The first generation of NL ("non-linear") analog simulator was developed in the late 1980s for different types of computers and operating systems. In early 1990s, NL migrated to
MS-DOS
MS-DOS ( ; acronym for Microsoft Disk Operating System, also known as Microsoft DOS) is an operating system for x86-based personal computers mostly developed by Microsoft. Collectively, MS-DOS, its rebranding as IBM PC DOS, and a few ope ...
and
Windows
Windows is a group of several proprietary graphical operating system families developed and marketed by Microsoft. Each family caters to a certain sector of the computing industry. For example, Windows NT for consumers, Windows Server for serv ...
based personal computers. For many years it was a proprietary tool of a few research labs and small companies, used to design control systems, measurement equipment, and power supplies. The first publicly available version of NL5 (the "fifth generation" of NL) was released on January 1, 2009.
Components
NL5 uses simple analog components and models, including ideal components:
*Ideal switch with zero/infinite resistance and instantaneous switching
*Ideal diode with constant voltage drop when closed, and zero current when open
*Ideal amplifier with zero output resistance, infinite gain, and infinite bandwidth
Non-linear components are represented as piecewise-linear, or as a function (simulated with one step delay). For
mixed-signal
A mixed-signal integrated circuit is any integrated circuit that has both analog circuits and digital circuits on a single semiconductor die.system-level, and
behavioral modeling
The behavioral approach to systems theory and control theory was initiated in the late-1970s by J. C. Willems as a result of resolving inconsistencies present in classical approaches based on state-space, transfer function, and convolution represe ...
NL5 uses simple basic digital, function, C-code, and DLL components. Practically all parameters of NL5 components can be set to positive, negative, zero, or infinity value. NL5 schematic may have arbitrary, even unrealizable topology, with floating nodes, "voltage loops", etc.
Analysis
NL5 performs transient simulation using modified nodal analysis and trapezoidal integration. A special algorithm is in place to handle simulation with ideal components (e.g. zero/infinite resistance and instantaneous switching).
NL5 performs 3 types of AC analysis:
*Small signal, for linear and linearized non-linear circuits
*Sweep AC source (variable-frequency sinusoidal source), for non-linear and switching circuits
*
z-transform
In mathematics and signal processing, the Z-transform converts a discrete-time signal, which is a sequence of real or complex numbers, into a complex frequency-domain (z-domain or z-plane) representation.
It can be considered as a discrete-tim ...
, for constant frequency switching circuits
Modules and features
*Transient tools:
FFT
A fast Fourier transform (FFT) is an algorithm that computes the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) of a sequence, or its inverse (IDFT). Fourier analysis converts a signal from its original domain (often time or space) to a representation in the ...
, XY plot,
eye diagram
In telecommunication, an eye pattern, also known as an eye diagram, is an oscilloscope display in which a digital signal from a receiver is repetitively sampled and applied to the vertical input, while the data rate is used to trigger the horizon ...
, amplitude
histogram
A histogram is an approximate representation of the distribution of numerical data. The term was first introduced by Karl Pearson. To construct a histogram, the first step is to " bin" (or "bucket") the range of values—that is, divide the ent ...
, and more
*AC tools:
Smith chart
The Smith chart, invented by Phillip H. Smith (1905–1987) and independently by Mizuhashi Tosaku, is a graphical calculator or nomogram designed for electrical and electronics engineers specializing in radio frequency (RF) engineering to assist ...
,
Nyquist plot
In control theory and stability theory, the Nyquist stability criterion or Strecker–Nyquist stability criterion, independently discovered by the German electrical engineer at Siemens in 1930 and the Swedish-American electrical engineer Harry ...
,
Nichols plot
The Nichols plot is a Plot (graphics), plot used in signal processing and control theory, control design, named after American engineer Nathaniel B. Nichols.Allen Stubberud, Ivan Williams, and Joseph DeStefano, ''Shaums Outline Feedback and Contr ...
*Post-processing: performs various mathematical operations on transient and AC results
*Command line, script (C-language)
*
HTTP
The Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is an application layer protocol in the Internet protocol suite model for distributed, collaborative, hypermedia information systems. HTTP is the foundation of data communication for the World Wide Web, ...
interface: built-in HTTP server
*Interface to some oscilloscope models through
VISA
Visa most commonly refers to:
*Visa Inc., a US multinational financial and payment cards company
** Visa Debit card issued by the above company
** Visa Electron, a debit card
** Visa Plus, an interbank network
*Travel visa, a document that allows ...
interface
*Encrypted components and schematic files
*Co-simulation with digital simulators. NL5 DLL is an NL5 transient simulation engine with an API in the form of a Windows DLL. It can be used as an analog simulation engine for co-simulation with System Verilog digital simulators (e.g.
Xilinx Vivado
Vivado Design Suite is a software suite produced by Xilinx for synthesis and analysis of hardware description language (HDL) designs, superseding Xilinx ISE with additional features for system on a chip development and high-level synthesis. Vivad ...
). Also, NL5 DLL functions can be called from C/C++ applications,
MATLAB
MATLAB (an abbreviation of "MATrix LABoratory") is a proprietary multi-paradigm programming language and numeric computing environment developed by MathWorks. MATLAB allows matrix manipulations, plotting of functions and data, implementation ...
,
Python
Python may refer to:
Snakes
* Pythonidae, a family of nonvenomous snakes found in Africa, Asia, and Australia
** ''Python'' (genus), a genus of Pythonidae found in Africa and Asia
* Python (mythology), a mythical serpent
Computing
* Python (pro ...
, etc., and perform co-simulation with user's tool of choice.
Applications
*Industry.
Dialog Semiconductor
Dialog Semiconductor PLC is an American founded UK-Domiciled manufacturer of semiconductor-based system solutions. The company is headquartered in the United Kingdom in Reading, with a global sales, R&D and marketing organization. Dialog create ...
, developer of power-management integrated circuits for consumer electronics, has adopted NL5 as a mixed-signal simulation tool, and provides NL5 models of their digital power controllers to customers. Simulation results obtained with NL5 are used by electronics companies in application notes and conference proceedings. Due to piecewise-linear nature, NL5 is listed among preferred simulators for switching circuits.
*Science/Research. NL5 is used in research labs to design control systems and electronics for scientific applications. It is used for scholar articles published in
IEEE
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is a 501(c)(3) professional association for electronic engineering and electrical engineering (and associated disciplines) with its corporate office in New York City and its operation ...
journals, and presented at conferences and workshops
*Academia/Education. Since 2009, NL5 is a simulation tool of preference for power electronics laboratory course at Colorado State University. It is used by students all over the world for theses in different electronics-related fields. NL5 has been mentioned in reviews of educational software tools. NL5 is also being used as a demonstration and teaching tool of basics of physics and electronics.
Licensing
Without a license, NL5 works in a demo mode, with full functionality and limited number of circuit components. Free licenses are available for educational institutions and students (1 year license). Different types of temporary and permanent licenses are available for individuals and companies.