Multi-Domain, Multi-Technology Simulation Capability

Simplorer offers multiple modeling techniques including circuits, block diagrams, state machines, equation level, and modeling languages such as VHDL-AMS, SML (Simplorer Modeling Language), and C/C++. These can be used concurrently allowing engineers to easily model analog, digital and mixed signal multi-domain designs. This flexibility eliminates the need for error-prone mathematical transformations and model analogies often employed by single-domain simulation tools.

Simplorer provides multiple modeling languages and modeling techniques for maximum accuracy and flexibility.

Physics-Based Modeling

For system component models requiring the highest level of accuracy, Simplorer provides a direct link to industry-leading electromagnetic field simulation software from ANSYS: Maxwell, Q3D Extractor, RMxprt, PExprt, HFSS, SIwave as well as ANSYS Icepak, ANSYS Rigid Dynamics and ANSYS Mechanical products. The coupling technology and the model reduction techniques provide the capability to incorporate detailed physics-based models within Simplorer.

Simplorer can be linked through ANSYS Workbench to ANSYS Rigid Dynamics.

Simulation of a robotic arm and controller simulated with Simplorer and ANSYS Rigid Dynamics.

Robotic arm motion simulated by ANSYS Rigid Dynamics

VHDL-AMS Modeling

Simplorer fully supports the IEEE standard (1076.1) VHDL-AMS modeling language for mixed signal and multi-domain systems. It provides both continuous-time and event-driven modeling semantics, and is suitable for analog, digital and mixed analog/digital circuits. VHDL-AMS also facilitates modeling of multi-domain systems that can include a combination of electrical, mechanical, thermal, hydraulics and magnetic models. Models can be exchanged between different simulation tools that adhere to the VHDL-AMS standard ensuring compatibility between software tools and preserving legacy models.

The IEEE standard VHDL-AMS modeling language is supported by Simplorer for mixed-signal and multi-domain systems.

Integrated Development Environment

Simplorer provides a powerful environment to develop virtual prototypes that can be shared among hardware and software design groups allowing users to emulate hardware and simulate the software. In particular, Simplorer libraries can be shared between different users over a network.

Simplorer can emulate hardware and simulate software.

Statistical Analysis and Optimization

Simplorer includes parametric, optimization, sensitivity, statistical, and tuning analysis capabilities. These advanced analysis capabilities allow users to optimize the design based on a set of performance measurement criteria and provide insight into design variations and "trade-offs." Statistical analysis has fully integrated the SAE VHDL-AMS statistical package.

Distributed Analysis

Six Sigma analysis, statistical analysis and parametric studies often require a large number of simulations to be performed. Simplorer can leverage available computing power on your network with distributed analysis options for fast turnaround of your large variations, without any comprise on the granularity of the explored domains.

Simulator Performance Technology

Simplorer's unique simulator coupling and co-simulation technologies utilize a data exchange backbone, which connects to optimum simulators with numerical algorithms specifically tuned for the multi-domain nature of dynamic systems. These technologies allow users to create high fidelity models across multiple domains, at different levels of abstraction, and simulate the entire complex system.

Co-Simulation

C/C++ programs, MATLAB®/Simulink®, ModelSim®, Questa®Advanced Simulator, Mathcad® and other specialized programs can be directly integrated into Simplorer. This allows users to utilize customized code and existing feedback/control legacy design. The direct integration of models in their native environment avoids model translation, saves design time and allows communication and model exchange across departments and between suppliers and OEMs.

Device Characterization Tools

Simplorer supports powerful device and system component characterization tools including IGBT model generation and DC/DC converter behavioral modeling. These tools, developed in collaboration with industry leading experts, allow users to easily characterize IGBTs and DC/DC converters creating behavioral, average, and dynamic models for use in Simplorer.

Semiconductor Device Characterization Tool (IGBT)
Simplorer offers two types of IGBT characterization (dynamic and average) that have been enhanced for Simplorer 10.0. The dynamic model yields more accurate switching details, while the average model simulates much faster and incorporates average modeling techniques for switching losses. Both utilize data sheet information from the manufacturer as inputs for the characterization.

Simplorer includes an IGBT characterization tool for the creation of accurate semiconductor models.

Power Module Characterization Tool (DC/DC Converters)
Simplorer offers a unique approach to modeling DC/DC converters based on data sheets and test data. This tool treats the DC/DC converter as a "black box" (ie details of the power stage and feedback control are not required). The resultant model is created in VHDL-AMS and can be imported into Simplorer for the overall power system simulation. Because this is a behavioral model and not a "switching" model, the simulation times are greatly improved over a discrete implementation of the converter. The tool also comes with a vast library of existing models from a long list of converter manufacturers. Note this tool is available in the SMPS power package option.

Simplorer includes characterization tool for easy creation of DC/DC converter models.

Scripting

This powerful feature opens APIs in the Simplorer environment, allowing Simplorer to be embedded into existing design flows. The scripting capability, including script recording, is language independent so users can work with popular scripting languages such as Visual Basic®, Java™, IronPython and interact easily with other tools supporting the Microsoft™ com interface.