National Instruments Electronics Workbench Group has released Multisim 10.0 and Ultiboard 10.0, the latest versions of its interactive SPICE simulation and circuit analysis software used for schematic capture, interactive simulation, board layout and integrated testing. This platform extends the flexibility of virtual instrumentation to the electronics designer’s benchtop, bridging the common gap between test and design functions. With the combination of National Instruments Multisim 10.0 circuit simulation software and LabVIEW measurement software, engineers creating custom printed circuit boards (PCBs) can now easily compare simulated and real-world data, resulting in fewer design iterations, reduced prototyping errors and shorter time to market.
Engineers can use Multisim 10.0 to interactively build circuit schematics and simulate circuit behaviour. Multisim abstracts the complexity of SPICE simulation so the engineer does not need in-depth SPICE expertise to quickly capture, simulate and analyse new designs, making it particularly useful in electronics education. With Multisim and virtual instrumentation, PCB design engineers and electronics educators are able to achieve a fully integrated design flow from theory to schematic capture and simulation to prototyping and test.
Multisim 10.0 and Ultiboard 10.0 introduce a large number of professional design features with a focus on advanced simulation tools, an enhanced component database and an expanded user community. The component database includes more than 1,200 new components and more than 500 new SPICE models from leading vendors such as Analog Devices, Linear Technology and Texas Instruments, as well as more than 100 new switch-mode power supply models. Additional enhancements include a new Convergence Assistant that automatically adjusts SPICE parameters to correct simulation errors, enhanced data visualisation and analyses including a new current probe instrument and updated static probes for differential measurements as well as support for BSIM 4 parameters.
National Instruments Ultiboard 10.0 provides an easy-to-use and intuitive platform to lay out and route PCB designs. The entire layout process, from placement to copper routing, is completed in a flexible design environment that optimises speed and control. NI Ultiboard 10.0 includes significant speed improvements when placing and moving components and laying copper traces. Opening large designs is roughly twice as fast due to changes in design rule checks. These enhancements make the transition from schematic to physical board quicker and easier, considerably improving the final PCB design.