Web-based modelling tools

Abstract

High prices and hardware requirements considerably limit the access to modern CAD tools and device models while free versions usually have too serious limitations. In order to overcome this problem and to make accurate and modern semiconductor device models widely accessible, a web-based circuit simulation environment has been developed and made available to Internet users. The DMCS-SPICE web site gives access to a SPICE-based simulation engine where a new distributed model of the PIN power diode has been implemented. It is a first step towards a widely accessible simulation environment with high power semiconductor device support, providing the user with reliable simulation results for a complete circuit in a reasonable time. Additional features make the environment well suited for electronics education. Two approaches to web applications are presented and discussed. It is argued that the rich client technology, on which Genersi - the new version of DMCS-SPICE - is based, is much more advantageous. It enables development of generic simulation environments providing portability, support for multiple simulation engines, and a user-friendly advanced graphical user interface. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.