We know the voltage of the battery (10 volts) and the resistance of the resistor (5 Ω), but nothing else about the circuit. This simple circuit consists of a battery and a resistor connected directly together. Let’s try one of the circuits illustrated earlier in the chapter. Next, we need a circuit for SPICE to analyze. In this book, I use one of the earlier versions of SPICE: version 2G6, for its simplicity of use. As a free program, it is commonly available on the internet for download, and in formats appropriate for many different operating systems. Here, I’ll just introduce the basic concepts and then apply SPICE to the analysis of these simple circuits we’ve been reading about.įirst, we need to have SPICE installed on our computer. Many details of using SPICE are described in volume 5 (“Reference”) of this book series for those wanting more information. The computer is then used to process, or “run,” the SPICE program, which interprets the text listing describing the circuit and outputs the results of its detailed mathematical analysis, also in text form. In essence, this listing is a kind of computer program in itself, and must adhere to the syntactical rules of the SPICE language. To simulate circuits on computer, I make use of a particular program called SPICE, which works by describing a circuit to the computer by means of a listing of text.
By observing the results of a computer simulation, a student can gain an intuitive grasp of circuit behavior without the intimidation of abstract mathematical analysis. Throughout this book, I’ll be incorporating computer printouts from circuit simulation frequently in order to illustrate important concepts. Of course, there is no substitute for actually building and testing real circuits, but computer simulations certainly assist in the learning process by allowing the student to experiment with changes and see the effects they have on circuits. These same programs can be fantastic aids to the beginning student of electronics, allowing the exploration of ideas quickly and easily with no assembly of real circuits required. Software exists for the simulation of electric circuits by computer, and these programs can be very useful in helping circuit designers test ideas before actually building real circuits, saving much time and money. Computers can be powerful tools if used properly, especially in the realms of science and engineering.
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