We’ve been busy the past few months updating the Signal Chain Explorer program. Even though this is a “point-release”, a ton of new features have been added. Here are the highlights:

• Numerous new filter stages:
  • Sallen Key low pass, high pass, band pass, and band reject filters
  • Multiple Feedback filters, in low pass, high pass, and band pass configurations.
  • New passive band pass and band stop LRC filters.
  • Some of the active filters are still a little rough around the edges, with new design worksheets to come.
• LC Balun stages: Single to differential, differential to single.
• Transformer stage: Models the core and winding parasitics as well.
• Input and output impedance plots: Starting from any stage (and going to the beginning or end of the signal chain.)
• Local input and output impedance plots: These pretend the stages are by themselves.
• Local bode plots: Just the stages by themselves.
• Built-in Op Amp database: We’ve added a small database that models op amps of varying ability. More will come later.
• New improved interconnect GUI: We’ve brought the stage-to-stage interconnect modeling — a key feature of SCE, front and center in the GUI.
• Smoother, faster thermal noise charts: Can also inspect individual noise sources.
• Optimized calculation engine: We’ve optimized the underlying calculation engine to be much faster, and take far less memory. Can now handle hundreds of bands per decade with ease.

We’ll be adding new articles in the next few weeks that highlight the new capabilities of Signal Chain Explorer, starting with a new Short and Sweet article on LC Baluns, and how you can inspect them using the new Input and Output Impedance charts.

In the meantime, give the new program a spin by downloading a preview now!