Circuit simulation for design and analysis

For engineers, being able to design and analyse electronic circuits with precision and efficiency is essential. You want to have a clear idea of how circuits will behave in different conditions before they are deployed in the field.

A circuit simulator is a versatile tool that allows engineers to design and analyse circuits in a controlled setting dedicated to this stage of electronic circuit creation. Engineers can use it to explore, experiment and optimise circuits before investing in physical prototypes.

At DesignSpark, we offer a circuit simulator service that can be used to scale workflows and organise the design process. To find out more about how circuit simulation is used for design and analysis, check out our guide.

What is a circuit simulator?

A circuit simulator is a software application that mimics the behaviour of electronic circuits. It can gauge the flow of electrical currents, voltages and circuit functions. It is designed to give engineers the opportunity to make refinements and understand the connections that are in place.

Circuit simulators with simple, user-friendly tools are available for beginners, as are advanced specialised software packages for expert engineers and researchers. They can emulate analog circuits, which are continuous voltage and current signals, as well as digital circuits, which process binary data.

The role of circuit simulators in design and analysis

Electronic circuit analysis and design is a crucial part of electrical engineering. It looks at electronic circuits and their behaviour under different conditions. A circuit simulator can help with the design and analysis process in the following ways:

• Experimentation: Engineers can create and analyse multiple circuit configurations without being constrained by physical components. This freedom to experiment with various designs creates a space where ideas can be thoroughly tested.
• Component value variation: It's easy to adjust things like resistors, capacitors, and inductors in a virtual environment. Engineers can fine-tune these values to optimise circuit performance, ensuring that the design meets the specifications.
• Real-time analysis: Circuit simulators provide real-time visual representations of circuit voltages and currents. This gives engineers the ability to quickly identify issues or unexpected behaviour.
• Performance analysis: Engineers can evaluate circuit performance metrics such as bandwidth and distortion.

What are the applications of circuit simulators in design and analysis?

The global simulator market size was valued at $16.63 billion in 2022 and is forecasted to be worth $28.78 billion by 2030. And the versatility of circuit simulators is part of what's helping their star to rise. Just a few of their applications are in:

• Manufacturing: Circuit simulators are used in manufacturing processes, forming a key stage in the development of products such as consumer gadgets. For example, when designing smartphones, engineers can use a circuit simulator to optimise power consumption, signal quality and heat dissipation.
• Automotive industry: In the automotive sector, circuit simulators help develop sophisticated electronic control units (ECUs) that control various vehicle functions. Simulations ensure that these systems perform reliably under different conditions.
• Aerospace: From navigation systems to communication equipment, the aerospace industry relies on circuit simulators to confirm that essential electronics in aircraft and spacecraft are functioning correctly.

Advantages of circuit simulators in the design and analysis process

There are several advantages that come with using circuit simulator software in the experimental design and analysis stage of the electronics engineering process:

• Cost-efficiency: Hardware prototyping can be expensive, especially if a few versions are needed. Circuit simulation reduces costs by minimising the need for physical components.
• Time-saving: Simulations are quick, allowing engineers to evaluate circuit performance and make design modifications easily. This accelerates the product development cycle.
• Design optimisation: This software gives engineers the ability to fine-tune designs for optimal performance. This process leads to more efficient and reliable circuits.
• Safety: Exploring extreme or hazardous conditions in a virtual environment is safer than doing so with physical prototypes. This is particularly important in industries like aerospace and the automotive sector, where the health and safety of workers are constant considerations.
• Accessibility: Circuit simulators are accessible to engineers of all levels of expertise.

Why choose DesignSpark's Circuit Simulator software service for design and analysis?

We can help you streamline the design and analysis stage of your next projects, with tools that are flexible for a variety of applications.

• A choice of plans: We offer three subscription plans, each created to meet different needs. You might find that the Explorer plan, which is our free level, gives you all the time you need for design, modelling, simulation and analysis.

Our two paid plans offer additional features. Both Creator and Engineer include a 60-minute time limit, up from Explorer's one-minute limit. Engineer – our highest-tier plan – also gives users access to private groups where they can collaborate with other engineers.

• Access to different models: No matter what plan you choose, you can access both SPICE and VHDL-AMS to create and import simulator models.
• Latest news: We keep engineers of all levels up to date with the latest information about circuit simulators, so you know exactly what to look out for when introducing this software to your design and analysis setup. From there, you can select the plan you want. If you have questions, check out our circuit simulator FAQs or speak to our experts for help.

Log in or register today to begin using circuit simulator software with DesignSpark.