Analysis and Simulation

Overview

Modern electronic designs face increasingly complex challenges - from high-speed signal integrity to thermal management and electromagnetic compatibility. Altium Designer's integrated simulation environment addresses these challenges with sophisticated analysis tools that work seamlessly within your design workflow. By validating designs virtually, engineers can explore what-if scenarios, optimize performance, and ensure manufacturing success before committing to hardware.

Core Analysis Tools

Circuit Simulator

Virtual modeling and analysis of electronic circuit behavior directly within the schematic environment.

Key Features:

SPICE-based simulation - Industry-standard accuracy for circuit analysis

Multiple analysis types - DC, AC, transient, and parametric sweeps

Real-time parameter tuning - Adjust component values and see instant results

Interactive waveform viewer - Professional oscilloscope-like display

Monte Carlo analysis - Statistical variation testing for robust designs

Temperature analysis - Circuit behavior across temperature ranges

Signal Integrity (SI) Analyzer

Advanced analysis of high-speed signal behavior to ensure reliable data transmission.

Key Features:

Pre-layout and post-layout analysis - Verify designs at every stage

Eye diagram generation - Visualize signal quality and timing margins

Crosstalk analysis - Identify and mitigate signal interference

Reflection and termination analysis - Optimize impedance matching

Lossy transmission line modeling - Accurate high-frequency behavior

Multi-board signal path analysis - System-level signal integrity

Power Integrity (PDN) Analyzer

Comprehensive power delivery network analysis for stable and efficient power distribution.

Key Features:

DC voltage drop analysis - Identify areas of excessive resistance

AC impedance analysis - Frequency-domain PDN characterization

Current density visualization - Thermal hotspot prediction

Decoupling capacitor optimization - Right-size your power filtering

Via and plane current analysis - Detailed current path visualization

Multi-rail analysis - Complex power system verification

EMI/EMC Analyzer

Predictive electromagnetic interference and compatibility analysis to ensure regulatory compliance.

Key Features:

Near-field emissions prediction- Identify potential EMI sources

Common-mode radiation analysis - Differential pair EMI assessment

Return path analysis - Minimize loop areas and radiation

Shielding effectiveness - Evaluate enclosure and shielding designs

Pre-compliance checking - Reduce certification test failures

Rule-based EMC analysis - Automated design review

Thermal Analyzer

Thermal simulation to predict and manage heat distribution across your PCB design.

Key Features:

3D thermal modeling - Complete board thermal analysis

Component junction temperature - Ensure safe operating conditions

Airflow simulation - Natural and forced convection modeling

Heat sink optimization - Right-size thermal solutions

Transient thermal analysis - Time-based temperature response

Multi-board thermal coupling - System-level heat management

Cloud-Based Simulation

Harness the power of cloud computing for complex simulations without local resource limitations.

Key Features:

Scalable computing power - Run intensive simulations faster

Parallel processing - Multiple simulations simultaneously

No local hardware requirements - Access supercomputer performance

Automatic result synchronization - Seamless integration with desktop

Collaborative analysis - Share results with team members

Cost-effective resource usage - Pay only for what you use

Integrated Workflow

Seamless Design Integration

Direct access from schematic and PCB editors

Automatic model extraction from design data

Synchronized updates with design changes

Unified result visualization

Cross-Domain Analysis

Combined thermal and electrical simulation

Signal integrity with power integrity correlation

EMC prediction based on SI/PI results

Holistic design verification

Design Optimization

What-if scenario exploration

Automated parameter sweeping

Design space exploration

Performance vs. cost trade-offs

Key Benefits

Risk Reduction

Identify issues before prototyping. Reduce design iterations. Minimize field failures. Ensure first-time success.

Performance Optimization

Fine-tune critical parameters. Balance competing requirements. Achieve optimal designs. Maximize product reliability.

Cost Savings

Fewer physical prototypes needed. Reduced testing time. Lower development costs. Faster time to market.

Compliance Assurance

Meet regulatory requirements. Pass certification testing. Ensure product safety. Maintain quality standards.

Best Practices

Early Analysis

Begin simulation during schematic design. Iterate frequently as design progresses. Use pre-layout SI analysis for planning. Establish performance budgets early.

Comprehensive Coverage

Analyze all critical signals. Check power integrity for all rails. Verify thermal performance under worst-case conditions. Consider manufacturing variations.

Collaborative Approach

Share simulation results with the team. Document analysis assumptions. Create reusable simulation setups. Establish analysis checkpoints.

Summary

Altium Designer's Analysis and Simulation tools provide the comprehensive verification capabilities needed for today's complex electronic designs. By integrating powerful simulation directly into the design environment, engineers can confidently predict performance, optimize their designs, and ensure manufacturing success. From basic circuit simulation to advanced signal integrity and thermal analysis, these tools work together to deliver a complete pre-manufacturing verification solution.

The combination of desktop and cloud-based simulation options ensures that computational power is never a limitation, while the integrated workflow means analysis results directly inform design decisions. This proactive approach to design verification significantly reduces risk, accelerates development, and ensures your products meet all performance and regulatory requirements.