Here we explore certain tools and techniques that can be extremely useful in collecting the required information in a single place rather than searching for several different sources, thus saving a lot of time. Below is a list of 10 online circuit simulators that are quite popular among users and can be considered as the best tools among all.
1. Circuits Cloud
It is a free, cloud-based educational application that supports platforms such as Linux and PHP. It is an ideal tool for students who want to learn and design circuits. It offers digital and analog components, the former of which includes logic gates, flip-flop, multiplexers, counters, etc., while the latter category contains operational amplifiers, junction devices, and measurement tools.
With the help of this simulator, students can perform various functions such as interacting with the logic circuit, turning switches, changing input data, and observing changes in output data for sequential models. Furthermore, it can efficiently convey knowledge about the logic circuit design process.
Pricing
Circuits Cloud is completely free and users can register on the website to use this simulator or even log in through their Google/Facebook accounts.
2. PartSim
PartSim is a browser-based circuit simulator quite similar to a web browser which in turn facilitates navigation through tabs that give access to its parts and probes. It carries a simple layout that works like other tools, with drag and drop functionality to position components. Additionally, there is an instant wiring and test simulation feature to test the samples.
In the simulation features, there is a complete Spice simulation engine along with a web-based schematic capture tool and a graphical waveform viewer that helps in monitoring the analog and digital signal levels of the circuits. Lastly, it is integrated with the Dig-key BOM (Bill of Materials) that allows users to assign part numbers to components and then source them through a distributor.
Pricing
PartSim is completely free and users can opt for a trial version without signing up or registering on the website.
3. CircuitLab
It is an interesting open source application for users where they can sketch their own designs and then simulate them with great ease. Offers easy-to-use schematic editor; analog/digital circuit simulations; Professional schematic PDFs, electrical diagrams, charts; and does not require any installation.
Some of the unique features include unique circuit URLs through which users can share their work, as well as request help online, and user-friendly formats that allow user values exactly as they would work on paper schematics. Additionally, it is loaded with a powerful plotting engine, presentation-quality layouts, “Smart Wires” technology, and much more.
Pricing
CircuitLab Student Edition is available to students after a paid school subscription, for which institutes or colleges are required to pay a local license fee of $2,400/year. Moving on, the Micro edition can be purchased for a fee of $24 per year, while the Hacker Life edition costs $79/year.
4. Make Circuits
DoCiruits is an easy-to-operate cloud-based simulation tool offered by Sparsh Technologies that runs in users' browsers. The 3 main features of the application include: building the circuit, performing tests and measurements and, finally, sharing the projects with the community. The user has to drag and drop the desired components onto the virtual breadboard and connect them with the help of click to connect option. It is also possible to analyze different parameters and then change the layout.
Pricing
There are three editions of the tool called Hobbyist, Hacker and Geek, only the first of which is available for free. However, it is restricted to the use of 10 components per circuit, 50 simulations per month and 5 circuits saved in the cloud. Upgrading to the Hacker Edition ($2.99/month) unlocks unlimited components along with 250 simulations per month and 50 circuits saved to the cloud. Lastly, Geek (worth $3.99/month) can be availed with unlimited access to all elements.
5. DC/AC Virtual Laboratory
This circuit simulator aims to present a realistic interface for students and hobbyists who love experimenting with electrical circuits. Users can conveniently design DC/AC circuits along with components such as wires, batteries, resistors and then calculate the voltage, resistance, etc. or locate a short circuit.
It involves realistic behavior of devices and components such as current flow, wear and lighting. Furthermore, users can easily build, simulate and measure their circuits using flexible wires and finally, there is an option to view, share and also tweet the created circuits. DC/AC Virtual Lab is a tool with a simple user interface and a fast simulation engine.
Pricing
The trial version is completely free, while the student, hobbyist, and classroom versions cost $42, $84, and $234 annually. For all of these editions mentioned, the user must register on the website.
6. TINA
TINA is a software package for simulating analog, digital and mixed circuits and PCB designs that can be made available in both installable and cloud-based versions. It is a powerful and accessible tool, aimed at those who already know the circuits. It can be used to analyze and design a wide variety of circuits like VHDL, MCU, optoelectronics and also microcontroller applications. Another advantageous feature is that it runs on most devices and operating systems.
Some other features include super-fast multi-core engine and an easy-to-use schematic input that allows users to check circuits for errors using advanced ERC functions. It also allows you to test your knowledge, monitor progress and apply problem-solving techniques. Additionally, you can determine the unknown values of certain parameters and prepare reports highlighted from schematic diagrams.
Pricing
This cloud-based simulation software has different editions that are available for purchase on the website. There are different versions of the software for different groups of users with a starting price of 129 Euros.
7. Multisim
MultiSim is the best SPICE simulation environment from National Instruments that aims to teach solutions for the practical implementation of design, prototyping and testing of electrical circuits. Its approach allows you to store prototypes and optimized PCB designs early in the process.
There are options for design validation and users get flexible layouts to choose designs of up to 1,400 pins; This facility even applies to 4-layer PCBs. There are two versions, the first is free and contains basic features, while the second is paid and brings functions such as reducing errors and increasing the integration flow from schematic to test.
Pricing
Its trial version is available for free, but for other versions aimed at students, educators and circuit designers and researchers, the user must register on the website and then choose a plan according to their needs.
8.123D Circuits
This Auto Desk tool is another browser-based and open source platform for circuit simulation, especially for those interested in working with Arduino. Users can create their own virtual circuits using a simulated Arduino board and a breadboard. You also have the option of integrating the LEDs into the project and later checking if it is working correctly.
The list of components available with this tool includes resistors, capacitors, potentiometers and oscilloscopes. Additionally, you can program any Arduino code in the editor and make use of a collection of supported Arduino libraries. There is also a collaborative editing feature through which users can share their designs in real time.
Pricing
It is an online and real-time simulator and is not subject to any charges. Users can register for free to use this simulator.
9. PSIM
PSIM is an electronic circuit simulation software package released in August last year by Powersim. It was originally intended for power electronics and motor drive simulations, but can also be used to simulate any type of electronic circuit. It offers a schematic capture interface and a waveform viewing feature.
It has several modules, namely Motor Drive, SimCoupler, Digital Control, Motor Control Design Suite, MagCoupler, ModCoupler, Processor-in-Loop and more. The main features of this simulation tool can be mentioned below –:
Pricing
Its demo version is free while the student, standard and professional versions can be made available by submitting a form and prices depend on the scheme chosen by the user.
10. Specter Circuit Simulator
Specter is a circuit simulator from Cadence Design Systems with high-performance, high-capability SPICE-level analog and RF simulation. It has a user-friendly interface that can efficiently handle complex analog/digital ICs, thus ensuring accuracy. It also provides accurate post-layout simulation with S-parameter models and lossy-coupled transmission lines.
Some of Specter's features are listed below:
Pricing
It is available for free and users can use this simulator after registering on the Cadence website.
This is the list that illustrates 10 online circuit simulators that can be used by both beginners and professionals to use online solutions for their electronic projects. If you want to add any other simulation tools to this build, let us know your suggestions and feedback in the comments section below.
(tagsToTranslate)Arduino