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The MAX20830 is a fully integrated, high-efficiency step-down (buck) DC-DC switching regulator with a PMBus interface. The associated models can be used and executed in both TINA and TINACloud simulation environments.

The simulation results have been verified against real measurement data, ensuring reliable and accurate performance for design and analysis purposes.

In this video tutorial, we’ll first run simulations in TINA software, then verify the results with physical measurements.

Simulation with TINA

Part 1: Basic Simulation with TINA

To begin, we will simulate the output voltage adjustment via hardware components.

1. Open the Model: Navigate to the TINA Examples\Analog Devices\MAX20830 folder and open MAX20830_VOUT.TSC.
2. Hardware Adjustment: The MAX20830 uses a default 0.5V feedback reference voltage (VREF​). The external resistor divider determines the output voltage (VOUT).
   • With RFB1​ and RFB2​ both set to 1kΩ, the output voltage is 1V.
   • Run a Transient Analysis to observe the 1V output.
3. Modifying the Output: To reach a 5V output, change the RFB1​ value to 9.1kΩ and run the Transient Analysis again.

To change the output voltage value without replacing the resistors, the reference voltage can be programmed via the PMBus commands.

Part 2: Adjusting Output via PMBus

While resistors provide a fixed output, the MAX20830 also allows for dynamic voltage scaling via PMBus commands without changing physical components.

Open the MAX20830 PMBus TSC file located in the TINA Examples\Analog Devices\MAX20830 folder.

Device Configuration

The default configuration is programmed using a configuration file. This allows you to set key electrical parameters before start-up, including:

• Reference voltage
• Overcurrent protection threshold
• Switching frequency

These settings correspond to the internal registers of the MAX20830 and can be modified via PMBus commands to reprogram the device. For a detailed list of commands, refer to the MAX20830 Datasheet.

Running the Analysis

The MAX20830 is configured to power up with an initial output voltage of 1V (using a default 0.5V reference). To observe the device behavior:

1. Navigate to the Analysis menu.
2. Select Transient… and press the Run button.
3. In the simulation, the output voltage is first allowed to reach its initial value.

PMBus Communication Sequence

During the simulation, you can observe the PMBus communication protocol:

• Device Address: Transmitted first. The address is set to hexadecimal 31h via a 200Ω resistor on the PGM0 pin.
• Command: The VOUT command (21h) is sent next.
• Data: To update the reference voltage to 0.8V, the data bytes are sent (Lower byte: 9Ah, Higher byte: 01h).

MAX20830EVKIT Physical Measurements

To verify the simulation, we used the MAX20830EVKIT Evaluation Board connected to a MAXPOWERTOOL002 USB-to-SMBus Interface.

Monitoring Setup:

• Output Voltage: Monitored via the Maxim Digital PowerTool software.
• PMBus Communication: Captured and monitored using a logic analyzer.

Verification Results

Just as in the simulation, the hardware starts with a 1V output. A PMBus VOUT command was sent via the laptop to change the reference voltage to 0.8V, resulting in an output voltage of 1.6V.

The results, specifically the transition from 0.5V to 0.8V,showed perfect consistency between the Maxim PowerTool and the TINA simulation. The communication sequences were clearly visible and identical in both the physical software and the simulation environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the MAX20830 DC‑DC converter can be accurately simulated in TINA. The PMBus communication circuit-including the output‑voltage‑change command and the device’s corresponding behavior-has been verified through measurements taken with the MAX20830EVKIT evaluation board.

You can learn more about TINA here: www.tina.com

Explore more content from our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TinaDesignSuite

The MAX20830 is a fully integrated, high-efficiency step-down (buck) DC-DC switching regulator with a PMBus interface. The associated models can be used and executed in both TINA and TINACloud simulation environments.

The simulation results have been verified against real measurement data, ensuring reliable and accurate performance for design and analysis purposes.

In this video tutorial, we’ll first run simulations in TINACloud software, then verify the results with physical measurements.

Simulation with TINACloud

Part 1: Basic Simulation with TINACloud

To begin, we will simulate the output voltage adjustment via hardware components.

1. Open the Model: Navigate to the TINA Examples\Analog Devices folder and open MAX20830_VOUT.TSC.
2. Hardware Adjustment: The MAX20830 uses a default 0.5V feedback reference voltage (VREF​). The external resistor divider determines the output voltage (VOUT).
   • With RFB1​ and RFB2​ both set to 1kΩ, the output voltage is 1V.
   • Run a Transient Analysis to observe the 1V output.
3. Modifying the Output: To reach a 5V output, change the RFB1​ value to 9.1kΩ and run the Transient Analysis again.

To change the output voltage value without replacing the resistors, the reference voltage can be programmed via the PMBus commands.

Part 2: Adjusting Output via PMBus

While resistors provide a fixed output, the MAX20830 also allows for dynamic voltage scaling via PMBus commands without changing physical components.

Open the MAX20830 PMBus TSC file located in the TINA Examples\Analog Devices folder.

Device Configuration

The default configuration is programmed using a configuration file. This allows you to set key electrical parameters before start-up, including:

• Reference voltage
• Overcurrent protection threshold
• Switching frequency

These settings correspond to the internal registers of the MAX20830 and can be modified via PMBus commands to reprogram the device. For a detailed list of commands, refer to the MAX20830 Datasheet.

Running the Analysis

The MAX20830 is configured to power up with an initial output voltage of 1V (using a default 0.5V reference). To observe the device behavior:

1. Navigate to the Analysis menu.
2. Select Transient… and press the Run button.
3. In the simulation, the output voltage is first allowed to reach its initial value.

PMBus Communication Sequence

During the simulation, you can observe the PMBus communication protocol:

• Device Address: Transmitted first. The address is set to hexadecimal 31h via a 200Ω resistor on the PGM0 pin.
• Command: The VOUT command (21h) is sent next.
• Data: To update the reference voltage to 0.8V, the data bytes are sent (Lower byte: 9Ah, Higher byte: 01h).

MAX20830EVKIT Physical Measurements

To verify the simulation, we used the MAX20830EVKIT Evaluation Board connected to a MAXPOWERTOOL002 USB-to-SMBus Interface.

Monitoring Setup:

• Output Voltage: Monitored via the Maxim Digital PowerTool software.
• PMBus Communication: Captured and monitored using a logic analyzer.

Verification Results

Just as in the simulation, the hardware starts with a 1V output. A PMBus VOUT command was sent via the laptop to change the reference voltage to 0.8V, resulting in an output voltage of 1.6V.

The results—specifically the transition from 0.5V to 0.8V—showed perfect consistency between the Maxim PowerTool and the TINACloud simulation. The communication sequences were clearly visible and identical in both the physical software and the simulation environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the MAX20830 DC‑DC converter can be accurately simulated in TINACloud. The PMBus communication circuit-including the output‑voltage‑change command and the device’s corresponding behavior-has been verified through measurements taken with the MAX20830EVKIT evaluation board.

You can learn more about TINACloud here: www.tinacloud.com

Explore more content from our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TinaDesignSuite

We have refreshed our “What is TINA and TINACloud?” informational video. This post introduces the updated content and outlines the key points covered.

Welcome to TINA & TINACloud: the powerful yet affordable circuit simulation and PCB design software packages available offline and online—now with built-in AI support. TINA and TINACloud are used by more than 100,000 users in 200 countries and 26 languages.

Multi-Platform Accessibility

TINA can be downloaded and installed on your computer. From TINA v16, it is available for Windows, Apple macOS, and major Linux distributions, including Ubuntu, Mint, SUSE, and even Raspberry Pi OS. Now, TINA is also available in light and dark mode, allowing you to enjoy a consistent, powerful experience whether you’re in the lab, at your desk, or on the go.

The online TINACloud runs in your browser without any installation, anywhere in the world where internet is available.

Built-in AI Support & Hardware Acceleration

AI tools in TINA and TINACloud offer a flexible, user-friendly interface for various engineering tasks, including:

• Providing information on circuits and designing LDO and SMPS power supply circuits.
• Designing active/passive filters, analog oscillators, and digital clock generators.
• Selecting and redesigning evaluation circuits from different manufacturers.
• Generating Arduino code for rapid prototyping and complex Python code for custom analysis.
• Image recognition with Python or MCU.
• Creating step-by-step solutions for DC/AC circuits, quizzes, and riddles.

The AI support in the offline TINA provides flexibility and privacy, now featuring expanded AI hardware acceleration supporting NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel Arc GPUs. You can use local AI models without internet connectivity or leverage cloud-based AI services.

AI Application Examples:

1. Redesigning a Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS): TINA includes SMPS models from leading manufacturers like TI, Infineon, Analog Devices, and more. You can redesign these using natural language. For example, by telling the AI to “set the output voltage to 3V” or “change the output voltage to 8V,” the circuit is automatically updated.
2. Colpitts Oscillator: Simply enter “Set the frequency to 1MHz,” and the redesigned circuit oscillates at the requested frequency.
3. Arduino Code Generation: Request the AI to “Create a simple Arduino code for generating prime numbers up to 100,” then compile and verify the results using TINA’s Serial Monitor.
4. Education & Analysis: Generate custom Python code to compare with simulation results or create step-by-step DC/AC solutions in TINACloud.
5. Quizzes and Riddles: AI can analyze circuits to create interactive quizzes or riddles, providing detailed evaluations of learning progress.

Advanced Circuit Analysis & Design

TINA and TINACloud allow you to analyze and design:

• Analog, Digital, Mixed, and RF circuits.
• Nonlinear RF and microwave circuits using Harmonic Balance.
• Switched Mode Power Supplies, Communication, and Optoelectronic circuits.
• Microcontroller applications in digital or mixed circuit environments (including the newly supported ESP32 microcontroller series).

In addition to SPICE, TINA and TINACloud include 7 major Hardware Description Languages (VHDL, VHDL-AMS, Verilog, Verilog A&AMS, SystemVerilog, SystemC) for modeling modern, complex integrated circuits such as SAR and Sigma-Delta ADC, DAC converters with SPI, Digital power ICs with I2C and PM bus, and Digital filters.

Unique Symbolic Analysis

Another unique feature of TINA is the Symbolic Analysis capability. This produces the closed-form expression of the transfer function, equivalent resistance, impedance, or response of analog linear networks.

• In DC and AC analysis mode, TINA derives formulas in full-symbolic or semi-symbolic form.
• In transient analysis, the response is determined as a function of time.
• Circuit variables can be referenced either as symbolic names or by value, and poles and zeros of linear circuits can be calculated and plotted.

Microcontroller Support & Debugging

TINA supports more than 1,400 microcontrollers, including PIC, AVR, 8051, HCS, ARM, ESP32, ST, Arduino, XMC, and more. MCUs can be simulated in Mixed-Signal Analog-Digital circuits. The built-in debugger allows you to test your HEX, Assembly, or C code step-by-step, insert breakpoints, and view MCU registers, memory, or C statements and variable values.

Local & Remote Real-time Test & Measurement

TINA is far more than simulation software. You can use it with local or remote measurement hardware that allows real-time measurements controlled by TINA’s on-screen virtual instruments.

Integrated PCB Design

TINA Design Suite is extended with the fully integrated PCB Designer. Main features include:

• Autoplacement, autorouting, and “follow-me” trace placement.
• DRC, forward and backward annotation, and pin/gate swapping.
• Keep-in/out areas, thermal relief, fanout, and plane layers.
• Gerber and G-code output.
• Flexible PCB layout and 3D Enclosure support.

You can also import 3D Enclosures in industry-standard formats and visualize your PCB design with enclosures in 3D.

References

Texas Instruments

Since 2004, Texas Instruments, one of the largest semiconductor companies in the world, has been using TINA for its analog IC application support. Over this period, the usage of TINA has been extended with a large number of TI components and application circuits, and it is used regularly by a huge number of industrial customers. This great number of industrial projects also helped DesignSoft to expand and improve TINA as one of the fastest and most powerful circuit simulators.

Infineon Technologies

Since 2014, Infineon Technologies, one of the world leaders in the power electronics industry, has been using TINACloud as the engine for its online prototyping tool, Infineon Designer. TINACloud and TINA include thousands of models of Infineon’s LED drivers, high-voltage, high-power, RF, MCU and other parts, along with a large number of industrial prototypes and application circuits that can be processed and developed further in both TINA and TINACloud.

Conclusion

TINA and TINACloud are powerful design and analysis tools for the advancement of electronic circuits. New users will find the software robust and easy to learn, while experienced designers and educators will appreciate the rich component libraries and the integration of SPICE with HDL.

Whether you are a student, educator, or longtime circuit designer, TINA and TINACloud combine to deliver high-performance circuit analysis that is accessible both offline and online. Much more than another SPICE program, this is software that can help you advance your ideas, your product definition, and your understanding of complex electronic circuit behavior.

Watch our video about the new features of TINA v16 and TINACloud:

New features in TINA Design Suite version 16 and TINACloud

For more information, visit our websites:

• www.tina.com
• www.tinacloud.com

Visit our YouTube channel:

• www.youtube.com/@TinaDesignSuite

Today, we are releasing an updated informational video about TINACloud, the cloud-based, multi-language version of the popular circuit simulation software TINA DesignSuite.

Universal Compatibility

TINACloud runs on most Operating Systems including Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android and computers including PCs, Macs, thin clients, tablets, even on many smart phones, smart TVs and e-book readers.

Versatile Design and Analysis Capabilities

The software allows you to analyze and design a wide range of circuits, including analog, digital, Microcontroller (MCU), Switched Mode Power Supply (SMPS), Nonlinear Radio-frequency (RF), and Microwave. Recent updates now also include the popular ESP32 microcontroller family.

With TINACloud, you can:

• Use manufacturer-specific SPICE models and hardware description languages.
• Test microcontroller applications in a mixed-circuit environment.
• Model complex integrated circuits such as SAR and Sigma-Delta ADCs, DAC converters with SPI, and digital power ICs with I2C and PM bus.
• Access a library of over 1400 microcontrollers, including PIC, AVR, 8051, HCS, ARM, ESP32, ST, Arduino, XMC and more.

Advanced Hardware Description Languages (HDL)

In addition to SPICE, TINACloud supports five major Hardware Description Languages (VHDL, Verilog, Verilog A & AMS, and SystemC). This integration is essential for modeling modern, complex circuits in mixed-signal environments, such as:

• Mixed SPICE-VHDL and SPICE-Verilog
• Mixed SPICE-Verilog-AMS and SPICE-SystemC

AI-Powered Engineering Tools

TINACloud features integrated AI tools that provide a flexible, user-friendly interface for various engineering and educational tasks:

• Providing information on circuits
• Designing LDO and SMPS power supply circuits
• Designing active and passive filters
• Designing analog oscillators and digital clock generators
• Selecting and redesigning evaluation circuits from different manufacturers
• Generating Arduino code for rapid prototyping
• Generating complex Python code for custom analysis
• Creating step-by-step solution of simple DC/AC circuits
• Creating quizzes and riddles and check their solution

Unique Symbolic Analysis

A standout feature of TINACloud is its Symbolic Analysis capability. This produces closed-form expressions for transfer functions, equivalent resistance, and impedance.

• In DC and AC modes, it derives formulas in full or semi-symbolic forms.
• In Transient analysis, responses are determined as a function of time.
• It also allows for the calculation and plotting of poles and zeros in linear circuits, providing deeper insight than numerical analysis alone.

Integrated PCB Design

TINACloud is extended with the fully integrated TINA PCB Designer. This professional toolset includes:

• Autoplacement and autorouting.
• “Follow-me” trace placement and Design Rule Checking (DRC).
• Forward and backward annotation.
• Support for flexible PCB layouts, 3D viewing, and Gerber/G-code output.

Industry Partnership: Infineon Technologies

Since 2014, Infineon Technologies, one of the world leaders in the power electronics industry, has been using TINACloud as the engine for its online prototyping tool, Infineon Designer. TINACloud and TINA include thousands of models of Infineon’s LED drivers, high-voltage, high-power, RF, MCU and other parts, along with a large number of industrial prototypes and application circuits that can be processed and developed further in both TINA and TINA Cloud.

Conclusion

Whether you are a student, an educator, or an experienced professional in circuit design, TINA and TINACloud provide powerful, intuitive analysis—offline and online. Much more than just another SPICE program, this is software designed to help you advance your ideas, refine your products, and master the behavior of complex electronic circuits.

Content of the video:

• 00:00 Introduction to TINACloud

• 00:12 Cross-Platform Compatibility: Access on PC, Mac, tablets, and mobile

• 00:27 Circuit Design & Simulation: Analog, Digital, MCU, and RF capabilities

• 00:57 Advanced HDL Support: Integration of VHDL, Verilog, and SystemC

• 01:49 AI-Driven Design Tools for Filters, Oscillators, SMPS Design, and Code Generation

• 02:33 Symbolic Analysis: Generating closed-form expressions and transfer functions

• 03:23 Integrated PCB Designer: From schematic to layout with 3D visualization

• 04:05 Industry Partnership: TINACloud and Infineon Technologies

• 04:37 Who is TINACloud for? (Professional Designers, Educators, and Students)

• 05:35 Website Information

You can learn more about TINACloud here: www.tinacloud.com

You can learn more about TINA here: www.tina.com

Explore more content from our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TinaDesignSuite

In our latest video, we demonstrate the application of the Harmonic Balance (HB) method in TINACloud by analyzing a frequency doubler circuit that uses a GaAs FET transistor and microstrip stub filters to optimize circuit operation.

In TINA v16, TINACloud and later versions, you can analyze nonlinear RF and Microwave circuits using the Harmonic Balance analysis method.

The advantage of this approach is that it does not require detailed time-domain simulation, which can be prohibitive for GHz-range signals.

Instead, you simply specify the desired base harmonics, and the program calculates and displays the resulting spectrum lines.

GaAs FET Frequency Doubler circuit

Open the Frequency Doubler GasFET file from the TINA Examples\RF\HB folder.

This frequency doubler circuit generates a 4 GHz output signal, exactly two times the2 GHz input frequency, using a high frequency GaAs FET transistor.

Besides the GaAs FET transistor, the circuit contains two other parts of interest.

A short-circuited half-wavelength stub (λ/2, λ, 3λ/2, …), TL11, is connected to the gate of the FET. It exhibits resonant frequencies at 4 GHz and integer multiples, thereby suppressing the 4 GHz component and its harmonics at the gate. 

In addition, a second open-circuited quarter-wavelength stub (λ/4, 3λ/4, …), TL9, is connected to the drain of the FET. It exhibits resonant frequencies at 2 GHz and its odd multiples, thereby filtering out the 2 GHz fundamental frequency component from the output signal.   

Running the Harmonic Balance Analysis

To observe the output spectrum, navigate to the Analysis menu and select Harmonic Balance Analysis. Use the following parameters:

• Base frequency: 1 GHz
• Number of harmonics: 20
• Output: Vout

The analysis results clearly demonstrate the circuit’s effectiveness. The dominant spectral component appears at 4 GHz (the second harmonic) with an amplitude of 199.34 mV. Meanwhile, the fundamental 2 GHz component is suppressed to a mere 8.45 mV, confirming successful frequency doubling.

Verification: Transient and Fourier Analysis

TINACloud allows you to validate your HB results using traditional time-domain methods.

1. Transient Analysis

When you run a Transient Analysis, the waveform visually confirms the doubling effect: the output period is half that of the input. By placing cursors on the curves, the Diagram Window confirms the frequencies:

• Vin: 2 GHz
• Vout: 4 GHz

2. Fourier Series Analysis

For a final numeric check, we can convert the transient data into the frequency domain. Run Fourier Series Analysis with these settings:

• Sampling Start time: 200 ns (to ensure the circuit has reached a steady state)
• Base frequency: 1 GHz
• Number of samples: 4096

The resulting Fourier amplitudes and phases show excellent agreement with the Harmonic Balance data, providing total confidence in the design.

Conclusion

The combination of GaAs FET technology and Microstrip Stub Filters creates a robust frequency doubler, and TINACloud’s Harmonic Balance engine provides a streamlined alternative to traditional time-domain methods. By avoiding the overhead of long time-domain simulations, you can iterate faster and refine your microwave designs with ease.

To learn more, visit our websites: www.tina.com;www.tinacloud.com

Explore more content from our Youtube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@TinaDesignSuite