ABM node references in subcircuits nad hierarchical blocks

[none111]

I've run straight into the problems discussed in this old thread: ABM Current Source - Referencing Nets in an HB/SC

Example:

Using Multisim 10:

I develop a circuit using one or more ABMs. The ABM expression includes a term say V(n1). It works well.

I use that same circuit as an HB/SC called X1. It fails because node and source references in ABM expressions are treated globally. eg: V(n1) does not automagically get treated as V(X1.n1). To make it work I must change the expression manually.

I then add a second instance of the circuit - say X2. It fails because the ABM expression is V(X1.n1). I cannot change it to V(X2.n1) this time or X1 will fail.  I have to make a new file with a slightly different name and use that as the HB. Horrible - and unmaintainable.

I cannot see any solution in Multisim 10 nor any direct reference in the release notes for version 11 (but it appears there are changes in the way nets are treated).

I'd sure appreciate an expert's thoughts as this is a showstopper for me.

Bob

[yyao]

Hi Bob,

This is the expected behaviour. The suggested alternative is to use the NONLINEAR_DEPENDENT component in the CONTROL_FUNCTION_BLOCKS family in the Sources group. You can express an arbitrary voltage or current output as a function of voltage and current inputs. The only draw back is that you must connect the input voltage or currents to the component (direct wiring or use of connectors both will work).

[none111]

Hi Yi,

Thank you very much.  That fixed all my problems.

Regards,

Bob