Power measurement in a PIC simulation

[rintronic]

Hi,

We need to measure the power consumption of a PIC based on some routines we are going to run, so as to demonstrate to students best software practices.

As power pins are hidden and must be connected to the Power Rails, is there a way to circumvent this and be able to feed the PIC directly and place an ammeter in between?

Or do we need to decompose the part, change pin names to something different than Power Pins and connect them to power?

Any help, appreciated.

Thanks.

[Andrew]

Hi,

Power consumption in microcontroller models is not modelled. It is virtually impossible to do in a realistic manner, and practical use of it is next to zero.

Best regards,
Andrew

[rintronic]

Hi Andrew,

Ok, understand the issue of the power consumption, but how can we make use of the power pins directly, because in many of our designs we connect them to different voltage sources, not associated with the power rails.

For example, we have designs that are meant for remote locations and many of the components are energized on-demand, so using a power rail is not the correct option unless we could manage this rail in a different way.

Besides that, it will be great if we could select power pins to appear on the schematic and be able to connect them to other components, like any other ordinary pin.

Thanks.

Regards.

[Ettore]

You'd possibly use the "Search" feature to find interesting (and recurring) topics about such the subjects which have been discussed several times.

For example, about the consumption current in the virtual microcontrollers - including digital models as well - you may want to have a look at this link:
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=5358&p=17643

Another very instructive thread on how to connect the "Hidden Pins" to supply nets other than VDD/VCC and about the limitations of on/off or switched power supply with simulated microcontrollers:
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=7826&p=25382

As mentioned early, if you use Search forum feature you will possibly find other interesting subjects about several discussed aspects regarding microcontrollers in general and Microchip's PICs in the specific.

[rintronic]

Hi Ettore,

Thanks for your information, as always very interesting and informative.

Yes, I saw those posts you mentioned, if we want to go further we need to test the real circuit, that is correct.

However, if power pins could be left unhidden for schematic purposes that will be great, the user shall connect them to power rails in order to have a simulation running, that is it; and also have the actually hidden feature already connected to power rails as a default will be great; but give the user the option of which one to use.

Thanks again for your explanations.