EE - 103 ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING LAB

3rd SEMESTER

LAB INSTRUCTOR: ENGR. ALI HASSAN

SESSION: ME-14 SECTION: A GROUP: 11

GROUP DETAILS
LAB LISTEN
NAMES LAB REPORT TOTAL
CMS ID PERFORMACE LEARNT /
(4) (10)
(4) VIVA (2)
ZEESHAN AMJAD 405971
AMEN TUFAIL 407513
EISHAAL SAJJAD 424434

SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

(SMME)
 TITLE: ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT SIMULATION SOFTWARE

OBJECTIVES:
❖ Familiarize yourself with a range of free online and offline electrical circuit simulation software and tools.
❖ Conduct a comparative analysis of their features and functionalities.
❖ Gain practical experience by using selected simulation tools for hands-on experimentation.

SOFTWARES USED:
➢ FREE DOWNLOADS (OFFLINE)
❖ PROTEUS
❖ LTSPICE

➢ ONLINE WEBSITES
❖ EASYEDA
https://easyeda.com/editor#mode=sim,id=274ec54cff1843faaada5130efa74751

❖ CIRCUITLAB
https://www.circuitlab.com/

❖ PAUL FALSTAD
https://www.falstad.com/circuit/

PROTEUS SOFTWARE

Proteus is a powerful software tool used for electrical circuit simulation and printed circuit board (PCB) design.
It is widely utilized by engineers, students, and professionals in the field of electronics for designing, testing, and
simulating electronic circuits.

FEATURES:
❖ CIRCUIT SIMULATION:
Proteus offers a comprehensive set of tools for simulating electronic circuits, including analog, digital,
and mixed-signal designs.
❖ MICROCONTROLLER SIMULATION:
It supports the simulation of microcontroller-based projects, making it suitable for embedded systems
development.
 ❖ INTEGRATED PCB DESIGN:
Proteus seamlessly integrates circuit design and PCB layout capabilities, allowing users to design,
visualize, and prototype their circuits.

❖ VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTATION:
The software includes various virtual instruments like oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and function
generators for real-time monitoring and debugging.

❖ LIBRARY OF COMPONENTS:
Proteus provides an extensive library of electronic components and devices, making it easier to design
circuits using pre-defined elements.

❖ ADVANCED SIMULATION FEATURES:

It supports advanced simulation features like VHDL and Verilog support for digital design, mixed-signal
simulation, and interactive debugging

ADVANTAGES:
● EASE OF USE: Proteus has an intuitive user interface, making it accessible for beginners and experts
alike.
● RICH COMPONENT LIBRARY: Its extensive component library saves time in creating custom
components.
● ACCURATE SIMULATION: Proteus provides accurate simulation results, helping engineers validate their
designs before physical prototyping.
● CROSS-PLATFORM COMPATIBILITY: It is compatible with Windows, and Linux (through Wine),
allowing users to work on their preferred operating system.

LIMITATIONS:
● COST: Proteus is a commercial software, and the full version can be relatively expensive
● LEARNING CURVE: While user-friendly, it may have a learning curve for beginners, especially in PCB
design
● RESOURCE INTENSIVE: Resource requirements may be high for complex designs, which could impact
performance.

PLATFORM CAPABILITY:
Proteus is primarily designed for Windows but can be run on Linux using compatibility layers like Wine. There
is no native macOS version, but some users have reported running Proteus on Mac using virtualization or dual-
boot setups.

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS:
For a smooth installation of Proteus, you typically need:
▪ Windows 7, 8, or 10 (32 or 64-bit) for native support.
 ▪ Adequate system resources (CPU, RAM, and storage) depending on the complexity of your designs.
▪ A compatible graphics card for 3D visualization features.
▪ A valid license or access to a licensed copy of Proteus.

SIMPLE CIRCUIT SIMULATIONS:

❖ We have made a simple circuit in which two resistor each of 10k ohms resistance are connected in parallel
with the battery source of 7 V. and then we connected the voltmeter in parallel to check the voltage across
the resistor. Since the resistors are in parallel then they will have same voltage.

❖ In next circuit we connected three resistors in series with a battery source and measured voltage drop
across each resistor.

EXPERIENCE:
The software was quite easy to use, almost all the components required in making an electrical circuit. There are
some reference codes to determine or add new components. Different logic gates are available. Measuring
instruments like voltmeter, multi-meters were also available. For simulation we simply need to run it and we will
get our answer. We can also easily edit the properties of out components like changing resistance of resistors
changing voltage supply source and much more
The one thing to be mentioned is that it basically creates a circuit diagram that then gives us simulation. Which
is easy and reliable to understand.

EASYEDA SOFTWARE

EasyEDA is an online platform that offers electrical circuit simulation capabilities, along with PCB design tools.
It is designed to simplify the process of creating, testing, and sharing electronic circuits. Here's a brief description
of its features, advantages, and limitations:

FEATURES:
❖ ONLINE PLATFORM:
EasyEDA is a web-based platform, which means you can access it from any device with an internet
connection, without the need for installation.
❖ SIMULATOR:
EasyEDA includes a built-in circuit simulator, enabling you to simulate analog and digital circuits to
verify their functionality and performance.
❖ COMPONENT LIBRARY:
The platform offers a vast library of electronic components, symbols, and footprints, making it easier to
design circuits without creating custom components.
❖ PCB DESIGN:
EasyEDA seamlessly integrates circuit design and PCB layout, allowing users to transition from
schematics to PCB design effortlessly.
❖ COMMUNITY AND COLLABORATION:
Users can collaborate on projects and share designs with others through the EasyEDA community,
facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration.
❖ EXPORT OPTIONS:
It supports exporting designs in various formats, including Gerber files for PCB manufacturing.

ADVANTAGES:
• ACCESSIBILITY: Being web-based, EasyEDA is accessible from anywhere, making it convenient for
remote work and collaboration.
• EASE OF USE: Its user-friendly interface simplifies circuit design and simulation, making it suitable for
both beginners and experienced engineers.
• COST-EFFICIENT: EasyEDA offers a free tier with basic features, making it a cost-effective choice for
hobbyists and students.
• COMPONENT LIBRARY: The extensive library of components saves time in creating custom symbols
and footprints.
LIMITATIONS:
● LIMITED OFFLINE ACCESS: Since EasyEDA is web-based, it requires an internet connection. Offline
work may not be feasible.
● COMPLEXITY LIMITATIONS: While suitable for many hobbyist and educational projects, EasyEDA
may have limitations in handling extremely complex or high-frequency designs.
● FREE TIER LIMITATIONS: The free version has limitations on project storage, the number of
components in a schematic, and other features. Advanced features may require a subscription.
● PERFORMANCE: The performance of the simulation may not be as robust as some dedicated desktop
simulation software.

CIRCUIT SIMULATIONS:
❖ We have made a simple circuit by attaching three different resistors in parallel with the voltage source
and then measured the voltage across resistor which is same as the voltage source.

❖ In second circuit we simply connected resistor in series and measure the voltage drop across resistor.
EXPERIENCE:
It is quite reliable and easy to use online platform with many assistances like easy to export and share which
makes it more easy to use it. This platform also create basic circuit diagrams and then perform simulations.

FLUX.AI SOFTWARE

Flux.ai is a browser based electronic design tool with built-in support for modern hardware design methodologies,
collaboration and simulation. Its browser based so you do not need to download it.

PROCEDURE FOR CREATING A PCB:

❖ SCHEMATIC DESIGN:
The process often begins with schematic design, where you create a visual representation of the electronic
circuit. This includes adding components, connecting them with wires, and defining their properties.

❖ COMPONENT SELECTION:
You choose components from a library or database that matches your project's requirements. Each
component has a footprint associated with it, which represents its physical dimensions on the PCB.

❖ FOOTPRINT ASSIGNMENT:
Each component's footprint is assigned to its corresponding symbol on the schematic. This step ensures
that components will fit and connect correctly on the PCB.

❖ PCB LAYOUT:
Using the netlist and assigned footprints, you lay out the components on the PCB, arranging them in a
logical and space-efficient manner. You also draw the traces (copper connections) that connect the
components as per the schematic.

❖ ROUTING:
The routing process involves tracing the connections between components by creating copper traces on
different layers of the PCB. This can be a complex and time-consuming task, especially for densely packed
PCBs.

❖ DESIGN VERIFICATION:
You use design rule checks (DRC) and electrical rule checks (ERC) to ensure that the PCB design adheres
to manufacturing and electrical specifications.

❖ PROTOTYPE AND TESTING:

After PCB manufacturing, a prototype is built and tested to ensure that it functions as intended.
ADVANTAGES:
● AUTOMATION: AI can automate various aspects of the design process, such as component placement,
routing, and optimization, reducing the time and effort required.
● OPTIMIZATION: AI algorithms can analyze designs and suggest optimizations for factors like signal
integrity, power efficiency, and thermal management.
● ERROR DETECTION: AI can help identify potential design errors, such as incorrect connections or
design rule violations, early in the design process.
● PREDICTIVE MODELING: AI may offer predictive modeling capabilities, helping designers foresee and
address potential issues before prototyping.
● SPEED: AI-based tools can speed up the design process, potentially reducing time-to-market for
electronic products.
● USER EXPERIENCE: AI can enhance the user experience by providing real-time feedback and
suggestions during the design process.

CIRCUIT SIMULATIONS:

CIRCUIT LAB SOFTWARE

Circuit lab is an online in-browser electronic circuit simulation tool that allows users to design, simulate, and
analyze both analog and digital circuits. It's designed to be accessible and user-friendly, making it suitable for a
wide range of users, from beginners to experienced engineers.

FEATURES:
❖ SCHEMATIC EDITOR:
CircuitLab offers a user-friendly schematic editor that allows you to create and edit electronic circuits
using a drag-and-drop interface. It provides a wide range of electronic components that you can use in
your designs.
 ❖ REAL-TIME SIMULATION:
One of the key features of CircuitLab is its real-time simulation capabilities. You can simulate your
circuit and see the behavior of components and signals in real time as you make changes to your design.
❖ COMPONENT LIBRARY:
The tool provides interactive graphs that display voltage and current waveforms, making it easy to
analyze circuit performance.
❖ INTERACTIVE GRAPHS:
CircuitLab has an extensive library of electronic components, including passive components,
semiconductors, and digital logic elements.
❖ PARAMETER SWEEPS:
You can perform parameter sweeps to analyze how changing component values affect circuit
performance. This is a valuable feature for optimization and sensitivity analysis.
❖ EXPORT AND SHARING:
CircuitLab allows you to export your circuits as images or share them with others through a unique
URL. This is useful for collaboration and documentation.

ADVANTAGES:
• ACCESSIBILITY: CircuitLab is accessible from any web browser without the need for installation,
making it a convenient option for users on different platforms.
• EASE OF USE: The tool's intuitive interface and interactive simulations make it suitable for beginners
and experienced engineers alike.
• EDUCATION: CircuitLab is often used in educational settings to teach circuit theory and electronics,
thanks to its user-friendly approach.
• REAL-TIME SIMULATION: The real-time simulation feature allows users to visualize the behavior of
circuits immediately, which is beneficial for learning and troubleshooting.

LIMITATIONS:
• FREE PLAN LIMITATIONS: CircuitLab offers both free and paid plans. The free plan has limitations on
the number of public circuits you can create, and it may not be suitable for complex or large projects.
• INTERNET DEPENDENCY: Since it's an online tool, you need an internet connection to use CircuitLab.
Offline usage is not supported.
• COMPONENT LIBRARY: While the component library is extensive, it may not have every component
or part number available in the real world.

EXPERIENCE:
CircuitLab is a valuable tool, especially for educational purposes and quick circuit prototyping. The real-time
simulation and interactive features are often praised for their effectiveness in learning and experimenting with
electronics.
CIRCUIT SIMULATIONS:

LTSPICE SOFTWARE

LTspice is a widely-used and powerful electronic circuit simulation software developed by Linear Technology,
now part of Analog Devices. It's known for its accuracy and robust simulation capabilities, particularly in the
field of analog and mixed-signal electronics. LTspice is a free, high-performance, and user-friendly circuit
simulation tool. It allows users to create and simulate electronic circuits, both analog and mixed-signal, to analyze
their behavior and performance. LTspice uses a proprietary solver and offers a wide range of electronic
components and models for accurate simulations.
FEATURES:
❖ SCHEMATIC CAPTURE
LTspice provides an intuitive graphical interface for creating circuit schematics. Users can add
components, wires, and connectors to design their circuits.
❖ LARGE COMPONENT LIBRARY
It includes a vast library of analog and digital components, as well as a wide range of semiconductor
device models.
❖ WAVEFORM VIEWER
LTspice features a powerful waveform viewer that allows users to plot and analyze simulation results. It
supports various types of analysis, including AC, DC, transient, and more.
❖ CUSTOM COMPONENTS
Users can create custom components and subcircuits to expand the library or model unique components.
❖ MONTE CARLO ANALYSIS
LTspice supports Monte Carlo simulations for analyzing circuit performance under component
parameter variations.
❖ NOISE ANALYSIS
It can perform noise analysis to evaluate the noise characteristics of electronic circuits.
❖ INTERACTIVE SIMULATION
You can interact with your circuit during simulation, making it easy to probe and analyze circuit
behavior in real-time.

ADVANTAGES:
• ACCURACY: LTspice is known for its accuracy in simulating analog and mixed-signal circuits. It uses a
high-performance engine for precise results.
• FREE: It's available for free, making it accessible to hobbyists, students, and professionals on a budget.
• ACTIVE COMMUNITY: LTspice has a large and active user community, which means you can find a
wealth of resources, tutorials, and user-generated models online.
• VERSATILITY: It can handle a wide range of circuit types, from simple analog circuits to complex mixed-
signal systems.

LIMITATIONS:
• STEEP LEARNING CURVE: While LTspice is powerful, its interface can be intimidating for beginners,
and it may take time to learn.
• WINDOWS – ONLY: LTspice is primarily developed for Windows, although it can be run on other
platforms using compatibility layers like Wine on Linux or virtual machines on macOS.
• LIMITED 3D MODELING: It lacks 3D PCB design capabilities, which are available in dedicated PCB
design software
. INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS:
▪ LTspice requires a Windows-based PC or a compatible environment on other platforms.
▪ It's a lightweight software, so it doesn't have high system requirements.

COMPARISON WITH OTHER SOFTWARES:

▪ LTspice is known for its accuracy and performance, making it a preferred choice for analog and mixed-
signal circuit simulation.
▪ It may have a steeper learning curve compared to simpler tools like Tinkercad or CircuitJS but offers
more advanced capabilities.
▪ For PCB design, users often pair LTspice with PCB layout tools like KiCad or Eagle.

In summary, LTspice is a powerful and widely-used circuit simulation tool known for its accuracy and
extensive features. While it may have a learning curve, it is an excellent choice for those who require precise
simulations of analog and mixed-signal electronic circuits.

CIRCUIT SIMULATIONS:

PAUL FALSAD SOFTWARE

Paul Falstad's Circuit Simulator is a web-based application that provides a controlled environment for designing,
modeling, and experimenting with electronic circuits. It serves as a valuable resource for academics, educators,
enthusiasts, and professionals engaged in electronics and circuit design. Paul Falstad's Circuit Simulator,
accessible through the web, is a versatile tool that empowers users in academia, teaching, electronics enthusiasts,
and circuit design professionals to seamlessly design, model, and experiment with electronic circuits within a
controlled environment, making it an indispensable resource for electronics enthusiasts.
COMPABILITY WITH SOFTWARES:
▪ WINDOWS: Windows-based machines can use a compatible web browser to visit Paul Falstad's Circuit
Simulator.
▪ MAC: Compatible web browsers can access the simulator on Mac machines.
▪ LINUX: A compatible web browser is also available for Linux users to access the simulator.

FEATURES:
❖ INTERACTIVE CIRCUIT DESIGN:
Through a virtual canvas, users have the ability to select and arrange electronic components to construct
their own electronic circuits.

❖ REAL-TIME SIMULATION:
The simulator provides immediate feedback, allowing users to observe the behavior of their circuits in
real-time as they make adjustments.

❖ EXTENSIVE COMPONENT LIBRARY:

The simulator includes a wide range of electronic components that users can incorporate into their
designs, such as resistors, capacitors, diodes, transistors, and integrated circuits.

❖ WAVEFORM ANALYSIS:
Users have the capability to analyze voltage and current waveforms within the simulator, which can be
valuable for circuit analysis and troubleshooting.

❖ CUSTOMIZABLE PARAMETERS:
To facilitate experimentation with different configurations, users can modify component values and
circuit parameters as needed
.
ADVANTAGES:
• ACCESSIBILITY: As a web-based application, it is accessible to anyone with an internet connection and
a compatible web browser.
• USER-FRIENDLY: The simulator is designed to be user-friendly, making it suitable for both
newcomers and educators.
• INTERACTIVE EDUCATION: It serves as an excellent platform for hands-on learning and
experimentation in the field of electronics.
• NO COST INVOLVED: Paul Falstad's Circuit Simulator is freely available to all users on his website,
making it accessible without any charges.
LIMITATIONS:
• INTERNET REQUIREMENT: To utilize and access the simulator, an active online connection is
necessary.
• ONLINE DEPENDENCY CONSTRAINTS: Operating the tool in offline mode or with an unreliable
internet connection may impose limitations on its functionality.
• BASIC MODEL REPRESENTATION: The simulator's models may simplify certain real-world
electronics characteristics, but it nevertheless provides a valuable learning experience.

CIRCUIT SIMULATIONS:

EXPERIENCE:
Users of the Paul Falstad's Circuit Simulator, also known as 'Falstad Circuit,' commonly find it user-friendly and
valuable for educational purposes. This tool imparts the fundamentals of electronics through interactive learning
experiences and real-time simulations. However, it does simplify some electronic behaviors, comes with a limited
component library, demands an internet connection, and predominantly operates as a web-based application.
While it is well-suited for experimentation and learning, it may not meet the requirements of advanced or
professional electronic design standards