Simulate circuits
NI Multisim is a circuit simulation environment that integrates SPICE-based simulation with an interactive schematic editor. It runs on Windows platforms and executes analyses of analog, digital, mixed-signal, and power electronic circuits. The software has a component library with predefined models for SPICE-based simulation. It also integrates schematic design, simulation control, and data visualization into a single environment.
NI Multisim supports simulation-driven design, waveform generation, and frequency-domain analysis by interfacing with integrated simulation engines. Output data is displayed in virtual instruments, such as oscilloscopes and multimeters, that interpret node voltages, current flows, and logic states for validation of circuit behavior.
NI Multisim’s SPICE simulation engine executes transient, AC, and DC analyses by solving circuit matrices derived from schematic netlists. The environment parses circuit connections, assigns node identifiers, and formulates system equations for numerical solution. Simulation models encompass passive, active, and controlled sources, as well as semiconductor devices with their corresponding parametric definitions. It ensures accurate circuit simulation through time-step control, convergence algorithms, and error logging.
From schematic to PCB
Schematic capture environment organizes components and connections into hierarchical designs. Symbol libraries contain predefined representations of resistors, capacitors, transistors, logic gates, and programmable ICs. It links schematic symbols to SPICE models, allowing direct simulation from graphical designs. However, it's limited to SPICE models only. The layout supports annotation, net naming, and hierarchical blocks. Toolbars provide measurement probes, virtual instruments, and wiring functions that automatically update the simulation netlist.
This utility also integrates analysis features such as Fourier analysis, Monte Carlo simulation, and parameter sweeps. The software executes these by varying component parameters, re-solving the circuit matrices, and graphing statistical or frequency-domain results. Virtual instruments like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers display simulation data. It also integrates with PCB layout software, allowing you to export netlists for board-level implementation, which reduces the need for physical prototypes.
SPICE-based circuit validation
NI Multisim is a SPICE-based simulation system that runs on Windows, combining schematic capture and circuit analysis. It supports analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuit types, executing transient, AC, DC, and statistical analyses. Distinctive features include hierarchical design capture, parametric sweeps, and integration with PCB workflows. However, it’s limited to SPICE models only. It combines libraries, solvers, and visualization tools to enable simulation-driven circuit validation.
