Circuit Simulation for System-Level Simulation

System-level simulation can be used in conjunction with circuit simulators to emulate real-life electronic circuits before they're placed into production later down the line.

The flexible, time-saving and cost-saving factors make this type of software invaluable to engineers working on extensive projects across a range of industries. Such projects are often extremely costly, which is why having effective means of testing and improving designs is so important.

DesignSpark offers a comprehensive circuit simulator service that unlocks simple schematic tools, circuit simulation engines, an extensive library of components, and more. This means you can test electronic circuits using system-level simulation to build, simulate and analyse designs in immense detail before deciding where to take it next. Find out more about how system-level simulation is used alongside circuit simulators with our helpful guide below

What is a circuit simulator?

Circuit simulators are software programs that mimic the behaviour of electronic circuits, allowing engineers to monitor and refine designs as they go.

The designs are digital, which means designers can access a range of tools to test and tweak circuits with ease. The right software can offer insight into the specifications that dictate how the circuit behaves, allowing for granular changes that influence the result. This way, circuit designs can undergo multiple drafts before being sent into production at the manufacturing stage.

What is system-level simulation?

System-level simulation refers to a collection of practical methods used to simulate large cyber-physical systems. A system-level model is based on geometrical and functional hierarchy. If you change one area of a system-level simulation, this will impact other areas across different levels. The result is an expansive web of commands.

This part of the design process allows engineers to evaluate system specifications against requirements at the early stages of development before progressing to the implementation stage.

How are circuit simulators used for system-level simulation?

Circuit simulators can be used to simulate and analyse the behaviour of entire electronic systems. This includes multiple interconnected circuits.

Using this technology, engineers can assess system-level performance, interactions, and compatibility between different circuit blocks:

• System-level performance: Performance analysis covers the amount of useful work completed by a system at different levels of abstraction.
• System-level interactions: If you change something in one level of abstraction, it changes something else in another level. If you have multiple levels, this can have a larger impact.
• System-level compatibility: A compatible system has components that all agree on how data and commands will be exchanged.

Which industries typically use circuit simulators and system-level simulation?

Real-life applications of circuit simulators and system-level simulation include control systems, wireless communications, robotics, image processing and computer vision. These can be applied across a range of industries, such as:

• Aerospace
• Automotive
• Energy
• Manufacturing
• Building engineering

The ever-growing popularity of AI can also benefit from system-level simulation and circuit simulators. It involves tapping into an ongoing process of testing, adapting and improving designs. Meanwhile, the increasing demand for, and popularity of, electric vehicles (EVs) means that the right simulation software is key to design and manufacturing processes.

Advantages of circuit simulators for system-level simulation

Circuit simulators for system-level simulation allow engineers to improve early-stage design processes in several ways:

• Save money: Adjust and improve your circuit designs using system-level functions before they progress to the hardware prototyping stage. This reduces costs, allowing you to identify and fix errors while the design is still in its simulation stage. Manufacturing errors are significantly more expensive to address.
• Reduce time: Dedicated system-level circuit simulation software allows you to tweak complex designs and address other areas of the design web in a matter of clicks. Engineers use this to drastically reduce the time taken on the design and manufacturing processes.
• Flexibility: Our easy-to-use circuit simulation software allows you to virtually explore alternative designs across system-level simulation webs, so you can work out the most effective option for your project with plenty of testing.

Why choose DesignSpark's Circuit Simulator service for system-level simulation?

Our circuit simulator software allows designers to analyse and refine circuits early in the design process using system-level functions.

• A choice of plans: You can choose from three subscription plans, each offering something different. Our free Explorer plan gives you a good level of access to the circuit simulation software. The Creator and Engineer paid plans give you a 60-minute time limit, with the latter also allowing you to access private groups where you can collaborate with other engineers to get the most out of your designs on the software.
• Unlimited designs: You can view unlimited public designs regardless of the plan you choose. Plus, you can access partner-provided SPICE and VHDL-AMS models to work with.
• News coverage: Stay up to date with the latest information about circuit simulators and make use of our FAQs. Get in touch with our experts for more information.

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