UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI

ECECS 349

Measurements Laboratory


Experiment #1
Part B

PSPICE Circuit Simulations

OBJECTIVE

 

The objective of this lab is to become familiar with the PSPICE circuit simulation program. The program is installed on all PCs in the lab. Attention should be focused toward using the schematics software. The software allows you to design and analyze complicated analog circuits containing components such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, and many others.  The PSPICE software will be used in future labs and it is therefore important for you to become familiar with all its capabilities.

Here is a listing of tutorials URL for the PSPICE:

http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=%22pspice%2Btutorial%22&fr=FP-tab-web-t&toggle=1&cop=&ei=UTF-8

(or you can search for “Pspice+tutorial”)

 

In this lab, PSPICE will be used to perform DC Analysis, Transient Analysis, and AC Analysis of simple networks which have been studied theoretically in other classes (Network Analysis).  Whenever possible, you should compare the results obtained from your PSPICE simulations with the theoretical results which were discussed in class or in previous courses.  During this lab, you will simulate a DC resistance network via DC analysis and simulate the charging of a capacitor in the time domain. Further, you will analyze a low pass filter in the frequency domain producing its Bode plot. 

 

Note :

(1) Make sure to save or print all the plots you obtained while completing this assignment.

(2) Whenever possible you must include the theoretical calculations in the analysis of the different circuits and compare them to your PSPICE results.

 

Problem #1: DC Analysis

 

 

(a)  Calculate (by hand) the current through R2 using Kirchoff’s law.

(b)  Verify your prediction using a computer simulation. (show a plot with I and V markers)

(c)    Plot the voltage drop across R2 with DC analysis (DC Sweep) while Vin is varied from 1V to 10V

 

Problem #2: Transient Analysis

 

 

This PSPICE circuit will simulate the transient response of a series RC network. The input pulse (transient) will be generated from a simulated step voltage source called VPULSE. You will observe the capacitor charging after the positive step of the pulse and the capacitor discharging after the negative step.

 

The circuit to b  analyzed is shown on the diagram above.  Use R1 = 1 KW and C2 =20 nF       (0-1V step)

(a)   Calculate an appropriate time scale to show the complete charging or discharging of the capacitor (5-10 time constants , t=RC)

(b)  Choose an appropriate shape (rise time, fall time and pulse width) of the VPULSE  source to show the full transient charging and discharging of the capacitor. An appropriate time scale is shown below.

 (c) When the  parameters have been calculated, plot the graph of the voltage as a function of time across the capacitor.

(d)  In your lab report describe the steps taken to obtain the display.

 

Problem #3: Frequency Response and Bode Plot

For the circuit shown above (Problem 2)

 

(a)    Plot Vout (the voltage across the capacitor) versus frequency over a frequency range which shows the roll off above the break frequency of the filter. As shown below:

 

 

 

(b)     From the data file (or from the plot) of Vout as a function of frequency, determine the -3dB point, i.e., the break frequency.  How does your value compare with the theoretical value given in class (calculate the % error). The -3dB should occur at f=1/2pRC

(c)      What type of filter is this simple RC network?  Explain.

(d)   How would you build a high-pass filter using a resistor and an inductor? Explain.