9.0 Tutorial Summary

This tutorial has covered the following concepts and tasks:

  • Configuring a working schematic to run successfully in DVM involves replacing the existing source(s) and load(s) with DVM source(s) and load(s) and then adding a DVM Control symbol to the schematic. This configuration process typically takes about 5 minutes at which point, the schematic can run any of the applicable built-in DVM test plans.
  • Selecting a subset of tests to run on a sync buck DC-DC converter and looking at each of the key elements of the resulting DVM test report illustrated how to add waveforms and scalar measurements to the report.
  • Two more built-in testplans, Efficiency and Line and Load Regulation, provided further examples of generating the DVM test reports.
  • The examples of customizing testplans to meet particular requirements included changing component values, adding curves to reports from the testplan, and  generating tests that summarize results.
  • Additional customization examples demonstrated how to modify the built-in testplans, which included the following approaches:
    • Modifying the schematic to use variables
    • Using the Var() and GlobalVar() testplan functions to change component values
    • Using the Change() function to change component values directly without modifying the schematic.
    • Using the Change testplan entry to change the schematic configuration.
  • Using the Suppress, Promote, and Create testplan entries for general purpose post-processing included details about additional functions:
    • Using the Alias() function to create a copy of a scalar measurement with a new name.
    • Using the overview reporting functions, PromoteScalar() and PromoteGraph() to place measured scalar values and graphs on the overview report.
    • Using the NoSpecs(), NoScalars(), and NoCurve()functions to change the reported specification, scalar and curve data on a test-by-test basis.
    • Using the ArbitraryCurve() and ArbitraryBodePlot()  functions to add curves to reports.
    • Using the ExtractCurve() function to copy a curve generated in a previously run test to the current test, allowing direct, visual comparison of multiple curves.
    • Using the CreateXYScalarPlot() function to create new curves from the aggregated scalar measurements .
  • Using pre-  and post- process scripts to create and report user-defined specifications and user- defined scalar values with the SimplisDVMAdvancedUtilCreateSpec and SimplisDVMAdvancedUtilCreateScalar functions.
  • Applying two applications of the Design Verification Module that measured, graphed and then saved efficiency, power loss, and control loop behavior across line and load variation.