ADVANCED CIRCUIT ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

The course provides an introduction to circuit simulation and optimization.

Knowledge and understanding

Basic knowledge of simulation-oriented circuit equation formulation and solution of linear and nonlinear circuits.
Basic knowledge of circuit simulators and optimization techniques.
Basic understanding of problems in circuit simulation and optimal design.

Applying knowledge and understanding

The students will be able to properly use circuit simulators and optimization algorithms for the design of electric circuits and networks.

Making judgements

The students will be able to choose the simulation and optimization approach more suitable for their application.

Communication skills

The student will learn the technical language of circuit simulation and optimization. The course includes seminars that allow interaction between students and experts from the industrial fields.

Learning skills

The student will acquire the fundamentals necessary to understand more complex circuit simulation and optimal design topics not covered in the course. This ability will be refined through participation in seminars whose understanding requires the knowledge and understanding of the topics covered by the course.

Classroom lectures. CAD laboratory.

Knowledge of the basics of Linear Algebra and Electrotechnics.

Class attendance is not mandatory but it is highly recommended.

Overview on Circuit Simulation

Device equations. Equation Formulation. Solution Techniques. Nonlinear Circuits. Dynamic Circuits. Simulation flow of non-linear dynamic circuits.

Solution of Linear Algebraic Circuit Equations

Reduced Sparse Tableau and Nodal Analysis: from node-based to component-based approach. Unique Solvability. Modified Nodal Analysis: component-based approach. Formulation of Linear Dynamic Equations. Solution of Linear Algebraic Circuit Equations. Gaussian Elimination. Basic notes on LU Factorization.

Solution of Nonlinear Algebraic Circuit Equations

Nonlinear Elements. Nonlinear Modified Nodal Analysis Formulation. Introduction to Nonlinear DC Analysis. Introduction to Newton’s Method. The One-Dimensional Case. Overview of the Multidimensional Case. Basic notes of Quasi-Newton Methods. Application to Circuit Simulation.

Basic notes of Solution of Differential Circuit Equations

Dynamic Elements. Dynamic Modified Nodal Analysis Formulation. Basic notes of Differential-Algebraic and Ordinary Differential Equation System in Circuit Analysis. Introduction to Forward Euler and Backward Euler. Basic notes of Application to Circuit Simulation.

Power Quality

Introduction to Power Quality. Nonlinear Loads in Power Systems. Effects of Electrical Machines and Power Electronic Converters. Introduction to Filters. The Butterworth Approximation. The Chebyshev Approximation. Frequency and Impedance Translation. Low Pass to High Pass Transformation. Low Pass to Band Pass Transformation. Low Pass to Notch Transformation. Passive Filter Realization.

Circuit modelling, simulation and optimization

Spice-like simulators and Spice Netlists. Simscape circuit simulator: graphic interface, simulation and waveforms acquisition. Integration of spice netlists in Simscape and interaction with MATLAB for parametric circuits analysis. Basic notes of stochastic and deterministic optimization. MATLAB Optimization Toolbox. Optimal circuit design. Industry approach for Silicon Carbide MOSFET circuit modelling.

1) Farid N. Najm, “Circuit Simulation”, John Wiley & Sons, 2010.

2) H. Michael Thomas, “Advanced Circuit Analysis and Design”, CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform 2014.

3) Bhim Singh, Ambrish Chandra, Kamal Al-Haddad, “Power Quality: Problems and Mitigation Techniques”, John Wiley & Sons, 2015.

4) Slides projected during the lessons.

Oral exam.

To ensure equal opportunities and in compliance with current laws, interested students may request a personal interview in order to plan any compensatory and/or dispensatory measures based on educational objectives and specific needs. Students can also contact the CInAP (Centro per l’integrazione Attiva e Partecipata - Servizi per le Disabilità e/o i DSA) referring teacher within their department.

A list of typical questions is available on Studium.