USER GUIDE

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Manual Version 14.29
October 5, 2021

Copyright ©1991-2021 Ridley Engineering Inc.

RidleyWorks® is copyrighted material. Unauthorized copies of the software are not permitted. Your copy of RidleyWorks® may be used by
you on one machine only, and not distributed to others. Any modified or enhanced versions of RidleyWorks® are also protected by this
copyright notice. All copyrighted names are presented once with copyright symbols, then all instances thereafter are assumed with
copyright reference to create clarity in reading text.
RIDLEYBOX™ and SPICELaunch® are registered trademarks of Ridley Engineering Inc.
Microsoft® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
PSIM® is a registered trademark of Powersim Inc.
LTspice® is a registered trademark of Analog Devices Inc.
For more information, please contact Ridley Engineering directly for assistance. We are here to help.
E-Mail: [email protected] http://www.ridleyengineering.

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Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION TO RIDLEYWORKS ............................................................................................................................................................ 3

1.1 An Overview .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4

Level 1: Basic Design ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Level 2: Intermediate Design ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Level 3: Advanced Design .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6

1.2 Computer System Requirements (PC-Based).....................................................................................................................................................................................7

1.3 Computer System Requirements (MAC-Based) .................................................................................................................................................................................7

1.4 RidleyWorks Software Download .....................................................................................................................................................................................................7

1.5 RidleyWorks Software Installation ....................................................................................................................................................................................................8

1.6 RidleyWorks Software Upgrades..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10

1.7 Loading Workbooks ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 10

1.8 Saving Workbooks .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11

1.9 Saving Data Only and Transferring Data to New Version ................................................................................................................................................................ 11

1.10 Which Version Do I Have? ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 12

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1.11 Help Notes .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12

1.12 Software Support .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 13

1.13 Facebook Support Group .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 13

2 DESIGN AND SIMULATION .......................................................................................................................................................................... 14

2.1 Entering Specifications and Topology ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 15

2.2 Running Waveform Simulations...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 18

2.3 Startup Simulation .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20

2.4 Step-Load Transient Simulation ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22

2.5 Adding Input Voltage Modulation ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23

2.6 AC Input Simulation ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 24

2.7 Exploring Further Simulation Options ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 26

3 CONTROL ANALYSIS TRANSFER FUNCTIONS ................................................................................................................................................ 27

3.1 Turning On Control Options ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 27

3.2 Current-Mode and Voltage-Mode Control ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 28

3.3 Interactive Compensation Adjustment ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 30

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3.4 Voltage Feedforward Control .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32

4 MAGNETICS DESIGNER ............................................................................................................................................................................... 33

4.2 Inductor Design Page ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 34

4.3 Choosing the Inductor Core Size ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 35

4.4 Choosing the Inductor Core Material .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 36

4.5 Designing Inductor Windings .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 37

4.6 Designing Transformers ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 38

5 SPICELAUNCH ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 39

5.1 Preparing an LTspice File ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 39

5.2 Simulation Settings in LTspice ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 40

5.3 Simulating Transients in LTspice ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 42

5.4 Generating Swept Bode Plots in LTspice ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 43

5.5 Generating Small-Signal Bode Plots in LTspice ................................................................................................................................................................................ 48

6 EXPORTING MODELS TO PSIM .................................................................................................................................................................... 55

6.1 Preparing a PSIM File ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 55

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6.2 Opening a PSIM Schematic ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 56

6.3 Running PSIM Simulations .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 57

6.4 Plotting PSIM Transient Waveforms ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 58

6.5 Sweeping Loops in PSIM ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 59

6.6 Loop Gain Bode Plot in PSIM ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 60

7 ADVANCED PROXIMITY LOSS AND CORE LOSS ............................................................................................................................................. 61

7.2 Advanced Proximity Losses with LTspice Circuit Modeling .............................................................................................................................................................. 66

7.3 Running LTspice for Proximity Loss ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 67

7.4 Advanced Core Losses with LTspice Circuit Modeling ...................................................................................................................................................................... 69

7.5 Running LTspice for Corte Loss ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 70

8 USING RIDLEYWORKS WITH THE AP310 ANALYZER ..................................................................................................................................... 71

8.1 Connecting RidleyWorks to the AP ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 71

8.2 Measuring Transfer Functions ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 74

9 USING RIDLEYWORKS WITH THE RIDLEYBOX ............................................................................................................................................... 75

9.2 RidleyBox Interface ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 76

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10 APPENDIX A - ERROR MESSAGES ............................................................................................................................................................... 77

10.1 Installer Error 1721 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 77

10.2 Cannot find RIDLEYWORKS.DLL .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 77

10.3 Protection Error 717 Incorrect Passkey Entered ............................................................................................................................................................................ 78

10.4 Protection Error 758 License Expired............................................................................................................................................................................................. 78

10.5 Protection Error 923 Installation Incomplete............................................................................................................................................................................... 79

10.6 Trouble Closing RidleyWorks ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 80

10.7 Run-Time Error 1004 ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 81

10.8 Data Entry Format Error – Run-Time Error 13................................................................................................................................................................................ 81

10.9 Microsoft Excel Stopped Working (EMET problem) ....................................................................................................................................................................... 82

10.10 Object Doesn’t Support Property or Method .............................................................................................................................................................................. 83

11 APPENDIX B - LICENSE AGREEMENT .......................................................................................................................................................... 84

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1 Introduction to RidleyWorks

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1.1 An Overview

RidleyWorks is the only switching power supply design program which provides component design, large-signal simulation, feedback
control design, and small signal analysis in one easy-to-use package. Features of RidleyWorks, Release 14 include:
• Power stage designer
• Magnetics designer (included in full version, not in Control and Simulation version) Library of cores
• 12 most popular topologies used in the industry. All topologies in one program allow you to compare quickly and easily
• Industry’s fastest cycle-by-cycle simulation shows true large-signal performance
• SPICELaunch instantly creates LTspice files to continue design and more detailed simulation with all components selected
• PSIM Link instantly creates PSIM schematics for more detailed, high-speed simulation
• Unique LTspice and PSIM circuit models for proximity loss and core loss
• Control loop designer suitable for constant-frequency PWM
• Current-mode control using the latest and most accurate modeling techniques
• Voltage-mode control using the results of the PWM switch model
• CCM and DCM converter simulation and analysis
• Small-signal analysis of control system, including loop gain
• Digital compensation delay calculation
• Two-stage input filter design and analysis
• Output impedance analysis

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• Audiosusceptibility or PSRR analysis
• Second-stage LC output filter analysis and design
• Snubber design and analysis
• Switching loss analysis for power FETs and IGBTs

There are three levels of application for this software. These levels are commensurate with experience to help you achieve the greatest
value from RidleyWorks without the burden of struggling with the 3800+ design equations involved in arriving at the solution.
Level 1: Basic Design
At this level, simply input the power requirements for the circuit. Click “OK”, and the entire converter, including control loop, is designed
automatically. The components are chosen based on the data. These are working values that can be applied to hardware with confidence.
Examine the design with RidleyWorks simulations, or convert designs to LTspice files with the SPICELaunch feature. Use the PSIM link to
automatically generate simulation schematics.

Level 2: Intermediate Design

Level two designers have design experience and want to input their knowledge as the design progresses. They want to understand and
further optimize their design. At this level, look carefully at the selected values from RidleyWorks and change them as needed to improve
the design.

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Level 3: Advanced Design
Level three designers not only know how to design an effective power supply— they know how to get maximum performance out of their
power system for very specific applications. They have a library of preferred parts that work well for their applications and use these to
fully optimize the design.

The magnetics design section works similarly in levels. View the transformer or inductor on the main design schematic and
• Choose from simplified parameters and refer to a magnetics design house for completion;
• Choose your own cores, wire, and other components and give the completed design to a manufacturer for production; or
• Design the magnetics from the ground up using your own parameters and knowledge.
Regardless of design experience, RidleyWorks provides the ability to check and cross-check all parameters and results. Stop at any time
during the process and view resulting waveforms and control parameters.
We hope you enjoy the benefits of this interactive design tool. To learn more about the powerful capabilities of the program, we highly
recommend attending one of our Four-Day Power Supply Design Courses.

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1.2 Computer System Requirements (PC-Based)

To run RidleyWorks effectively, any modern computer with at least Excel 2013 or later installed will work. The RidleyWorks code is
extremely efficient, and does not require a high-powered computer. It is also very compact, taking up only 16 MB of disk space.
Select Excel 32-bit or 64-bit version when installing.
RidleyWorks will work with Windows XP, Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10.

1.3 Computer System Requirements (MAC-Based)

Microsoft Office is available to run on Apple devices, but Excel for MAC does not work as it should. RidleyWorks can be installed, but the
formatting will not show everything properly. In order to use RidleyWorks on a MAC, install a Windows partition and the normal PC-based
version of Excel (either 32-bit or 64-bit).

1.4 RidleyWorks Software Download

The latest version of RidleyWorks is available for download at

http://ridleyengineering.com/software-ridley/download-RidleyWorks.html
If installing for the first time, download the full install version. If upgrading, download the update version.
A software product key is needed to download the software which looks like the following: RIDLEYWORKS-XXXX-XXXX-XX

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1.5 RidleyWorks Software Installation

Overview
Install RidleyWorks in c:\Users\<username>\Documents directory
Install LTspiceXVII in the default directory. A library files should be visible, installed in c:\Users\<username>\Documents directory

Detailed Procedure
1. Earlier version of RidleyWorks should first be removed using the Windows Uninstall utility.
2. Download the zip file RIDLEYWORKSINSTALL. Inside this zip file is installation file:

RIDLEYWORKSINSTALL.EXE
3. Double-click the RIDLEYWORKSINSTALL application to install in the Documents folder.
4. When the installation program is complete, the following files should appear in the target directory:
RidleyWorks14xx.xlsm
Transfer.xlsm
ridleyworks_to_ltspice
ridleyworks_to_psim

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The Config directory should contain the license files:

RIDLEYWORKS.dll
RIDLEYWORKS.dll.cm
RIDLEYWORKS dll.cm.ini
RIDLEYWORKS64.dll
RIDLEYWORKS64.dll.cm
RIDLEYWORKS64 dll.cm.ini
CMInstall.exe

The blue .xlsm filename is the main RidleyWorks program which will run under Excel. The six files shown in green contain the permission
code to work with the specificied password provided at the time of purchase.

Error Code 1721 means that the installation process has not been completed due to
system settings. If all of the six green files do not appear in the directory, the software
will not be allowed to run. In this case, right click on the filename shown in red, and
select Run As Administrator. Answer OK to any questions, and at the end of the process,
the extra green files in the list above should appear in the directory.

5. To use the SPICELaunch feature of RidleyWorks, install LTspiceXVII, which can be downloaded from Linear Technology’s site. Install
LTspicexvii in the c:\Users\<username>\Documents folder (usually the default). Additional LTspice files and subcircuits will be
placed in the appropriate folders when installing RidleyWorks in step 3 above.
6. Double-click the blue file name to launch RidleyWorks. When the program begins to load, the message that it contains Macros may
appear. Click Enable Macros. The first time RidleyWorks is loaded, there will be a registration process.
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 Select the file to be configured as a standalone program and enter the password received upon purchase.
Then, enter registration information, including address and contact information.

1.6 RidleyWorks Software Upgrades

If RidleyWorks Release 10 or later has been installed on the computer being used, please uninstall it before installing the latest version.

1.7 Loading Workbooks

After registration, Excel will proceed to open the specified workbook. A page like
that shown in Fig. 1.1 will appear on screen after a few seconds. Once this screen
appears and the words “License Verified” display in the bottom left corner, the
software is fully registered.
To ensure that the display sizing is correct, click Screen Size. Select the option that
fits your system. The pages will fit optimally on the screen when the toolbars
option is selected. The zoom slide bar at the bottom right can also be used to
adjust individual worksheets.
Fig. 1.1: RidleyWorks Guide Page

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1.8 Saving Workbooks

Save a design in RidleyWorks in the same manner as any Excel workbook. It is recommended to save a project under a different name from
the original file. To do this, click on File Save As, and specify a folder and a name.
Every time this action is performed, a complete copy of RidleyWorks together with the simulator, designer, and all the features of the
program are saved. It is a ‘live’ copy of the design, constantly analyzing and simulating any changes made—not just the data.
1.9 Saving Data Only and Transferring Data to New Version

It is possible to save just the data from t design in a much smaller file. This feature has been added to easily transition a design to a new
version of the program without needing to re-enter all the design choices. It is also possible to send a design to colleagues in a very small
file.
To take advantage of this feature, it is
necessary to have two files open –
RidleyWorks14.xlsm and TRANSFER.xlsm.
(the Transfer file should automatically
Save Data open.) Once these files are open, go to the
Power Stage page of RidleyWorks and click
on the Export/Import Data button. Click the
Export button to place the data entered in
the TRANSFER.xlsm file. Click the Import
button to load data from the
TRANSFER.xlsm file into the RidleyWorks
worksheet.
Open the latest version of RidleyWorks and follow the process above to reload data into the new version.

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1.10 Which Version Do I Have?

Fig. 1.2: RidleyWorks Version Number and Recent Updates.

To view the version installed, click the RidleyWorks name on the opening screen. Recent changes and upgrades can also be viewed by
clicking the Updates button.

1.11 Help Notes

RidleyWorks has extensive online help inside the program. Click on any of the help buttons to access notes about a particular feature of
RidleyWorks. A wealth of design information is contained in the program, together with power supply design tips.

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1.12 Software Support

If you have issues installing or running RidleyWorks, please call or email for assistance. If no one is immediately available, please leave a
message, including your name and phone number, and your call will be returned as soon as possible. You can attach a file to an email for
assistance.

Phone: (US) +1 805 504 2212 E-Mail: [email protected]

(UK) +44 (0)1509 276 245

1.13 Facebook Support Group

If you have a Facebook account, there is a group dedicated to power supply design with over 4000 industry members. Whenever a new
version of the software is available, a posting will be placed on this site for immediate notification. You can also ask questions about the
software at this site.

POWER SUPPLY DESIGN CENTER

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2 Design and Simulation

RidleyWorks has the fastest closed-loop power supply simulator available. It can accurately simulate 400 cycles of closed-loop operation of
a converter with instantaneous results. Change parameter values, control design, or power stage elements and see the results on true
large-signal waveforms instantly. To begin the first design and simulation, click Begin Design.

CLICK

Fig. 2.1: RidleyWorks Guide Page with Start Menu

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2.1 Entering Specifications and Topology

Begin working on the schematics page as shown below. View waveforms and small-signal measurements while interactively changing
power parts and control parts. An automatic expert-system design routine will help with all component choices. New designers can let
RidleyWorks choose every parameter automatically to obtain a good working design. On the schematic page, note the power topology. The
last converter used will appear on screen at this point. A buck converter is shown in the example below. A controller with all the settings
needed to implement most constant-frequency options appear, and a feedback compensator. The compensator and controller may all be
in one chip with full control of all the parameters.

Schematic components in red are clickable.

CLICK

Edit the values and see component stresses.

This will be demonstrated in more detail later.

Enter the power system specifications by

clicking on the top blue button as shown.

Fig. 2.2: RidleyWorks Schematic Page

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 Begin by choosing either AC or DC input on the Specifications Entry Form. Select the
pre-programmed ranges of AC or enter specific voltages. One of the unique advantages
of RidleyWorks is that there is no limit on the voltage ranges. The design process is not
restricted to any specific controller that may limit the operating ranges. Control chip
and semiconductor choices will come later.
If a flyback converter is planned, specify up to 5 outputs. Other converters are
restricted to single outputs in the present release, although this does not limit the
experienced designer.
Airflow and temperature ranges will impact magnetics design. The higher the
temperature, the larger the magnetics size estimates will become.
The feedback can be configured as either non-isolated, or with a TL431 optocoupler.
Click OK. View a summary of inputs. Then, a set of choices for the topology of the
power stage will be presented.

Fig. 2.3: RidleyWorks Specifications Entry Form

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 Figure 2.4 shows the set of topologies available for the
input and output voltage specifications. Notice that the
boost topology is not possible since the output voltage
is lower than part of the input range of the converter.
CLICK Once a new topology has been selected, RidleyWorks
will proceed to do an amazing amount of work. First, all
the power components will be selected. A controller
will then be optimized around the power stage to give
good transient performance and stability. Loop gains
will be plotted and analyzed. Finally, 400 cycles of
large-signal operation will be simulated. All of this is
done instantly.
This will revolutionize your design and simulation
experience. Your design procedure will become much
more interactive, trying far more options and
repetitively simulating as if you had a ‘live’ breadboard.
Before digging deeper into design values, it is
recommended to look at circuit waveforms to see how
the converter is operating. At this point—without
design values input into RidleyWorks—a fully-
automated working converter is visible. Verify this by
looking at the waveforms of the circuit.

Fig. 2.4: RidleyWorks Topology Choices

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2.2 Running Waveform Simulations

CLICK

Figure 2.5 shows the selection of voltages and

currents that can be probed with RidleyWorks.
The simulation algorithm inside RidleyWorks is
so fast that it routinely runs hundreds of
simulations during a design session without
delays. Every time a component is changed,
another 400-cycle simulation runs to confirm
that the converter is operating properly.

To begin the simulation, click the blue button

labeled Waveforms, then click on the scope
probe at the output of the converter.

Fig. 2.5: RidleyWorks Waveform Choices

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Fig. 2.6: RidleyWorks Output Voltage Waveform

RidleyWorks automatically simulates 400 cycles at a time. To zoom in on this waveform, treat the controls of RidleyWorks just like an
oscilloscope. Turn the Time Base dial clockwise to zoom in by clicking on the up arrow next to the dial. With each click on the ‘up’ arrow,
the number of complete waveforms will be cut in half. Quickly turn the dial back to the original setting by clicking Min.

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2.3 Startup Simulation

Startup

Fig. 2.8: RidleyWorks Start Up Simulation Voltage Waveform

Startup of your converter can be simulated by clicking the green Startup button shown above. This will start with zero output voltage and
zero inductor current, then simulate the converter into regulation as shown. It takes over 200 cycles to get the output voltage into
regulation in the example shown. It can be instructive to click on Show Voltage and Current to add the current waveform of the converter
to show what effect the current limiting has on the performance of the startup.

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Fig. 2.9: RidleyWorks Start Up Simulation Voltage and Current Waveforms

In the red waveform of Figure 2.9, the converter enters current limiting during startup.
Determining the proper values of parameters such as current limit is absolutely crucial at the very early stages of design. The peak current
will impact the design of magnetics and sense resistors. It is essential to identify this effect early in the design cycle. RidleyWorks is ideal for
this type of work since it automatically designs all compensation parameters at the very beginning of a design. This is also essential for
proper simulation.

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2.4 Step-Load Transient Simulation

STEP LOAD

LINE AND LOAD

Fig. 2.11: RidleyWorks Step-Load Transient Simulation

The line and load conditions can be set as shown. Two values of load are shown. The first 200 cycles are run with 100% load, the second
200 cycles with 20% load. Simulation of both the voltage and current are shown, with the inductor current entering DCM on the second
transient when the load falls to 20%.

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2.5 Adding Input Voltage Modulation

Click Modulation to
access the Modulation
Waveforms screen.
RidleyWorks has the
capability to add
sinusoidal modulation
on top of the input DC
voltage. It can also be
used to add modulation
to the reference
voltage to drive the
output.

Modulation

Fig. 2.12: RidleyWorks Input Line Modulation

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 2.6 AC Input Simulation

With the full version of RidleyWorks—

select an AC input and perform a
simulation of the input rectifier. On
RECTIFIER the Input and Output Specifications
screen, select one of the three
available input voltage ranges. The
expected low, nominal, and high-line
voltage values will be automatically
generated. These values can be
adjusted if needed. Once the AC input
has been assigned, the schematic will
change on the input, showing the
input rectifier block.
Click OK. Then, click on the rectifier at
the input to see the simulated input
waveforms.
UT

Fig. 2.13: Choosing AC Input on the Specifications Form (not available in Demo Version)

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 The simulation of input
line current and input
capacitor voltage are
shown in figure 2.14. This
helps size the input
capacitor appropriately
for the desired amount
of ripple at the input of
the converter.

Fig. 2.14: AC Input Waveforms for a 27 W Flyback Converter

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2.7 Exploring Further Simulation Options

Many more simulation options are possible within RidleyWorks, and you are encouraged to try them. For example, with the transient load
simulation in Fig. 2.11, you can interactively see the change in transient performance with different value inductors and capacitors. Move
these values up and down while watching the change in the waveforms. This is a truly unique feature of RidleyWorks that will change the
way that you execute designs and greatly speed up the process.

You are encouraged to try all these options in RidleyWorks. Let us know what you see and tell us if there are additional features that you
would like to see included in the program in the future. Once you have a license for the software, all upgrades are free as long as your
license is current.

Please contact us to let us know what you would like to see included in the program in the future. We are constantly upgrading the
software to respond to user’s needs.

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3 Control Analysis Transfer Functions

RidleyWorks has unsurpassed techniques for designing and analyzing the control system for a switching power supply. The analysis
techniques and design routines have evolved over a period of 25 years to provide all of the control information needed to optimize power
supply performance.
LOOP

3.1 Turning On Control Options

When you click the Control Design blue button, green

options buttons appear on the power stage schematic. If
CONTROL
the Z Out and Audiosusceptibility buttons are not visible,
make sure these features are checked when clicking the
Features button.
Click the Loop button to see the main control transfer
functions.

Fig. 3.1: Control Design Options in RidleyWorks

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3.2 Current-Mode and Voltage-Mode Control

Figure 3.2 shows the control transfer

functions available in RidleyWorks. Select
SELECT PLOTS multiple plots to be displayed
simultaneously as shown in the figure.
Measurements from the AP300/310
Frequency Response Analyzer can also be
overlaid on the graph to compare with
predictions.
Many actions are possible with these
graphs, including moving the line and
load up and down, and changing the
values of the inductor and capacitor in
the converter. As these values change,
the immediate effect on the power
stage, compensation and loop gain are
visible.
Fig. 3.2: Current-Mode Control Transfer Function Bode Plots in RidleyWorks

Note that when inductor and capacitor values are changed, the control loop is optimized for the new power stage and transfer function
plotted for the updated design. RidleyWorks will automatically detect whether the converter is operating in CCM or DCM and provide the
appropriate transfer function. To see details of the converter, click the Power Stage Details button to view the poles and zeros.

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Click the Compensation button to interactively move the shape of the compensation values while viewing the shape of the loop. Figure 3.2
shows the transfer functions for current-mode control—the default control scheme chosen for all converters except the half-bridge.

Click the Control

Mode button to
change the selection
to voltage-mode
control. With this
action, the
compensator will be
re-optimized and the
resulting transfer
functions plotted.

MODE

Fig. 3.3: Voltage-Mode Control Transfer Function Bode Plots in RidleyWorks

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3.3 Interactive Compensation Adjustment

It is possible to look at the

control transfer functions
while adjusting the pole and
zero locations of the
compensation, as shown in
figure 3.4. With each click of
the Adjust button, the zero or
pole will be moved, new
compensation components
ADJUST
selected, and the curves
replotted.

COMPENSATION COMPENSATION

Fig. 3.4: Interactive Adjustment of Compensation Poles and Zeros with Transfer Functions

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 It is also possible to
interactively change the
compensation parameters
while looking at the
simulation waveforms. This
ADJUST is a powerful and completely
unique feature of
RidleyWorks. No other
design or simulation
program has this capability.

Fig. 3.5: Interactive Adjustment of Compensation Poles and Zeros with Simulation Waveforms

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3.4 Voltage Feedforward Control

Another option is to implement voltage-mode control

with feedforward. The normal implementation of this
FEEDFORWARD
technique in the control chip is to make the control
ramp proportional to the input voltage, scaled by an
input voltage divider constant, k.
Vin When the input voltage is increased, the ramp size
Vp− p =
k will increase, and there will be an immediate change
in duty cycle. This can greatly improve the transient
response with changes in input voltage. Normally it
RAMP
will be at least an order of magnitude better,
especially for buck-derived converters.
In addition, the changing ramp will make sure that
the loop gain of the system stays fixed for different
input voltages. This can be very important for large
ranges of input voltage, and compensation will
remain optimal across the entire range. The
converter will regulate much better, and step load
response will be improved at low line.

Fig. 3.5: Selecting Voltage-Mode with Feedforward

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4 Magnetics Designer

Features
4.1 Turning on the Magnetics Designer

On the Power Stage design page, click the Features

button. This enables the magnetics design features.
The Inductor Design and Transformer Design
buttons appear on screen.
Click on either button to begin the magnetics design
process.
Magnetics

Fig. 4.1: Selecting the Magnetics Design Option Enables the Inductor and Transformer Designers

33 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
4.2 Inductor Design Page

Click the Inductor Design button on

the Power Stage page to access the
inductor design sheet. On this page,
click the blue buttons individually to
step through a detailed design
process. This process includes core
selection, material selection, winding
design, proximity loss and many
other details.
A crucial part of magnetics
development is the frequency
response of the components in the
design. There are links to both the
RidleyBox and the AP310 analyzer
from this page.

Fig. 4.2: Inductor Design Page Guides Through Inductor Details

34 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
4.3 Choosing the Inductor Core Size

Click the Turns Core Gap button to

Core, turns Core Design access the form for selecting design
parameters of the inductor. By
default, a generic core will be
selected with a recommended core
area. Choose a specific core
preference that has a similar
approximate area. A larger core area
will run a little cooler, and a smaller
core size will have higher
dissipation. The actual selection will
depend upon the cooling situation,
and need for efficiency versus size.
Click the Select Core button. An
array of standard cores may be
presented. Choose one from the
array, or add your own favorite
cores very easily to the program.

Fig. 4.3: Inductor Core and Turns Selection

35 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
4.4 Choosing the Inductor Core Material
Use any core selection with a variety of core
materials. RidleyWorks incorporates unique
core loss modeling techniques that accurately
Material give the loss for different materials. Variable
Steinmetz equation coefficients are used to
produce a much more accurate core loss
estimate than is available from
manufacturers. Details of the techniques used
to calculate the loss are given in the Ridley
Engineering Design Center
http://www.ridleyengineering.com/design-center.html in
paper [A03] Modeling Ferrite Core Losses.
If using a different core material to those
shown, RidleyWorks gives the proper
frequency, flux level, and Delta B to be used
with core loss curves.
RidleyWorks also selects the values of an RL
network to model the losses in LTspice. This is
a nonlinear frequency-dependent loss model
that runs an LTspice simulation. Click on the
core to see losses. There is no need to use
core-loss curves.
Fig. 4.4: Inductor Core Material Selection

36 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
4.5 Designing Inductor Windings

Click the Winding button to show details of the

inductor winding. Build inductors with foil,
Winding helical windings, or wire. RidleyWorks will
Winding
optimize each of these. The foil winding
thickness can be optimized with proper
consideration for proximity losses, by clicking
the Minimize Loss button.

Details of the sophisticated techniques used to

calculate the proximity loss are given in the
Ridley Engineering Design Center
http://www.ridleyengineering.com/design-center.html
in numerous papers on magnetics design and
analysis.

Fig. 4.5: Inductor Winding Design

37 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
4.6 Designing Transformers

Turns and Core

RidleyWorks has a powerful algorithm for
designing transformers, incorporating advanced
core loss calculation, proximity loss analysis, core
and winding selection, all in one easy-to-use
package. The design program interfaces closely
with simulation waveforms to provide fast,
efficient, and reliable designs.
The sequence of design is similar to that of the
inductor. Start by clicking the Turns and Core
button to begin the design.

Fig. 4.6: Transformer Design Page

38 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
5 SPICELaunch
5.1 Preparing an LTspice File

Designers often spend a great deal of development time

creating LTspice models for converters. This is a process that
requires experience with magnetics models and power
controllers. A powerful feature of RidleyWorks is the ability to
automatically generate LTspice schematic files with just the
click of a button.
Click the SPICELaunch button to create LTspice schematics, or
to adjust loop sweep settings. The message will appear that
three LTspice files have been created. These can be found in the
folder RidleyWorks LTspice on your computer desktop.

SPICELaunch

Fig. 5.1: Running SPICELaunch

39 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
5.2 Simulation Settings in LTspice

Double-click the LTspice TRAN file in the folder on the desktop to automatically open LTspice.
Before running a simulation, it is recommended to set some parameters for LTspice for better simulation accuracy. Select Tools
Control Panel Hacks! and set the check boxes as shown below.

LTspice, like all versions of spice, may

sometimes struggle to converge during a
simulation. Other simulation parameters may
need adjustment to help the process. This is one
of the advantages of the RidleyWorks simulation
– it never has convergence issues, and
simulations are almost instantaneous.

GMIN Setting
VRser setting

Fig. 5.2: Setting Up LTspice Hacks!

40 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
 It is also recommended that the
Solver Engine be selected as
Alternate. This will give greater
simulation accuracy. (The
Normal setting will simulate
faster, which may be useful
Gear Integration
when generating the Bode plots
inside LTspice.)
The Gear integration routine
Alternate Solver works better for transformer
isolated converters, but try the
default settings if difficulties
emerge. The default setting is
Modified Trap, which may work
better for some circuits.
The integration method settings
are not retained in LTspice when
exiting and will need to be reset
each time it is launched.
Fig. 5.3: Setting Up LTspice Simulation Parameters

41 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
5.3 Simulating Transients in LTspice

Click the running man icon to begin

the spice simulation. Probe any
waveform on the circuit. The
simulation shown in Fig. 5.3 is the
output voltage during circuit start up.
Although the spice simulation may
be fairly slow, the design of the
control circuit and power parts in
RidleyWorks are complete, and
LTspice can be employed for its best
purpose. Add any arbitrary circuits
and devices, to move the design
closer to a production schematic.
The combination of RidleyWorks and
the rapid generation of schematics
for LTspice will greatly speed and
enhance the way that you design
from concept to production.
Fig. 5.3: Running LTspice Transient Simulations

42 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
5.4 Generating Swept Bode Plots in LTspice

Fig. 5.4: LTspice Sweep Schematic for Bode Plots

A powerful new feature of RidleyWorks is the generation of schematics that can produce Bode plots directly from the time-domain
schematic. There is no need to simulate small-signal equivalent circuits which are, by definition, approximations of the real circuit. For the
first time, computers (in 2020) are fast enough that the intensive simulation needed for Bode plot generation can be done in a reasonable
amount of time. This type of work was only possible up until now with specialized high-speed simulation programs.

43 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
How fast can this be done? At the time of writing this manual, our record for simulation is just 24 seconds for a buck converter. This kind of
speed is produced with the following features in place:

1. Automatic generation of a loop compensation that is ruggedly stable;

2. Emulation of the features of the RidleyBox/AP310 analyzer with frequency-dependent source, automatically configured to give
good results; and

3. Proper setup of simulation times for steady-state solution.

For the buck schematic example above, the bode generation is initiated by clicking the running man icon. Then, click Point B of the
schematic and watch the waveforms being generated ready for measurement. This is done in a very similar way to the powerful AP310
analyzer.

Generation of the sweep schematic is a single button click in RidleyWorks, and there is no need to change any settings from the default file
that is generated. Figure 5.5 shows the repeated sweep waveforms generated in LTspice. It is very instructional to watch this procedure to
enhance your understanding of how the AP310 or RidleyBox frequency response analyzers work.
These waveforms are generated by clicking the Run icon, then clicking a probe on the output voltage of the converter.

44 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
Fig. 5.5: LTspice Sweep Waveforms at Point B of the Circuit

There are two ways to look at the LTspice swept loop data. The first is to click on the LTspice Measurements tab in RidleyWorks. This page
allows you to sweep multiple conditions and save the sweeps on one graph. You cannot do this in LTspice.

Alternatively, when sweeps are complete, and the data has been processed by LTspice, click View then Spice Error Log. If the Spice Error
Log option is greyed out, LTspice has not yet finished processing the simulation data. A file similar to that shown in Figure 5.6 will appear.
45 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
 Right-click in the space to the right of the numbers on the screen and select the option
Plot .Step’d meas data. Answer Yes to the question that pops up about complex data,
and the Bode plot Axes appear. Right-click in the plot area and add traces. The Loop Gain,
Power Stage Gain, and Compensation Gain are available as options.
Figure 5.6 shows the sweep for a buck power stage gain. Notice that approaching half the
switching frequency, noise is apparent on the sweep. This noise characteristic will be very
familiar to anyone who has used the AP310 or the RidleyBox on a switching power supply.

Fig. 5.6: LTspice Error Log

Figure 5.7 shows the sweep for a buck power

stage.

Fig. 5.7: LTspice Bode Plot of a Buck Power Stage Gain

46 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
 Figure 5.8 shows the sweep for
a buck power loop gain. Notice
that the phase of this plot is
reading phase margin, not
phase. The cursors on the loop
gain show the crossover
frequency and the phase
margin at this crossover.

Fig. 5.8: LTspice Bode Plot of a Buck Loop Gain

The ability to sweep the transfer functions on the large-signal schematic inside LTspice or PSIM is a powerful tool for finding the bode plots
of circuits that do not have small-signal models available. We encourage exploring this feature of the software. However, there are times
when this technique cannot be utilized:
• The circuit is not stable;
• The desired sweep frequency is too low (10 Hz is very time consuming in LTspice, not an issue in PSIM); or
• Characteristics of the ac sweep are below the noise-floor resolution of the technique.
The next section of this manual describes another method for obtaining loop gains and other transfer functions via the small-signal models.

47 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
5.5 Generating Small-Signal Bode Plots in LTspice

Leading modern work on small-signal

models for power converters was
initiated by Dr. Vatché Vorpérian with
the publication of the PWM Switch
Model in 1988. Models were
completed by Dr. Ray Ridley with his
publication of Current-Mode Model in
1990. If you are new to power supply
design, these models can take time to
become familiar with and implement in
Click SpiceLaunch your circuit simulator. We have fully
automated this process for the first
time, putting small-signal analysis at
every engineer’s fingertips.
Release 12.35 of RidleyWorks exports a
small-signal model for use with LTspice.
This provides a rapid high-speed design and simulation environment for the feedback networks. All characteristics of input and output
filters will be seen in the loop characteristics, providing more detailed sweeps than those available in RidleyWorks.

Fig. 5.9: Exporting an LTspice Small-Signal File. Three files are automatically exported: a transient simulation, a swept-sine simulation, and a small-
signal model.

48 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
 Figure 5.5 shows the buck
family configuration of the
small-signal model in LTspice.
There are three fundamental
families that cover all
topologies in RidleyWorks—
the buck, boost, and buck-
boost. Each of these circuits
contains a single small-signal
element. In this case it is the
Ridley BuckDCM. When the
file is exported to LTspice,
RidleyWorks determines
whether the circuit is going to
be analyzed in CCM operation
or DCM operation.

Notice that the model is

invariant for both voltage-
mode and current-mode
control. This is very important.
Our small-signal model is the only one that works in both regions. As the compensating ramp for current mode is increased, it is possible to
get a system that operates between voltage mode and current-mode, but regardless, the model gives the right results.
Fig. 5.9: Buck Family Small-Signal Model Exported to LTspice

49 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
Fig. 5.10: Boost Family Small-Signal Model Exported to LTspice. Notice the PWM block is the same subcircuit as for the buck converter family

50 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
Fig. 5.11: Buck-Boost Family Small-Signal AC Model Exported to LTspice. Notice the inversion of the output voltage signal in the feedback path

51 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
 inductor

active common

passive

Fig. 5.12: Invariant Small-Signal Subcircuit for Current- or Voltage-Mode control in CCM. For pure voltage-mode control, the gain blocks inside the
green rectangle are all zero

52 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
Fig. 5.13: Invariant Small-Signal Subcircuit for Current- or Voltage-Mode Control in DCM. For pure voltage-mode control, the gain block inside the
green rectangle is zero

53 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
 Fig. 5.14 shows the loop gain plot for a buck-
family converter. Running the sweep only
takes a few seconds. Then, add any quantities
to see desired transfer functions. The
following are the most useful:
V(b)/V(a) Loop Gain and Phase Margin
V(b)/V(c) Power Stage Gain (specify -
V(b)/V(c) for buck-boost
family)
-V(c)/V(a) Compensation Gain

Fig. 5.14: Plotting the loop gain of a converter consists of just clicking run, then right-click the plot area. The quantity v(b)/v(a) will be the loop gain
and phase MARGIN.

54 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
6 Exporting Models to PSIM

6.1 Preparing a PSIM File

PSIM is a powerful high-speed simulation environment that is an

alternative to LTspice. It is a perfect complement to the design
environment of RidleyWorks. Dive into a new simulation
environment with fully designed converter values. A powerful
feature of RidleyWorks is the ability to automatically generate PSIM
schematic files with the click of a button.
Click the PSIMLink button. Files will automatically be written to the
PSIM output directory shown on the screen. There will be a
subdirectory for each topology that is used within RidleyWorks. This
is where the PSIM schematics are located.
PSIM Link

Fig. 6.1: Running PSIMLink to generate PSIM Schematics

55 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
6.2 Opening a PSIM Schematic

Double-click the PSIM highlighted file in the folder shown in Fig. 6.2
to automatically open PSIM.

PSIM Schematic
Fig. 6.2: PSIM schematic file location

56 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
6.3 Running PSIM Simulations
Simulate

The following screen will appear

with the converter topology and all
of the parameters automatically
loaded.
The power supply is completely set
up and ready to simulate. The
default simulation type is a
transient simulation. Click the Run
button in the toolbar, or F8 on a
keyboard.
PSIM is extremely fast. A converter
such as that shown will simulate in
less than one second for several
hundred cycles. Once the
simulation is complete, the scope
interface to the waveforms will
automatically open.

Fig. 6.3: Running a PSIM Simulation

57 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
6.4 Plotting PSIM Transient Waveforms

After the simulation, any

node or branch of the circuit
can be plotted as long as a
measurement point has
been defined. Please see the
PSIM documentation for
further directions.
Multiple plot panes with
their own axes can also be
defined. Here you can see
the plot of the output
voltage during a startup
simulation. The results are
the same as those obtained
within RidleyWorks.

Fig. 6.4: Running LTspice Transient Simulations

58 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
6.5 Sweeping Loops in PSIM

One of the most profound and powerful

advantages of PSIM is sweeping a switching
transient circuit with a simulated frequency
response analyzer—either the RidleyBox or
the AP Instruments AP310. For more
information on our test and measurement
devices:
http://www.ridleyengineering.com/hardware/ap-ridleybox.html

The analyzer settings are automated in

Flag = 1 RidleyWorks. These settings are passed over
to the parameter file that accompanies the
PSIM schematic.
To change from a transient simulation to a
swept simulation, double-click the file icon
on the schematic and change the
Parameters
sweep_flag to 1. Now click the Run button
(F8) to sweep the converter loop response.
A sweep from 100 Hz to 200 kHz for a two-
switch forward converter will only take
about 10 seconds to execute. (This is a huge advantage over LTspice which will take about 20 minutes to run the same circuit – over 100x
slower.)
Fig. 6.5: Running PSIM Sweep Simulations

59 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
6.6 Loop Gain Bode Plot in PSIM

As with LTspice, this technique

cannot be applied to arbitrary
circuits. The following cautions
apply:
1. The converter should have a
well-designed loop that is
ruggedly stable (automated in
RidleyWorks); and
2. Sweep parameters must be
carefully set (also automated in
RidleyWorks).

Fig. 6.6: PCIM Loop Gain and Phase Plot

60 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
7 Advanced Proximity Loss and Core Loss

One of the biggest sources of error in designing a power

supply is underestimating the losses in inductor and
transformer windings. To get a reasonable estimate of
how much loss there will be, it is necessary to apply
Dowell’s equations—a set of highly complex formulae
that is typically the domain of PhD students in power
electronics. It is estimated that less than 1% of practicing
engineers ever use these techniques in their design work.

Fortunately, RidleyWorks will do this for you. It does this

in two ways. First, by solving Dowell’s equation at the
switching frequency to find the increase in resistance. The
winding current is then broken down into two parts— dc
and ac current, which is the sum of all the harmonics. For
a simple approximation, RidleyWorks assumes that all the
ac current is at this frequency. This will give a low
estimate of the proximity loss, but it does provide good and fast guidance for how to organize the winding layers and winding size.

Secondly, to get more accurate loss in the windings due to all of the current harmonics, RidleyWorks first does a sweep of the Dowell’s
equation solutions from 1 kHz to 10 MHz. It then generates a circuit network that produces the same impedance versus frequency as
Dowell’s equations. This network is exported to an LTspice file where the proximity losses can be directly simulated in the time domain.
This process is described in this chapter.

61 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
7.1 Estimating Proximity Losses in RidleyWorks

The specifications for a 100 kHz two-switch

forward converter are shown in the
Specifications entry form for RidleyWorks.
This is for a 20 V, 20 A isolated converter
running from a high-voltage input.

Fig. 7.1 shows the simulated primary current

for the converter. The rms primary winding
loss, using the dc value of the resistance of
the winding is calculated to be 0.491 W. This
is the value that most designers would use for
estimating temperature rise, but we will soon
see that it is much too low.

Fig. 7.1: Steady-State primary current from RidleyWorks Simulation

62 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
Fig. 7.2 shows the important transformer parameters
using an EC41 core. There are 62 primary turns, and 8
secondary turns.

63 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
Fig. 7.2: Transformer parameters from RidleyWorks

Fig. 7.3 shows the structure and analysis of the primary winding of the
transformer. Two layers of 22 awg wire are used to give a dc resistance
of 160 mOhm. When this is multiplied by the square of the rms current,
we see 0.491 W of loss.

However, the ac resistance of the winding, calculated at 100 kHz, is

much higher at 1.54 ohms, almost 10 times the dc resistance.
RidleyWorks takes the rms of the ac current squared and multiplies by
this number, adds to the dc current squared times the dc resistance, to
get the total losses. You can see that they are much higher at
2.91 W. This is an increase of four times.

This more detailed and insightful information allows for

experimentation with different numbers of layers, wire sizes, and
parallel strands to see what provides the lowest loss combination. The
Minimize Loss button automatically tries different layer counts to find
the best solution.

64 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
Fig. 7.3: Primary winding structure and analysis from RidleyWorks
Click the Proximity Loss button
to see a detailed breakdown of
the resistance of the wire layer
by layer. The complexity of
Dowell’s equations shows why
few engineers ever attempt this
analysis. Fortunately,
RidleyWorks automates the
entire procedure.

Fig. 7.4: Primary loss analysis by layer together with Dowell’s equations published in 1966

65 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
7.2 Advanced Proximity Losses with LTspice Circuit Modeling

After defining the winding

structure and achieving
satisfactory total dissipation,
begin the process of LTspice
model generation and simulation.

RidleyWorks will proceed to

sweep the solutions to Dowell’s
equations from
1 kHz to 10 MHz and generate an
equivalent circuit model to match
the complex impedance.

This process must be followed for

each of the magnetics windings
to generate the equivalent circuit
models to be used in LTspice.

Fig. 7.5: Sweep of ac resistance and equivalent circuit model

66 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
7.3 Running LTspice for Proximity Loss

Fig. 7.6 shows the two-switch forward schematic in

LTspice. The yellow resistive elements are the ac
proximity models for each of the windings.
The first step is to simulate the converter to steady-
state and plot the primary switch current I(Lpri) as
shown.
You can plot the conventional dissipation in the
primary (without proximity) by holding down the
ALT key and clicking Rpri. This results in the
waveform shown in Fig. 7.6. Click on the name of
the waveform in blue, while holding down the Ctrl
key to show the average dissipation. This number
agrees with the dissipation in RidleyWorks before
proximity is added.

Fig. 7.6: Conventional dissipation in transformer primary (no proximity loss)

67 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
Fig. 7.7: Additional proximity loss dues to ac resistance model

Now, plot the additional proximity loss dissipation in the primary by holding down the ALT key and clicking on the circuit element Rac in
the primary. This results in the waveform shown in Figure 7.7. If you click on the name of the waveform in green, while holding down the
Ctrl key, it will show the average dissipation. The sum of the conventional dissipation and the Rac dissipation is the total winding loss in the
primary.
The total dissipation predicted by LTspice may be higher than that predicted by RidleyWorks. The LTspice number will be more accurate
since it includes the dissipation in the resistors at higher harmonic frequencies. Depending upon the topology and operating point, the
difference may be considerable. In the example above, the conventional losses are 0.481 W. The additional proximity losses produce an
extra 2.7 W of dissipation.
Once this technique has been mastered you will be able to execute the most advanced proximity loss calculations in the industry.
Attempting to do this work without the aid of RidleyWorks is extremely time-consuming and difficult. This powerful tool offers an
enormous design advantage.

68 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
7.4 Advanced Core Losses with LTspice Circuit Modeling

With the selected core shape and material, RidleyWorks will

automatically calculate parameters for core loss simulation in LTspice.
The component elements of the core loss model define how the core
will behave with different drive frequencies and amplitudes. This is a
unique feature of RidleyWorks.

Fig. 7.8: Selecting a core material will produce a matching LTspice circuit model

69 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
7.5 Running LTspice for Corte Loss

Plot the instantaneous core losses of the block to the left of the transformer primary by
holding down the Alt key and clicking on the block. The instantaneous core loss can be
averaged by holding down the Ctrl key and clicking on the name of the waveform shown in
red below. Observe that for the same flux swing in a transformer, the losses increase with a
shorter duty cycle, as is observed empirically. You will also see that the losses of a
transformer decrease with switching frequency if the turns are left unchanged on the core.

Fig. 7.9: Core loss model parameters are automatically loaded into the LTspice schematic. Instantaneous core losses are shown, together with the
average value

70 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
8 Using RidleyWorks with the AP310 Analyzer
8.1 Connecting RidleyWorks to the AP

Note: This chapter assumes that you have purchased an AP. The AP
can either be connected to any applicable computer by USB, or
connected to a RidleyBox (using its on-board computer) by USB.

RidleyWorks has a powerful and user-friendly interface

to the AP310 frequency response analyzer. This enables
you to control complex analyzer functions and settings
with a single button click inside RidleyWorks software.
Open RidleyWorks. The opening screen shown in Fig. 8.1
will appear. Click the AP310 analyzer image to begin
controlling the instrument. You can also click on the AP
analyzer image on any page within RidleyWorks to
AP Analyzer engage.
RidleyWorks will connect to the AP310 Measurements
page shown in Fig. 8.2.
Fig. 8.1: RidleyWorks Opening page with AP310 and RidleyBox Icons

71 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
 This page provides a powerful interface for
driving the AP310 and collecting multiple
data sweeps. There are eight preset settings
on this page for magnetics measurements,
control measurements, impedance
measurements, and PSRR measurements.
First, turn on the power switch of the
connected AP analyzer. Click the Connect
button to automatically launch the APfra
software.

Launch APfra

Fig. 8.2: AP Instruments Analyzer Interface Page

72 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
 Once the screen shown in Fig. 8.3 is visible, click
File>Open Setup and select AP300Setup.nac to load new
default settings. Notice that the sweep is now
logarithmic, and the stop frequency is 30 MHz with a
drive signal of 1 V.

Fig. 8.3: APfra default opening screen and screen after loading AP300Setup file
73 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
8.2 Measuring Transfer Functions

There are multiple setups for automating the settings on the

Select AP310. This includes measuring the power stage plant, loop
gains, magnetic impedances, PSRR and output impedance.
Each of these setups will adjust the source, bandwidth, and
frequency range for the AP analyzer. You can still adjust these
quantities individually within the APfra software as needed.

RidleyWorks
Full details of these measurement setups are provided in the
AP310 analyzer user manual. If you do not own an AP and
would like to review the manual to understand it’s
functionality, please download from the manufacturer’s
website: http://www.apinstruments.com/downloads.html

Fig. 8.4: Magnetics impedance measurement setup and test results

74 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
9 Using RidleyWorks with the RidleyBox

9.1 Connecting RidleyWorks to the

RidleyBox
Note: This chapter assumes that you have purchased a
RidleyBox. Each RidleyBox unit comes complete with a
lifetime RidleyWorks license loaded onto the on-board
computer. Any additional RidleyWorks licenses owned are
viewed as ‘additional’ licenses. Only the RidleyWorks
license on the physical RidleyBox instrument may be used
to control the instrument.

RidleyWorks has a powerful and user-friendly

interface to the RidleyBox. Control complex
analyzer functions and settings with a single
button click inside RidleyWorks.
Open RidleyWorks. The opening screen shown
in Fig. 9.1 will appear. Click the RidleyBox
picture to begin making measurements. You
can also click on the RidleyBox image on any
page within RidleyWorks to engage.
Fig. 9.1: RidleyWorks Opening page with RidleyBox and AP310 Icons

75 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
 9.2 RidleyBox Interface

After clicking the RidleyBox picture, the

RidleyBox FRA Control Screen will appear, as
in figure 9.2. There are eight preset
measurements:
• Plant Transfer Function
• Loop Gain
• Magnetics and Inductance
• Leakage Inductance
• Magnetics Impedance
• Full Frequency Sweep
• PSRR
• Output Impedance

RidleyBox® Power

Click the RidleyBox POWER button on the software screen to initiate. A verbal message will indicate that the connection is complete, and
the power indicator will turn green. For full detailed instructions, please refer to the RidleyBox Manual.

Fig. 9.2: RidleyBox FRA Control Screen

76 | RIDLEYWORKS M a n u a l
10 Appendix A - Error Messages
10.1 Installer Error 1721

The CMInstall program must be run with Administrator privileges. If this error message
appears, It will be necessary to complete the installation manually. In this case, right-click
CMInstall.exe, and select Run As Administrator. Answer OK to any questions. At the end
of the process, the needed files will be created. More details on files are found on Page 8
of this manual.

10.2 Cannot find RIDLEYWORKS.DLL

Some operating environments looks in the SysWOW64 for the proper .dll permission
files. If you get this message, please do the following:
Copy all 6 of the .dll files from C:\users\username\documents\RIDLEYWORKS\config
to: C:\Windows\SysWOW64
Copy all 6 of the .dll files from C:\users\username\documents\RIDLEYWORKS\config
to: C:\Windows\System32

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10.3 Protection Error 717 Incorrect Passkey Entered

An invalid passkey has been entered. Check your documentation for the correct number. If unable to locate,
contact us for assistance at [email protected]

10.4 Protection Error 758 License Expired

Your software license has reached its expiration date. To renew your license, visit our website shopping cart
page at
https://shop.ridleyengineering.com/collections/software

if you have bought a new license, and still receive this error, it may be because your computer is still using the
old number. Your computer will store the license key from the first time you install the software. If you need to
know the stored number, look for the file RIDLEYWORKS.dll.cm.log and open it with a text editor to find the number.

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10.5 Protection Error 923 Installation Incomplete

The software installation failed to finish generating all necessary files. Go to Section 1.4, item number 2 of this
manual to learn how to complete the installation.

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10.6 Trouble Closing RidleyWorks

Very rarely, this screen may pop up when closing the program. Clicking OK or Cancel will not
get rid of it. If this happens, type ctrl-alt-delete and select Start Task Manager. Select
Processes, highlight EXCEL.EXE*32, and click End Process. This should close the program.

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10.7 Run-Time Error 1004

This error will occur if you have an old version of Excel prior to 2013. Please upgrade to the latest version.
In some cases, the error will occur if you do not have the decimal separator character set
to a period “.” Change the decimal separator setting in Microsoft Windows as described
below.
Click Control Panel, Region and Language. Under the Format tab, click Additional
Settings. The character can now be changed to a period as shown.

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10.8 Data Entry Format Error – Run-Time Error 13

Most mistakes in data entry will be flagged by RidleyWorks and will give an error message.
However, if you see this message, the decimal separator may be set incorrectly in your system.
This is changed as described in the above section. Or, you may have used some other invalid
numerical character. If this happens, please try to describe the sequence of events to us or send
us the file. We are always working to improve and update the program.

10.9 Microsoft Excel Stopped Working (EMET problem)

If you get the message that Excel has stopped working while verifying the license, it
may be because your IT department has installed Microsoft EMET (Enhanced
Mitigation Experience Toolkit). This will block access to the required website to verify
the license code.
It is necessary to disable the following EMET options for RidleyWorks to register itself
properly without triggering EMET to shut down the program.
• Export Address Table Filtering
• Simulate the execution flow
There is no security risk in implementing these changes.

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10.10 Object Doesn’t Support Property or Method

You may see messages such as this when clicking on one of the buttons. Microsoft did some security updates recently, and it causes
problems in excel. You can find it discussed at:
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/exchange/en-US/3f29c84b-97ad-46f7-9bc0-8648d69336ce/kb2553154-breaks-our-excel-
macros?forum=officeitproprevious

fix is to simply delete the file MSForms.exd from any Temp subfolder in the user's profile. For instance:
C:\Users\[user.name]\AppData\Local\Temp\Excel8.0\MSForms.exd
C:\Users\[user.name]\AppData\Local\Temp\VBE\MSForms.exd
C:\Users\[user.name]\AppData\Local\Temp\Word8.0\MSForms.exd

You can search for any files ending in .exd and delete them while excel is closed. Then start Excel again and it should work properly.
Microsoft is aware of this issue and are trying to fix it.

For more information: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/27411399/microsoft-excel-activex-controls-disabled

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11 Appendix B - License Agreement
Ridley Engineering, Inc.
Software License and Limited Warranty Statement

SOFTWARE LICENSE
1. License Grant. Ridley Engineering, Inc. (referred to as "Ridley") grants to the registered purchaser (referred to as "you" and "your") a
nonexclusive right to use one copy of the enclosed computer programs ("the PROGRAMS") on a single computer in accordance with the
terms of this Software License. Ridley reserves all rights not expressly granted to you in this software license. This license is effective until
terminated. Ridley may terminate this license if you fail to comply with this Software License. In the event of such termination, you agree
to destroy the original and all copies of the PROGRAMS.

2. Copyright. The PROGRAMS are licensed, not sold, to you. Ownership of the PROGRAMS, and their associated proprietary rights are
retained by Ridley and its assignees. The PROGRAMS are protected by the copyright laws of the United States and other countries, and by
international treaties. Therefore you must comply with such laws and treaties in your use of the PROGRAMS and, among other things, you
may not copy the PROGRAMS except that you may load them into the random access memory of your computer, install the PROGRAMS on
a hard disk or other storage device of a single computer, copy versions of the PROGRAMS as you modify their data contents onto a single
computer, and make a single copy for archival purposes. Any copies of the PROGRAMS, either in their original forms, or modified by you,
are subject to this Software License. You may not copy the written material accompanying the PROGRAMS without the prior written
consent of Ridley.

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3. Transfer and Use Restrictions. You may not sell, lend, or otherwise transfer or lease the PROGRAMS or this license to others without
written permission from Ridley.

LIMITED WARRANTY STATEMENT

90-Day Limited Warranty. Ridley warrants that the PROGRAMS will perform substantially as provided in the accompanying written
materials for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of receipt from Ridley. The foregoing warranty does not cover and shall be void in
the event of misuse, alteration, improper installation, operation, or use with inadequate computer equipment or hardware, and the
foregoing warranty does not cover products, components, or services warranted or supplied by another party.
This Limited Warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state and from country to
country.
Remedies. Ridley's entire liability, and your sole and exclusive remedy for any failure of the PROGRAMS to comply with the Limited
Warranty shall be, at Ridley's sole option: (a) repair or replacement of the PROGRAMS, or (b) return of the price you paid for the
PROGRAMS. Such remedy shall be available only during the warranty period. You must return all copies of the PROGRAMS and written
material to Ridley or Ridley's dealer with a written explanation of the noncompliance and a copy of your receipt within 90 days of the date
you received the PROGRAMS to receive this remedy. Any replacement PROGRAMS will be warranted for the remainder of the original 90-
day warranty period, or 30 days from the date you received the replacements, whichever is longer, and shall not be subject to further
extension, except to the extent required by any mandatory, nonwaivable provision of applicable law.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES. Ridley does not warrant that the programs are free from all bugs, errors, and omissions. The foregoing 90-
Day Limited Warranty stated above is exclusive, and Ridley makes no other warranties of any kind whatsoever, express or implied, with
respect to the PROGRAMS and any accompanying material. RIDLEY HEREBY EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR USE OR PURPOSE.

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LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
DAMAGES LIMITATION. Except for the remedies set forth in the foregoing 90-Day Limited Warranty statement, Ridley shall have no
liability or obligation for any other damages or remedies, including, without limitation, the cost of substitute goods and any direct,
incidental, special or consequential damages, costs, expenses or losses, arising out of this Software License and Limited Warranty
statement or the use or inability to use the PROGRAMS. By purchasing the PROGRAMS, you waive any and all rights, claims, and remedies
against Ridley for any liability, claim, or remedy for loss of use, revenue, or profit with respect to the PROGRAMS, or for any other direct,
incidental, special or consequential damages whatsoever, except to the extent that such waiver and limitation of damages may be
prohibited or otherwise restricted by applicable law. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY. In no event shall Ridley's liability (whether in contract,
warranty, tort (including negligence), product liability or other theory) with regard to the PROGRAMS, the accompanying written materials,
or this Software License and Limited Warranty Statement exceed the compensation you paid to Ridley for the PROGRAMS.

If you wish to contact Ridley Engineering for any reason, including warranty service, please email us at [email protected]

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