1. What are the steps to use iSim?
2. I cannot view the schematic; there is only a gray colored background. What is wrong?
3. Are there any browser plug-ins needed to run the on-line tool?
4. How do I change a component value?
5. Are there limits to the values I can assign to a component?
6. How can I get a parts list for my design?
7. What Intersil parts can I simulate?
8. Can I save my designs?
9. Can I add or remove components from the schematic?
10. Why do I need to register or sign-in?
11. Can I get a pspice model for the part I’m interested in?
12. How does AC analysis help with a voltage regulator design?
13. Who do I contact to ask specific questions about the application schematic?
14. Who to I contact to ask specific questions about the simulation tool?
15. How do I know when the simulation is complete?
16. How can I view the simulation log file?
17. How do I view the simulation output?
18. What simulation engine is used for iSim?
19. What if I forget my login information?
20. How do I update my account information?
21. What happens if I delete my browswer cookies or what to use a different computer?
22. How do I enter parameter values with engineering notation?
23. What are some of the considerations and assumptions used to develop application circuit models?

1. What are the steps to use iSim?

1. Review the device datasheet by clicking the link in the upper-right corner of the Analyze page. This will help familiarize you with the part features and design equations. The default schematic is based on a recommended application.
2. Move the cursor over components in the schematic until a highlight appears around the component. Click the component to edit its value and associated parasitic elements. Click OK to close the pop-up edit dialog box. Perform this step for as many elements as desired.
3. Click the Configure AC button in the schematic window and set the start and stop frequencies. Click OK to save and close the edit dialog box.
4. Click the Run AC button. In a few seconds, information text will appear at the bottom left corner of the schematic window indicating the simulation is complete. You will also notice the Run AC button will be grayed out during simulation computations.
5. Click the View Waveforms button. In a few seconds a new window will open with data from the most recent simulation.
6. You may repeat steps 2 through 5 as needed to adjust your design.
7. You can review the parts list by clicking on the Bill Of Materials button at the top left area of the browser window.
8. You can save your design by clicking on the My Designs button at the top left area of the browser window.

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2. I cannot view the schematic; there is only a gray colored background. What is wrong?

The most likely cause is not having the Java plug-in enabled for your browser. Please refer to the instructions at: http://www.java.com

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3. Are there any browser plug-ins needed to run the on-line tool?

You will need the Sun Microsystems Java Plug-in to utilize iSim. You may obtain the plug-in and installation instructions from Sun at: http://www.java.com

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4. How do I change a component value?

Move the cursor over the component of interest. Click when a highlight encircles the component to open a pop-up edit window. Enter the value and click the OK button to save the change and close the edit dialog box.

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5. Are there limits to the values I can assign to a component?

Yes. If you enter a value outside of predefined limits a dialog box will provide feedback with an indication of the value limits.

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6. How can I get a list of parts for my design?

Click on the Bill Of Materials button at the top left area of the browser window. The list will reflect all current components shown in the schematic on the Analyze page.

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7. What Intersil parts can I simulate?

A list of all iSim parts is available at www.intersil.com/isim/

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8. Can I save my designs?

Yes. At any time you can click on the My Designs button at the top left area of the browser window to open the design save and recall page. The first time you save a design you will be prompted to create a user name and password. This is needed to protect your information and is only accessible when properly logged-in. Please keep your login information in a safe place.

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9. Can I add or remove components from the schematic?

Circuit elements in iSim cannot be removed or added. However, in some cases you can adjust an element's value very large (1G resistor) or small (1pF Capacitor) to make its affect negligible. Download Intersil's offline simulation tool, iSimPE, and your application circuit of interest. iSimPE enables you to add or remove components.

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10. Why do I need to register or sign-in?

User registration is used to maintain security of your files and facilitate file storage & retrieval for your designs.

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11. Can I get a pspice model for the part I’m interested in?

Most iSim parts have a separate downloadable pspice file that can be used in your simulator. Please refer to the Intersil Design Resources web pages for more details.

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12. How does AC analysis help with a voltage regulator design?

AC analysis is used to evaluate the stability of the voltage regulator when operating in a closed loop mode. The Bode plot provides gain and phase information that can be used to perform trade-off analysis between loop response speed and stability margin.

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13. Who do I contact to ask specific questions about the application schematic?

You may contact the Intersil Technical Support Center by submitting a request through the following web page: http://www.intersil.com/rnwscripts/custfaq.cfg/php.exe/enduser/ask.php. This link is also available at the bottom of all iSim pages. Make certain to note which iSim part you have a question about.

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14. Who to I contact to ask specific questions about the simulation tool?

You may contact the Intersil Technical Support Center by submitting a request through the following web page: http://www.intersil.com/rnwscripts/custfaq.cfg/php.exe/enduser/ask.php. This link is also available at the bottom of all iSim pages.

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15. How do I know when the simulation is complete?

When the simulation has completed, information text will appear at the lower left corner of the schematic window indicating the simulation is complete. You will also notice the Run AC button will be grayed out during simulation computations. View the waveform results by clicking on the View Waveforms button.

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16. How can I view the simulation log file?

On the main Analyze page there is a window divider below the schematic that separates the schematic window from a log file window. You can grab the divider with your mouse cursor and drag it up to reveal more of the log file window. There are also scroll bars to navigate through the split window contents.

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17. How do I view the simulation output?

The simulation output is accessed from the waveform viewer. A simulation must be run to view the waveforms. To open the waveform viewer, click the View Waveforms button at the top of the schematic. A new window will open with the data displayed. The waveform viewer has interactive markers and zoom functions for closer inspection of the data.

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18. What simulation engine is used for iSim?

The iSim tool uses WebSIM from Transim Technology, Inc.

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19. What if I forget my login information?

Your username is the email address you used to register. In any page that you're asked for your password there is a link for "lost and forgotten passwords". Simply click that link, enter your email address into the form and click submit. A new password will be emailed to you.

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You can review and change your account information by using the link on the My Designs page or by visiting this address: http://register.transim.com/user_manager/update.php

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If you delete your browser’s cookies or log into a different computer, you will be brought to a login screen when accessing your iSim account. Simply enter your email address in the appropriate box and click the Existing User button. A new cookie will be placed on the computer.

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22. How do I enter parameter values with engineering notation?

When entering values for circuit components, you can use standard engineering notation alpha characters. Examples: 12x10**3 = 12K, 5x10**-6 = 5u. You should not enter the unit alpha character that is already displayed on the edit box.

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23. What are some of the considerations and assumptions used  to develop application circuit models?

To minimize simulation time, certain parasitic elements (resistances, capacitances, inductances) have been omitted from the device models. A simulation may create voltage and/or current spikes or other waveform anomalies that would not occur, or may fail to predict voltage and/or current spikes that would occur in a physical realization of the circuit.

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