Bananas And Gallstones

Creating a Virtual Prototype

When we are designing a circuit in Multisim use the simulation to give us an idea of \u200b\u200bthe behavior of the circuit under certain scenarios. After we built a physical prototype to connect to real signals for best results. Very often we find from small to large differences between the results of the Multisim simulation and actual measurements.

These differences are due not only to the actual components have certain tolerances, but also the fact that our simulation with Multisim all input signals are ideal, ie not subject to noise fluctuations, fades, etc.

But what if instead of using the ideal sources feed our electronic design simulation with real data previously captured and stored? Definitely the Multisim circuit simulation results give us more attached to reality. Even no need to build physical prototypes in early design stage.

With Multisim this is possible thanks to the concept of Virtual Prototype . To create it we need first to capture the input signal and stored in a LVM file format. This format is proprietary LabVIEW and is based on ASCII. Once the data stored in LVM format, sent to call the file using a signal source in Multisim, the Voltage Source LabVIEW LVM, and then connect this source to our circuit.

Let's see this more in detail with an example.

Here's a circuit that serves captured in Multisim to filter the signal from the heartbeat. This circuit is the stage of a medical device.

To test the filter in Multisim could connect a function generator, select a sine wave, experiment with different amplitudes and frequencies, and finally analyze the results. However, those results distarían far from reality because the electrical signals from heartbeat are arbitrary. However, we can create a virtual prototype and test the circuit with a real signal.

The first step is to capture and store the signal of interest. For this we need a sensor or transducer and data acquisition hardware. Later we would use LabVIEW or LabVIEW SignalExpress to save the data acquired in an LVM format. This stage goes beyond the scope of this article, but if they would like to know more do not hesitate to tell me.

LVM The corresponding file is as follows:

Now in Multisim will place the source LVM _ VOLTAGE into Group SOURCES, Family SIGNAL_VOLTAGE_SOURCES :

In the properties of this source we can select the file you previously created LVM:

Ready, now simulate our circuit in Multisim and get a better answer:

The blue is the data signal to the input of our circuit, which were previously captured, is a real signal. Red is the filtered signal after passing through the circuit.

As you can see, the Virtual Prototype is a powerful tool that can help us improve our simulation results and test the circuit without need for costly physical prototypes. Of course, a key part of this method is to capture the signal as it requires specialized hardware and software. If you want to learn more about this part let me know to write an article regard.

Greetings!

Fernando

Mozart's Andante Grazioso From Unleashed

We're going to FUDENA

Fuerteventura from North to South on a mountain bike is the challenge of ORT Arista on 30 and 31 October. The tour takes place along 150 km of distance separating Corralejo in the north of the island of Morro Jable in the south, by 90% through roads, tracks and paths. This allows us to enjoy the arid beauty of Fuerteventura, through volcanic badlands, jable areas (dunes), rocks, volcanoes, endless beaches ...

Chencho, Sergio Jover, Ferko and Fer be at the start of the MTB test, which brings together almost 1000 athletes this weekend in Fuerteventura.

Photos Carlos Diaz-Recio and Alberto Cardona

Can Inipple Play Cause Mis Carriage

Multisim Technological Innovation Forum in Guatemala

Last week I had the honor of participating in Technological Innovation Forum , organized by the Universidad Galileo in Guatemala .

In this event students from different races and Electronics, Mechatronics, Telecommunications Systems and universities had the opportunity to learn new technologies and even gain practical experience by participating in a series of workshops.

Some of the topics at this event included: efficient use of energy, robotics, scalable Internet systems, microcontrollers, automation, and of course, circuit simulation.

For my part I opportunity to give two talks related to the use of circuit simulation for the electronic design process, how to improve the simulation results, and also conducted two workshops on the use of Multisim for programmable logic design tool NI ELVIS II prototyping circuit.

I love participating in these events because I can understand the concerns of students and teachers. In fact, since I was a student always tried to attend forums, conferences and everything connected with the industry to keep technology updated emerging.

Return highly motivated for this event and many ideas to keep creating content for this site. Content is for you and aimed at creating a culture of sharing technical information among students, teachers and engineers speaking.

Galileo Thanks to the University for the invitation, and thank you for keep track of this blog.

Greetings!

Fernando