Optimizing Inductors in Series: How to Code for Mutual Inductance Coupling?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around coding for mutual inductance coupling in a series of six inductors using Multisim software. Participants are exploring issues related to syntax and error messages encountered during simulation, as well as seeking clarification on the functionality of the software regarding coupled inductors.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes their attempt to couple six inductors in series and seeks assistance with the coding syntax for mutual inductance.
  • Another participant questions what specific issue is occurring, suggesting that the problem might be related to other components in the circuit, such as capacitors.
  • A participant shares the error message indicating that certain coupling statements were ignored, prompting questions about whether this affects the simulation results.
  • There is a suggestion that the issue may stem from using a limited version of Multisim, which might not support all features related to coupled inductors.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about their understanding of SPICE and appreciates confirmation that their syntax appears correct.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the cause of the issue, as there are multiple hypotheses regarding the error messages and the software's capabilities. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific solution to the problem.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include potential dependencies on the version of Multisim being used and the possibility of other circuit elements affecting the simulation. The exact nature of the error messages and their implications for the simulation are also not fully clarified.

mlamey
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Does anyone know how to code the following?
I have six inductors in series and would like to couple them to one another.
i.e.
L1 1 2 1u
L2 2 3 1u
L3 3 4 1u
L4 4 5 1u
L5 5 6 1u
L6 6 7 1u

Ideally I'd like to do:
K12 L1 L2 0.3
K23 L2 L3 0.4
K34 L3 L4 0.2
K45 L4 L5 0.5
K56 L5 L6 0.4

But this doesn't work, how do I couple them?
Thanks.
 
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Sorry it took me a bit to get to this post.

What about it doesn't work? You may just be getting a SPICE error for some other problem, like capacitors hooked in series with no path to ground for the middle node...

What is the exact error?
 
Hey, thanks for the reply.
The message is along the lines:

The following were ignored:
K12 L1 L2 0.3
K23 L2 L3 0.4
K34 L3 L4 0.2
K45 L4 L5 0.5
K56 L5 L6 0.4

Does that mean it just doesn't draw them (because you really can't), but still uses them in the simulation? I should also point out that I'm using multisim to do the simulation, and have opened the subckt file with it.
 
mlamey said:
Hey, thanks for the reply.
The message is along the lines:

The following were ignored:
K12 L1 L2 0.3
K23 L2 L3 0.4
K34 L3 L4 0.2
K45 L4 L5 0.5
K56 L5 L6 0.4

Does that mean it just doesn't draw them (because you really can't), but still uses them in the simulation? I should also point out that I'm using multisim to do the simulation, and have opened the subckt file with it.

Well, your syntax still looks right, and I did a quick search and Multisim seems to support coupled inductors (search for "mutual" on this page):

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/5416

The only thing that comes to mind is maybe you have a demo version or a limited version of the software, and that is one of the features that is not enabled in that version. Don't know why else it would "ignore" certain valid statements. What version do you have? What does it say when you do Help, About?
 
It says multisim power pro edition
version 10.0.343
 
Try Help, Mutual Inductance. Or Help, Coupling...
 
I've read through, as much of the help menus I could find, before coming here. I'll email multisim and ask them about the problem.
I'm new to SPICE and wasn't sure if I was doing something wrong. At least you've let me know that my syntax was correct.
Thanks for the responses.
 

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