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Integrated Capture and Simulation

Multisim provides users with the unique ability to capture and simulate from within the very same integrated environment. The advantages of this approach are many. Users new to Multisim do not have to worry about sophisticated SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis) syntax and commands, while advanced users have easy access to all SPICE details.

Multisim makes capturing schematics easier and more intuitive than ever. A spreadsheet view allows users to easily modify characteristics of any number of components simultaneously: from PBC footprint to SPICE model. Modeless operation provides the most efficient way of placing components and wiring them together. Working with both analog and digital multisection components is intuitive and simple.

In addition to traditional SPICE analyses, Multisim allows users to intuitively connect virtual instruments to their schematics. Virtual instruments make it fast and easy to view interactive simulation results by replicating the real-world environment.

Multisim also provides special components known as interactive parts which can be modified while a simulation is running. Interactive parts such as switches and potentiometers, will immediately and accurately affect the results of simulation.

When the need arises for more advanced analysis, Multisim delivers over 15 sophisticated analyses. Some examples of analyses include AC, Monte Carlo, Worst Case, and Fourier. Provided natively within the Multisim environment is a powerful Grapher, which allows the customized viewing of simulation data and analyses.

The integrated capture and simulation environment provided by Multisim is a natural fit for any circuit designer, and will save both time and frustration throughout the entire circuit design process.

The Multisim user interface is highly customizable. Customizations are context sensitive. Toolbars may be docked in various positions and orientations. The contents of the toolbars may be customized. New toolbars may be created. The menu system is fully customizable, including all pop-up menus for the various object types.

As well, the keyboard shortcut system is customizable. This allows for key combinations to be assigned to any command that may be placed in a menu or on a toolbar.

Note: To avoid interfering with interactive simulation, it is recommended that users only assign commands to key combinations (such as Ctrl-E).

For example, the toolbars and docking windows may be re-configured as you move from a circuit sheet to a description sheet.

To customize the user interface, select Options/Customize User Interface. Using the Customize dialog, users can create or modify toolbars, assign or change keyboard shortcuts, customize and create menus, and modify the way the user interface appears.

Components comprise the basis for any schematic. A component is any part that can be placed onto the schematic. Multisim defines two broad categories of parts: real and virtual. It is important to understand the difference between these parts, in order to fully utilize their advantages.

Real components can be differentiated from virtual parts because real components have a specific value that cannot be changed, and a PCB footprint.

Virtual components are simulation-only components, which can be assigned user-defined characteristics. For example, a virtual resistor can take on any resistance (such as 3.86654 Ohms). Virtual components help designers to check calculations by simulating designs with precise component values. Virtual components can also be idealized components such as the 4-pin Hex display shown in Figure 1.

Multisim also provides other classifications of components: analog, digital, mixed-mode, animated, interactive, multi-section digital, electromechanical, and radio-frequency (RF) components.

Multisim provides a method for interacting with certain components that are placed on the schematic. Changes to these components will affect the simulation results on-the-fly. Components are controlled by pressing the key listed beside the component.

Database management tools are supplied in order to move components between databases, merge databases, and edit them. All the databases are divided into groups and then into families within those groups. When a designer chooses a component from the database and drops it onto the circuit, a copy of the component is placed onto the circuit. Any edits made to the component in the circuit do not affect the original database copy.

Electronics Workbench Ultiroute is a state-of-the-art autorouting and autoplacement tool that is completely integrated into the Ultiboard GUI