Functions required to implement an automation project are varied. Most often, however, implementation requires only standard products that the user must select and apply in accordance with manufacturers' instructions. This category, for example, includes dc power supplies, standard instruments, PLCs, and other commercial off-the-shelf electronic devices.
| B2Spice A/D Software provides clear circuit documentation, including layout and simulation results. |
Functions required to implement an automation project are varied. Most often, however, implementation requires only standard products that the user must select and apply in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions. This category, for example, includes dc power supplies, standard instruments, PLCs, and other commercial off-the-shelf electronic devices.
In some projects requirements exist that can only be met by applying custom electronic circuitry. The range of applications can include everything from simple circuits of individual components (resistors, capacitors, etc.) to complex circuits that also include analog or digital devices. These applications need to be designed and documented, but testing is just as important to evaluate performance prior to construction and implementation of the circuit.
Help on the way
One software package that helps to accomplish these goals is B2Spice A/D software package by Beige Bag Software (Ann Arbor, MI). This package addresses the need for a graphical design environment as well as providing circuit simulation capability.
Its circuit design feature supports a wide range of application requirements. Features include basic ac power circuits using standard devices, such as power sources, transformers, meters (both voltage and amp), resistors, and diodes. There is also a large library of analog and digital devices from several vendors that include pin function graphics. Analog and digital devices are sorted by type and vendor to aid in location and selection. B2Spice A/D software handles positioning, orientation, and interconnection of devices into the electrical design, regardless of their complexity.
Check it out
Once a circuit design is complete, users can check for basic wiring errors to validate basic circuit design. Then, simulation analysis can easily be performed using several methods to give a good estimate of actual circuit operation. Simulation functions within B2Spice A/D include normal operating point, sweeps over specified ranges, transient and Fourier analysis, and others. Results of any or all of these simulations are then available to the user in a graphical format that can easily be copied and inserted into Microsoft Windows applications for documentation.
Also included in the design element functions are ‘devices’ that assist in performance estimation. These graphical elements are non-ideal factors often experienced in systems such as non-ideal power and line losses.
Once a design has been completed and simulated, users can produce graphical output plots and material lists for procurement documentation. One feature missing from this software that would be assist prospective users is an export function to standard CAD packages for integration of the design into the rest of the user’s design documentation.
This review is based upon version 4.2.1 of B2Spice A/D software package operating under Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional. It also operates under Windows 95, 98, NT v.4, 2000, or XP operating systems on personal computers with Pentium processors.
For more information on B2Spice A/D, visit www.beigebag.com .
| Author Information |
| Contributing Editor, Tracy J. Coates, P.E. is a consulting engineer at PCE Engineering, Johnson City, TN. |
