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jojo
November - 6 - 2011
31 Comments

Hello friends,

I hope you all got benefited with our previous article on Electronic circuit drawing softwares .

Today we are bringing you a great collection of circuit simulators – which are at the same time can be used for circuit
drawing, circuit design and analysis as well. The list is well structured as free circuit simulation softwares, open source
circuit analysis and simulation software, simple and easy to use simulators, linux based simulator, windows based
simulator etc. Finally after researching through all the list we have compiled a collection best circuit simulation softwares
as well. So lets start our journey right below.

Free and Open source circuit simulator software list:-

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 NgSpice – one of the popular and widely used free, open source circuit simulator from Sourceforge. NgSpice is
developed by a collective effort from its users and its code is based on 3 open source software packages:- known as:-
Spice3f5 , Cider and Xspice. Ngspice is a part of gEDA project which is growing every day with suggestions from its
users, development from its contributors, fixing bugs and approaching perfection. As its a collaborative project you can
suggest improvement of the circuit simulator and be a part of the development team.

GnuCap - is another open source project, developed as a general purpose circuit simulator. Known widely as GNU
Circuit analysis package, this linux based circuit simulator performs various circuit analysis functions as dc and transient
analysis, ac analysis etc. Developers have incorporated spice compatible model for MOSFET, BJT and Diode.

CircuitLogix - this student version software from CircuitLogix enables you to perform analog, digital and mixed mode
circuit analysis and simulation. This SPICE simulation software provides 4000 devices on its student version which is 1/3
of the pro version. This circuit building software give access to switches, linear IC and digital IC, FET, Transistors, relays,
displays, signal generators, SCR’s, opto isolators, photo diodes, semiconductors, motors etc.

LTSpice – is a widely popular SPICE simulator from Linear. LTspice is a free circuit simulation tool from Linear
Technology corporation. This simulation software is considered as one of the best freeware available. Highlight of
LTspice is much fast simulation of switching regulators with enhanced SPICE (compared to normal SPICE
simulators).LTspice gives access to over 200 op amp models, transistor models, MOSFET models etc. A high
disadvantage of LTspice is its proprietary code base which is licensed by Linear Technology. Had they made it open
source, LTspice could have gone places with collaborative development.

Note: LTSpice is considered as the BEST circuit simulation software available by users.

MultiSim – is a student version circuit simulation software from National instruments. As you know, student versions
always comes with limited access. Still this is a great simulation tool for beginners in electronics. MultiSim, the circuit
maker software enables you to capture circuits, create layouts, analyse circuits and simulation. Highlight features include
exploring breadboard in 3D before lab assignment submission, create printed circuit boards (PCB) etc. Breadboard
simulation is possible with Multisim circuit simulator.

TopSpice - this is a demo version circuit simulator from Penzar. This electronic simulation tool is tailored to work with
Windows only and its is compatible for Windows XP/Vista/7. TopSpice is a mixed mode mixed signal
digital,analog, behavioral simulation software. It offers both Pspice and Hspice compatible simulation of circuits.

Circuit Simulator 1.5j - is a freeware circuit simulation tool. I have not used this tool or even attempted a try. I add this
as a suggestion from a user in our forum. I think this is just basic tool with very basic functions, created for starter
purpose. Use at your own risk.

MacSpice - is a free circuit simulation software for Apple Macintosh users. This circuit simulation which is compatible
for PowerPC and Intel architecture Apple Macintosh (MAC pc) computers is derived from Berkeley Spice 3f5 . This
breadboard simulator can perform simulation ranging from a single resistor to an integrated circuit with thousands of
devices and components packed together.

5Spice – is a free analog circuit analysis and simulator with many great features which includes a user expandable library
of Spice/Pspice models, save any number of analysis results, integrated graphing of simulation results, student level
MOSFET IC design etc. The focus is emphasized on analog circuit analysis and design at component level. 5Spice is
mainly designed for students and educators, rather than industry professionals. Latest version of 5spice is released on
October 31st 2001 – v 1.65.

Beige Bag - is a demo version of the original paid version of Beige Bag circuit simulation software. Developed based on
B2 Spice, this software is mixed mode, power packed, fast and easy to use. Well try the demo version before you decide
to buy.

Micro-Cap 10 - is another demo version circuit analyzer and simulator from Spectrum Soft. As they claim its a mixed
mode digital/analog circuit simulator with an intuitive user interface, fast simulation and great performance. I haven’t

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 tried this yet, so if you are interested try your own.

PECS - is a free power electronics circuit simulator created by Richard Tymerski. You can download the various manuals
and tutorials from the website before start using the simulation tool.

Proteus - Prospice is a mixed mode, Spice based simulation tool from LabCenter. They have two versions, basic and
advanced. Basic version is free which supports interactive simulation only while advanced supports a range of useful
functions and features like graph based analysis which includes frequency, noise, distortion, fourier parameters etc.

QUCS - Quite Universal Circuit Simulator is a free simulation software developed on GNU/Linux environment. Well this
software really works on other operating systems such as Solaris, Apple Macintosh, Microsoft windows, FreeBSD,
NetBSD etc. User can simulate large signal, small signal and noise behavior of the circuit using this simple circuit
simulator.

Solve Elec - is an electrical circuit simulator (free version) which is developed for Macintosh OS and Windows. It enables
users to draw and analyse circuits (both electrical and electronic) functioning in direct current or alternating current, get
formulas, verify equations, get equivalent circuits etc.

XSpice - is developed as an extension to Spice 3 by Georgia Institute of Technology. It has code modelling feature which
enables user to add new models.

Okay! So far we have listed 16 free version circuit simulators, some of which are open source, some are licensed but free,
some are demo/ student versions etc. And we have atleast one simulator for each and every operating system out there in
the market. If you know some other free simulation software/tool, that’s so great, please share it as comments.

Now lets have a look at some enterprise circuit modelling software in the market.

Best Licensed/Paid Circuit simulation software:

PSPICE – is a mixed signal, industry standard circuit simulator. This software is used by many professionals for
electronic system design and development. Orcad, the printed circuit board (PCB) design software is developed by the
same company, Cadence.

MultiSim- is a great simulation software from National Instruments for electronic design engineers, academic
professionals and educators, colleges, students, universities and professionals. Highlight features of this software are
written above (under free resources).

SiMetrix – is a circuit simulation tool with enhanced Spice specifically developed for Professional electronic design
engineers. They have other products like Simplis, Micron VX, DVM etc.

TINA - is an affordable, cost effective circuit design and simulation software, yet very powerful in features and functions.
You can buy a basic version of TINA design suite 9.3 for as low as 90 Euros and a classic version (suited for professional
design engineers) is available from 600 Euros.

PowerSim – is a simulation software developed for power electronics circuits, motor control and other requirements like
dynamic system simulation.

Please share (as comments) if you know some other good circuit simulation software that I have not listed here.

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 31 Responses to “Electronic circuit design and simulation software list”

Art Lahman says:

February 22, 2014 at 1:42 pm

Im looking to buy a program for a 8 pin relay would work in a system. I hope that I have found the right page for it,
if you would please get back to me and let me know if this the right one.

Thank You

Art

Reply
Michael says:
December 15, 2013 at 8:22 am

hello hy is very good

Reply
sarah says:
October 23, 2013 at 3:46 am

What software did they use for the circuit simulation of the picture below, thanks in advance
http://easyelectronics.weebly.com/uploads/2/1/9/2/21922620/697490_orig.png

Reply
Samir says:
July 16, 2013 at 1:18 am

Here is a free one, loved by students in schools for its simplicity: http://www.dcaclab.com/en/lab

Reply
Basil says:
May 28, 2013 at 3:25 am

i need a simulator that has 4047 IC or better still tell me if i can replace 4047 with another IC, because i’m using
livewire but cant find 4047

Reply
Ablai says:
April 26, 2013 at 2:08 am

Does anyone know what circuit simulator this website uses for making their circuit diagrams.

Reply
Nigelt says:
April 18, 2013 at 10:38 am

For those looking to download the software used in the graphic at the top of the page it is here:

http://www.filecart.com/basic-electrical-troubleshooting

only click on the rotating clog to avoid being redirect elsewhere.

Reply
Nigelt says:

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 April 18, 2013 at 10:24 am

Hi, What is the software used to create the circuit-simulator images at the top of you page? Others also have
requested it.

Reply
aanya says:
February 14, 2013 at 9:22 am

i want a simulator for fm tranmitter…which 1 shud i use..???

Reply
Shaikh Masood Alam says:
March 8, 2013 at 4:36 am

great list of software which is required in circuit making and simulation

Reply
phil says:
December 25, 2012 at 5:38 am

well student versions are 15 days trial so… wtf am i suposed to do with these, honestly

besides, the picture you used does not correspond to any software (?)
looks more like a video game

Reply
parsa from iran says:
December 5, 2012 at 2:43 am

Hi im 11 years old and I LOVE electronics and i have a question how to download this app?

Reply
Paul says:
November 22, 2012 at 3:35 pm

The picture of the ‘Circuit Simulator’ seems to be very interesting. Could you tell me more about this Simulator. Is
there a real piece of software that does this function?

Reply
Sam says:
October 15, 2012 at 12:04 am

Look at Visual Spice Advanced at http://www.islandlogix.com.

$398.00 ….right now $300.00 off . Just $98.00.

I have been using it for about 4 months. I like it.

You can download and try before you buy.

====================================

Dedicated to providing quality software for the engineering community

Free Download
Specials
Limited Time

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 Holiday Sale!
Save $300 off
Top Of The Line
VisualSpice
Advanced!
Only $98

VisualSpice Schematic Editor and Mixed Mode Simulation

VisualSpice is a completely integrated 32-bit analog, digital, mixed signal schematic design and circuit simulation
program, sporting the SAME or more advanced features at a fraction of the cost of other simulators. VisualSpice
allows you to quickly and easily capture your schematic designs, perform your simulation, and analyze the results
using our powerful signal processor and waveform viewer. You can customize almost everything in the design
environment, and easily search for, find, select, and categorize, from over 25,000 device models (50,000 parts in
EDA version). Our popular Control Panel allows you to quickly enter component parameters with a single click,
and to design waveforms using our graphical signal generator waveform editor, before spending time doing a
simulation.

Reply
Tonny Christiansen says:
October 13, 2012 at 3:26 am

Thank you very much!

You have saved us for a long tiresome search for a decent free circuit simulater.

I’m used to work with the expensive professionel CAD/simulater packages (Orcad and Pads) and I’m gratefull for
you qualified help in finding what comes closest to replacing these.

Reply
Deb says:
October 4, 2012 at 5:40 am

I think you should add http://www.DoCircuits.com as well. With the advent of cloud and mobile devices, they are
trying to bring simulation on the browser. They are still early but the direction looks promising.

Reply
Ken Elhardt says:
September 19, 2012 at 10:34 pm

Noticed you have TINA listed in the paid section, and while that’s true for some versions of it, you can download a
free scaled down version of it on the Texas website at the link below. I’ve installed it, played with it and it works
well and provides a lot of devices. Microsoft Windows only though.

http://www.ti.com/tool/tina-ti

Reply
Alexei Smirnov says:
June 15, 2012 at 1:42 pm

You asked to share? Here you are,. Analog simulators with ideal components, not a SPICE:
http://ic.sidelinesoft.com – simple and free
http://nl5.sidelinesoft.com – free demo and students

Reply
Visionics says:

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 May 31, 2012 at 1:06 am

EDWinXP is a circuit simulation software

Reply
rajesh says:
May 16, 2012 at 6:53 am

i need more list of software used in electrical and electronics………please send me reply

Reply
anshul garg says:
February 25, 2012 at 7:45 am

sir, can you give me the circuit diagram with used components with details of 32 GB computer pendrive for free

Reply
anshul garg says:
February 25, 2012 at 7:40 am

sir, can you give me the circuit diagram with used components with details of 32 GB computer usb pendrive for
free

Reply
Chandan Khanal says:
December 25, 2011 at 8:13 pm

I think Altium is one most top simulator.

Reply
Rakesh says:
November 10, 2011 at 6:43 pm

Thanks for the List. It’s really Helpful.

Reply
Carl says:
November 10, 2011 at 5:47 pm

Great List! One suggestion I have for “Best Licensed/Paid Circuit Simulation Software” would be for CircuitLogix
Pro (www.circuitlogix.com). I have used this product for many years and I think it is one of the best products on the
market. It has excellent mixed-mode simulation capabilities and over 10,000 devices and models.

Reply
How to test the circuits!!! says:
November 8, 2011 at 9:21 am

[...] You can use circuit simulator software. List of Circuit design / analysis / simulation software Free Circuit
Simulator-Circuit Design and Simulation Software List Top Ten:Circuit simulators Top Ten:Circuit simulators |
Mixed-Signal Electronics Circuit [...]

Reply
Karcsi says:
November 8, 2011 at 2:57 am

Hello!

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 Good software list!

what software can be seen at the following link?

(this appear top on this page)

http://www.circuitstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/circuit-simulator.jpg

Thank you this post and the reply!

Reply
jojo says:
November 8, 2011 at 3:03 am

Hello Karcis,

that’s just an image… and thanks for the comment

please share it with your friends.

Reply
electronics-learner says:
September 3, 2012 at 10:44 pm

what software was being used in the image above?

Reply
Nilava says:
January 5, 2013 at 11:16 pm

ya could u please tell me what the software is in the image

Reply
Francisco says:
March 11, 2013 at 4:50 pm

what software was being used in the image above?

Reply

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