MCP6031/2/3/4
DS22041B-page 18
2008 Microchip Technology Inc.
5.0
DESIGN AIDS
Microchip provides the basic design tools needed for
the MCP6031/2/3/4 family of op amps.
5.1
SPICE Macro Model
The latest SPICE macro model for the MCP6031/2/3/4
op amps is available on the Microchip web site at
www.microchip.com. This model is intended to be an
initial design tool that works well in the op amp’s linear
region of operation over the temperature range. See
the model file for information on its capabilities.
Bench testing is a very important part of any design and
cannot be replaced with simulations. Also, simulation
results using this macro model need to be validated by
comparing them to the data sheet specifications and
characteristic curves.
5.2
FilterLab Software
Microchip’s FilterLab software is an innovative
software tool that simplifies analog active filter (using
op amps) design. Available at no cost from the
Microchip web site at www.microchip.com/filterlab, the
FilterLab design tool provides full schematic diagrams
of the filter circuit with component values. It also
outputs the filter circuit in SPICE format, which can be
used with the macro model to simulate actual filter
performance.
5.3
Mindi Circuit Designer &
Simulator
Microchip’s Mindi Circuit Designer & Simulator aids
in the design of various circuits useful for active filter,
amplifier and power-management applications. It is a
free online circuit designer & simulator available from
the Microchip web site at www.microchip.com/mindi.
This interactive circuit designer & simulator enables
designers
to
quickly
generate
circuit
diagrams,
simulate circuits. Circuits developed using the Mindi
Circuit Designer & Simulator can be downloaded to a
personal computer or workstation.
5.4
MAPS (Microchip Advanced Part
Selector)
MAPS is a software tool that helps semiconductor
professionals efficiently identify Microchip devices that
fit a particular design requirement. Available at no cost
from the Microchip website at www.microchip.com/
maps, the MAPS is an overall selection tool for
Microchip’s product portfolio that includes Analog,
Memory, MCUs and DSCs. Using this tool you can
define a filter to sort features for a parametric search of
devices and export side-by-side technical comparasion
reports. Helpful links are also provided for Datasheets,
Purchase, and Sampling of Microchip parts.
5.5
Analog Demonstration and
Evaluation Boards
Microchip
offers
a
broad
spectrum
of
Analog
Demonstration
and
Evaluation
Boards
that
are
designed to help you achieve faster time to market. For
a
complete
listing
of
these
boards
and
their
corresponding user’s guides and technical information,
visit the Microchip web site at www.microchip.com/
analogtools.
Two of our boards that are especially useful are:
P/N SOIC8EV: 8-Pin SOIC/MSOP/TSSOP/DIP
Evaluation Board
P/N SOIC14EV: 14-Pin SOIC/TSSOP/DIP Evalu-
ation Board
5.6
Application Notes
The following Microchip Analog Design Note and
Application Notes are available on the Microchip web
site at www.microchip. com/appnotes and are recom-
mended as supplemental reference resources.
ADN003: “Select the Right Operational Amplifier for
your Filtering Circuits”, DS21821
AN722: “Operational Amplifier Topologies and DC
Specifications”, DS00722
AN723: “Operational Amplifier AC Specifications and
Applications”, DS00723
AN884: “Driving Capacitive Loads With Op Amps”,
DS00884
AN990: “Analog Sensor Conditioning Circuits – An
Overview”, DS00990
These application notes and others are listed in the
design guide:
“Signal Chain Design Guide”, DS21825