Wich SPICE do you use?

[Bricolo]

I use Orcad's PSPICE student version, but I'm not so satisfied with if

It misses many mosfets, and voltage regulators like the 317, in its database

And I haven't found how to add libraries or parts. I even think it's impossible in the student version




wich one are you all using? I'm looking for a free one, with many parts and/or with the ability to add new parts

[Christer]

I use Switchercad III (aka LTSpice) or Winspice, depending on
what I want to do. The first one is free, Winspice is actually
shareware, but there are no restrictions in it and can be used
for free.

www.linear.com/software
www.winspice.com

[jackinnj]

there was an investment, however.

Multisim allows you to create new parts -- either for simulation or board design or both. This I have done for MOSFET's bipolars, diodes, opto-couplers, vacuum tubes etc. The process isn't exactly intuitive, however, and you will need a couple tries to get it right, the program allows you to draw the device, place nodes, connect the nodes to the model and insert the model as a text file. I believe that there is a student version available.

btw, YES, there is an opto-coupler SPICE model, something long sought after -- it's on the PDF for the Agilent HCNR-200 device. Why's an optocoupler spice model important? -- if you amplify the output (since photodiodes have large capacitance) you will almost certainly put the device into oscillation if not properly compensated. The HCNR-200 is an analog opto-coupler. Very helpful in noisy environments.

[crown300]

I have used the following:
Winspice3 - a command line front end for spice, works good you have to add models in the .cir file
Nutmeg - I did a lot of work using this for one project, works ok.
Both the above are not the click to add part types, you must create your own .cir fies first using a text editor.

I have the Orcad student version - this program is not user friendly, very difficult to drw skiz and then run simulations.
I have used another one of the big spices at work - my mind can't remember which one but it also is NOT user frendly.

For ease of use and a progrem that works great try the free Demo TINA Spice at:
http://www.designsoftware.com/TINA.HTM

[mbroker]

I use Circuitmaker 2000 Professional. Not flawless, but nothing that I haven't been able to overcome. The student version has a 60 part limit. The fully functional demo copy runs out after 30 days, and can't be reinstalled, or so they say. The professional copy is US$1000, but I think is available to students for much less. CM2k has multi=pane simulator, and doesn't require preset points to view waveforms. TraxMaker comes with it, for PCB layout. There's also a TraxCAM for creating a 3D model of the board. I've been too busy to test that, tho.

Mark Broker

[Bricolo]

does anybody know how I can add parts to my oracad pspice student?

[Werner]

I use SIMextrix from Newbury,
http://www.newburytech.co.uk/

Has an integrated schematic editor that is easy to use. The demo version is limited in circuit size, but depending on model you can get away with two full-blown opamps in one circuit. Accuracy seems good enough, though I have questions with the behaviour of opamp models near open-loop operation.

I think ALW uses the same.

[raul_77]

Hi all,

My preferred Spice Simulator is SIMetrix, my second is Tina, but all the two very expensive for a ocassional use.

I finally have buy SuperSpice, in:

www.anasoft.co.uk

The demo version allow a reasonable size circuits, but also have a student/beginner version for a low cost that allow big size circuits.

The software is in constant development and the support is good. Well, download the demo version and decide yourself. I think that is the more cheap altenative availlable.

Happy days,

Raúl Couto

[BrianL]

As a guy at work says,

"If you don't want wrong answers, don't simulate" ...

[Jeff R]

Spectrum Software's Microcap is easy to use and learn and they have an evaluation version that is free.