DE: Activity 1.1.5.b Circuit Theory Simulation

DE: Activity 1.1.5.b Circuit Theory Simulation

As much fun as it is to analyze circuits by hand, the process becomes tedious as circuits grow in size and complexity. This is where Circuit Design Software (CDS) comes to the rescue. As the name implies, the CDS is a software tool that can be used to enter and simulate analog and digital circuit designs.

As with most computer applications, the CDS handles the mundane and repetitive tasks associated with analyzing circuits, allowing you, the designer, to concentrate on producing quality and creative designs.

In this activity, you will gain experience using the Circuit Design Software to analyze simple analog circuits. In future activities, we will use the CDS to analyze digital circuits as well. The circuits analyzed are some of the same circuits that you analyzed by hand in the previous activity. Thus, theoretical and simulation results can be compared.

Analyze the circuit to determine its total current and the voltage across each of the two resistors. To make these measurements, add an ammeter and two voltmeters. The second schematic is the original circuit with the added meters.

Open Ended

Analyze this circuit to determine its total current and the voltage across each of the two resistors. To make these measurements, add an ammeter and two voltmeters. The second schematic is the original circuit with the added meters.

Open Ended

Using the CDS, create and analyze the circuit below to determine I_T, V_R1, V_R2, and V_R3. Add the appropriate ammeters and voltmeters. Be sure to put your answer in proper engineering notation and use the correct units.

Open Ended

Using the CDS, analyze the circuit shown below to determine I_T, V_R1, V_R2, V_R3, and V_R4. How do the measured values compare to your previously calculated values in Activity 1.1.5.a?

Open Ended

Using the CDS, analyze the circuit shown below to determine I_T, I_R1, I_R2, and I_R3.

How do the measured values compare to your previously calculated values in Activity 1.1.5.a?

Open Ended

Using the CDS, analyze the circuit shown below to determine I_T, I_R1, I_R2, I_R3, and I_R4.

How do the measured values compare to your previously calculated values in Activity 1.1.5.a?

Open Ended

Using the CDS, analyze the circuit shown below to determine R_T and I_T.

How do the measured values compare to your previously calculated values in Activity 1.1.5.a?

Open Ended

It should be obvious that using a CDS to analyze circuits is far easier than performing the calculations by hand. Yet, being able to perform these calculations by hand is still an important skill for a circuit designer. Why?