ABSTRACT
Because of the nonlinear nature of converter and regulator circuits, computer-aided design (CAD) tools are highly desirable for the design of such circuits. This chapter discusses, based on Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE), the techniques of using circuit simulation programs to help design converters and regulators, the commonly encountered problems, and solutions to these problems. It discusses the philosophy of using the CAD tool to help design electronic circuits and the practical techniques of applying it to the design of converters and regulators. Ideally, the required closed-loop regulator specifications should first be transformed into a frequency-domain objective loop-gain characteristic, and then the designer should design a feedback and compensation circuit to achieve the objective frequency characteristic. The chapter identifies some potential problems that may be encountered in the design process. It also discusses the solutions to these problems.
