Activity 1.1.

5b Circuit Theory: Simulation

Introduction
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 the designer (you) 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 were analyzed by hand in the previous
activity. Thus, the theoretical and simulation results can be compared.

Series Circuit

Parallel Circuit
Equipment
Calculator
Circuit Design Software (CDS)

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Digital Electronics Activity 1.1.5b Circuit Theory: Simulation Page 1
Procedure
1. Shown below is the schematic for a simple series circuit. 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 shown is the
original circuit with the added meters.
Calculated Values:

Using the CDS, enter and simulate this circuit. Measure and record the circuits total
current and the voltage across each of the resistors.
Measured Values:

2. Using the CDS, analyze the circuit shown below to determine IT, VR1, VR2, & VR3.
Add the appropriate ammeters and voltmeters. Be sure to put your answer in proper
engineering notation and use the correct units.

This circuit was analyzed by hand in the previous activity. How do these measured values
compare to the previously calculated values? If they do not match, review your circuit,
your calculations, and make any necessary corrections.

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Digital Electronics Activity 1.1.5b Circuit Theory: Simulation Page 2
3. Using the CDS, analyze the circuit shown below to determine IT, VR1, VR2, VR3, & VR4.
Do the measured values compare to your previously calculated values in the previous
activity?

4. Using the CDS, analyze the circuit shown below to determine IT, IR1, IR2, & IR3.
Do the measured values compare to your previously calculated values in the previous
activity?

5. Using the CDS, analyze the circuit shown below to determine IT, IR1, IR2, IR3, & IR4.
Do the measured values compare to your previously calculate values in the previous
activity?

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Digital Electronics Activity 1.1.5b Circuit Theory: Simulation Page 3
Conclusion
1. 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?

2. Using the results from step (2) of the procedure, verify Kirchhoffs Voltage Law.

3. Using the results from step (5) of the procedure, verify Kirchhoffs Current Law.

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Digital Electronics Activity 1.1.5b Circuit Theory: Simulation Page 4