Creating Models And Components

Note: for detailed guidance on component creation, VHDL-AMS and SPICE modeling, and other topics, access the Help icon Help > Create Models page from the Schematic Editor.

PartQuest Explore features a variety of methods to create custom components and models. Custom VHDL-AMS models can be created using datasheet information, from a pre-existing schematic, or written from scratch.

Click on Create New Component in the left sidebar of the Schematic Editor to view the methods for custom component creation.

Create New Component menu showing options: From Datasheet, From Schematic, From VHDL-AMS, From SPICE, From a JSON File, From an FMU (Import), To an FMU (Export)

Draft components vs. published components

  • When you first create and save a new component, it is in draft form and will have an orange outline when placed in a design. You can test and edit a draft component without the constraints of version control. Draft components can be shared for other users to test, but they will not be able to open or view draft models. If you make changes to a draft component, all instances of that component will update automatically, including those placed on other users' schematics.
  • Once a draft component is finalized, you can Publish icon publish it. All schematics using that component will automatically be updated with that first version. Subsequent changes to the model will require new versions to be created and published. Other users' schematics that contain instances of that component will not be automatically updated. However, if the version change is marked as critical by the creator, then other users will be notified on their schematics that they are using an obsolete version.

Modifying a generic model to create a custom component

  • A common way to create a VHDL-AMS model is to copy and modify an existing model. PartQuest Explore generic VHDL-AMS models are open source, so users can see exactly what device behavior the model represents. A generic model can be a good starting point for a new custom model.
  • You can right-click on a generic component in the PQE library (or one already placed in the schematic) and click View/Copy model to open the Component Editor. Click Save new component icon Save new component and give the component a new display name. You can choose whether to keep the existing symbol graphics (if you keep the existing symbol, it can still be edited later).
  • Edit the model Architecture section to change its behavior, and edit the Entity section to add, delete, or change terminals and generics to modify its interface with an external system. It is also advisable to rename the Entity and Architecture definitions to reflect the name of the new model.

Create component from VHDL-AMS or SPICE model

Click on Create New Component > From VHDL-AMS or From SPICE to open the Component Editor.

Component Editor panel for a SPICE model, showing example SPICE syntax and helper links
  • In the Component Editor, you can write a VHDL-AMS or SPICE model from scratch or paste an external model (e.g. from a component manufacturer).
  • When the model is saved, the Component Editor automatically tests for syntax errors and will notify you if there are any failures.
  • When the model is finished, click on Save new component icon Save new component. Give the component a display name and click OK to open the Symbol Editor.
  • In the Symbol Editor, the component pins are automatically created based on the model. Design the symbol by arranging the pins and adding graphics (shapes, text, or images). Symbol Editor showing a component symbol with IN, OUT, MID, and GND pins
  • Click Save symbol icon Save symbol when finished.
  • The new component appears in the Component Browser under Personal > My Components as a draft component.
  • Click on Publish Component Version icon Publish Component Version in the Component Editor to publish the component and introduce version control.

Create component from datasheet

Datasheet Model Builder menu showing device types such as BJT, Capacitor, Diode, Inductor, LED, MOSFET, Opamp, Resistor, and more
  • Click on Create New Component > From Datasheet to open the Datasheet Model Builder. The Datasheet Model Builder is a tool that automatically creates simulatable models (and symbols) for various types of devices.
  • The underlying model for each of these devices has already been created. All you need to do is supply specific model parameters taken from a datasheet. Each device type contains at least one default set of parameters along with additional parameter sets for any models you have previously created. Datasheet Model Builder parameter entry screen for a BJT (PNP) part, showing Electrical Characteristics and Maximum Ratings fields
  • Click Create in the Datasheet Model Builder to create the component. The new component appears in the Component Browser under Personal > My Components.

Create component from schematic

Diagram showing a schematic full-bridge rectifier circuit converted into a single reusable component with IN and OUT pins
  • To create a simulation model from an existing schematic, open the schematic and click on Create New Component > From Schematic.

Note: to use the schematic-to-model generation functionality, the design cannot include SPICE components at this time.

  • The Schematic-based Modeling Tips page appears. Follow the detailed instructions on this page to generate the model and add pin connections and property values.
  • When the model and the symbol are completed, the component appears in the Component Browser under Personal > My Components.

Editing existing components

To modify an existing component model or symbol, right-click on the component in the Component Browser or in the schematic and select View/Copy model. This opens the Component Editor, where changes can be made. Note that to modify a generic component, it must first be saved as a new component.

Creating component from an FMU

If you would like to learn how to create a component from a Functional Mock-up Unit (FMU) to perform co-simulation, then refer to the Simulation, Analysis, and Co-simulation tutorial.