View source for Hints on using individual LTSpice commands and the things the Help Manuals don't tell you about

.param

One of the more confusing aspects of using .param (at least when I began using LT) was where and when do you use the curly barckets {} ?

Beginning with the simplest definition, LT doesn't require curly brackets 

.param res1 = 1000

This could be used to define a resistor of 1000 Ohms 

However, in the real world, a parameter sometimes needs to be defined from other parameters.

To get results and not pull errors within LT, it becomes useful to use curly brackets.
Without them - you can only nest (calculated) .param values, one parameter calculation deep.

Going any deeper (where one calculation depends on another etc) will invite LTspice to complain with an error.



'''Correct Method  { doesn't pull errors }''' 


* Comment line : Calculate capacitance
* -------------------------------------
.param length = {3e-2} 
.param width  = {4e-3}
.param area = {length * width}
.param gap = {40e-6}
.param Eo = {8.85e-12}
.param Capa = { (Eo * gap) / area}
.MEAS Capa_  PARAM Capa


The answer (from the error log ) is:
capa_: capa=2.95e-012


To see the results in LTspice 
Use the Error Log (a better name would have been the results log) 

 
'''Incorrect method (pulls errors)'''

.param length = 3e-2 
.param width  = 4e-3
.param area = length * width
.param gap = 40e-6
.param Eo = 8.85e-12
.param Cap =  (Eo * gap) / area}
.MEAS Capa_  PARAM Capa
 

Error:
Warning Can't resolve .param cap=(eo * gap)area)


The quickest way to check a calculation before you commit it to a library 
is to create a section of text within the LT schematic. 
Set the text as LTspice directive (command) , 
then run the schematic 


'''Finding the measure results of a simulation''' 
Check your results in the error log 
Found from the toolbar :
View/SPICE Error Log 


'''Suggestion:''' 
Set the Tools/Control panel/ Operation / Generate Expanded Listing 
and tick (yes) to see a more comprehensive output listing - helps with debugging