DVM Control Symbols

The DVM control symbol is a data-storage element containing a library of specification information about the circuit being tested. By saving the specifications for the circuit being tested to the schematic, a single testplan can be used since the specification information is stored with the schematic rather than in the testplan. The same testplan used on a 5V input, 1.5V output synchronous buck converter can be used on a 400V input, 12V output LLC converter without any modification. The DVM control symbol is, however, electrically inactive and does not contribute to the netlist.

To use DVM automation, you must have one of the two types of DVM control symbols on the schematic:

• The Basic DVM control symbol stores a limited amount of information about the circuit:
  • The circuit name and description
  • The switching frequency
  • The minimum phase and gain margins
• The Full Power Assist control symbol includes the same information as the basic control, put also stores:
  • The nominal, minimum, and maximum input voltage for each managed input source
  • The output voltage set-point, tolerance, and maximum output current for each managed load
  • Analysis information similar to the Choose Analysis dialog in SIMetrix/SIMPLIS
  • Report customization information, including any pre- and post-process script names

The Full Power Assist control symbol is required when using the built-in testplans, as these testplans do not contain any specification information, such as the input voltage or output current.