LTspice IV is a fourth generation switching regulator design program from Linear Technology. The program consists of a high performance SPICE simulator extended with a mixed mode simulation capability that includes new intrinsic SPICE devices for macromodeling Switch Mode Power Supply(SMPS) controllers and regulators. The program includes an integrated hierarchical schematic capture program that allows users to edit example SMPS circuits or design new circuits. An integrated waveform viewer displays the simulated waveforms and allows further analysis of the simulation data. There is a built-in database for most of Linear Technology's power ICs and many passive components. The device database, schematic editing, simulation control and waveform analysis are integrated into one program.
Due to the mixed mode simulation capability and many other enhancements over previous SPICE programs, the simulation speed is greatly improved while simulation accuracy is retained. Detailed cycle-by-cycle SMPS simulations can be performed and analyzed in minutes. A user can get a detailed simulation of power systems with a few mouse clicks without knowing anything about the device, SPICE or the schematic capture program. Pre-drafted demo circuits can be used as a starting point to build the custom circuit to fit different power supply requirements. After the new schematic is created, the system can be simulated and reports generated.
The program's integrated hierarchical schematic capture and SPICE simulator are available for general use. The improved performance of the SPICE simulation engine is a benefit for simulating general analog circuits and should be of interest to all electronic engineers. There are no arbitrary limits on component count or content. With an installed base of over 2,000,000 licenses so far, LTspice has arisen as the de facto standard SPICE simulator. We hope you enjoy the program and find it useful.