Vishay Launches PowerCAD Online Simulation Tool for Point-of-Load DC-DC Circuits
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. introduced the PowerCAD Simulation tool, a free online tool that gives engineers a fast and convenient way to test and optimize dc-dc circuits built with Vishay Siliconix regulator ICs.
Using an intuitive interface, the PowerCAD Simulation tool supports both experienced analog and power designers as well as junior or digital designers with less experience in high-power, high-frequency voltage regulator design.
Based on the required operating conditions, the engineer can select the appropriate regulator from the Vishay product offering and generate a full circuit schematic for the application. The schematic can then be edited as required for more advanced users or for performance comparison purposes.
Once the basic circuit is created, the designer can perform dc, transient, and start-up simulations with visibility of all the circuit node waveforms. An efficiency analysis and optimization of the circuit with detailed power loss analysis may also be performed.
Following these steps, the PowerCAD Simulation tool generates a bill of materials (BOM) available for online ordering, allowing a quick validation that dramatically reduces design cycle times. The circuit simulation can also be shared easily with Vishay FAEs for additional technical support or any other related question.
Regulator ICs supported by the PowerCAD Simulation tool include the Vishay Siliconix microBUCK® family of fully protected high-efficiency, high-frequency step-down voltage regulators.
Providing high performance in a compact footprint, microBUCK serves as a cost-effective solution for a wide range of point-of-load (POL) applications having input voltages from 2.7 to 36V and handling up to 15A of load current. The PowerCAD Simulation tool provides on-the-fly simulation for all of the following microBUCK devices: SiC413, SiC414, SiC424, SiC401, SiC402, SiC403, and SiP12107.
