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Simulating dc-dc converters with QSPICE

Shivkumar Iyer

This course will describe how to simulate power electronic circuits with QSPICE. QSPICE is the latest trending SPICE software by Qorvo and is the successor to LTspice by Analog Devices. QSPICE is projected to be widely adopted by the power electronics and analog electronics industry. This course is targeted towards beginners who have never used a SPICE software before, and will use QSPICE to simulate basic dc-dc converters that any undergraduate will study in introductory course on power electronics. In addition to demonstrating the use of QSPICE as a simulation software, the course will examine a number of non-isolated dc-dc converters in great detail, such as the buck, boost, buck-boost, Ćuk, SEPIC and ZETA converters.

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This course will describe how to simulate power electronic circuits with QSPICE. QSPICE is the latest trending SPICE software by Qorvo and is the successor to LTspice by Analog Devices. QSPICE is projected to be widely adopted by the power electronics and analog electronics industry. This course is targeted towards beginners who have never used a SPICE software before, and will use QSPICE to simulate basic dc-dc converters that any undergraduate will study in introductory course on power electronics. In addition to demonstrating the use of QSPICE as a simulation software, the course will examine a number of non-isolated dc-dc converters in great detail, such as the buck, boost, buck-boost, Ćuk, SEPIC and ZETA converters.

The course will describe how QSPICE can be used to analyse the operation of a dc-dc converter, and therefore, can be used as both an effective learning tool for students, as well as a teaching tool for educators. The course will describe how QSPICE can be used to include hardware details in a simulation by importing third-party SPICE models provided by manufacturers, to bring simulations closer to a hardware prototype. The course will describe in detail the operation of the some of the more complex dc-dc converters such as the SEPIC and the ZETA converters, by using basic network laws and the basic principle of exchange of energy.

QSPICE is a completely free simulation software based on SPICE which has been used for several decades. QSPICE features many exciting improvements over other SPICE software such as the ability to write control code using C++ or Verilog, and greater ability to simulate non-linear components. These features make QSPICE a very powerful tool for a power electronics engineer both in industry and academia.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Operating principles of basic dc-dc converters
  • Non-isolated converters - buck, boost, buck-boost, cuk, sepic, zeta converters
  • Beginner qspice tutorial
  • Using qspice to simulate dc-dc converters
  • Analysis of simulation results to understand converter operation
  • Using 3rd party spice models in simulations

Syllabus

Piece-wise linear voltage source
Introduction
Welcome to the course
Target students of the course
Read more
Requirements of the course
Tips on completing the course
How to install QSPICE, an overview of the software, how to simulate basic circuits
Background and history of SPICE
Downloading and installing QSPICE
A quick tour of QSPICE
Links and references
Starting with simulation - importance of ground and SPICE directives
Generating plots
Sine voltage source
Pulse voltage source
Correction on PWL voltage source parameters
R-L-C circuit with behavioural resistor component
Plot commands as SPICE directives
Correction to simulation
Conclusions
Topology and operation of the buck converter, and step-by-step simulation with QSPICE
Converter topology
Operation of the buck converter
Drawing skeletal circuit in schematic editor
Understanding parameters of the diode and the switch
Running the simulation with switch and pulsed voltage waveform as gate pulses
Analysing simulation results with switch and pulse gate voltage waveform
Writing C++ code for implementing PWM logic
Simulation results with the C++ PWM implementation
Adding a MOSFET to the converter
Running the simulation with the MOSFET
Handling the Windows antivirus blocker
Handling simulation transients due to initial conditions
Ending remarks on the simulation
Topology and operation of boost converter, and how to simulate it
Topology and operation of the boost converter
Creating the boost converter simulation
Analysing the simulation results of the boost converter
The importance of handling initial conditions
Topology and operation of the buck-boost converter, and simulation with QSPICE
Topology and working of the buck-boost converter
Setting up the simulation of the buck-boost converter
Analysing the simulation results of the buck-boost converter
Handling initial conditions
Topology and operation of the Cuk converter, and simulation with QSPICE
Topology and operation of the converter
Setting up the simulation of the Cuk converter
Analysis of the simulation results
Topology and working of the SEPIC, and simulation with QSPICE
Topology and operation of the SEPIC
Setting up the SEPIC simulation
Analysis of SEPIC simulation
Topology and operation of the ZETA converter, simulation with QSPICE
Topology and operation of the ZETA converter
Simulation of the ZETA converter
Analysis of simulation results
Inserting third-party models from manufacturers, reading datasheets and using SPICE models
Motivation for including hardware details
Creating sub-circuits with hierarchical entries
Choosing a gate driver for the MOSFET in the simulation
Downloading and importing the gate driver SPICE model
Making connections to gate driver SPICE model - part 1
Making connections to gate driver SPICE model - part 2
Correcting gate driver connections to prevent under-voltage lockout (UVLO)
Wrapping up the course and tips for future learning

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Simulating dc-dc converters with QSPICE with these activities:
Review Basic Circuit Theory
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental circuit laws and theorems. This will provide a solid foundation for analyzing the behavior of dc-dc converters in QSPICE.
Browse courses on Kirchhoff's Laws
Show steps
  • Review key concepts like Ohm's Law.
  • Practice solving basic circuit problems.
  • Focus on DC circuit analysis techniques.
Explore QSPICE Example Circuits
Familiarize yourself with QSPICE's interface and capabilities. This will help you quickly adapt to the software and understand how to set up and run simulations.
Show steps
  • Open and run pre-built example circuits.
  • Modify component values and observe changes.
  • Experiment with different simulation settings.
Contribute to QSPICE Community Forums
Enhance your understanding by helping others and learning from their questions. This will expose you to different perspectives and challenges in using QSPICE.
Show steps
  • Browse QSPICE forums for questions.
  • Answer questions you can help with.
  • Share your simulation experiences and insights.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Read 'Fundamentals of Power Electronics' by Erickson and Maksimovic
Deepen your understanding of power electronics theory and design. This book provides a strong theoretical foundation for the practical simulation work you'll be doing in QSPICE.
View Fundamentals of Power Electronics on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters related to dc-dc converters.
  • Work through example problems in the book.
  • Relate the theory to your QSPICE simulations.
Simulate a Simple Buck Converter
Apply your knowledge of QSPICE and buck converter operation. This hands-on project will solidify your understanding of the simulation process and converter behavior.
Show steps
  • Build a buck converter circuit in QSPICE.
  • Simulate the circuit and analyze waveforms.
  • Vary parameters and observe the effects.
  • Compare simulation results to theoretical calculations.
Read 'Power Electronics: Converters, Applications, and Design' by Ned Mohan
Expand your knowledge of power electronics design and applications. This book provides a broader perspective on the field and complements the specific focus on QSPICE simulation.
View Power Electronics on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read chapters on converter design and control.
  • Explore different applications of power electronics.
  • Compare design approaches with simulation results.
Document Your Simulation Results
Improve your communication skills and reinforce your understanding. Creating a report will force you to organize your thoughts and explain your findings clearly.
Show steps
  • Record simulation parameters and results.
  • Create plots and diagrams to illustrate your findings.
  • Write a report summarizing your observations.
  • Explain the behavior of the converter based on your simulations.

Career center

Learners who complete Simulating dc-dc converters with QSPICE will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Power Electronics Engineer
A Power Electronics Engineer designs and develops power electronic circuits and systems. This career involves creating efficient and reliable power conversion solutions for various applications. This course can help you become proficient in simulating power electronic circuits using QSPICE, which is a crucial skill for any power electronics engineer. The course covers the simulation of basic dc-dc converters such as buck, boost, buck-boost, Ćuk, SEPIC, and ZETA converters, providing a solid foundation in power electronics design and analysis. Additionally, you can learn how to incorporate third-party SPICE models into your simulations, bringing them closer to real-world hardware prototypes. This would be beneficial for a Power Electronics Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Power Electronics Engineer
CAD Engineer
A CAD Engineer uses computer-aided design (CAD) software to create blueprints and technical drawings for electronic components and systems. They work closely with engineers to translate design concepts into detailed specifications. This course may provide a solid foundation, specifically with QSPICE, a SPICE based CAD software. You can also learn how to incorporate third-party SPICE models from manufacturers into your simulations, which is a crucial aspect of a CAD Engineer. This could lead to an advantage in the power electronics and analog electronics industries, as QSPICE is gaining popularity.
See salaries and explore the career path for CAD Engineer
SPICE Modeling Engineer
A SPICE Modeling Engineer develops and validates SPICE models for electronic components. This role is critical for ensuring accurate simulations of electronic circuits. This course may provide a strong foundation in using QSPICE, a SPICE software, to simulate dc-dc converters. You will also learn how to incorporate third-party SPICE models from manufacturers into your simulations, which is a crucial aspect of a SPICE Modeling Engineer. This could lead to an advantage in the power electronics and analog electronics industries, as QSPICE is gaining popularity. The detailed analysis of converter operation and the use of C++ for control code can be extremely useful.
See salaries and explore the career path for SPICE Modeling Engineer
Analog Circuit Designer
An Analog Circuit Designer creates and tests analog circuits for a variety of electronic devices. This role requires a deep understanding of circuit behavior and simulation tools. This course may allow you to gain hands-on experience with QSPICE, a leading SPICE software in the industry. The course will explore how to simulate dc-dc converters and analyze simulation results to understand converter operation. Because QSPICE will likely to be widely adopted by the analog electronics industry, familiarity with QSPICE is a valuable asset for any Analog Circuit Designer. Furthermore, this experience will help you incorporate hardware details into designs through importing third-party SPICE models.
See salaries and explore the career path for Analog Circuit Designer
Electrical Engineer
An Electrical Engineer designs, develops, and tests electrical devices and systems. This is a broad field with numerous specializations. This course may allow you to improve your proficiency in simulating power electronic circuits using QSPICE. The course will cover the simulation of dc-dc converters, such as buck, boost, buck-boost, Ćuk, SEPIC, and ZETA converters. The course also explores how to incorporate third-party SPICE models into simulations, bringing them closer to hardware prototypes. For an Electrical Engineer, especially those working in power electronics or related fields, it's a practical tool that can bridge the gap between theory and implementation.
See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer
Lecturer
A lecturer at the university level is responsible for teaching students. Often lecturers are experts, and teach theoretical concepts to students, as well as lab-based skills that can be applied to real-world scenarios. This course may be useful for solidifying the fundamentals in power electronics. As QSPICE is projected to be widely adopted, this may be a crucial tool for a lecturer to master. This course may allow you to become an expert and teach it to others.
See salaries and explore the career path for Lecturer
Hardware Engineer
A Hardware Engineer designs, develops, and tests physical components of computer systems and other electronic devices. This includes circuit boards, microprocessors, and other hardware elements. This course may help in simulating power electronic circuits using QSPICE. The course will allow you to investigate the simulation of basic dc-dc converters, such as buck, boost, buck-boost, Ćuk, SEPIC, and ZETA converters, providing a solid foundation in power electronics design and analysis. The course will also describe how to incorporate third-party SPICE models into simulations, bringing them closer to real-world prototypes. For a Hardware Engineer, this simulation knowledge is valuable in the design process.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Engineer
Electronics Technician
An Electronics Technician assembles, tests, and repairs electronic equipment. They often work under the guidance of engineers and are responsible for ensuring that electronic systems function properly. This course may be useful because it covers the simulation of basic dc-dc converters. The simulation of circuits can provide them hands on experience, and improve their proficiency in QSPICE. You can anticipate that as QSPICE becomes more prevalent, the knowledge of it will allow you to succeed as an Electronics Technician.
See salaries and explore the career path for Electronics Technician
Application Engineer
An Application Engineer provides technical support and expertise to customers, helping them integrate and use a company’s products effectively. They often have a deep understanding of the product and its applications. This course may allow you to be familiar with simulating power electronic circuits using QSPICE, and in turn providing this knowledge to customers. The course covers the simulation of dc-dc converters, such as buck, boost, buck-boost, Ćuk, SEPIC, and ZETA converters. The course also describes how to incorporate third-party SPICE models, making it a useful tool to know as an Application Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Application Engineer
Research and Development Engineer
A Research and Development Engineer conducts research and develops new products or technologies. They often work in cutting-edge areas, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This course may be helpful because QSPICE is the latest SPICE software by Qorvo, implying that you are staying up to date with the state of the art. This is an important characteristic for anyone in research and development. Additionally, it will allow people in R&D to test SPICE models in various applications and improve on them.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research and Development Engineer
Product Development Engineer
A Product Development Engineer manages the development of new products from concept to launch. They work with cross-functional teams to define product requirements, design solutions, and ensure that products meet market needs. This course may be useful because it may allow you to simulate power electronic circuits using QSPICE. The simulation of dc-dc converters will allow engineers to test product design and make refinements. This knowledge is important for Product Development Engineers as they need to consider electronic design when prototyping and designing.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Development Engineer
Power Systems Engineer
A Power Systems Engineer designs, develops, and maintains systems for generating, transmitting, and distributing electrical power. This includes working with power grids, substations, and other electrical infrastructure. This course can provide simulations using SPICE software. By going through the simulation of dc-dc converters, such as buck, boost, buck-boost, Ćuk, SEPIC, and ZETA converters, you can gain a fundamental understanding of power conversion principles. Additionally, learning how to incorporate third-party SPICE models into simulations will allow them to assess the impact of different components on system performance. This theoretical understanding is essential for a Power Systems Engineer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Power Systems Engineer
Systems Engineer
A Systems Engineer focuses on the overall design and integration of complex systems. They ensure that all components of a system work together effectively to meet the required performance criteria. This course may be useful in learning how to simulate power electronic circuits. The simulation of dc-dc converters, such as buck, boost, buck-boost, Ćuk, SEPIC, and ZETA converters, can provide a fundamental understanding of power principles. Additionally, learning how to incorporate third-party SPICE models allows one to assess the impact of components on system performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer
Firmware Engineer
A Firmware Engineer develops and tests the software embedded in hardware devices. These engineers work closely with hardware engineers to ensure the hardware and software components work together seamlessly. This course may be useful in understanding how to simulate power electronic circuits using software like QSPICE. The simulation of dc-dc converters, such as buck, boost, buck-boost, Ćuk, SEPIC, and ZETA converters, can provide insights into the hardware behavior. You can also benefit from learning how to incorporate hardware details into simulations by using third-party SPICE models. This helps Firmware Engineers anticipate potential hardware-related issues.
See salaries and explore the career path for Firmware Engineer
Test Engineer
A Test Engineer designs and implements tests to ensure that products meet the required specifications and quality standards. They develop test plans, procedures, and equipment to evaluate product performance. This course may be useful in understanding how to simulate power electronic circuits. The simulation of dc-dc converters, such as buck, boost, buck-boost, Ćuk, SEPIC, and ZETA converters, will help to develop test plans. You can also learn how to incorporate hardware details into simulations by using third-party SPICE models. This helps Test Engineers anticipate potential hardware-related issues.
See salaries and explore the career path for Test Engineer

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Simulating dc-dc converters with QSPICE.
Cover image
Fundamentals of Power Electronics
Save
Comprehensive resource on power electronics. It covers the fundamental principles and design techniques for various power converter topologies, including dc-dc converters. It provides in-depth analysis and modeling techniques that complement the simulation-based approach taught in the course. This book is commonly used as a textbook in power electronics courses at many universities.
Fundamentals of Power Electronics
Hardcover
$$$
Fundamentals of Power Electronics
Hardcover
$$$$
Fundamentals of Power Electronics
Kindle Edition
$$$
Fundamentals of Power Electronics
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Power Electronics
Save
Offers a balanced approach to power electronics, covering both converter topologies and control strategies. It provides a strong foundation in the analysis and design of power electronic systems. It valuable resource for understanding the practical considerations involved in implementing dc-dc converters. This book is often used as a reference by industry professionals.
Power Electronics
Paperback
Check
Power Electronics
Kindle Edition
Check

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Effort
10 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Shivkumar Iyer
Language
English
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