FAQ

Improved product design: Simulation allows companies to evaluate and optimize the design of their products in a virtual environment. This reduces the need for physical prototypes and testing. Additionally, this can lead to improved product performance and reliability, reducing the risk of costly design failures.

Increased competitiveness: By leveraging the expertise and resources of Circuit Analytix, companies can stay ahead of the competition and quickly respond to market demands.

Reduced time to market: Simulation can reduce the time required to develop and launch new products, improving the competitiveness of the company in a fast-paced market.

Improved cost-effectiveness: Simulation can reduce the cost of product development by reducing the need for physical prototypes and testing. This can lead to improved margins and increased profitability for the company.

The cost of model development depends on design complexity, component count, magnitude of voltage and current variations, and how many devices must be characterized.

Performance Analysis cost is primarily determined by the specifications. The more requirements to be evaluated, the higher the cost. Margin/Stress Analysis cost is affected by the number of components and operating conditions to be analyzed. Monte Carlo Analysis requires more computational resources and involves more setup and post-processing. Worst Case Analysis is usually the most time-consuming of the listed analyses.

In summary, the cost of simulation is influenced by various factors, including design complexity, specifications, component count, and the type of analysis being performed.

To ensure a smooth project experience, I recommend reaching out to Circuit Analytix as early as possible, especially for optimization projects and paper studies. The time it takes to complete a project is dependent on the design. However, the best way to determine an accurate timeline is to request a quote.

A basic converter model with a basic control IC typically takes about 3-5 days to create. Whereas a more sophisticated control IC may take an additional 3-5 days. Performance analysis and reporting usually takes about one week, depending on the number of simulations required. Adding a stress analysis usually adds 1-2 days. A Monte Carlo analysis adds 3-5 days. Worst-case analysis can take weeks after several hours of collaboration with the design engineer.

The time required for optimization projects varies based on the objective. Factors such as data collection, preprocessing, number of device options, and simulation time all contribute to the timeline. Expect 2-3 weeks for most optimization projects. The quote may indicate a longer time frame depending on the scope of the project.

Typically, I aim to achieve an RMS error of 0.1-3% for most devices, magnetic core models are sometimes less accurate. The accuracy of passive components ranges from ideal models to realistic non-linear models. 

I launched my career in research with a Fortune 500 company in 2005, where I designed hardware such as DC-DC converters and inverters. My interest in analysis soon led me to make a career switch, and by 2008, my job was split between simulation and hardware design. By 2012, my role was officially transitioned to Performance Analyst, and I continued to work in this capacity until I left in 2013. After that, I worked as an Engineering Analyst for an aerospace company where I was primarily focused on analysis until I left in 2019. Most recently, I held the position of Principle Electrical Engineer at another large company.

Before using component models, they undergo validation against data. To ensure accuracy, averaged models are compared to switched models, and switched models are checked with calculations.

To initiate the quotation process, send us your Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). Once the NDA has been signed, you can send your design input package for quotation.

The level of security in exchanging information is up to you. If desired, communications regarding design inputs, reports, and other information can be securely transmitted through encryption and passwords can be shared via phone. Alternatively, if you have a preferred method of communication, such as an FTP site or file sharing application, I’m willing to accommodate that.

Once the analysis is finished, all design inputs, models, and reports generated during the analysis will be securely stored in the cloud using encryption.

Probably. The HDL I use is versatile and supports numerous domains.

Yes.

It depends on the situation. Once a model is created, I do some testing to see how it converges at several operating points. Sometimes circuit problems will show up in this phase. Sometimes, problems are discovered during my quotation process.

If a problem is found which will alter simulation results when a correction is made, I will revise the quote as necessary once a redesign is complete. Often this requires little additional development time for the revised model, but it often requires previous analysis be repeated to ensure accuracy. 

 For minor problems like changing the rating of a resistor, capacitor, or something that is not critical to performance, if I can obtain written permission from the customer, then I will just change the rating in my evaluation and continue with the analysis.