OPA818: OPA818

Hello,

Also I have just found anomaly. The OPA818 was installed by myself because it wasn't in the Library. At least Transient works with this OPAMP but the first time I tried two of the Library models - OPA820 & THS3201 and TINA doesn't appear to recognize them!!

This is what TINA states:-

What is wrong with this software?

Thanks.

Best regards,

Peter

Hi Kai,

Thanks so much for your prompt response and answer!

I have only very recently started using this sim and still finding my way around it.

I can sort of see why there is a conflict but my understanding was that Vin is just a label. Now I see it can be configured as an 'Input' or 'none'.

This just seems to generate confusion! If it is configured as an input what is it actually inputting? In other words if the program looks at it as similar to VG1 which is a source, what is it sourcing when configured as an 'Input'?!!

My understanding is that Vin is required for TINA to look at the input, for graphical purposes, but it seems it isn't required - as you indicated 'there is no need for it'.

Not being difficult but trying to understand the use of this 'Vin' label or whatever it is!

Best regards,

Peter

Hi Peter,

working with a simulator like TINA-TI or LTSpice often turns into a trial and error approach. I cannot answer your question, it was just a wild guess that "Vin" might have been configured as an input...

I like TINA-TI very much because you can do your job very quickly and with reasonable results. But sometimes it just behaves weird and doesn't tell the truth :-)

Running a TI's TINA-TI reference design has the considerable advantage that TI has already confirmed that the simu works. Also, TI has often modified and optimized the "analysis parameters" which can be very helpful.

Kai

Hi Kai,

I tried to copy in the Error message from Tina but it didn't work! I will try again, also will type it here - Error - Invalid device: |. Line: - Macro Properties/Parameters. {OPA820}

This is what you get when you try to use the Spice Library for the Opamps in Tina. I have tried this for more than one OPAMP with the same result - don't you think that is bizarre?

Yes, I had to import the OPA818 using the Insert/Macro function in Tina because it was not in the Library and it worked but OPAMP parts from the Library don't appear to work!!?

Yes, I might as well just go straight to TI and create my own or get it from the 'Reference Design...'

Yes, it is really weird - I wonder if TINA has been fully tested for code errors?

Anyway, that's OK, it is for free and I am just learning to get around these apparent inconsistencies!

I guess I have been too spoiled using Microcap for years (only Ver. 4) but funny now even the latest versions of MC are free!

So we can't complain!

Thanks for your help.

Best regards,

Peter

Hi Peter,

sometimes a new installation of TINA-TI can help. That's what some users have reported.

Kai

Hello Peter,

As Kai suggested, I would try to always download your parts from TI's product page and insert them into your schematic rather than use the spice library in Tina. This will guarantee that you are using the latest version of the part.

Best,

Hasan Babiker

Hi Peter,

it seems that sometimes the installation doesn't work properly. Then it's a good idea to fully uninstall TINA-TI and to reinstall it from scratch again. This shall help as some posters have reported.

Kai

Hi Kai,

Yes I may even do that. What I have been doing is using the reference sims and modifying them - great idea!

Thanks again for all your help.

Best regards,

Peter