SAPWIN-a symbolic simulator as a support in electrical engineering education

Abstract

The use of computer based tools in electrical engineering courses should be always accompanied with the possibility to gain an insight into the circuit properties. This can be achieved by using a computer program which combines symbolic and numerical simulation capabilities. This approach in providing students of automatic analysis tools is more significant and complete. Therefore the program SAPWIN has been developed by the authors. This program includes the capability of generating the complete or approximate symbolic (fully or partially) output expressions of analog linear circuits and their graphical manipulation. In addition, it permits to obtain Spice netlist of a circuit, in order to work in a complete, selfsufficient environment, useful for both teachers and students. The program can be used "as is," like an useful tool during basic electrical sciences or network theory lessons, or like a starting platform on which to develop further application that requires symbolic formulas, eventually directly operating on the program code. The positive outcome of the first release of Sapwin, here presented, urged us to work on a completely renewed one, which will be ready as soon as possible. Antonio Luchetta (M'96) received the degree in Electronics Engineering from University of Florence, Italy, in 1993. He is a Researcher in the Department of Engineering and Environmental Physics at the University of Basilicata, Italy, where he also teaches electrical sciences. His research interests include software and algorithms for electric network simulation, neural network application to forecasting and control problem, elaboration of meteorological data. He is Member of IEEE and AEI.

A symbolic approach to design centering of analog circuits

“…By considering constraints on the amplitude response relevant to several frequency values, our procedure consists in satisfying the constraints by considering unknown only one parameter at a time. Starting from the symbolic network function given by SAPWIN [5], the design centering procedure is performed by the program DESCEN, developed by the authors. This program allows one to use both the statistical approach and the developed geometrical approach.…”

Web-Based Trainer for Electrical Circuit Analysis

“…The algebraic manipulations involved may of course be carried out by hand, but once the problem has been translated into a a set of algebraic relations, symbolic mathematical tools (Maple, Maxima, Derive,...) may be used to process and simplify equations and to present the results [3], [4]. Another step in automating certain parts of the analysis is made possible by the availability in recent years of symbolic simulation packages [5],where algebraic expressions are derived directly from the circuit's schematic.…”

Multilayer Neural Network with Multivalued Neurons MLMVN based CLASS E Resonant Inverter Fault Detection

“…SapWinPE is a switching circuit simulator based on the simulator developed by the authors SapWin [14,15] and using a symbolic approach to evaluate the time domain response of the converter starting from a symbolic transfer function of the circuit. This represents something totally innovative and it is essential for this work.…”