Tip: List of Free Engineering Software

[Rifaa]

OK , since I was abt ask you engineers a noob q?, I thought I'll ask it in here.
I like to know which is the best software for simulating and building Schematics. I do not want use number of progs. Just one to built the shema, simulate it and transfer it clad design and possible auto routing is a must.
I thought of trying P SPICE, LT Spice and or just Spice, ( this is rather confusing ). You might be thinking tht me being an Engineer why I am asking, well it's tht it's been quite long since went off grid in circuit simulation in PC's since electronic work bench 5.0 ( yeah! yeah! I know it's old). I have been doing proto typing on paper sketches and building them on vero's since I cannot import chemical's to Maldives. ( if I did, i'll be on watch by some government officials, u know all this terrorist, and building bomb staff's, and since I am good at electronics and if get my hands on chemicals, well u know the rest, U know we can't get our hands on fire crackers, it's illegal here, we have a very $$#$_ government, god ! I hate it here).
So any ways I got a contact from USA and he will etch the boards for a really low price so I need to give him a good layout of the shema's.
So pls tell me, which is the best out there with a lot of libraries and goodies. The best of the best if any one have any Idea, I need full working one's. not for beginners, not for testing with limitations. OK. .
I have heard of Spice u know, but there are different ones and from different companies.
Right now I am evaluating NI's Multisim. and I am having trouble simulating the diagram, it's saying I don't have a power source or something .
So shoot one suggestion to me
Thanks
Rifaa

[ash]

Sorry for the late response.

In terms of user friendliness, a complete package that could have worked (simulation and PCB trace creation) was Crocodile Technology. Unfortunately its not free and prices for commercial licenses are not publicly shown as its mainly aimed for educational institutions.

Theres a free complete package that I'm tracking at the moment called Qucs. Its a new circuit simulator that will have PCB layout in the future. Its still an early version.. but the roadmap is pretty interesting: Qucs project: roadmap

Anyways, for circuit simulations, OrCad Pspice is still quite effective even after all these years. If you want to do the PCB trace for it, I'd just recreate it again on Eagle Lite. Might be a waste of time, but Eagle is a great software. If you are running linux, you might give KiCad a shot.

But, if you really do want to save time, what you can do is create your circuit on PCB software that can export netlists first, then import them into simulators. I haven't tried that, though

If one is involved with even more complex circuitry, its wise to invest in commercial software. Since I'm still studying, I'm not experience in that realm just yet. Eagle Lite might be restricted if you have a bigger design. In that case, you can try PCB Free.. but I haven't used it yet so you'll need to try it yourself.

[Rifaa]

Hey Ash, is yenka that good, what would you suggest, money is no of concern to me, I want the BEST

[godfather]

FlashMagic. Programming Tool For NXP Semiconductors
http://www.flashmagictool.com/

[ash]

@ GF
Thanks, I'll add it. Is it easy to use?

Hey Ash, is yenka that good, what would you suggest, money is no of concern to me, I want the BEST

Its hard to tell. When they rebranded it to Yenka, they have specifically tailor made it for educational use. If you shoot them an e-mail about the commercial version, you might get access to a more suitable version.

Try downloading the trial version of Yenka. The interface is pretty clunky and a bit childish.. but it does actually allow you to simulate circuits and create the PCB (with auto routing).

Downloads

[Rifaa]

@ash. Yup !! pretty childish I'd say. I registered and they gave me free licenses hoorayy!!
But they have a lot of varieties, am a bit confused u know. I downloaded something called yenka 2.5.3. it says something about programing, and I Installed and still donno what the heck to do with it
Do you have any idea?
What is yenka for windows anyway?

@gf. Will flash magic be able to program with the one I have, it says something about using the software that is currently loaded or something, anyways I am going to down load it.

[ash]

At the splash screen, choose the "technology" tab. Then choose "Electronics".

[Rifaa]

At the splash screen, choose the "technology" tab. Then choose "Electronics".

Oh boy...this is interesting. thanks buddy

[godfather]

@ Ash.. Yes it is very Easy to Use.

[godfather]

@gf. Will flash magic be able to program with the one I have, it says something about using the software that is currently loaded or something, anyways I am going to down load it.

Dear Rifaa,

It only Supports ICP method..Can you please tell me which NXP Controller You are Using!