At 09:26 AM 4/19/2010, Electron wrote:

>Hello,
>frustrated with MultiSim 11 demo's continuous errors on even the ~simplest
>analog circuits (and yes, I do put a ground), I'm looking for a software
>(free or not) which actually works solidly in simulating IGBT's, inductors,
>etc.. etc.. and provides virtual oscilloscopes and the like.
>
>Any product to suggest?

I'm not a SPICE expert but I use Linear Technology's SwticherCAD 
(also known as LT Spice).  I use it several times a year and it helps 
me develop analog circuits that pretty much work exactly as expected 
when I breadboard them.

There is an active user group on Yahoo Groups 
<http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LTspice/> and the product is under 
continuous development.  Although this package was created by and is 
maintained by Linear Technology, it is a universal SPICE package and 
works with models from other manufacturers and authors.  About the 
only concession made for commercialization is that it comes complete 
with models for most of Linear Technology's products.  The author 
(Mike Engelhardt) has mentioned several times that LT engineers use 
LT Spice for developing new products.

You don't get a virtual oscilloscope but its EXTREMELY easy to get 
on-screen plots of voltage and current waveforms.  And - this package 
is FAST, unlike some other SPICE packages I used way back in the dark ages.

It might be worth a try.

dwayne

-- 
Dwayne Reid   <dwayner@planet.eon.net>
Trinity Electronics Systems Ltd    Edmonton, AB, CANADA
(780) 489-3199 voice          (780) 487-6397 fax
www.trinity-electronics.com
Custom Electronics Design and Manufacturing

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