Free circuit simulation software/website for beginners

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the search for free circuit simulation software suitable for beginners, specifically focusing on features like Arduino support, buck converters, solid state relays, transformers, and variable AC supply. Participants share their experiences and suggestions regarding available tools.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses dissatisfaction with existing free simulation software and outlines specific requirements for their use, including Arduino support and various circuit components.
  • Another participant suggests LTspice as a potential tool, providing a link for further exploration.
  • Several participants seek clarification on what is meant by "Arduino support," particularly whether it involves simulating Arduino programs.
  • There is a discussion about the distinction between simulation and emulation, with one participant noting that emulators may be necessary for simulating microcontroller behavior based on programs.
  • A participant mentions proprietary software used in their workplace for simulating embedded microcontrollers but does not provide specific names.
  • Another participant finds resources online for Arduino emulators and shares a link to a list of simulators.
  • One participant admits a lack of experience with microcontrollers and expresses a preference for Arduino due to their limited knowledge.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on a specific software solution. There are varying interpretations of what constitutes "Arduino support," and the distinction between simulation and emulation is debated.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty regarding the availability and functionality of emulators for Arduino, and there is a lack of clarity on the specific features required for effective simulation.

Wrichik Basu
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I was looking for simulation softwares that are free. I looked at some on the net, but they aren't satisfying my basic requirements. A simulation software should at least have the following for my use:
  • Arduino support
  • Support for buck converter
  • Solid state relay
  • Transformer
  • Variable AC supply
Many people use Fritzing, but I don't know whether it's a simulation software. I try to avoid Fritzing and draw the diagrams by hand, thus saving time and making the diagrams less complicated.

Any suggestions for such a software?
 
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What do you mean by Arduino support? Simulation of your Arduino program?
 
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anorlunda said:
What do you mean by Arduino support? Simulation of your Arduino program?
Yeah. It should support the Arduino boards and also let me upload the program and simulate the circuit.
 
anorlunda said:
What do you mean by Arduino support? Simulation of your Arduino program?
Great minds think alike... :smile:
Wrichik Basu said:
Yeah. It should support the Arduino boards and also let me upload the program and simulate the circuit.
That's a different kind of "simulator". You might be able to get what you want with some sort of "Emulator" software for the Arduino. Have you seen anything like that? You can write "Test Bench" test scripts for CPLDs and FPGAs (that is usually built into the design GUI for such chips), but simulating a microcontroller (uC) based on its program is a bit different.

Has anybody seen examples of those? We have some proprietary software like that where I work to simulate our embedded uCs, but that's proprietary and tailored just to our uCs.
 
berkeman said:
Has anybody seen examples of those?
Wow, a quick Google search on arduino emulator windows turns up lots of hits! Here's one of the first hits on the list:

https://windowsreport.com/arduino-simulators/
240862
 
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berkeman said:
That's a different kind of "simulator". You might be able to get what you want with some sort of "Emulator" software for the Arduino. Have you seen anything like that? You can write "Test Bench" test scripts for CPLDs and FPGAs (that is usually built into the design GUI for such chips), but simulating a microcontroller (uC) based on its program is a bit different.
Nope, I haven't seen any emulator in electronics (the only one I've seen is for Android). I have neither heard of the scripts you mentioned. Actually, I have never worked directly with uC's, and due to my lack of knowledge in that field, I prefer the Arduino.
 

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