1 Introduction

While IC manufacturers strive to provide their customers with accurate models, it is really the application engineers who dictate the trend of this accuracy and the innovation in the development of SPICE macro models. Engineers use op amp models with a SPICE simulator such as TINA-TI™or PSpice® for TI to evaluate performance of new devices, sometimes even before they are released to market. A primary benefit of using SPICE simulations is providing a rapid, low-cost functional testing of a circuit, without reliance on samples or lab equipment.

Accurate op amp macro models can be an extremely helpful design tools. However, inaccurate models can lead to false assumptions about an op amp's performance and must be used with discretion. When using SPICE models, it is important to understand both their limitations and capabilities. Carefully set the test environment to ensure accurate representation of the amplifier performance; this is best done by following the conditions outlined in the data sheet.