Integrated circuit provider Maxim Integrated has launched a new tool to ease the burden of power circuit design for both engineering veterans and novices alike. The EE-Sim DC-DC Converter tool, available for free on Maxim’s website, offers a suite of engineering features for designing and testing DC-DC converter circuits. These features include simulation tools, a detailed waveform viewer, pre-built circuit designs, component and distributor information, and fine-grained control over almost every aspect of a circuit.
To begin a DC-DC converter design, the tool provides users with Maxim ICs filtered by type (step-up or step-down converter) and features (adjustable frequency, current limit, dual/multi-phase, etc.). After selecting an IC, the tool prompts users to enter their specifications and design criteria. That’s it—hit “Create Design” and the tool whips up a schematic in a few seconds.
Of course, experienced engineers may want to tweak the design. Every component value in the schematic can be customized, and the tool will recalculate the design to accommodate changes. Each update generates a new version, and engineers can roll back the schematic to a prior state. Additionally, the tool automatically picks specific components and generates a bill of material (BOM) with part numbers and pricing for different distributors. Users are free to change any of these parts as well; the tool will provide a list of component options fit for the design.
Once satisfied with the schematic, users can run various simulations to test their design. The results of these simulations can be viewed in the webscope, a waveform viewer with numerous tools and options for examining results. When users get what they’re looking for, waveforms can be copied, saved or added directly to a design report generated by the EE-Sim tool.
“Maxim's DC-DC Converter tool delivers capabilities that experts like to have, such as easy modification of designs, performance comparison of multiple designs, and extensive simulation customization; yet the intuitive interface enables beginners to also take advantage of these features,” said Maxim’s Mark Fortunato. “Our DC-DC Converter tool provides exceptional functionality for verifying circuit operation, empowering engineers to deliver realistic, usable designs with a greater level of trust in the end result.”
As far as circuit design goes, engineers will be more than happy to have their computers calculate the details for them. After playing around with the EE-Sim tool for a bit, it certainly seems like an easy and powerful way to save time on power design. Check out the tool here.
For more from the world of electronic design software, check out EW – Design Edition – Cadence Verification Suite, Synopsys Software Integrity Platform & More.