Edson Brusque wrote...

>    I've used some times "Electronics Workbench 5.12" (released in 1996, I
>think) and it usefull, but not *that* usefull.
>
>    Now I need to do some serious simulations and I've tried CircuitMaker,
>pSpice and SuperSpice but none of then cath my eyes.
>
>    What are you using for circuit simulation? Any recomendations? I don't
>know very much of spice simulations so, where to start? Tutorials?

I used MicroSim's PSPICE for several years while I was with my
former employer; then when I left, I bought a copy of Intusoft's
ICAP4/RX for my own use.  It has strong points and weak points
like all integrated SPICE packages, but overall I'm satisfied
with it; it does the job.  It was expensive (around US$900) but
it was something I felt I couldn't do without.

As for where to start, or tutorials, I've been using SPICE for
about 12 years now and I have never, ever seen what I would call
a really "good" book on it.  Every one I've looked at has been
mediocre at best, or awful at worst.

>    Someone here have done extensive research on circuit simulators or are
>using something in a daily basis?
>
>    Oh! Yes, I've read the PICLIST threads about this. :)

In addition to the list, the Usenet group sci.electronics.design
frequently has discussions about SPICE, including cheapware
(Superspice) and freeware packages.

Linear Technology, Inc. has a package they call SwitcherCAD III,
intended to simulate applications using their switching regulator
ICs; but I understand it is actually a fully functional SPICE
package complete with schematic entry and (I think) a waveform
viewer.

It's free, and it's available at:

http://www.linear-tech.com/software/  (2.8 Meg download)

As far as I know, SwitcherCAD lacks the huge library of SPICE
models one customarily gets with commercial SPICE packages; but
these are available free anyway from the various semiconductor
vendors, so that omission is an inconvenience at most.  I haven't
tried SwitcherCAD myself, but I've seen favorable comments by
those who have.  The price is right, for sure.

Hope this helps a bit...

Dave

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