MultiSIM BLUE SPICE Simulation

Introduction
The MultiSIM BLUE circuit design platform enables functional simulation using the latest
Berkeley SPICEengine . A key attribute in MultiSIM BLUE is the ability to visualize the simulation
using virtual instruments such as function generators, digital multimeters and oscilloscopes. In
addition the MultiSIM BLUE platform enables you to use pre-created LabVIEW instruments that
allow you to enable more measurement capability and to interact with your design in unique
ways.
What is SPICE?
SPICE is a high level, text based circuit description syntax allowing circuit designers to
mathematical describe the components and connections that make up their circuit. MultiSIM
BLUE automatically generates a SPICE netlist in the background (for those parts containing a
SPICE model) and then has a built-in SPICE engine solver to predict the overall circuit behavior
in various modes.
SPICE requires individual components to have a simulation model allowing behavior of the
individual components. The level of detail in the model allows the user to perform f circuit
simulation with different tiers of accuracy. The most complex SPICE models can model noise,
AC, low level DC and transient effects within a circuit whereas ideal models can predict pure
mathematical behavior of a device.
Ideal models allow the user to simplify the circuit components into the most basic or intrinsic
behavior (such as a diode exhibiting current flow in only a single direction). Basic or virtual
models are simplified models that exhibit basic DC, transient and in some cases basic first order
AC response. Basic simulation models are generally useful in standard circuit configurations,
The highest quality simulation models are created by the component manufacturers. These will
allow the most accurate simulations including low level or detailed frequency domain analyses.
The MultiSIM BLUE platform use a combination of all three of these model types, and does allow
for some level of tuning by the user, though not recommended on the manufacturer created
models. Shown below is a schematic of a simple amplifier circuit using a general time domain
(transient) simulation using components in the MultiSIM BLUE NI Component Evaluator
Mouser Edition software.
Note that there are various types of components and symbols used in this schematic. The blue
components are the ones that simulate (SPICE model) and have a footprint for PCB layout. The
black colored components are for use in simulation (such as the AC voltage generator). The
green components (connectors in this example) are connected in this circuit and are used for
PCB layout (they have a mapped footprint), however they are not used in the simulation.

To begin the simulation in interactive mode, press the green run arrow ( ).
In the example a virtual oscilloscope is connected into
the circuit to visualize the behavior of the circuit in the
time domain. Open the front panel of the oscilloscope
by double-clicking on the oscilloscope icon and its
window will open.
Many components in MultiSIM BLUE are interactive
(such as potentiometers and switches) and others
(such as LEDs and fuses) will animate during the
simulation, allowing you to visualize the basic
functionality of your schematic.
To perform other measurements will the simulation is running in interactive mode, other
instrument devices in MultiSIM BLUE work in a similar interactive fashion, although they can
invoke different analyses or simulation capabilities.
On the the instruments, it is worth noting that the terminal connectors are important on the
virtual instruments as some of these can be assumed to be at ground (such as the negative
terminal on the oscilloscope), unless its connected to a net as a reference. Shown below is a
single ended (ground referenced measurement) and a differential measurment (voltage across
the resistor).

(ground referenced)

(differential)

While the simulation is running you can interact with some of the virtual instrument types such
as the oscilloscope, function generator and DMM. Some others require you to restart the
simulation such as the bode plotter (which runs a frequency sweep or AC analysis on the circuit).
Virtual Instruments
Built In Virtual Instruments in MultiSIM BLUE (Mouser Edition) are described below in the order
shown in the instrument shortcut menu.
Instrume
nt (Icon)

Multimeter
( )

Function
Generator
( )

Symbol

Front Panel

Purpose
(Pins)
Measures Voltage, Current,
Resitance and dB (ref)
Pins:
(+) = Positive
(-) = Negative

Generates waveforms with

adjustable settings. Allows
custom waveforms in
interactive mode
Pins:
(+) = Non-Inverting Output
(Common) = Ground
(-) = Inverting Output

Measures power in Watts

using Voltage and Current
signals
Wattmeter
( )

Pins:
Voltage (+) (-) = Differential
Voltage
Current (+) (-) =
Series Current

2 channel waveform
measurements with trigger

Oscilloscop
e
( )

Pins:
A (+) (-) = Voltage CH A
B (+) (-) = Voltage CH B
Ext Trig (+) (-) = External
Trigger Signal
Note: If connected (-) will yield
a differential measurement,
otherwise (+) will reference to
ground

4 channel waveform with

trigger
Four
channel
Oscilloscop
e
( )

Pins:
A = Voltage CH A
B = Voltage CH B
C = Voltage CH C
D = Voltage CH D
G = Gate
T = Trigger
Note: Signals are referenced to
ground

Bode plotter allowing a

frequency sweep analysis to
be performed (such as for a
filter)
Bode
Plotter
( )

Pins:
IN (+) (-) = Input signal
OUT (+) (-) = Output signal
Note: Signal is referenced to
ground if (-) is not connected.
Default analysis is showing
Mag(f) = Vout / Vin and the
result is shown in dB

Word
Generator
( )

Logic
Analyzer
( )

IV Analyzer
( )

Word generator is used for

testing digital or mixed
simulation
Pins:
0-31 = Digital Output
R = Ready
T = Trigger

Logic Analyzer is a digital

measurement devices that
captures digital patterns
from a simulation
Pins:
1-F = 16 Digital Inputs
C = External Clock
Q = Qualifier
T = Trigger

IV instrument performs a
DC sweep and anlyzers the
current and voltage
behavior of 2 and 3 pin
discrete semiconductor
devices
Pins: (dynamic)
P, N (diode)
B, E, C (transistor)
G, S, D (mosfet)

Interactive
Probe
(

Various (each VI as a unique user

interface)

The GUI is unique to each

instrument. Custom
LabVIEW instruments can
be downloaded from the NI
website to add more
measurements to Multisim

None (terminal with current reading

scaled as a voltage)

This probe is useful for

making time domain
current measurements
using the oscilloscope. The
reading can be scaled
(caution as the default
scaling factor is set as 1 V
per mA)

LabVIEW VI
(

Current
Probe
(

None (embedded with circuit)

Inline probe.
Can also be used while
simulation is running as a
meter for simulation

Interactive Components
There are many interactive and animated components in Multisim. Shown below are a few
samples.

Component Type
(Database Location)

Interactive DC Source
(Sources ->
SIGNAL_VOLTAGE_SOURCES)

Symbol

Interactive Behavior

By clicking near the Voltage

level you can adjust the DC
level during simulation

After configuring the device,

the device will illuminate when
the simulation is running if
there is sufficient on current

LED
(Diodes -> LED)

Switch
(Basic -> SWITCH)
OR
(Electro_Mechanical ->
SUPPLEMENTARY_SWITCHES)

OR

While simulating you can

adjust the switch (open or
closed). Other switch types are
available

Potentiometer
(Basic -> POTENTIOMETER)

You can adjust the wiper

position (shown as a % value)
during simulation

Virtual Lamp
(Indicators -> VIRTUAL_LAMP)

The device will emulate a lamp

that will turn on/off based on
applied power