PC ECAP – simulation of electrical circuits on a computer
Calculates the amplitude, phase, group delay, Can you give me instructions on how to wind that choke?, PSV and attenuation in virtually any frequency range. The circuit can be powered by a sine wave, rectangular, sawtooth signal, possibly monitor the response to the unit jump. Circuits with more than a thousand components and ninety nodes can be analyzed. The program includes an internal editor with online help. Data or graph can be printed on 9/24 dot matrix and HP LaserJet compatible printers.
Controlling the program is relatively simple, you just need to learn how to create a circuit. Several examples will help with this, which are part of the program and online help, which contains syntax. After starting the program, you will be greeted by the main menu with these items:
- Select input file
: select an existing file, create new or delete old
- Edit input file
: built - in circuit creation editor. The F1 key calls up the online help, F2 is a macro model for creating a hybrid model of a bipolar transistor. The F3 key inserts and the F4 key deletes the row. F5 is used to search for a part. Alt + F1 invokes the netlist, which is a list of connected components to each node. Alt + F2 is used to rename the edited file. Alt + F3 is the insertion of the copied line, which we denote Alt + F4. The last combination, Alt+F5, je find next – search for the next part.
- Analyze circuit
: starts circuit analysis and subsequent graphing. It is also possible to use the zoom (wolf) and print the image. Between the individual graphs (output graphs can be multiple (eg a graph of the real impedance component, graph of imaginary component of impedance and graph of PSV) we move with the arrows to the right and left. To return to the menu, press Esc.
- View output data
: is the display of data in a table, in which we move the arrows. Press F1 to display the graph.
- Output to printer
: printing data by a printer.
- Change program settings
: change program settings. The number of samples can be set, port to which the printer is connected and test it immediately. The configuration can be saved to disk.
- Quit this program
: exit the program and return to DOS, or Windows.
What to say in conclusion? I guess every technician, but not only him, I can recommend PC ECAP. The circuit can be tested via a computer “I just have to calculate some length compromise for all HF bands and really try it somewhere”, reveal its weaknesses as well as its strengths. He helped me find the most suitable input filter connection and find out – why the original ones somehow didn't work.
Despite its undeniable advantages, my rating is one minus. PC ECAP does not display the circuit diagram, which is a problem with more complex circuits. At that time, the involvement is difficult to navigate. An indisputable plus would be, if there was a program, in which the wiring diagram is drawn, component values are substituted, the circuit program analyzes and designs the printed circuit board… I guess we'll see you one day.
PC ECAP can be found in the Download section at CQ.sk.
