Moving desktop-based circuit designs to the cloud allows engineers and students to run simulations anywhere without installing local software. PSpice designs can now be converted for use in both TINACloud and the offline desktop version of TINA. TINACloud enables browser-based simulation on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chromebooks, and even compatible Smart TVs.
Click here or on the image above to watch this blog presented as a video tutorial.
Below is a detailed walkthrough of two example circuits: an active band-pass filter and a step-down DC/DC converter.
Example 1: Active Band-Pass Filter Circuit
The active band-pass filter example uses the Texas Instruments OPA-137 Operational Amplifier as its core building block.
1. Initial Analysis in PSpice
- Open the circuit via File > Open > Project….
- Ensure AC Analysis is selected, then click Run to view the initial AC analysis plot.
2. Exporting and Importing to TINACloud
- Archive the PSpice Project: In PSpice, navigate to File > Archive Project…, select your destination folder (such as Downloads), check Create single archive file, and click OK. This produces a compressed .zip archive (e.g., Bandpass filter.zip) containing all required conversion files.
- Upload to TINACloud: Open TINACloud, select File > Upload… > as PSpice File, pick your archived .zip file, and save it as BandpassFilter.tsc.
Note on Compatibility: This conversion process is also supported in the offline version of TINA, and the resulting .TSC files are fully cross-compatible between offline TINA and online TINACloud workspaces.
3. Running AC Analysis in TINACloud
- Go to Analysis > AC Analysis > AC Transfer Characteristic….
- Set the number of data points to 500 and click Run.
- The resulting combined Amplitude and Phase Bode Plot matches the numerical results obtained in PSpice.
Advanced Analytical Capabilities: Symbolic Analysis
Beyond numerical simulation, TINA and TINACloud can derive exact symbolic mathematical formulas (Transfer Functions) for linear circuits.
Operational Amplifiers in Symbolic Mode
While symbolic transfer function derivation applies to linear circuits, active filters using op-amps can still be analyzed. TINA and TINACloud automatically substitute nonlinear operational amplifier models with ideal op-amp models during symbolic calculations, providing clear mathematical insight into gain, poles, zeros, and frequency response.
Executing Symbolic Analysis and Curve Comparison
Navigate to Analysis > Symbolic Analysis > Symbolic AC Transfer.
In the Symbolic Result window, select Draw Diagram to view the symbolic Amplitude, Phase, and Bode plots.
Overlaying Curves:
- Change the color of the analytical Amplitude Plot to blue and copy it to your clipboard.
- Paste the blue curve onto the numerically calculated Bode Plot tab.
- Repeat for the Phase Plot.
Conclusion:
The numerical and analytical curves align closely. At higher frequencies, slight phase deviations appear due to the ideal op-amp model used in symbolic derivation versus the more complex nonlinear model used in numerical simulation.
Example 2: TPS54320 Step-Down DC/DC Converter
The TPS54320 is a synchronous step-down converter from Texas Instruments. Simulation models for this device and for many other devices from manufacturers including Texas Instruments, Infineon, Nisshinbo, Analog Devices, STMicroelectronics, and Semtech are available in TINA and TINACloud.
If you need a custom model or a model that is not currently available, please contact DesignSoft.
1. PSpice Simulation
- Open the TPS54320 component model test circuit.
- Run a Transient Simulation.
- Enable the cursor via Trace > Cursor > Display. Running the cursor confirms an output voltage (Vout) of 3.3 V.
- Save the project as a .zip archive using File > Archive Project….
2. TINACloud Startup Transient Simulation
- In TINACloud, upload the archive using File > Upload > as PSpice File.
- Understanding Startup Transient: The startup transient period represents the time frame during which the DC-DC converter transitions from an off state to steady-state operating conditions.
- Select Analysis > Transient… and click Run.
- Inspect the top-right of the Startup diagram using the cursor. The output voltage stabilizes at 3.3 V, perfectly mirroring the PSpice benchmark.
Summary
Converting PSpice designs into TINA and TINACloud lets you continue AC, transient, and digital analyses while gaining access to symbolic analysis, HDL support—including VHDL, Verilog, Verilog-A, Verilog-AMS, and SystemC—microcontroller (MCU) simulation, and linear and nonlinear RF analysis using S-parameters and Harmonic Balance. Additional features include interactive simulation, virtual instruments, and extensive component libraries from numerous manufacturers. TINA also offers AI-assisted circuit design and troubleshooting, while TINACloud adds browser-based access across devices, making it easy to explore, demonstrate, and share circuit designs anywhere.
Learn More
For more information, visit www.tina.com or our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@TinaDesignSuite.