Using PC1D is a three step process:
1. Set up the simulation parameters. This includes the device and material parameters, and the excitation to be applied to the device.
2. Run the simulation.
3. Examine the results.
PC1D has three different types of displays (called views), each useful for a different step of this process.
When setting up the simulation parameters, you will want to use the Parameter View. This gives a list of simulation parameters, and a schematic diagram of the device being simulated, giving you visual feedback when parameters are changed. This view also gives a shortcut: you can double-click on any line to bring up a dialog box allowing you change that parameter. You can also double-click on elements of the diagram to change them.
While you run a simulation, you can switch to the Four-Graph View. This fills the screen with four graphs of quantities that are commonly of interest (for example, the carrier velocities; generation and recombination; etc). You can watch these quantities change as the program advances in the solution of the problem.
The Interactive Graph View is designed for intensive study of a particular graph. It allows you to zoom into regions of the graph which interest you; examine the values of individual points; and copy the graph values to another Windows program (e.g. a spreadsheet) for further analysis.
But, PC1D is designed to flexible! You can switch between views at any time (even while a simulation is running).
If you are just using PC1D for Windows for the first time, you should take a look at the example parameter files supplied with the program. Spend a little time getting used to the various views, and the methods of changing parameters. A few common questions are answered below.
How do I change the parameters for a simulation?
Either:
·Use the Display menu and Excitation menu; or
·Double-click on the parameters name in the Parameter view (This is the textual list of parameters which you see when you first run PC1D); or
·Double-click on the device schematic to change device parameters. A dialog box will appear, allowing you to specify values for the parameters which you are interested in.
How do I get PC1D to calculate the results? (How do I run a simulation?)
Either:
·Use the Compute menu and select Run; or
·Press the Run button in the toolbar.
In the old DOS versions of PC1D, the program displayed four graphs while it was calculating the results. How can I make this happen in the Windows version?
Switch to Four Graphs view. You can do this from the View menu, or by pressing the FourGraphs button in the toolbar.
How can I examine the results of a simulation?
1. Switch to interactive graph view. You can do this using the Graph menu.
2. You can zoom into any region of the graph using a mouse or keyboard. Values from the graph can be copied to the clipboard and imported into another program, e.g. a spreadsheet.
3. Or, if you are only interested in the values of Voc, Isc and Pmax, they are displayed in the parameter view under the heading *** RESULTS ***