARNING: THIS AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED FILE MAY BE OVERWRITTEN BY
SUBSEQUENT SIMULATIONS

*Libraries:
* Local Libraries :
* From [PSPICE NETLIST] section of pspiceev.ini file:
.lib "nom.lib"

*Analysis directives:
.PROBE
.INC "year2000-SCHEMATIC1.net"

**** INCLUDING year2000-SCHEMATIC1.net ****
* source YEAR2000
R_R1 OUT N00012 1k
R_R2 GND OUT 1k
V_V1 N00012 GND 5Vdc

**** RESUMING year2000-SCHEMATIC1-bias3.sim.cir ****
.INC "year2000-SCHEMATIC1.als"

**** INCLUDING year2000-SCHEMATIC1.als ****
.ALIASES
R_R1 R1(1=OUT 2=N00012 )
R_R2 R2(1=GND 2=OUT )
V_V1 V1(+=N00012 -=GND )
_ _(GND=GND)
_ _(0v=GND)
_ _(out=OUT)
_ _(GND=GND)
.ENDALIASES

**** RESUMING year2000-SCHEMATIC1-bias3.sim.cir ****
.END

ERROR -- Node OUT is floating
ERROR -- Node N00012 is floating
ERROR -- Node GND is floating

Doubtless I'm doing something exceptionally stupid... :0)

Andy

I see no node 0 (zero)... thus the float warnings.

One node MUST be 0 (zero).

Do you have a ground symbol _on_the_schematic_ ?

I have a ground symbol, yes, it is on the node called GND. In fact, I named
that
node '0' as you suggest is necessary, but it is made up of five sections of
track,
all contiguous, but the program has only named the one section I dragged the
net alias name '0' down to as '0', the other four lengths are 'GND',
apparently
autonamed, as I only named the 'out' node, and the '0' node ( which doesn't
show in the netlist!!!)

In fact, if I name every bit of wire on that node ( to which the ground
symbol is
attached ) '0', by using the net alias command, the netlist still calls it
'GND'.
This is odd, since I had no trouble naming the node between the two
resistors
as 'out', using the same net alias command.

Am I using the wrong technique? I followed the example in the Orcad users
guide. I go to the 'part' menu, choose 'net alias' fill in the name as '0'
when the
dialogue box opens up, click ok, then drag the name box down to the node I
wish to name, left-hand corner must touch the node etc......

Dear me, any help appreciated, just to get me started :0)

Andy.

Start over. Draw the SCHEMATIC. Place a ground symbol where it
belongs. DO NOT use 'net alias'

Then see what you get.

(You're being victimized by that wondrous piece-a-crap called
"Capture" ;-)

I don't know whether Student v9.1 supports it or not, but you might
try uninstalling everything, the re-install, but choose Custom, and
install PSpice Schematics.

...Jim Thompson
--
| James E.Thompson, P.E. | mens |
| Analog Innovations, Inc. | et |
| Analog/Mixed-Signal ASIC's and Discrete Systems | manus |
| Phoenix, Arizona Voice

480)460-2350 | |
| E-mail Address at Website Fax

andrewpreece · Mar 31, 2005

"Jim Thompson" <thegreatone@example.com> wrote in message
news:9j0p4116t6cftulrj930pjq0irp8iug5f2@4ax.com...

On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 23:57:48 +0100, "andrewpreece"
andrewpreece@onetel.net.uk> wrote:

"Jim Thompson" <thegreatone@example.com> wrote in message
news:vtoo41l80hn621pusa1ssn3rho2d41aopk@4ax.com...
On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 21:46:14 +0100, "andrewpreece"
andrewpreece@onetel.net.uk> wrote:

"Jim Thompson" <thegreatone@example.com> wrote in message
news:qoko4151dbv4re0dakt4i7ig2qndclr0i7@4ax.com...
On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 20:36:19 +0100, "andrewpreece"
andrewpreece@onetel.net.uk> wrote:

I'm a new poster here so be easy on me! I downloaded the cut-down
student version of Spice 9.1 as a way of getting into simulation on
no
budget. I realise it's not full functionalty, but having created a
project,
designed a stupidly simple circuit ( two 1k resistors and a dc
voltage
source, with a ground for reference ), I cannot even get it to do a
simple
bias simulation. It throws back a file at me telling me that the
nodes
are open circuit ( they are not ), so doesn't proceed. I even set
the
computer date to March 2000 in case it loses almost all
functionality
after a year or some similar knobbling device, but same result. Any
ideas?

Andy.

Please post .CIR and .NET files.

...Jim Thompson

Here goes, I believe .CIR and .NET are both in there: I changed the
computer
clock back to 2005 since it didn't help.....

**** 03/31/05 21:36:37 *********** Evaluation PSpice (Nov 1999)
**************

** Profile: "SCHEMATIC1-bias3" [ c:\Program
Files\Accessories\pspice\year2000-SCHEMATIC1-bias3.sim ]

**** CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION

**************************************************************************
*
*
**

** Creating circuit file "year2000-SCHEMATIC1-bias3.sim.cir"
** WARNING: THIS AUTOMATICALLY GENERATED FILE MAY BE OVERWRITTEN BY
SUBSEQUENT SIMULATIONS

*Libraries:
* Local Libraries :
* From [PSPICE NETLIST] section of pspiceev.ini file:
.lib "nom.lib"

*Analysis directives:
.PROBE
.INC "year2000-SCHEMATIC1.net"

**** INCLUDING year2000-SCHEMATIC1.net ****
* source YEAR2000
R_R1 OUT N00012 1k
R_R2 GND OUT 1k
V_V1 N00012 GND 5Vdc

**** RESUMING year2000-SCHEMATIC1-bias3.sim.cir ****
.INC "year2000-SCHEMATIC1.als"

**** INCLUDING year2000-SCHEMATIC1.als ****
.ALIASES
R_R1 R1(1=OUT 2=N00012 )
R_R2 R2(1=GND 2=OUT )
V_V1 V1(+=N00012 -=GND )
_ _(GND=GND)
_ _(0v=GND)
_ _(out=OUT)
_ _(GND=GND)
.ENDALIASES

**** RESUMING year2000-SCHEMATIC1-bias3.sim.cir ****
.END

ERROR -- Node OUT is floating
ERROR -- Node N00012 is floating
ERROR -- Node GND is floating

Doubtless I'm doing something exceptionally stupid... :0)

Andy

I see no node 0 (zero)... thus the float warnings.

One node MUST be 0 (zero).

Do you have a ground symbol _on_the_schematic_ ?

I have a ground symbol, yes, it is on the node called GND. In fact, I
named
that
node '0' as you suggest is necessary, but it is made up of five sections
of
track,
all contiguous, but the program has only named the one section I dragged
the
net alias name '0' down to as '0', the other four lengths are 'GND',
apparently
autonamed, as I only named the 'out' node, and the '0' node ( which
doesn't
show in the netlist!!!)

In fact, if I name every bit of wire on that node ( to which the ground
symbol is
attached ) '0', by using the net alias command, the netlist still calls
it
'GND'.
This is odd, since I had no trouble naming the node between the two
resistors
as 'out', using the same net alias command.

Am I using the wrong technique? I followed the example in the Orcad users
guide. I go to the 'part' menu, choose 'net alias' fill in the name as
'0'
when the
dialogue box opens up, click ok, then drag the name box down to the node
I
wish to name, left-hand corner must touch the node etc......

Dear me, any help appreciated, just to get me started :0)

Andy.

Start over. Draw the SCHEMATIC. Place a ground symbol where it
belongs. DO NOT use 'net alias'

Then see what you get.

(You're being victimized by that wondrous piece-a-crap called
"Capture" ;-)

I don't know whether Student v9.1 supports it or not, but you might
try uninstalling everything, the re-install, but choose Custom, and
install PSpice Schematics.

Thanks Jim,
I was only following the 'Capture' User's Guide blow-by-blow in
their first example, including use of 'net alias' etc, so I'm puzzled by
the total failure, but that's software for you!

On the other hand, I followed your advice, went back to the setup
installation wizard, picked 'schematic' instead of 'capture', and loaded
that up. It's interesting that they have two editors doing similar things
but
with such a different feel: my experience in CAD ( non-simulation ), has
been that 'schematic capture' is practically one word, one entity.
Anyway, after a great deal of barging around inside 'Schematic' I managed
to get a bias point simulation!

* Schematics Netlist *

R_R4 $N_0002 $N_0001 1k
R_R5 0 $N_0002 1k
V_V1 $N_0001 0 5V

**** RESUMING Schematic1.cir ****
..INC "Schematic1.als"

**** INCLUDING Schematic1.als ****
* Schematics Aliases *

..ALIASES
R_R4 R4(1=$N_0002 2=$N_0001 )
R_R5 R5(1=0 2=$N_0002 )
V_V1 V1(+=$N_0001 -=0 )
..ENDALIASES

**** RESUMING Schematic1.cir ****
..probe

..END

**** 04/01/05 01:14:07 *********** Evaluation PSpice (Nov 1999)
**************

* C:\My Documents\Schematic1.sch

**** SMALL SIGNAL BIAS SOLUTION TEMPERATURE = 27.000 DEG C

****************************************************************************
**

NODE VOLTAGE NODE VOLTAGE NODE VOLTAGE NODE VOLTAGE

($N_0001) 5.0000 ($N_0002) 2.5000

Which is the trivial result I was expecting, a potentiometer halving the
applied voltage.
Thanks Jim, you've been very helpful. I've got an Orcad 10 demo disc coming
so I
might see if that is less hassle than this version!

Andy.

Jim Thompson · Mar 31, 2005

On Fri, 1 Apr 2005 01:33:49 +0100, "andrewpreece"
<andrewpreece@onetel.net.uk> wrote:

"Jim Thompson" <thegreatone@example.com> wrote in message
news:9j0p4116t6cftulrj930pjq0irp8iug5f2@4ax.com...
On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 23:57:48 +0100, "andrewpreece"
andrewpreece@onetel.net.uk> wrote:
[snip]

I don't know whether Student v9.1 supports it or not, but you might
try uninstalling everything, the re-install, but choose Custom, and
install PSpice Schematics.

Thanks Jim,
I was only following the 'Capture' User's Guide blow-by-blow in
their first example, including use of 'net alias' etc, so I'm puzzled by
the total failure, but that's software for you!

On the other hand, I followed your advice, went back to the setup
installation wizard, picked 'schematic' instead of 'capture', and loaded
that up. It's interesting that they have two editors doing similar things
but
with such a different feel: my experience in CAD ( non-simulation ), has
been that 'schematic capture' is practically one word, one entity.
Anyway, after a great deal of barging around inside 'Schematic' I managed
to get a bias point simulation!

[snip]

**** SMALL SIGNAL BIAS SOLUTION TEMPERATURE = 27.000 DEG C

****************************************************************************
**

NODE VOLTAGE NODE VOLTAGE NODE VOLTAGE NODE VOLTAGE

($N_0001) 5.0000 ($N_0002) 2.5000

Which is the trivial result I was expecting, a potentiometer halving the
applied voltage.
Thanks Jim, you've been very helpful. I've got an Orcad 10 demo disc coming
so I
might see if that is less hassle than this version!

Andy.

The reason there are two editors is that PSpice Schematics is what
existed before OrCAD came along and bought out the competition.

Now they're trying to cram Capture down our throats, but we old guard
are resisting... so they did provide both.

Now they trying the final dump. To get Schematics you have to go to
the website and download it.

The threat is that at the next release Schematics will exist no more.

More likely PSpice, as the supreme machine, will no longer exist,
'cause I, and many others, won't be paying maintenance

LTspice keeps getting better... if Mike would fix up that hammy
schematic editor, it could be the best spice on the market.

There's also up and coming TT-Spiceworks

<http://www.trabucotechnologies.com/>

which has a Schematics look-alike, though not quite there yet. But I
expect good things from them.

...Jim Thompson
--
| James E.Thompson, P.E. | mens |
| Analog Innovations, Inc. | et |
| Analog/Mixed-Signal ASIC's and Discrete Systems | manus |
| Phoenix, Arizona Voice

480)460-2350 | |
| E-mail Address at Website Fax

qrk · Apr 1, 2005

On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 17:52:36 -0700, Jim Thompson
<thegreatone@example.com> wrote:

[snippage]

There's also up and coming TT-Spiceworks

http://www.trabucotechnologies.com/

which has a Schematics look-alike, though not quite there yet. But I
expect good things from them.

...Jim Thompson

That's sure a pricy simulator - starting price: $9500.

Mark

Kevin Aylward · Apr 1, 2005

Jim Thompson wrote:

On Fri, 1 Apr 2005 01:33:49 +0100, "andrewpreece"

The reason there are two editors is that PSpice Schematics is what
existed before OrCAD came along and bought out the competition.

Now they're trying to cram Capture down our throats, but we old guard
are resisting... so they did provide both.

Now they trying the final dump. To get Schematics you have to go to
the website and download it.

The threat is that at the next release Schematics will exist no more.

More likely PSpice, as the supreme machine, will no longer exist,
'cause I, and many others, won't be paying maintenance

LTspice keeps getting better... if Mike would fix up that hammy
schematic editor, it could be the best spice on the market.

There's also up and coming TT-Spiceworks

http://www.trabucotechnologies.com/

which has a Schematics look-alike, though not quite there yet. But I
expect good things from them.

All ex-PSpice/Microsim personnel

Looking at the spec page page, it would appear that they have done what
we all do (apart from Mike), i.e. take the XSpice code as is, and then
add to it, e.g some of the PSpice bits and bobs, but I would be very
surprised if it had any real improvement in speed and convergence over
the basic spice. Nothing in the documentation mentions speed and
convergence enhancements. So, with that in mind, its way, way,
overpriced at $9k5. Tanner is similar priced www.tanner.com/EDA, but
they have the full ic layout bit as well. I don't see that i.c. design
companies will want to spend that sort of money on a, as Mike would say,
a "me to" product, with no/little proven layout support.

Gut feel. The company won't make it.

Kevin Aylward
informationEXTRACT@anasoft.co.uk
http://www.anasoft.co.uk
SuperSpice, a very affordable Mixed-Mode
Windows Simulator with Schematic Capture,
Waveform Display, FFT's and Filter Design.

Jim Thompson · Apr 1, 2005

On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 20:17:44 -0800, qrk <SpamTrap@reson.com> wrote:

On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 17:52:36 -0700, Jim Thompson
thegreatone@example.com> wrote:

[snippage]
There's also up and coming TT-Spiceworks

http://www.trabucotechnologies.com/

which has a Schematics look-alike, though not quite there yet. But I
expect good things from them.

...Jim Thompson

That's sure a pricy simulator - starting price: $9500.

Mark

I was "sorta-beta", since I didn't have a lot of free time. I warned
them about being too pricey, but they didn't listen to a lot of things
I said :-(

LTspice schematics is rather kludgey... I just wish Mike, or some
other code-genius, would affix PSpice Schematics to the front-end of
LTspice... that'd be a winning combination.

...Jim Thompson
--
| James E.Thompson, P.E. | mens |
| Analog Innovations, Inc. | et |
| Analog/Mixed-Signal ASIC's and Discrete Systems | manus |
| Phoenix, Arizona Voice

480)460-2350 | |
| E-mail Address at Website Fax

Charles Edmondson · Apr 3, 2005

Jim Thompson wrote:

On Fri, 1 Apr 2005 01:33:49 +0100, "andrewpreece"
andrewpreece@onetel.net.uk> wrote:

"Jim Thompson" <thegreatone@example.com> wrote in message
news:9j0p4116t6cftulrj930pjq0irp8iug5f2@4ax.com...

On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 23:57:48 +0100, "andrewpreece"
andrewpreece@onetel.net.uk> wrote:

[snip]

I don't know whether Student v9.1 supports it or not, but you might
try uninstalling everything, the re-install, but choose Custom, and
install PSpice Schematics.

Thanks Jim,
I was only following the 'Capture' User's Guide blow-by-blow in
their first example, including use of 'net alias' etc, so I'm puzzled by
the total failure, but that's software for you!

On the other hand, I followed your advice, went back to the setup
installation wizard, picked 'schematic' instead of 'capture', and loaded
that up. It's interesting that they have two editors doing similar things
but
with such a different feel: my experience in CAD ( non-simulation ), has
been that 'schematic capture' is practically one word, one entity.
Anyway, after a great deal of barging around inside 'Schematic' I managed
to get a bias point simulation!

[snip]

**** SMALL SIGNAL BIAS SOLUTION TEMPERATURE = 27.000 DEG C

****************************************************************************
**

NODE VOLTAGE NODE VOLTAGE NODE VOLTAGE NODE VOLTAGE

($N_0001) 5.0000 ($N_0002) 2.5000

Which is the trivial result I was expecting, a potentiometer halving the
applied voltage.
Thanks Jim, you've been very helpful. I've got an Orcad 10 demo disc coming
so I
might see if that is less hassle than this version!

Andy.

The reason there are two editors is that PSpice Schematics is what
existed before OrCAD came along and bought out the competition.

Now they're trying to cram Capture down our throats, but we old guard
are resisting... so they did provide both.

Now they trying the final dump. To get Schematics you have to go to
the website and download it.

The threat is that at the next release Schematics will exist no more.

More likely PSpice, as the supreme machine, will no longer exist,
'cause I, and many others, won't be paying maintenance

LTspice keeps getting better... if Mike would fix up that hammy
schematic editor, it could be the best spice on the market.

There's also up and coming TT-Spiceworks

http://www.trabucotechnologies.com/

which has a Schematics look-alike, though not quite there yet. But I
expect good things from them.

...Jim Thompson
Hi Jim,

Sorry, I have been on vacation, so I haven't stepped in earlier.

First, the symbol he needed was 0, not GND. In Capture, they have
provision for multiple ground symbols with different names (all those
PCB layout guys want to fool around with multiple ground planes...

so for simulation, he needs to use the 0 symbol, or rename the SYMBOL to
0. Setting the net alias doesn't work, because a named port (like a GND
symbol) overrides the net alias.

So, on TT, what is not quite there yet? I don't get to speak with those
guys much anymore, esp. since I am still in the 'enemy' camp!

Charlie
--
Edmondson Engineering
Unique Solutions to Unusual Problems

Jim Thompson · Apr 3, 2005

On Sun, 03 Apr 2005 15:01:43 -0700, Charles Edmondson
<edmondson@ieee.org> wrote:

Jim Thompson wrote:
On Fri, 1 Apr 2005 01:33:49 +0100, "andrewpreece"
andrewpreece@onetel.net.uk> wrote:

[snip]

LTspice keeps getting better... if Mike would fix up that hammy
schematic editor, it could be the best spice on the market.

There's also up and coming TT-Spiceworks

http://www.trabucotechnologies.com/

which has a Schematics look-alike, though not quite there yet. But I
expect good things from them.

...Jim Thompson
Hi Jim,
Sorry, I have been on vacation, so I haven't stepped in earlier.

Vacation? Vacation? How dare you ?

First, the symbol he needed was 0, not GND. In Capture, they have
provision for multiple ground symbols with different names (all those
PCB layout guys want to fool around with multiple ground planes...
so for simulation, he needs to use the 0 symbol, or rename the SYMBOL to
0. Setting the net alias doesn't work, because a named port (like a GND
symbol) overrides the net alias.

Ah so. I'll try to remember that the next time some poor student is
screwed over by Capture ;-)

So, on TT, what is not quite there yet? I don't get to speak with those
guys much anymore, esp. since I am still in the 'enemy' camp!

Charlie

480)460-2350 | |
| E-mail Address at Website Fax

andrewpreece · Apr 4, 2005

"Charles Edmondson" <edmondson@ieee.org> wrote in message
news:425067cd$1@news.cadence.com...

Jim Thompson wrote:
On Fri, 1 Apr 2005 01:33:49 +0100, "andrewpreece"
andrewpreece@onetel.net.uk> wrote:

"Jim Thompson" <thegreatone@example.com> wrote in message
news:9j0p4116t6cftulrj930pjq0irp8iug5f2@4ax.com...

On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 23:57:48 +0100, "andrewpreece"
andrewpreece@onetel.net.uk> wrote:

[snip]

I don't know whether Student v9.1 supports it or not, but you might
try uninstalling everything, the re-install, but choose Custom, and
install PSpice Schematics.

Thanks Jim,
I was only following the 'Capture' User's Guide blow-by-blow in
their first example, including use of 'net alias' etc, so I'm puzzled by
the total failure, but that's software for you!

On the other hand, I followed your advice, went back to the setup
installation wizard, picked 'schematic' instead of 'capture', and loaded
that up. It's interesting that they have two editors doing similar
things
but
with such a different feel: my experience in CAD ( non-simulation ), has
been that 'schematic capture' is practically one word, one entity.
Anyway, after a great deal of barging around inside 'Schematic' I
managed
to get a bias point simulation!

[snip]

**** SMALL SIGNAL BIAS SOLUTION TEMPERATURE = 27.000 DEG C

**************************************************************************
**
**

NODE VOLTAGE NODE VOLTAGE NODE VOLTAGE NODE VOLTAGE

($N_0001) 5.0000 ($N_0002) 2.5000

Which is the trivial result I was expecting, a potentiometer halving the
applied voltage.
Thanks Jim, you've been very helpful. I've got an Orcad 10 demo disc
coming
so I
might see if that is less hassle than this version!

Andy.

The reason there are two editors is that PSpice Schematics is what
existed before OrCAD came along and bought out the competition.

Now they're trying to cram Capture down our throats, but we old guard
are resisting... so they did provide both.

Now they trying the final dump. To get Schematics you have to go to
the website and download it.

The threat is that at the next release Schematics will exist no more.

More likely PSpice, as the supreme machine, will no longer exist,
'cause I, and many others, won't be paying maintenance

LTspice keeps getting better... if Mike would fix up that hammy
schematic editor, it could be the best spice on the market.

There's also up and coming TT-Spiceworks

http://www.trabucotechnologies.com/

which has a Schematics look-alike, though not quite there yet. But I
expect good things from them.

...Jim Thompson
Hi Jim,
Sorry, I have been on vacation, so I haven't stepped in earlier.

First, the symbol he needed was 0, not GND. In Capture, they have
provision for multiple ground symbols with different names (all those
PCB layout guys want to fool around with multiple ground planes...
so for simulation, he needs to use the 0 symbol, or rename the SYMBOL to
0. Setting the net alias doesn't work, because a named port (like a GND
symbol) overrides the net alias.

AH-HA! Thanks for that, just tried running the pspice AD version 10 and it

had
the same reaction as version 9.1 when I tried to generate a netlist using a
GND symbol, so I realised it wasn't just corrupt software but some trick I
hadn't
learned. I'll try your suggestions,

Andy.

Charles Edmondson · Apr 5, 2005

andrewpreece wrote:

"Charles Edmondson" <edmondson@ieee.org> wrote in message
news:425067cd$1@news.cadence.com...

Jim Thompson wrote:

On Fri, 1 Apr 2005 01:33:49 +0100, "andrewpreece"
andrewpreece@onetel.net.uk> wrote:

"Jim Thompson" <thegreatone@example.com> wrote in message
news:9j0p4116t6cftulrj930pjq0irp8iug5f2@4ax.com...

On Thu, 31 Mar 2005 23:57:48 +0100, "andrewpreece"
andrewpreece@onetel.net.uk> wrote:

[snip]

I don't know whether Student v9.1 supports it or not, but you might
try uninstalling everything, the re-install, but choose Custom, and
install PSpice Schematics.

Thanks Jim,
I was only following the 'Capture' User's Guide blow-by-blow in
their first example, including use of 'net alias' etc, so I'm puzzled by
the total failure, but that's software for you!

On the other hand, I followed your advice, went back to the setup
installation wizard, picked 'schematic' instead of 'capture', and loaded
that up. It's interesting that they have two editors doing similar

things

but
with such a different feel: my experience in CAD ( non-simulation ), has
been that 'schematic capture' is practically one word, one entity.
Anyway, after a great deal of barging around inside 'Schematic' I

managed

to get a bias point simulation!

[snip]

**** SMALL SIGNAL BIAS SOLUTION TEMPERATURE = 27.000 DEG C

**************************************************************************

**

**

NODE VOLTAGE NODE VOLTAGE NODE VOLTAGE NODE VOLTAGE

($N_0001) 5.0000 ($N_0002) 2.5000

Which is the trivial result I was expecting, a potentiometer halving the
applied voltage.
Thanks Jim, you've been very helpful. I've got an Orcad 10 demo disc

coming

so I
might see if that is less hassle than this version!

Andy.

The reason there are two editors is that PSpice Schematics is what
existed before OrCAD came along and bought out the competition.

Now they're trying to cram Capture down our throats, but we old guard
are resisting... so they did provide both.

Now they trying the final dump. To get Schematics you have to go to
the website and download it.

The threat is that at the next release Schematics will exist no more.

More likely PSpice, as the supreme machine, will no longer exist,
'cause I, and many others, won't be paying maintenance

LTspice keeps getting better... if Mike would fix up that hammy
schematic editor, it could be the best spice on the market.

There's also up and coming TT-Spiceworks

http://www.trabucotechnologies.com/

which has a Schematics look-alike, though not quite there yet. But I
expect good things from them.

...Jim Thompson

Hi Jim,
Sorry, I have been on vacation, so I haven't stepped in earlier.

First, the symbol he needed was 0, not GND. In Capture, they have
provision for multiple ground symbols with different names (all those
PCB layout guys want to fool around with multiple ground planes...
so for simulation, he needs to use the 0 symbol, or rename the SYMBOL to
0. Setting the net alias doesn't work, because a named port (like a GND
symbol) overrides the net alias.

AH-HA! Thanks for that, just tried running the pspice AD version 10 and it
had
the same reaction as version 9.1 when I tried to generate a netlist using a
GND symbol, so I realised it wasn't just corrupt software but some trick I
hadn't
learned. I'll try your suggestions,

Andy.

Yep, you have been bitten by one of the basic FAQ bugs, Why do I have

floating nodes! I actually tried to get them to change the error
message to say "Did you use a 0 symbol for ground?" but, once you have
learned the answer, it is no big deal!

The second big question is "Why do I have unmodeled pins on all my
parts?" That is when you look, and see a whole bunch of libraries that
are not in the PSpice directory, and decide to use some of them in your
design. You then find out that only the parts in the PSpice directory
are set up for simulation with models and PSpice Templates. Then you
go, Darn! There were some great parts in there (micro's and other big
parts).

Charlie

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