Circuit Simulation Software: CHOICES?

Does anyone know of a good review resource for choosing circuit simulation software?

I'm searching for something that is mature (i.e., stable and accurate), has both a good feature set and ease of use, and doesn't break my bank the way Pspice would.

Since I also do high voltage pulse power circuits, I require the ability to model fast high power switching, such as spark gaps. Analog is my primary domain.

Sifting through all of the vendor hype appears to be an full-time job.
Any help in this area is appreciated. Thank you.

For discrete circuits I'm finding what I need in Simetrix/Simplis-Intro (free).
Maybe it works for you as well.
http://www.catena.uk.com

Regards,

Peter

Thanks, Peter,
SIMetrix does sound impressive, if I were to believe the info on their site, particularly:

When it senses trouble converging, it automatically invokes a program called "Pseudo Transient Analysis", which places large capacitances at all nodes and then finds the correct biasing points. I have tested it with all the trouble-causing circuits from the past, designs that refused to converge in P-Spice, Cadence, Tanner, MicroCap, TopSpice and even Eldo and found they now all converge without operator assistance."

Click to expand...

Definitely worth a trial download, even if only considering (for pulse transient analysis) the convergence issue! The version I would need is about $5k/seat, though. Let's see if it's worth it. Thanks.

here is a link that might be interesting ..

http://dmoz.org/Science/Technology/Software_for_Engineering/Electrical_Engineering/

WHAT ABOUT MACINTOSH SOFTWARE!!!!!! :sad:

later
ts

[quote author="ToobieSnack"]WHAT ABOUT MACINTOSH SOFTWARE!!!!!![/quote]

Theres MI Sugar, and QUCS, both of which are free. I know nothing about Spice, though, and couldn't even begin to tell you how to use either one.

Peace,
Al.

we have a new software meta also.

there is also geda and oregano, for those in OSX who take afvantage of the unix side. And of corse plain ol MacSpice.

adam

we have a new software meta also.

Click to expand...

Thanks. Yes, there are a few listed there, but those represent perhaps less than 1% of the simulator packages that are out there.
Which points out WHY I posted this issue in the first place... there's SO much from which to choose, :? for one guy to sort through it all and make good sense of it all would be a full-time job... and I already have about 4 of them (it seems), so... ?

For my non-audio needs (high voltage pulse power), I've just decided that I'll make my company spring for a copy of one of the very powerful (and big $) simulators.

But for my personal audio needs at home, the big question for me (and I suppose many others here) is "which audio circuit simulation package ?"

From a DIY audio standpoint, I suppose there are a handful of packages that are most popular to users of this forum. These would likely:
- be accurate and stable
- be low cost or no cost
- be simple, and easy to use
- have a useful set of available component models

Most of the feedback so far has been for the Mac, which unfortunately, doesn't help me. None-the-less, as this thread develops I'll gladly compile a summary listing of programs for all of the platforms that are discussed herein. Perhaps then this info could be added to the META on software?

:idea: So.. let's hear about what everyone thinks about packages with which they are familiar, and see what shakes out of the collective mind, OK?
Thanks! :grin:

It takes a lot of nursing, there are some very irritating plotting bugs, but I've found Circuitmaker to be adequate and quick for most of my needs. Upgrades have been cheap but the new packages are fairly expensive, although maybe more bug-free.

LTSpice (SWCIII) a free fully functional simulation program, runs on the PC. I have built many audio related pieces with it.

I'm requesting that any references to a particular program also include (where possible or otherwise not obvious) either a link or at least the name of the company that provides that piece of software. Thanks in advance. Sometimes the more obscure offerings don't always show up in a web search, so providing that info will help.

Here are a few resources to add to this list:
Circuit Simulation Software Resources-
All SPICE Stuff page- http://www.sss-mag.com/spice.html
Electronics& Amateur Radio links- http://www.aade.com/links.htm#Circuit design (click the ?Circuit Design and Analysis? link)
EE Software links- http://dmoz.org/Science/Technology/Software_for_Engineering/Electrical_Engineering/
EE Virtual Library search ?simulation?- http://www.cem.itesm.mx/vlee/cgi-bin/links/search.cgi?query=Simulation

I'll be compiling all the relevant links therein, in addition to those added to this thread. When it's complete enough, I'll post it on the web and provide that URL for the META on software.
-Bob

I also use circuitmaker and traxmaker. as Bcarso mentions, there are a few little bugs here and there but overall it relates to reality fairly well.. enough to get a working proto to tweak at least.

:thumb:

For LTSpice, go to http://www.linear.com/designtools/softwareRegistration.jsp and tell them whether you want to register for updates or not. I haven't tried it yet but plan to.

Peace,
Paul

Anyone has idea if there are tube models for LTSpice? A link?

chrissugar

Chris I have tube models that work in LTSpice, that's my simulator of choice. Any help you need with it, just let me know.

Analag

Analag,

Yes, please send them to me if possible or give me a link. You have my email.
Thank you. :thumb:

chrissugar

[quote author="analag"]Chris I have tube models that work in LTSpice, that's my simulator of choice. Any help you need with it, just let me know.[/quote]

If you could send them here as well, or post a link, I'd be most appreciative.

Now my question, which is a real newbie one: I downloaded the LTSpice software, built up a sample op-amp-and-resistors circuit...but can't figure out how to get the signal source to appear on the screen! Can someone answer that oh-so-basic question?

Peace,
Paul

Here are a few good links to start you off http://www.duncanamps.com/technical/ltspice.html
http://www.normankoren.com/Audio/index.html
these have workable tube models, follow the instructions on duncanamps site. Paul give me a better description of the problem and I'll try to walk you through.

Analag

Thank you Analag.

chrissugar

hey windooze users ... ( i guess i could get virtual pc)

here is a proggie that i've never seen before ...

http://www.circuit-magic.com/screens.htm

hope this helps

later
ts