5Spice Links to other sites, download Spice models and subcircuits

Spice blog (issues in using Spice)

ECN Magazine blog

5Spice YouTube Tutorials

5Spice Tutorials, tutorials on Circuit Design

Spice Modeling, other Spice links

power MOSFET model accuracy caution

PCB

Spice Model/Subcircuit Download Pages

Download Spice, Spice3 or PSpice® models (not HSpice, Spice2 or IBIS models). Please report bad links.

New 5Spice Users
recommend downloading Diodes Incorporated's Spice Model Library files to add more discrete devices to the Library (use 5Spice 2.60 or newer). Download International Rectifier file for power MOSFETs.

Place these files and any others that should be linked to the Diode, BJT(transistor), FET(all types), IGBT, SCR and TRIAC schematic symbols in Library subdirectories:
Library\Diode_BJT_FET\{name of company}

Place all other files in subdirectories:
Library\Subcircuits\{name of company}
You may add as many subdirectories as you want.

Library Location
See main menu TOOLS > UPDATE/REBUILD LIBRARY to find where the Library is located on your computer.

Searching for Models
but don't know the manufacturer?

If looking for 2N2222,

go to www.Google.com and search for
2N2222 spice or 2N2222 model

Once you know the manufacturer, find their name in the listing below and read the notes about using their models in 5Spice. There is also a link to reach the model page of the manufacturer’s website.

Comments are for 5Spice 2.xx

Analog Devices To search for a specific model, enter the model number followed by the word “spice” in their website search box. example: enter AD797 spice. Or click on the product category you want.

If you have installed the latest LTSpice, you can copy its Analog Devices all-in-one model file to the 5Spice Library. See instructions in 5Spice’s “Update/Rebuild Spice Model Library” dialog.

ADAxxxx op amp subcircuits use non-standard node order, enter connection information in the program.

APEX (Cirrus Logic) Spice models - Linear Amplifiers. Hybrid op amps that run on 50-300v power supplies or deliver >5 amps. These op amp subcircuits use non-standard node order, enter connection information in the program.

Central Semi discrete semiconductors of many types including TVS. many from the distant past but some newer devices.

MOSFET models: these do not include the drain to source diode that all power MOSFETs have. not recommended for switching circuits or for accuracy.

CoilCraft inductors

Cree SiC MOSFETs (MOSFET division sold mid 2016 to Infineon)
These models are 5 terminal, two for thermal modeling. They have fixable syntax problems.
See Using SiC models in 5Spice.

Diodes Incorporated signal, power, zener diodes. BJT, small power MOSFETs, TVS
>use 5Spice 2.60 or newer with the latest Diodes Inc files.
Model files now include former Zetex models as well.
Look down the page for files for each device family. Download the file into Windows Wordpad (not Notepad). Save the file to the 5Spice Library as a text file but use the file extension .lib. Wordpad converts the file into a proper Windows text file so you can open it later with NotePad.

Remember that multi-device and analog ICs must go in the Subcircuits section of the 5Spice Library.

All Models in Single File: > do not use < as of March 2016 this file has numerous errors.

MOSFET models: the Diode Inc. MOSFET models do not include the drain to source diode that all power MOSFETs have - use the included Zetex MOSFET models instead.

EPC GaN power MOSFETs
Use the PSpice models with 5Spice. The order of node connections is different from Spice’s standard Drain,Gate,Source. Re-order the nodes on the .Subckt line in the file if you are using the model with 5Spice’s power MOSFET symbol. Un-check the “only show matching subcircuits” box when viewing the model selection list in 5Spice.
The models are implemented with equations so they simulate slower than Spice’s dedicated models.
>Read the application note on using the models.

Fairchild discrete devices. Click on entry in "Condition" column in device list to request model.
MOSFET models:
3 node models require v2.02 or higher.
4-5 node models have various types of thermal modeling. Use 5Spice's rectangular subcircuit symbol in the schematic. See the Fairchild site for information on using thermal modeling. app note AN-7533 is helpful.

IGBT models: Some only work with PSpice and will not show in the 5Spice selection list.
Logic devices: HSpice models are encrypted, only HSpice can read them.

Ferrite Bead PDF file download. page 6 shows subcircuit for lossy bead, graphs on page 2. The peak impedance is about 90% of the value of R4.

General Semiconductor TransZorbs, diodes. note: most diode models are included with 5Spice. Company has been bought by Vishay.

KEMET
Download and install the KEMET Spice program to get their capacitor models. Run their program and select the capacitor you want. Save the model file to the Subcircuits area of the 5Spice Library. Use the subcircuit symbol in the schematic.

International Rectifier MOSFETs, all models in single file

Infineon Find subcircuit libraries at bottom of individual product pages.
Many models use PSpice’s .FUNC syntax which requires 5Spice 2.60 or newer

Infineon acquired IR. For IR MOSFETs in one file, see the International Rectifier link.

Intersil

Linear Technology all older models in single file (August 2008)
search their web site for “spice” + name of model you are looking for to find newer models.

LittleFuse (was Teccor) - lower power TRIACs, SCRs, thyristors, TVS, etc.
note: varistor models have missing parameter values and use bizarre syntax. If they run at all, it will be in PSpice. Consider using TDK varistor models instead.

Important: the node/pin order of TRIAC and SCR subcircuits is not standardized in Spice. Edit the schematic symbol, select the subcircuit, then press “Add Connection Information” button in the program.

Maxim
The majority of Maxim op amp subcircuits use non-standard node order, enter connection information in the program. Edit the schematic symbol, select the subcircuit, then press “Add Connection Information” button in the program.

MicroChip op amps and MOSFET drivers

National Semiconductor (now merged into TI) individual model downloads

convenient library of National op amp models Spice44.zip, not National site so may be older.

NEC Electronics discrete semiconductors

NXP (Philips) discrete semiconductors. enter model number + “spice” in site search.
Ignore logic IC models, not 5Spice compatible.

ON Semiconductor large selection of Discrete devices and Power Control/Management ICs. Ignore the Logic model downloads, they are not Spice models.

Download the Spice3 (.SP3) or PSpice (.LIB) models. Do not use the Saber (.SIN) or Spice2 (.SP2) models.

ROHM discrete semiconductors, op amps,
SiC MOSFETs, see Using SiC models in 5Spice.

STMicroelectronics MOSFETs, diodes, op amps, etc..
SiC MOSFETs, see Using SiC models in 5Spice.
Search for device or use Products menu to work your way down to the page for the specific device you want. Some devices have a Spice model. Models labeled “PSpice” work, models labeled “Orcad model” appear to be encrypted. In downloaded ZIP file, files ending in .OLB are not model files.

Supertex inc. has some ancient models for small power MOSFETs like 2N7002. These models don't include the drain to source diode that all power MOSFETs have. Avoid, use the Zetex models instead.

switch-mode power supply models, book, links excellent book by C. Basso. 5Spice includes some switching demo schematics and models from his earlier 2008 book. Requires program registration to modify the model parameter values from the schematic.

switch mode application notes from a high end Spice vendor in large .PDF file

thermistor models models for standard NTC thermistors (right mouse click the link, select "save content as"). get parameter values from manufacturers' catalogs or websites.

Texas Instruments download the PSpice models and the general models, not the TINA models. If link does not work, search site for "Spice models" and select first item in the search results.

If the Zip file contains several files, only add the .LIB file to the Library. If the model file name ends in “.SUB” or ".TXT", change it to ".LIB".

Note: some TI model (.LIB) files are encrypted.
Only PSpice can read these encrypted models. However professionals may be able to get an unencrypted file by contacting your local TI sales office and signing an NDA.

5Spice 2.0 detects encrypted files and alerts the user. To check for yourself, open the .LIB file and see if the first line says "ENCRYPTED_LIB". If using 5Spice 2.20 and earlier, it is safest not to add these encrypted files to the Library.

TDK varistors, inductors, thermistors
select a product box to see link to models. use 5Spice 2.51 or newer with varistor models.

THAT integrated circuits for audio applications

Tyco Electronics (formerly AMP) connectors. see "View Models" link in upper right corner of page.

vacuum tubes / valves tubes are 110 years old in 2014.
Do not use the MOSFET model file nemos3t.mod. In spite of its name, all its IRF and Zetex subcircuits are modified to be 4 terminal devices. They do not match a 3 terminal symbol.

Vishay keeps buying companies that make discrete devices, so has many discrete products formerly made by others. Select product category, then look for Spice under "Related Information" heading. Use the Spice3 or I-Spice models.

Zetex discrete devices. Zetex is now a part of Diodes Incorporated - see that link.

MOSFET model Accuracy Caution
available power MOSFET models range from trash to sophisticated.
Spice does not have a built-in device model for a power MOSFET, so it requires a subcircuit to accurately describe one. Based on pioneering papers of 25 years ago, an accurate subcircuit requires a minimum of one diode plus two MOSFETs. Additional diodes may be used to model the power MOSFET’s voltage dependent capacitances.

An accurate alternative to model trench-gate type power MOSFETs uses one diode plus one MOSFET that uses Spice's BSIM3 MOSFET model. A BSIM3 MOSFET .model line can be identified by the parameter LEVEL=7 or LEVEL=8.

Check the subcircuit’s text to see what you have! A given vendor’s models tend to be consistent, good or bad, except where they acquired another company with models of a different quality.

Tutorials on Spice and Circuit Design

5Spice tutorial for total Beginners Download .PDF file that shows basic operations. Especially for beginners not familiar with schematic capture and circuit simulation programs. Written by Assistant Professor Seth Aubin for his college courses. Used with permission.

5Spice program HELP > Using 5Spice as a Beginner.

5Spice Official tutorials are on YouTube as 5SpiceOfficial
Look at the “total beginner” tutorial above first if you are new to schematic capture and circuit simulation.

Spice blog all Spice users should read “How to Think Like Spice”. also a mishmash of advanced issues in using Spice.

eCircuit Center Use Spice to help learn circuit design - many example circuits with instruction for advanced students and professionals.
Draw the schematic in 5Spice. Use 5Spice's Linear OpAmp in place of the op amp (.SUBCKT OpAmp) in these circuits. Component values and op amp's gain and pole frequency are in list at bottom of the page or listed in the circuit file you can download.

All About Circuits electronics theory at the student level. Good for basics and areas you are not familiar with. Spice used in some sections.

The SPICE Book by Andrei Vladimirescu
Like most Spice books, old and dated (covers Spice2, gone decades ago, plus Spice3 as “new”). Still the best for understanding the technical limits of Spice and how to avoid the resulting problems. 5Spice incorporates many of his suggestions.

The Designer’s Guide to Spice & Spectre by Kenneth Kundert
If you are really serious, a more recent, expensive and excellent book. Includes detailed guidance on using Spice to analyze hard to simulate circuits. used copy is cheaper.

Other Links

YouSpice: The SPICE simulation community for electronic design

About Spice some interesting links to Spice resources

Engitek directory to online technical and engineering resources

RF Avenue - RF & Microwave Resources Directory see Spice section

Spread Spectrum Scene Spice stuff, books

5Spice for economic modeling. Something completely different.

Spice Modeling Software

Analog Services BJT transistors using data sheet parameters. Free.

EMWonder S-parameter to Spice model converter

Spice Modeling Services (custom model creation)

AEi Systems