What is an Electrical Net? - Simulation Tools Explained

[tdotengineer]

Hey guys I am using some simulation tools and wondering what is an electrical net?
google didnt help:D

 

[berkeman]

Hey guys I am using some simulation tools and wondering what is an electrical net?
google didnt help:D

I'm guessing just a node which connects components. Like in OrCAD schematics, a Net Name names a wire that connects components together. Is that what you mean?

Otherwise I suppose it could refer to a mesh of connections, but that seems less likely. Can you give some examples of where you have seen the term?

 

[tdotengineer]

I'm guessing just a node which connects components. Like in OrCAD schematics, a Net Name names a wire that connects components together. Is that what you mean?

Otherwise I suppose it could refer to a mesh of connections, but that seems less likely. Can you give some examples of where you have seen the term?

well I am using Ansoft SIwave simulation tool, on a graphics board, bunch of traces, vias etc.
so a net is basically the set of points at the same voltage i assume?

EDIT- and thanks for the help!

 

[berkeman]

well I am using Ansoft SIwave simulation tool, on a graphics board, bunch of traces, vias etc.
so a net is basically the set of points at the same voltage i assume?

EDIT- and thanks for the help!

Yes, in that context, it's each conductive trace/whatever, and each part of the connection is at the same voltage.

One example is in schematics, you can use "connection by Net name", so by naming a line on one part of a schematic page the same as another line on a different part of that page, the Netlist tool will make a connection between them, and it will end up being connected on the final PCB made from that schematic and Netlist. It makes for much cleaner schematics, instead of having to run lines all over the place to make the connections more explicit.