What does a DC Sweep Simulation do?

A DC Sweep simulation calculates the steady state voltages and currents when sweeping a Voltage Source, Current Source, Model Parameter, Global Parameter, or Temperature, over a range of values.

The results are available in the output file, or as waveforms in the Probe window.

DC Sweep Settings and Options

In the Simulation Profile, Analysis settings, the following can be configured: Swept Variable Type; Name of the Swept Variable; Sweep Type; and the Start, End and Increment values, or a value list.

The Swept Variable Type can be: a Voltage Source, a Current Source, a Model Parameter, a Global Parameter, or Temperature.

The Name of the Swept Variable could be the Reference for a Voltage, or Current, Source; the Name of a Model, or Global, Parameter; or Temperature.

The Sweep Type can be Linear, or Logarithmic (Decade, or Octave).

The Start, End and Increment Values are specified for a Linear Sweep, a Logarithmic Sweep uses the Start, End and the number of Points per Decade (or Octave). One simulation is run and then the Increment is added to the Start value, if the End value has not been reached, another simulation is run. This is repeated until the End value is reached. For the Logarithmic Sweep, one simulation is run, the fraction from the number of Points is added to the Start Value, if the End value has not been reached, another simulation is run. Again, this is repeated until the End value is reached.

Viewing Results

Since running the DC Sweep will result in multiple waveforms, the results will be available in the Probe window. Voltage and Current Markers can be added to the Schematic and the values from these markers will be added to the Probe window display. Use PSpice>Markers>Voltage Level, Voltage Differential (placed on Wires), Current into Pin (placed on Component Pins), Power Dissipation (placed on Components)

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