Carson, CA (June
23, 2010) - Intusoft announced today the release of its ICAP/4 8.x.11
Build 3684 SPICE-simulation tool suite for analog, mixed-signal, mixed-systems
and digital signal processing (DSP) design. Enhancements have been added
to the 11th-generation software from its former Build 3435, running on
Windows 7 and 64-bit operating systems. The "x" in 8.x.11 deciphers
Intusoft's scalable solutions, ranging up through its premiere ICAP/4
Professional and Test Designer products.
Enhanced DSP Simulation
Option with ICAP/4
ICAP/4 has significantly upped its DSP simulation capability in conjunction
with an enhanced IsSpice4 simulation core. "DSP Designer" is
a software option that enables digital control algorithms to be visually
simulated using special device models to create Z-Transforms and Bode
plots, including firmware interface to the DSP. Now DSP Designer is truly
bi-directional as real-time communication automatically generates DC,
transient and AC stimuli to the DSP, and imports waveforms for direct
comparison alongside simulated waveforms. Real-time communication scripts
are quickly accessed from ICAP/4's IntuScope waveform calculator menu,
and in turn drive the DSP development board through a serial interface
contained in Intusoft's new Solar1TiM dual buck/boost SMPS evaluation
board. The board features direct plug-in capability for popular DSP development
kits from Microchip and Texas Instruments.
Also groundbreaking with ICAP/4 is its ability to automatically generate
code from its IsSpice4 simulation matrix, supplied to an Integrated Development
Environment (IDE) loaded on the PC, then to the DSP development board's
memory. This capability with DSP Designer alleviates the otherwise cumbersome
and error-prone task of manually programming the DSP, notably without
any insight to buried parameters within digital control algorithms as
with traditional programming.
Build 3684 also employs a new PWM model running with an enhanced ZDELAY
model. Code generation for designers of DSP linearizes the system of equations
in order to repeatedly use the same matrix solution. But this can result
in multiple stable operating points in using non-linear algebraic equations.
However, ICAP/4's new modeling and simulation technology enables the Z-Transform
model delay to approach zero, making the model exact. Prescribed delays
within the control loop enable the dynamic or transient solution to be
stable, thus preventing multiple stable operating points. ICAP/4's new
STATESET simulation model mitigates such convergence issues and guarantees
a correct DC operating point for AC analysis. Other new capabilities include
a digital VOM virtual instrument display available in the SpiceNet design
entry application, which serves to display electronic measurements from
the DSP environment. Complete Getting Started guides are also provided
with DSP Designer. DSP Designer and associated hardware retails for $1,320
US. More can be found at: http://www.intusoft.com/DSPSimulation.htm.
Other Enhancements with ICAP/4
8.x.11 Build 3684 includes several refinements to its predecessor. In
addition to the STATESET model, new fast average models have been created
for SMPS design. Operability features have been added to the SpiceNet
design entry system, IsSpice4's output file and the IntuScope waveform
viewing/processing tool. Worst-case and extreme value analyses have also
been enhanced to print out altered parametric values. A complete features
list is found at: http://www.intusoft.com/featurechanges.htm.
Corporate Background
Established in 1985, Intusoft designs, develops and markets award-winning
design automation SPICE simulation software to electronic industries worldwide.
Its headquarters are in Carson, California, including a worldwide network
of resellers. Intusoft's products focus on the design and simulation of
analog and mixed signal board-level circuitry and ICs, across a breadth
of applications for industrial, technological, military and consumer end
use. Specialized capabilities include automated test synthesis; magnetic
design and synthesis; as well as simulation and firmware capability for
DSP. Visit www.intusoft.com.
For Further Information
Contact:
Tim Ghazaleh
Director of Marketing, Intusoft
Phone: 310-952- 0657 Fax: 310-952-5468
Email: tim@intusoft.com
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