NI Multisim User Manual

User Manual: Multisim User Manual

Open the PDF directly: View PDF .
Page Count: 802 [warning: Documents this large are best viewed by clicking the View PDF Link!]

NI MultisimTM

User Manual

NI Multisim User Manual

May 2008

374483C-01

Support

Worldwide Technical Support and Product Information

ni.com

National Instruments Corporate Headquarters

11500 North Mopac Expressway Austin, Texas 78759-3504 USA Tel: 512 683 0100

Worldwide Offices

Australia 1800 300 800, Austria 43 662 457990-0, Belgium 32 (0) 2 757 0020, Brazil 55 11 3262 3599,

Canada 800 433 3488, China 86 21 5050 9800, Czech Republic 420 224 235 774, Denmark 45 45 76 26 00,

Finland 358 (0) 9 725 72511, France 01 57 66 24 24, Germany 49 89 7413130, India 91 80 41190000,

Israel 972 3 6393737, Italy 39 02 41309277, Japan 0120-527196, Korea 82 02 3451 3400,

Lebanon 961 (0) 1 33 28 28, Malaysia 1800 887710, Mexico 01 800 010 0793, Netherlands 31 (0) 348 433 466,

New Zealand 0800 553 322, Norway 47 (0) 66 90 76 60, Poland 48 22 3390150, Portugal 351 210 311 210,

Russia 7 495 783 6851, Singapore 1800 226 5886, Slovenia 386 3 425 42 00, South Africa 27 0 11 805 8197,

Spain 34 91 640 0085, Sweden 46 (0) 8 587 895 00, Switzerland 41 56 2005151, Taiwan 886 02 2377 2222,

Thailand 662 278 6777, Turkey 90 212 279 3031, United Kingdom 44 (0) 1635 523545

For further support information, refer to the Technical Support and Professional Services appendix. To comment

on National Instruments documentation, refer to the National Instruments Web site at ni.com/info and enter

the info code feedback.

© 2006–2008 National Instruments Corporation. All rights reserved.

Important Information

Warranty

The media on which you receive National Instruments software are warranted not to fail to execute programming instructions, due to defects in

materials and workmanship, for a period of 90 days from date of shipment, as evidenced by receipts or other documentation. National Instruments

will, at its option, repair or replace software media that do not execute programming instructions if National Instruments receives notice of such defects

during the warranty period. National Instruments does not warrant that the operation of the software shall be uninterrupted or error free.

A Return Material Authorization (RMA) number must be obtained from the factory and clearly marked on the outside of the package before any

equipment will be accepted for warranty work. National Instruments will pay the shipping costs of returning to the owner parts which are covered by

warranty.

National Instruments believes that the information in this document is accurate. The document has been carefully reviewed for technical accuracy. In

the event that technical or typographical errors exist, National Instruments reserves the right to make changes to subsequent editions of this document

without prior notice to holders of this edition. The reader should consult National Instruments if errors are suspected. In no event shall National

Instruments be liable for any damages arising out of or related to this document or the information contained in it.

EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED HEREIN, NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AND SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OF

MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. CUSTOMER’S RIGHT TO RECOVER DAMAGES CAUSED BY FAULT OR NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF NATIONAL

INSTRUMENTS SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE AMOUNT THERETOFORE PAID BY THE CUSTOMER. NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES RESULTING

FROM LOSS OF DATA, PROFITS, USE OF PRODUCTS, OR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY THEREOF. This limitation of

the liability of National Instruments will apply regardless of the form of action, whether in contract or tort, including negligence. Any action against

National Instruments must be brought within one year after the cause of action accrues. National Instruments shall not be liable for any delay in

performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control. The warranty provided herein does not cover damages, defects, malfunctions, or service

failures caused by owner’s failure to follow the National Instruments installation, operation, or maintenance instructions; owner’s modification of the

product; owner’s abuse, misuse, or negligent acts; and power failure or surges, fire, flood, accident, actions of third parties, or other events outside

reasonable control.

Copyright

Under the copyright laws, this publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,

recording, storing in an information retrieval system, or translating, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of National

Instruments Corporation.

National Instruments respects the intellectual property of others, and we ask our users to do the same. NI software is protected by copyright and other

intellectual property laws. Where NI software may be used to reproduce software or other materials belonging to others, you may use NI software only

to reproduce materials that you may reproduce in accordance with the terms of any applicable license or other legal restriction.

BSIM3 and BSIM4 are developed by the Device Research Group of the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of

California, Berkeley and copyrighted by the University of California.

The ASM51 cross assembler bundled with Multisim MCU is a copyrighted product of MetaLink Corp. (www.metaice.com).

MPASM™ macro assembler and related documentation and literature is reproduced and distributed by Electronics Workbench under license from

Microchip Technology Inc. All rights reserved by Microchip Technology Inc. MICROCHIP SOFTWARE OR FIRMWARE AND LITERATURE

IS PROVIDED “AS IS,” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE

WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL

MICROCHIP BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE

SOFTWARE OR FIRMWARE OR THE USE OF OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE OR FIRMWARE.

Anti-Grain Geometry - Version 2.4

Copyright (C) 2002-2004 Maxim Shemanarev (McSeem)

Permission to copy, use, modify, sell and distribute this software is granted provided this copyright notice appears in all copies. This software is

provided "as is" without express or implied warranty, and with no claim as to its suitability for any purpose.

Anti-Grain Geometry - Version 2.4

Copyright (C) 2002-2005 Maxim Shemanarev (McSeem)

1. Redistribution and use in source and binary forms, with or without modification, are permitted provided that the following conditions are met:

2. Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer.

3. Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright notice, this list of conditions and the following disclaimer in the documentation

and/or other materials provided with the distribution.

The name of the author may not be used to endorse or promote products derived from this software without specific prior written permission.

THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR “AS IS” AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT

LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE

DISCLAIMED. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL,

EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR

SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS; OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF

LIABILITY, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE) ARISING IN

ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE.

Trademarks

National Instruments, NI, ni.com, and LabVIEW are trademarks of National Instruments Corporation. Refer to the Terms of Use section

on ni.com/legal for more information about National Instruments trademarks.

Ultiboard is a registered trademark and Multisim and Electronics Workbench are trademarks of Electronics Workbench.

Portions of this product obtained under license from Bartels Systems GmbH.

Other product and company names mentioned herein are trademarks or trade names of their respective companies.

Members of the National Instruments Alliance Partner Program are business entities independent from National Instruments and have no agency,

partnership, or joint-venture relationship with National Instruments.

Patents

For patents covering National Instruments products, refer to the appropriate location: Help»Patents in your software, the patents.txt file

on your CD, or ni.com/patents.

Some portions of this product are protected under United States Patent No. 6,560,572.

WARNING REGARDING USE OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS

(1) NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE NOT DESIGNED WITH COMPONENTS AND TESTING FOR A LEVEL OF

RELIABILITY SUITABLE FOR USE IN OR IN CONNECTION WITH SURGICAL IMPLANTS OR AS CRITICAL COMPONENTS IN

ANY LIFE SUPPORT SYSTEMS WHOSE FAILURE TO PERFORM CAN REASONABLY BE EXPECTED TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT

INJURY TO A HUMAN.

(2) IN ANY APPLICATION, INCLUDING THE ABOVE, RELIABILITY OF OPERATION OF THE SOFTWARE PRODUCTS CAN BE

IMPAIRED BY ADVERSE FACTORS, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO FLUCTUATIONS IN ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY,

COMPUTER HARDWARE MALFUNCTIONS, COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE FITNESS, FITNESS OF COMPILERS

AND DEVELOPMENT SOFTWARE USED TO DEVELOP AN APPLICATION, INSTALLATION ERRORS, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

COMPATIBILITY PROBLEMS, MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC MONITORING OR CONTROL DEVICES,

TRANSIENT FAILURES OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS (HARDWARE AND/OR SOFTWARE), UNANTICIPATED USES OR MISUSES, OR

ERRORS ON THE PART OF THE USER OR APPLICATIONS DESIGNER (ADVERSE FACTORS SUCH AS THESE ARE HEREAFTER

COLLECTIVELY TERMED “SYSTEM FAILURES”). ANY APPLICATION WHERE A SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD CREATE A RISK OF

HARM TO PROPERTY OR PERSONS (INCLUDING THE RISK OF BODILY INJURY AND DEATH) SHOULD NOT BE RELIANT SOLELY

UPON ONE FORM OF ELECTRONIC SYSTEM DUE TO THE RISK OF SYSTEM FAILURE. TO AVOID DAMAGE, INJURY, OR DEATH,

THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER MUST TAKE REASONABLY PRUDENT STEPS TO PROTECT AGAINST SYSTEM FAILURES,

INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO BACK-UP OR SHUT DOWN MECHANISMS. BECAUSE EACH END-USER SYSTEM IS

CUSTOMIZED AND DIFFERS FROM NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS' TESTING PLATFORMS AND BECAUSE A USER OR APPLICATION

DESIGNER MAY USE NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER PRODUCTS IN A MANNER NOT

EVALUATED OR CONTEMPLATED BY NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS, THE USER OR APPLICATION DESIGNER IS ULTIMATELY

RESPONSIBLE FOR VERIFYING AND VALIDATING THE SUITABILITY OF NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS WHENEVER

NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS PRODUCTS ARE INCORPORATED IN A SYSTEM OR APPLICATION, INCLUDING, WITHOUT

LIMITATION, THE APPROPRIATE DESIGN, PROCESS AND SAFETY LEVEL OF SUCH SYSTEM OR APPLICATION.

Conventions

The following conventions are used in this manual:

»The » symbol leads you through nested menu items and dialog box options

to a final action. The sequence File»Page Setup»Options directs you to

pull down the File menu, select the Page Setup item, and select Options

from the last dialog box.

This icon denotes a tip, which alerts you to advisory information.

This icon denotes a note, which alerts you to important information.

This icon denotes a caution, which advises you of precautions to take to

avoid injury, data loss, or a system crash.

bold Bold text denotes items that you must select or click in the software, such

as menu items and dialog box options. Bold text also denotes parameter

names.

italic Italic text denotes variables, emphasis, a cross-reference, or an introduction

to a key concept. Italic text also denotes text that is a placeholder for a word

or value that you must supply.

monospace Text in this font denotes text or characters that you should enter from the

keyboard, sections of code, programming examples, and syntax examples.

This font is also used for the proper names of disk drives, paths, directories,

programs, subprograms, subroutines, device names, functions, operations,

variables, filenames, and extensions.

monospace bold Bold text in this font denotes the messages and responses that the computer

automatically prints to the screen. This font also emphasizes lines of code

that are different from the other examples.

monospace italic Italic text in this font denotes text that is a placeholder for a word or value

that you must supply.

© National Instruments Corporation vii NI Multisim User Manual

Contents

Chapter 1

User Interface

Introduction to the Multisim Interface ..........................................................................1-1

Toolbars ........................................................................................................................1-1

Standard Toolbar ............................................................................................1-2

Main Toolbar ..................................................................................................1-3

Simulation Toolbar .........................................................................................1-4

View Toolbar...................................................................................................1-5

Components Toolbar .......................................................................................1-6

Virtual Toolbar ................................................................................................1-7

Graphic Annotation Toolbar ...........................................................................1-8

Instruments Toolbar.........................................................................................1-9

Pop-up Menus ...............................................................................................................1-11

Pop-up From Circuit Window, with no Component Selected ........................1-11

Pop-up From a Selected Component or Instrument ........................................1-14

Pop-up From a Selected Wire .........................................................................1-15

Pop-up From a Selected Text Block or Graphic ............................................1-16

Pop-up From a Title Block .............................................................................1-17

Pop-up from a Comment or Measurement Probe............................................1-17

Setting Schematic Capture Preferences ........................................................................1-18

Using the Preferences Dialog Box ..................................................................1-19

Preferences—Paths Tab ...................................................................1-19

Preferences—Save Tab ....................................................................1-20

Preferences—Parts Tab ....................................................................1-21

Preferences—General Tab ...............................................................1-22

Using the Sheet Properties Dialog Box ..........................................................1-23

Sheet Properties—Circuit Tab .........................................................1-24

Sheet Properties—Workspace Tab ...................................................1-25

Sheet Properties—Wiring Tab .........................................................1-25

Sheet Properties—Font Tab .............................................................1-25

Sheet Properties—PCB Tab .............................................................1-27

Sheet Properties—Visibility Tab .....................................................1-27

Design Toolbox..............................................................................................................1-28

Visibility Tab...................................................................................................1-28

Hierarchy Tab..................................................................................................1-29

Contents

NI Multisim User Manual viii ni.com

Customizing the Interface.............................................................................................. 1-31

Commands tab ................................................................................................ 1-32

Toolbars tab .................................................................................................... 1-32

Keyboard tab .................................................................................................. 1-33

Menu tab ........................................................................................................ 1-33

Options tab ..................................................................................................... 1-33

Customization Pop-up Menus......................................................................... 1-34

Chapter 2

Schematic Capture—Basics

Introduction to Schematic Capture................................................................................ 2-1

Working with Multiple Circuit Windows...................................................................... 2-1

Selecting Components from the Database .................................................................... 2-2

Placing Components...................................................................................................... 2-2

Using the Place Component Browser ............................................................ 2-3

Placing Resistors, Inductors or Capacitors ...................................... 2-5

Multi-section Components ............................................................... 2-7

Rotating/Flipping a Part During Placement...................................... 2-9

Other Buttons ................................................................................... 2-10

Placing Virtual Components ........................................................................... 2-10

Virtual Component Toolbars ............................................................ 2-12

Using the In Use List ...................................................................................... 2-13

Drop-Placing Two-Pinned Components ......................................................... 2-14

Selecting Placed Components......................................................................... 2-14

Moving a Placed Component.......................................................................... 2-15

Copying a Placed Component......................................................................... 2-17

Replacing a Placed Component ...................................................................... 2-17

Controlling Component’s Color ..................................................................... 2-18

Wiring Components....................................................................................................... 2-18

Wiring Components Automatically ................................................................ 2-19

Autowire of Touching Pins............................................................... 2-20

Wiring Components Manually........................................................................ 2-21

Combining Automatic and Manual Wiring .................................................... 2-22

Marking Pins for No Connection .................................................................... 2-22

Placing Wires Directly Onto Workspace ........................................................ 2-23

Setting Wiring Preferences ............................................................................. 2-23

Modifying the Wire Path................................................................................. 2-24

Controlling Wire Color .................................................................................. 2-24

Moving a Wire ................................................................................................ 2-25

Virtual Wiring ................................................................................................. 2-25

Manually Adding a Junction ......................................................................................... 2-26

Rotating/Flipping Placed Components.......................................................................... 2-27

Finding Components in Your Circuit ............................................................................ 2-28

Contents

© National Instruments Corporation ix NI Multisim User Manual

Labeling .........................................................................................................................2-30

Modifying Component Labels and Attributes.................................................2-30

Modifying Net Names ....................................................................................2-31

Adding a Title Block .......................................................................................2-32

Entering the Title Block Contents ....................................................2-32

Adding Miscellaneous Text.............................................................................2-34

Adding a Comment..........................................................................................2-35

Graphic Annotation ........................................................................................2-37

Capturing Screen Area ....................................................................................2-40

Circuit Description Box ................................................................................................2-41

Formatting the Circuit Description Box ..........................................................2-42

Formatting Circuit Description Box Text .........................................2-42

Paragraph Dialog Box ......................................................................2-43

Tabs Dialog Box ..............................................................................2-44

Date and Time Dialog Box ..............................................................2-44

Properties Dialog Box ......................................................................2-45

Insert Object Dialog Box ..................................................................2-45

Scrolling with Events During Simulation........................................................2-46

Scrolling Text During Simulation.....................................................2-46

Playing a Video Clip .........................................................................2-47

Description Label Dialog Box .........................................................2-49

Edit Labels Dialog Box ....................................................................2-50

Other Actions ....................................................................................2-50

Description Edit Bar ........................................................................................2-51

Linking a Form to a Circuit ...........................................................................................2-52

Creating Forms ................................................................................................2-53

Linking to Questions ......................................................................................2-54

Setting Form Submission Options...................................................................2-55

Completing Forms ...........................................................................................2-56

Printing the Circuit ........................................................................................................2-56

Chapter 3

Schematic Capture—Advanced Functions

Placed Component Properties........................................................................................3-1

Displaying Identifying Information about a Placed Component ....................3-1

Viewing a Placed Component’s Value/Model ...............................................3-2

Real Components ..............................................................................3-2

Resistors, Inductors and Capacitors .................................................3-3

Edit Model Dialog Box ....................................................................3-4

Edit Footprint Dialog Box ................................................................3-5

Virtual Components ..........................................................................3-5

Controlling How a Placed Component is Used in Analyses ..........................3-6

Editing a Placed Component’s User Fields ....................................................3-7

Contents

NI Multisim User Manual x ni.com

Assigning Faults to Components .................................................................................. 3-8

Setting a Placed Component’s Faults ............................................................. 3-8

Using the Auto Fault Option .......................................................................... 3-9

Spreadsheet View .......................................................................................................... 3-10

Spreadsheet View Results Tab........................................................................ 3-10

Spreadsheet View Nets Tab ............................................................................ 3-10

Spreadsheet View Components Tab ............................................................... 3-12

Spreadsheet View PCB Layers Tab ................................................................ 3-14

Spreadsheet View Simulation Tab ................................................................. 3-14

Spreadsheet View Buttons .............................................................................. 3-15

Title Block Editor.......................................................................................................... 3-16

Enter Text Dialog Box .................................................................................... 3-18

Placing Fields.................................................................................................. 3-18

Field Codes ...................................................................................... 3-20

Title Block Editor Spreadsheet View.............................................................. 3-21

Title Block Editor Menus................................................................................ 3-22

File Menu ......................................................................................... 3-22

Edit Menu ........................................................................................ 3-22

View Menu ...................................................................................... 3-23

Fields Menu ..................................................................................... 3-24

Graphics Menu ................................................................................ 3-26

Tools Menu ...................................................................................... 3-27

Help Menu ....................................................................................... 3-27

Pop-up Menus .................................................................................. 3-27

Title Block Editor Toolbars ............................................................................ 3-28

Standard Toolbar—Title Block Editor ............................................. 3-28

Zoom Toolbar—Title Block Editor .................................................. 3-29

Draw Tools Toolbar—Title Block Editor ........................................ 3-30

Drawing Toolbar—Title Block Editor ............................................. 3-31

Electrical Rules Checking ............................................................................................. 3-33

ERC Options Tab ........................................................................................... 3-36

Clearing ERC Markers ..................................................................... 3-37

ERC Rules Tab................................................................................................ 3-38

Component’s Pins Tab .................................................................................... 3-40

Chapter 4

Working with Larger Designs

Flat Multi-Sheet Design ................................................................................................ 4-1

Delete Multi-Page Dialog Box........................................................................ 4-2

Hierarchical Design ....................................................................................................... 4-2

Nested Circuits................................................................................................ 4-3

Component Numbering in Nested Circuits..................................................... 4-4

Net Numbering in Nested Circuits.................................................................. 4-5

Contents

© National Instruments Corporation xi NI Multisim User Manual

Global Nets......................................................................................................4-5

Adding a Hierarchical Block ...........................................................................4-7

Placing a HB from an Existing File ..................................................4-8

Replacing Components with an HB..................................................4-9

Adding a Subcircuit ........................................................................................4-10

Replacing Components with an SC ..................................................4-10

Viewing a Parent Sheet ...................................................................................4-11

Renaming Component Instances ...................................................................................4-11

Reference Designator Prefix Setup Dialog .....................................................4-12

Buses..............................................................................................................................4-15

Placing a Bus ...................................................................................................4-17

Placing a Bus across Multi-Pages .....................................................4-17

Connecting Buses to HB/SCs ...........................................................4-18

Bus Properties..................................................................................................4-20

Adding Buslines to a Bus .................................................................4-20

Deleting Buslines from a Bus ...........................................................4-20

Renaming Buslines in a Bus ............................................................4-20

Merging Buses ................................................................................................4-21

Wiring to a Bus................................................................................................4-22

Bus Vector Connect.........................................................................................4-25

Variants..........................................................................................................................4-35

Setting Up Variants ........................................................................................4-35

Placing Parts in Variants .................................................................................4-38

Assigning Variant Status to Components ........................................4-40

Assigning Variant Status to Nested Circuits.....................................4-44

Setting the Active Variant for Simulation ........................................4-44

Project Management and Version Control.....................................................................4-47

Setting up Projects ..........................................................................................4-47

Working with Projects.....................................................................................4-48

Working with Files Contained in Projects ......................................................4-49

Version Control ..............................................................................................4-50

Chapter 5

Components

Structure of the Component Database ..........................................................................5-1

Database Levels ..............................................................................................5-2

Classification of Components in the Database ...............................................5-2

Locating Components in the Database .........................................................................5-3

Browsing for Components ..............................................................................5-3

Searching for Components .............................................................................5-3

Types of Information Stored for Components ..............................................................5-4

Pre-Defined Fields ..........................................................................................5-5

User Fields ......................................................................................................5-5

Contents

NI Multisim User Manual xii ni.com

Managing the Database ................................................................................................ 5-6

Filtering Displayed Components ................................................................... 5-6

Deleting Components ..................................................................................... 5-7

Copying Components ..................................................................................... 5-7

Exporting Components .................................................................................. 5-8

Saving Placed Components ............................................................................ 5-8

Moving Components Between Databases ...................................................... 5-9

Resetting Master dB User Fields ................................................................... 5-9

Managing Families ......................................................................................... 5-9

Modifying User Field Titles and Content ...................................................... 5-11

Modifying User Field Content for RLC Components ..................... 5-11

Displaying Database Information ................................................................... 5-12

Editing Components........................................................................................ 5-12

Converting Databases ................................................................................................... 5-12

Updating Components from Databases ........................................................................ 5-14

Merging Databases ....................................................................................................... 5-16

Chapter 6

Component Editing

Introduction to Component Editing............................................................................... 6-1

Creating Components with the Component Wizard ..................................................... 6-3

Creating an Analog Component...................................................................... 6-3

Creating a Digital Component ........................................................................ 6-7

Creating a VHDL Component ........................................................................ 6-11

Using a Symbol File Created in the Symbol Editor........................................ 6-15

Editing Components ...................................................................................................... 6-16

Editing a Component’s General Properties .................................................................. 6-17

Editing a Component’s Symbol .................................................................................... 6-17

Copying a Component’s Symbol .................................................................... 6-19

Copying a Multi-Section Component’s Symbol .............................. 6-19

Creating and Editing a Component’s Symbol with the Symbol Editor .......... 6-19

Symbol Editor Spreadsheet View..................................................... 6-21

Working with the Symbol Editor ..................................................... 6-23

Enter Text Dialog Box...................................................................... 6-27

In-Place Edit Mode........................................................................... 6-28

Symbol Editor Menus....................................................................... 6-28

Symbol Editor Toolbars.................................................................... 6-33

Editing a Component’s Model....................................................................................... 6-39

Adding a Model to a Component ................................................................... 6-40

Component List Dialog Box............................................................. 6-42

Contents

© National Instruments Corporation xiii NI Multisim User Manual

Creating a SPICE Model for a Component .....................................................6-42

Creating a Model Using a Model Maker ..........................................6-42

Creating a Primitive Model...............................................................6-42

Creating a SPICE Subcircuit ............................................................6-44

Loading an Existing Model .............................................................................6-45

Modify a Model’s Data ...................................................................................6-46

Copying the Model of One Component to Another .......................................6-46

Analog Behavioral Modeling and Controlled Source Syntax ......................................6-47

Accessing Net Voltages and Branch Currents in ABM Expressions .............6-47

Editing a Component Pin Model ..................................................................................6-48

Editing a Component’s Footprint .................................................................................6-49

Select a Footprint Dialog Box ........................................................................6-49

Filter Dialog Box ..............................................................................6-50

Add a Footprint Dialog Box............................................................................6-52

Advanced Pin Mapping Dialog ......................................................................6-53

Editing a Component’s Electronic Parameters ..............................................................6-56

Editing User Fields .......................................................................................................6-56

Creating a Component Model Using the Model Makers...............................................6-57

AC Motor ........................................................................................................6-58

BJT Model Maker ...........................................................................................6-58

Converters........................................................................................................6-69

Boost Converter ...............................................................................6-70

Buck Boost Converter ......................................................................6-71

Buck Converter ................................................................................6-71

Cuk Converter ..................................................................................6-71

Diode Model Maker .......................................................................................6-72

Transformers....................................................................................................6-75

Ideal Transformer (Multiple Winding) ............................................6-75

Linear Transformer (Multiple Winding) ..........................................6-76

Linear Transformer with Neutral Terminal .....................................6-76

Two Winding Linear Transformer ...................................................6-76

Non-linear Transformer (Multiple Winding) ...................................6-77

MOSFET (Field Effect Transistor) Model Maker ..........................................6-78

Operational Amplifier Model Maker...............................................................6-84

Silicon Controlled Rectifier Model Maker......................................................6-87

Zener Model Maker.........................................................................................6-90

Creating a Model Using Code Modeling ......................................................................6-94

What is Code Modeling? .................................................................................6-94

Creating a Code Model ...................................................................................6-95

The Interface File (Ifspec.ifs) .........................................................................6-98

Name Table .......................................................................................6-99

Port Table..........................................................................................6-101

Parameter Table ................................................................................6-103

Example Interface File ......................................................................6-104

Contents

NI Multisim User Manual xiv ni.com

The Implementation File (Cfunc.mod) .......................................................... 6-106

Implementation File C Macros ......................................................... 6-106

Example Implementation File .......................................................... 6-114

Chapter 7

Multisim SPICE Reference

Documentation Conventions ........................................................................................ 7-1

General Purpose Syntax ............................................................................................... 7-2

Primitive Device Declarations ....................................................................... 7-2

SPICE Subcircuits .......................................................................................... 7-4

Circuit Parameters .......................................................................................... 7-6

Number Format .............................................................................................. 7-8

Comments and Line Continuation ................................................................. 7-8

Mathematical Expressions ............................................................................................ 7-9

Introduction .................................................................................................... 7-9

Supported Mathematical Functions, Operators and Constants ...................... 7-10

User-Defined Functions ................................................................................. 7-16

Analog Devices ............................................................................................................ 7-17

Resistor ........................................................................................................... 7-18

Capacitor ........................................................................................................ 7-19

Inductor .......................................................................................................... 7-20

Coupled (Mutual) Inductor ............................................................................ 7-21

Diode............................................................................................................... 7-22

Lossless Transmission Line ............................................................................ 7-23

Lossy Transmission Line ................................................................................ 7-24

Uniform R.C. Line (Lumped-approximation R.C. line) ................................. 7-26

JFET ................................................................................................................ 7-27

MESFET ......................................................................................................... 7-28

Voltage-Controlled Switch ............................................................................ 7-30

Smooth Transition Voltage-Controlled Switch ............................... 7-31

Current-Controlled Switch ............................................................................. 7-33

BJT .................................................................................................................. 7-34

MOSFET......................................................................................................... 7-36

Independent Voltage Source .......................................................................... 7-42

Pulse Source ..................................................................................... 7-44

Sinusoidal Source ............................................................................. 7-45

Single Frequency FM Source ........................................................... 7-45

Exponential Source........................................................................... 7-46

Piecewise Linear Source................................................................... 7-46

Piecewise Linear File Source ........................................................... 7-47

Modulation Source ........................................................................... 7-47

AM Modulation Source .................................................................... 7-48

FM Modulation Source..................................................................... 7-48

Contents

© National Instruments Corporation xv NI Multisim User Manual

FSK Modulation Source....................................................................7-49

BST Modulation Source....................................................................7-50

SWP Modulation Source...................................................................7-50

Noise Source .....................................................................................7-51

XARB Source ...................................................................................7-52

Independent Current Source ...........................................................................7-52

Arbitrary Source .............................................................................................7-54

Voltage Controlled Voltage Source ................................................................7-56

Polynomial Specifications.................................................................7-57

Current Controlled Voltage Source ................................................................7-58

Voltage Controlled Current Source ................................................................7-59

Current Controlled Current Source ................................................................7-60

XSPICE Syntax Reference ...........................................................................................7-61

XSPICE Code Model .....................................................................................7-61

Unusual Forms of Device Syntax .................................................................................7-62

Compatibility Modes ....................................................................................................7-63

Chapter 8

Simulation

Introduction to Simulation .............................................................................................8-1

Using Multisim Simulation............................................................................................8-2

Interactive Components ..................................................................................8-3

Component Tolerances in Multisim ...............................................................8-3

Start/Stop/Pause Simulation ............................................................................8-4

Simulation Running Indicator...........................................................8-5

Simulation Speed ..............................................................................8-5

Circuit Consistency Check ..............................................................................8-6

Simulation from Netlist Without Schematic ...................................................8-6

Multisim SPICE Simulation: Technical Detail..............................................................8-6

Circuit Simulation Mechanism........................................................................8-7

Four Stages of Circuit Simulation ...................................................................8-7

Equation Formulation......................................................................................8-9

Equation Solution ............................................................................................8-10

User Setting: Maximum Integration Order......................................................8-10

Convergence Assistance Algorithms...............................................................8-11

Digital Simulation ...........................................................................................8-12

RF Simulation ................................................................................................................8-13

MultiVHDL ...................................................................................................................8-13

Circuit Wizards ..............................................................................................................8-14

555 Timer Wizard............................................................................................8-14

Filter Wizard ...................................................................................................8-16

Common Emitter BJT Amplifier Wizard .......................................................8-18

Op-amp Wizard ..............................................................................................8-20

Contents

NI Multisim User Manual xvi ni.com

Netlist and Simulation Errors ....................................................................................... 8-21

Netlist Errors and Warnings ........................................................................... 8-21

Simulation Errors ........................................................................................... 8-22

Simulation Error Log/Audit Trail ................................................................................. 8-23

Simulation Error Help ................................................................................................... 8-24

Convergence Assistant ................................................................................................ 8-25

Saving/Loading Simulation Profiles ............................................................................. 8-26

Saving a Simulation Profile ............................................................................ 8-26

Loading a Simulation Profile .......................................................................... 8-27

Chapter 9

Instruments

Introduction to the Multisim Instruments...................................................................... 9-1

Saving Simulation Data with Instruments ...................................................... 9-2

Adding an Instrument to a Circuit .................................................................. 9-2

Using the Instrument ...................................................................................... 9-3

Working with Multiple Instruments ............................................................... 9-4

Saving Instrument Data................................................................................... 9-4

Printing Instruments ..................................................................................................... 9-5

Interactive Simulation Settings ..................................................................................... 9-5

Troubleshooting Simulation Errors ................................................................ 9-6

Multimeter ..................................................................................................................... 9-7

Multimeter Settings......................................................................................... 9-8

Function Generator ....................................................................................................... 9-11

Function Generator Settings ........................................................................... 9-12

Wattmeter ...................................................................................................................... 9-13

Connecting the Wattmeter .............................................................................. 9-14

Oscilloscope ................................................................................................................. 9-15

Oscilloscope Settings ...................................................................................... 9-16

Viewing Oscilloscope Results ........................................................................ 9-19

Bode Plotter .................................................................................................................. 9-19

Bode Plotter Settings....................................................................................... 9-21

Viewing Bode Plotter Results ......................................................................... 9-22

Word Generator ............................................................................................................ 9-23

Word Generator Settings ................................................................................ 9-24

Logic Analyzer ............................................................................................................. 9-26

Logic Analyzer Settings.................................................................................. 9-28

Logic Converter ............................................................................................................ 9-31

Logic Converter Settings ............................................................................... 9-32

Distortion Analyzer ...................................................................................................... 9-34

Distortion Analyzer Settings........................................................................... 9-35

Spectrum Analyzer ....................................................................................................... 9-36

Network Analyzer ......................................................................................................... 9-36

Contents

© National Instruments Corporation xvii NI Multisim User Manual

Measurement Probe ......................................................................................................9-37

Measurement Probe Settings ..........................................................................9-37

Dynamic Probe Settings....................................................................9-37

Static Probe Settings ........................................................................9-38

Using the Dynamic Measurement Probe ........................................................9-40

Using the Static Measurement Probe .............................................................9-41

Four-Channel Oscilloscope ...........................................................................................9-43

Four-Channel Oscilloscope Settings ...............................................................9-43

Viewing Four-Channel Oscilloscope Results..................................................9-47

Connecting the Four-channel Oscilloscope.....................................................9-50

Frequency Counter.........................................................................................................9-50

Using the Frequency Counter..........................................................................9-51

IV Analyzer....................................................................................................................9-53

Using the IV Analyzer.....................................................................................9-54

Simulate Parameters Dialog Box .....................................................9-57

Reviewing IV Analyzer Data ..........................................................................9-61

Agilent Simulated Instruments ......................................................................................9-63

Agilent Simulated Function Generator............................................................9-63

Supported Features............................................................................9-63

Features Not Supported.....................................................................9-64

Using the Agilent Function Generator .............................................9-64

Agilent Simulated Multimeter.........................................................................9-65

Supported Features............................................................................9-65

Features Not Supported.....................................................................9-65

Using the Agilent Multimeter ...........................................................9-66

Agilent Simulated Oscilloscope ......................................................................9-66

Supported Features............................................................................9-66

Features Not Supported.....................................................................9-68

Using the Agilent Oscilloscope ........................................................9-68

Tektronix Simulated Instruments ..................................................................................9-69

Tektronix Simulated Oscilloscope .................................................................9-69

Supported Features............................................................................9-69

Features Not Supported.....................................................................9-71

Using the Tektronix Oscilloscope.....................................................9-72

Voltmeter ......................................................................................................................9-72

Using the Voltmeter ........................................................................................9-72

Ammeter .......................................................................................................................9-73

Using the Ammeter .........................................................................................9-73

Current Probe ................................................................................................................9-74

Current Probe Properties ................................................................................9-75

Contents

NI Multisim User Manual xviii ni.com

LabVIEW Instruments .................................................................................................. 9-78

System Requirements ..................................................................................... 9-79

Sample LabVIEW Instruments ...................................................................... 9-80

Microphone ...................................................................................... 9-80

Speaker ............................................................................................ 9-81

Signal Analyzer ............................................................................... 9-81

Signal Generator .............................................................................. 9-82

Streaming Signal Generator ............................................................. 9-82

LabVIEW Instruments Toolbar ....................................................... 9-83

Creating a LabVIEW Instrument .................................................................... 9-83

Building a LabVIEW Instrument ................................................................... 9-86

Installing a LabVIEW Instrument................................................................... 9-86

Guidelines for Successfully Creating a LabVIEW Instrument ...................... 9-86

Chapter 10

Analyses

Introduction to Multisim Analyses ............................................................................... 10-1

Viewing the Analysis Results: Grapher ....................................................................... 10-2

Working with Pages on the Grapher ............................................................... 10-6

Working with Graphs ..................................................................................... 10-7

Grids and Legends ........................................................................... 10-7

Cursors ............................................................................................. 10-8

Cursor Pop-up Menu ....................................................................... 10-10

Zoom and Restore............................................................................. 10-11

Title .................................................................................................. 10-11

Axes .................................................................................................. 10-12

Traces ............................................................................................... 10-13

Merging Traces ................................................................................ 10-14

Select Pages Dialog Box .................................................................. 10-14

Graph Pop-up Menu ........................................................................ 10-15

Viewing Charts .............................................................................................. 10-15

Cut, Copy and Paste ....................................................................................... 10-16

Opening Files .................................................................................................. 10-16

Saving Files..................................................................................................... 10-17

Print and Print Preview .................................................................................. 10-19

Adding Traces from the Latest Simulation Results ....................................... 10-19

Working with Analyses ................................................................................................. 10-21

General Instructions ....................................................................................... 10-21

Analysis Parameters Tab ................................................................................ 10-22

Output Tab ..................................................................................................... 10-22

Choosing How to Handle Output Variables .................................... 10-23

Filtering the Variable Lists .............................................................. 10-23

Contents

© National Instruments Corporation xix NI Multisim User Manual

Adding Parameters to the Variable List ...........................................10-24

Selecting Variables to Save ..............................................................10-25

Adding Analysis Expressions .........................................................................10-26

Analysis Options Tab .....................................................................................10-28

Summary Tab .................................................................................................10-29

Incomplete Analyses .......................................................................................10-29

DC Operating Point Analysis .......................................................................................10-30

Setting up and Running DC Operating Point Analysis ...................................10-30

Setting DC Operating Point Analysis Parameters ............................10-30

Sample Circuit.................................................................................................10-31

Troubleshooting DC Operating Point Analysis Failures.................................10-32

Circuit Failure Example ....................................................................10-33

Troubleshooting Techniques.............................................................10-33

AC Analysis...................................................................................................................10-35

Setting AC Analysis Frequency Parameters ...................................................10-35

Transient Analysis ........................................................................................................10-37

Setting Transient Analysis Parameters ...........................................................10-38

Troubleshooting Transient Analysis Failures .................................................10-40

Fourier Analysis.............................................................................................................10-40

Setting Fourier Analysis Parameters ...............................................................10-41

Noise Analysis ..............................................................................................................10-44

Setting Noise Analysis Parameters..................................................................10-46

Noise Analysis Example..................................................................................10-48

Distortion Analysis ........................................................................................................10-50

Multisim Approach..........................................................................................10-51

Preparing the Circuit for Distortion Analysis .................................................10-52

Understanding the Distortion Analysis Options .............................................10-52

Distortion Analysis for Harmonic Distortion .................................................10-53

Distortion Analysis for Intermodulation Distortion .......................................10-55

DC Sweep Analysis ......................................................................................................10-57

Setting DC Sweep Analysis Parameters..........................................................10-58

DC Sweep Analysis Examples ........................................................................10-59

DC and AC Sensitivity Analyses ..................................................................................10-62

Sensitivity Analysis Parameters ......................................................................10-63

Setting Up and Running Sensitivity Analysis ................................................10-64

Parameter Sweep Analysis.............................................................................................10-67

Setting Parameter Sweep Analysis Parameters ..............................................10-68

Parameter Sweep Analysis—Example ...........................................................10-70

Temperature Sweep Analysis ........................................................................................10-74

Setting Temperature Sweep Analysis Parameters ..........................................10-75

Transfer Function Analysis............................................................................................10-77

Setting Transfer Function Analysis Parameters .............................................10-77

Examples of Transfer Function Analysis .......................................................10-79

Contents

NI Multisim User Manual xx ni.com

Worst Case Analysis ..................................................................................................... 10-82

Setting Tolerance Parameters.......................................................................... 10-83

Setting Worst Case Analysis Parameters ........................................................ 10-84

Worst Case Analysis Example........................................................................ 10-85

Pole Zero Analysis ....................................................................................................... 10-87

Multisim Approach ......................................................................................... 10-90

Setting Pole Zero Analysis Parameters........................................................... 10-91

Running Pole Zero Analysis .......................................................................... 10-92

Monte Carlo Analysis ................................................................................................... 10-93

Uniform Distribution....................................................................................... 10-94

Gaussian Distribution...................................................................................... 10-94

Setting Up and Running Monte Carlo Analysis ............................................. 10-96

Entering a Component Tolerance .................................................... 10-96

Specifying Monte Carlo Analysis Parameters ................................. 10-97

Monte Carlo Analysis Example ...................................................................... 10-98

Setting up the Sample Monte Carlo Analysis .................................. 10-99

Simulation Results............................................................................ 10-103

Trace Width Analysis ................................................................................................... 10-106

Multisim Approach ......................................................................................... 10-108

Sample Trace Width Analysis......................................................................... 10-110

RF Analyses................................................................................................................... 10-111

Nested Sweep Analyses ................................................................................................ 10-112

Batched Analyses ......................................................................................................... 10-112

User Defined Analyses ................................................................................................. 10-114

Creating and Simulating a SPICE Netlist ...................................................... 10-114

Importing the SPICE netlist into Multisim .................................................... 10-115

Plotting Two Nodes Using the Tran Statement ............................................. 10-116

Custom Analysis Options Dialog Box .......................................................................... 10-116

Global Tab ...................................................................................................... 10-117

DC Tab ........................................................................................................... 10-119

Transient Tab ................................................................................................. 10-120

Device Tab ..................................................................................................... 10-121

Advanced Tab ................................................................................................ 10-122

Chapter 11

Postprocessor

Introduction to the Postprocessor .................................................................................. 11-1

Using the Postprocessor ................................................................................................ 11-2

Basic Steps ..................................................................................................... 11-2

Using the Default Analysis............................................................... 11-7

Creating Multiple Traces ................................................................. 11-8

Working with Pages, Traces, Graphs and Charts .......................................... 11-8

Contents

© National Instruments Corporation xxi NI Multisim User Manual

Postprocessor Variables.................................................................................................11-9

Available Postprocessor Functions ...............................................................................11-9

Chapter 12

Reports

Bill of Materials .............................................................................................................12-1

Using the BOM Report....................................................................................12-3

Component Detail Report ..............................................................................................12-5

Using the Component Detail Report ..............................................................12-5

Netlist Report.................................................................................................................12-6

Using the Netlist Report ..................................................................................12-6

Schematic Statistics Report ...........................................................................................12-7

Using the Schematic Statistics Report.............................................................12-8

Spare Gates Report ........................................................................................................12-9

Using the Spare Gates Report..........................................................................12-9

Model Data Report ........................................................................................................12-10

Using the Model Data Report..........................................................................12-10

Cross Reference Report .................................................................................................12-11

Using the Cross Reference Report ..................................................................12-11

Variants Filter Dialog Box ............................................................................................12-12

Chapter 13

Transfer/Communication

Introduction to Transfer/Communication .....................................................................13-1

Exporting to PCB layout ...............................................................................................13-1

Transferring from Multisim to Ultiboard for PCB Layout..............................13-2

Transfering to Other PCB Layout Packages ..................................................13-3

Forward Annotation.......................................................................................................13-4

Back Annotation ............................................................................................................13-5

Exporting Simulation Results .......................................................................................13-5

Exporting to MathCAD ...................................................................................13-5

Exporting to Excel...........................................................................................13-6

Saving to a Measurement File .........................................................................13-7

Exporting a Netlist .........................................................................................................13-8

Importing Files with Other Formats .............................................................................13-8

Opening an Electronics Workbench 5 File .....................................................13-9

Opening an Ulticap File ..................................................................................13-9

Importing a SPICE or Cadence® PSpice® Netlist ...........................................13-10

Contents

NI Multisim User Manual xxii ni.com

Chapter 14

RF

Introduction to the Multisim RF Module ..................................................................... 14-1

RF Components ............................................................................................................ 14-2

Multisim’s RF Components ............................................................................ 14-3

Theoretical Explanation of the RF Models .................................................... 14-3

Striplines/Microstrips/Waveguides .................................................. 14-3

RF Resistors...................................................................................... 14-5

RF Capacitors ................................................................................... 14-5

RF Inductors .................................................................................... 14-7

Devices ............................................................................................. 14-7

RF Instruments ............................................................................................................. 14-8

Spectrum Analyzer ......................................................................................... 14-8

Using Multisim’s Spectrum Analyzer .............................................. 14-9

Frequency Range .............................................................................. 14-10

Frequency Spans............................................................................... 14-10

Frequency Analysis .......................................................................... 14-11

Amplitude Range.............................................................................. 14-12

Reference Level................................................................................ 14-12

Frequency Resolution ....................................................................... 14-13

Examples .......................................................................................... 14-13

Network Analyzer .......................................................................................... 14-17

Using the Network Analyzer ............................................................ 14-17

Marker Controls................................................................................ 14-18

Trace Controls .................................................................................. 14-19

Format Controls................................................................................ 14-19

Data Controls.................................................................................... 14-19

Mode Controls .................................................................................. 14-20

RF Analyses .................................................................................................................. 14-20

RF Characterizer Analysis .............................................................................. 14-20

Matching Network Analysis .......................................................................... 14-23

Noise Figure Analysis .................................................................................... 14-28

Multisim Approach .......................................................................... 14-31

Noise Figure Analysis Tabs.............................................................. 14-31

Sample Noise Figure Analysis ......................................................... 14-32

RF Model Makers.......................................................................................................... 14-33

Waveguide ..................................................................................................... 14-34

Microstrip Line .............................................................................................. 14-35

Open End Microstrip Line ............................................................................. 14-36

RF Spiral Inductor........................................................................................... 14-36

Strip Line Model ............................................................................................ 14-37

Stripline Bend ................................................................................................ 14-38

Contents

© National Instruments Corporation xxiii NI Multisim User Manual

Lossy Line ......................................................................................................14-39

Interdigital Capacitor ......................................................................................14-40

Tutorial: Designing RF Circuits ....................................................................................14-41

Selecting Type of RF Amplifier ......................................................................14-42

Selecting an RF Transistor ..............................................................................14-42

Selecting a DC Operating Point ......................................................................14-43

Selecting the Biasing Network ........................................................................14-43

Selecting an Operating Frequency Point ..........................................14-45

Analyzing the RF Network ...............................................................14-45

Chapter 15

Multisim MCU

Introduction to Multisim MCU .....................................................................................15-1

Multisim MCU Basics.....................................................................................15-1

Debugging Tools .............................................................................................15-2

MCU Source Code Editor ...............................................................................15-2

MCU Memory View........................................................................................15-3

Advanced Features ..........................................................................................15-3

Peripheral Devices...........................................................................................15-3

Multisim MCU File Management .................................................................................15-4

MCU Design Overview ..................................................................................15-4

MCU Wizard ..................................................................................................15-5

Adding and Removing Projects, Folders and Files ........................................15-7

Multisim MCU Code Manager .....................................................................................15-8

MCU Code Manager Overview ......................................................................15-8

Adding and Removing Projects, Folders and Files in the

MCU Code Manager ...................................................................................15-10

MCU Project Build Settings ...........................................................................15-11

Documentation for Supported Tools ................................................15-12

8051 Workspace Build Settings Example.........................................15-13

Loading an External Hex File Project ............................................................15-19

Building an MCU Workspace ........................................................................15-19

Errors and Warnings ........................................................................15-20

Simulation of Machine Code File ....................................................15-20

Multisim MCU Source Code Editor .............................................................................15-23

Opening a Source Code File ...........................................................................15-23

Building Source Code Files ............................................................................15-23

Source Code View...........................................................................................15-24

MCU Debugging Features ............................................................................................15-25

Definitions ......................................................................................................15-25

Opening a Debug View ..................................................................................15-25

Debug Window Settings .................................................................................15-26

MCU Toolbar Buttons ......................................................................15-27

Contents

NI Multisim User Manual xxiv ni.com

Simulation Markers ........................................................................................ 15-28

Breakpoints .................................................................................................... 15-28

Stepping and Breaking ................................................................................... 15-30

Memory View ................................................................................................. 15-31

Chapter 16

Automation API

Appendix A

Menus and Commands

Appendix B

Archiving Data

Appendix C

Technical Support and Professional Services

Index

© National Instruments Corporation 1-1 NI Multisim User Manual

1

User Interface

This chapter explains the basic operation of the Multisim user interface.

Some of the features described in this chapter may not be available in your

edition of Multisim. Refer to the release notes for a list of the features in

your edition.

Introduction to the Multisim Interface

Multisim is the schematic capture and simulation application of National

Instruments Circuit Design Suite, a suite of EDA (Electronics Design

Automation) tools that assists you in carrying out the major steps in the

circuit design flow. Multisim is designed for schematic entry, simulation,

and feeding to downstage steps, such as PCB layout.

Note For more information on the Multisim interface, and information on the other

components of NI Circuit Design Suite, refer to the Getting Started with NI Circuit Design

Suite manual.

Toolbars

The toolbars listed below are available in Multisim:

•Standard Toolbar

•Main Toolbar

•Simulation Toolbar

•View Toolbar

•Components Toolbar

•Virtual Toolbar

•Graphic Annotation Toolbar

•Instruments Toolbar

Note If the above toolbars are not visible, select View»Toolbars»<toolbar name>. Refer

to the Multisim Menus section of Appendix A, Multisim Menus, for a description of the

menus and commands found in Multisim.

Chapter 1 User Interface

NI Multisim User Manual 1-2 ni.com

Standard Toolbar

The Standard toolbar contains buttons for commonly performed

functions. Its buttons are described below:

Button Description

New button. Creates a new circuit file.

Open button. Opens an existing circuit file.

Open Sample button. Opens a folder containing sample and

getting started files.

Save button. Saves the active circuit.

Print Circuit button. Prints the active circuit.

Print Preview button. Previews the circuit as it will be

printed.

Cut button. Removes the selected elements and places them

on the Windows clipboard.

Copy button. Copies the selected elements and places them

on the Windows clipboard.

Paste button. Inserts the contents of the Windows clipboard

at the cursor location.

Undo button. Undoes the most recently performed action.

Redo button. Redoes the most recently performed undo.

Chapter 1 User Interface

© National Instruments Corporation 1-3 NI Multisim User Manual

Main Toolbar

The buttons in the Main toolbar are described below:

Button Description

Toggle Design Toolbox button. Switches the Design

Toolbox on and off. Refer to the Design Toolbox section for

more information.

Toggle Spreadsheet View button. Switches the

Spreadsheet View on and off. Refer to the Spreadsheet

View section of Chapter 3, Schematic Capture—Advanced

Functions, for more information.

Database Manager button. Launches the Database

Manager dialog box. Refer to the Editing Components

section of Chapter 6, Component Editing, for more

information.

Create Component button. Launches the Component

Wizard. Refer to the Creating Components with the

Component Wizard section of Chapter 6, Component

Editing, for more information.

Grapher/Analyses button. Displays the grapher. Refer to

the Viewing the Analysis Results: Grapher section of

Chapter 10, Analyses, for more information. Also displays a

list of available analyses. Refer to the Working with

Analyses section of Chapter 10, Analyses, for more

information.

Postprocessor button. Displays the Postprocessor dialog

box. Refer to the Using the Postprocessor section of

Chapter 11, Postprocessor, for more information.

Electrical Rules Checking button. Checks that the

electrical rules established for the wiring of the circuit have

been followed. Refer to the Electrical Rules Checking

section of Chapter 3, User Interface, for more information.

Capture Screen Area button. Refer to the Capturing

Screen Area section of Chapter 2, Schematic

Capture—Basics, for more details.

Chapter 1 User Interface

NI Multisim User Manual 1-4 ni.com

Simulation Toolbar

The Simulation toolbar contains buttons used during simulation.

Go to Parent Sheet button. Displays the top level sheet in a

hierarchical design. Refer to the Hierarchical Design and

Viewing a Parent Sheet sections of Chapter 4, Working with

Larger Designs, for more details.

Back Annotate from Ultiboard button. Refer to the Back

Annotation section of Chapter 13,

Transfer/Communication, for more information.

Forward Annotate button. Refer to the Forward

Annotation section of Chapter 13,

Transfer/Communication, for more information.

—In Use List (not shown). Click on the down-arrow to display

a list of the active circuit’s components. Refer to the Using

the In Use List section of Chapter 2, Schematic

Capture—Basics, for more details.

Help button. Launches the help file.

Button Description

Run/resume simulation button. Starts/resumes simulation

of the active circuit. Refer to the Start/Stop/Pause Simulation

section of Chapter 8, Simulation, for more information.

Pause simulation button. Pauses simulation. Refer to the

Start/Stop/Pause Simulation section of Chapter 8,

Simulation, for more information.

Stop simulation button. Stops the simulation. Refer to the

Start/Stop/Pause Simulation section of Chapter 8,

Simulation, for more information.

Pause at Next MCU Instruction Boundary button. Refer to

the Stepping and Breaking section for more information.

Button Description

Chapter 1 User Interface

© National Instruments Corporation 1-5 NI Multisim User Manual

View Toolbar

The buttons in the View toolbar are described below:

Step Into button. Refer to the Stepping and Breaking section

for more information.

Step Over button. Refer to the Stepping and Breaking

section for more information.

Step Out button. Refer to the Stepping and Breaking section

for more information.

Run to Cursor button. Refer to the Stepping and Breaking

section for more information.

Toggle Breakpoint button. Refer to the Breakpoints section

for more information.

Remove All Breakpoints button. Refer to the Breakpoints

section for more information.

Button Description

Toggle Full Screen button. Displays only the workspace,

with no toobars or menu items.

Increase Zoom button. Magnifies the active circuit.

Decrease Zoom button. Decreases the magnification of the

active circuit.

Zoom to Selected Area button. Drag the cursor to select an

area on the workspace to magnify.

Zoom Fit to Page button. Shows the entire circuit in the

workspace.

Button Description

Chapter 1 User Interface

NI Multisim User Manual 1-6 ni.com

Components Toolbar

The buttons in the Components toolbar are described below. Each button

will launch the place component browser (Select a Component browser)

with the group specified on the button pre-selected. Refer to the Using the

Place Component Browser section for more information.

Button Description

Place Source button. Selects the Source components group

in the browser.

Place Basic button. Selects the Basic components group in

the browser.

Place Diode button. Selects the Diode components group in

the browser.

Place Transistor button. Selects the Transistor components

group in the browser.

Place Analog button. Selects the Analog components group

in the browser.

Place TTL button. Selects the TTL components group in the

browser.

Place CMOS button. Selects the CMOS component group in

the browser.

Place Miscellaneous Digital button. Selects the

Miscellaneous Digital component group in the browser.

Place Mixed button. Selects the Mixed component group in

the browser.

Place Power Components button. Selects the Power

component group in the browser.

Place Indicator button. Selects the Indicator component

group in the browser.

Chapter 1 User Interface

© National Instruments Corporation 1-7 NI Multisim User Manual

Virtual Toolbar

Use the Virtual toolbar to place virtual components on your workspace.

Refer to the Placing Virtual Components section of Chapter 2, Schematic

Capture—Basics, for more information.

Place Miscellaneous button. Selects the Miscellaneous

component group in the browser.

Place Advanced Peripherals button. Selects the Advanced

Peripherals component group in the browser.

Place RF button. Selects the RF component group in the

browser.

Place Electromechanical button. Selects the

Electromechanical component group in the browser.

Place MCU button. Selects the MCU component group in

the browser.

Place Hierarchical Block button. Opens a file to be

embedded as a hierarchical block. Refer to the Hierarchical

Design section of Chapter 4, Working with Larger Designs,

for more information.

Place Bus button. Places a bus with segments created as you

click on the workspace. Refer to the Buses section of

Chapter 4, Working with Larger Designs, for more

information.

Button Description

Chapter 1 User Interface

NI Multisim User Manual 1-8 ni.com

Graphic Annotation Toolbar

The buttons in the Graphic Annotation toolbar are described below. Refer

to the Graphic Annotation section of Chapter 2, Schematic

Capture—Basics, for more information.

Button Description

Picture button. Click on this button to place a picture on

the workspace.

Polygon button. Click on this button to draw a polygon.

Arc button. Click on this button to draw an arc.

Ellipse button. Click on this button to draw an ellipse.

Rectangle button. Click on this button to draw a rectangle.

Multiline button. Click on this button to draw a multiline.

Line button. Click on this button to draw a line.

Place Text button. Places a text frame on your workspace

into which you can enter miscellaneous text. Refer to the

Adding Miscellaneous Text section of Chapter 2,

Schematic Capture—Basics, for more information.

Place Comment button. Click on this button to place a

comment on the workspace. Refer to the Adding a

Comment section of Chapter 2, Schematic

Capture—Basics, for more information.

Chapter 1 User Interface

© National Instruments Corporation 1-9 NI Multisim User Manual

Instruments Toolbar

The buttons in the Instruments toolbar are described below. In each case,

the button places a specific instrument on the workspace.

Some versions of Multisim do not include all of the instruments described

below.

Button Description

Multimeter button. Places a multimeter on the workspace.

Refer to the Multimeter section of Chapter 9, Instruments,

for more information.

Function Generator button. Places a function generator on

the workspace. Refer to the Function Generator section of

Chapter 9, Instruments, for more information.

Wattmeter button. Places a wattmeter on the workspace.

Refer to the Wattmeter section of Chapter 9, Instruments, for

more information.

Oscilloscope button. Places an oscilloscope on the

workspace. Refer to the Oscilloscope section of Chapter 9,

Instruments, for more information.

Four Channel Oscilloscope button. Places a four-channel

oscilloscope on the workspace. Refer to the Four-Channel

Oscilloscope section of Chapter 9, Instruments, for more

information.

Bode Plotter button. Places a Bode plotter on the

workspace. Refer to the Bode Plotter section of Chapter 9,

Instruments, for more information.

Frequency Counter button. Places a frequency counter on

the workspace. Refer to the Frequency Counter section of

Chapter 9, Instruments, for more information.

Word Generator button. Places a word generator on the

workspace. Refer to the Word Generator section of

Chapter 9, Instruments, for more information.

Logic Analyzer button. Places a logic analyzer on the

workspace. Refer to the Logic Analyzer section of

Chapter 9, Instruments, for more information.

Chapter 1 User Interface

NI Multisim User Manual 1-10 ni.com

Logic Converter button. Places a logic converter on the

workspace. Refer to the Logic Converter section of

Chapter 9, Instruments, for more information.

IV-Analysis button. Places an IV Analyser on the

workspace. Refer to the IV Analyzer section of Chapter 9,

Instruments, for more information.

Distortion Analyzer button. Places a distortion analyzer on

the workspace. Refer to the Distortion Analyzer section of

Chapter 9, Instruments, for more information.

Spectrum Analyzer button. Places a spectrum analyzer on

the workspace. Refer to the Spectrum Analyzer section of

Chapter 9, Instruments, for more information.

Network Analyzer button. Places a network analyzer on the

workspace. Refer to the Network Analyzer section of

Chapter 9, Instruments, for more information.

Agilent Function Generator button. Places an Agilent

function generator on the workspace. Refer to the Agilent

Simulated Function Generator section of Chapter 9,

Instruments, for more information.

Agilent Multimeter button. Places an Agilent multimeter

on the workspace. Refer to the Agilent Simulated Multimeter

section of Chapter 9, Instruments, for more details.

Agilent Oscilloscope button. Places an Agilent oscilloscope

on the workspace. Refer to the Agilent Simulated

Oscilloscope section of Chapter 9, Instruments, for more

information.

Tektronix Oscilloscope button. Places a Tektronix

oscilloscope on the workspace. Refer to the Tektronix

Simulated Oscilloscope section of Chapter 9, Instruments,

for more information.

Current Probe button. Places a current probe on the

workspace. Refer to the Current Probe section of Chapter 9,

Instruments, for more information.

Button Description

Chapter 1 User Interface

© National Instruments Corporation 1-11 NI Multisim User Manual

Pop-up Menus

In addition to the standard menus at the top of the screen (for example, File,

Edit), there are also a number of context-sensitive pop-up menus available.

Pop-up From Circuit Window, with no Component Selected

When you right-click on the circuit window with no component selected, a

pop-up menu of appropriate commands appears. These commands are:

•Place Component—Lets you browse the databases (Master,

Corporate and User) for components to be placed. Refer to the Using

the Place Component Browser section of Chapter 2, Schematic

Capture—Basics, for more information.

•Place Schematic»Component—Lets you browse the databases

(Master, Corporate and User) for components to be placed. Refer to

the Using the Place Component Browser section of Chapter 2,

Schematic Capture—Basics, for more information.

•Place Schematic»Junction—Places a connector. Refer to the

Manually Adding a Junction section of Chapter 2, Schematic

Capture—Basics, for more information.

•Place Schematic»Wire—Use to place a wire on the workspace. Refer

to the Placing Wires Directly Onto Workspace section of Chapter 2,

Schematic Capture—Basics, for more information.

•Place Schematic»Bus—Places a bus with segments created as you

click. Refer to the Buses section of Chapter 4, Working with Larger

Designs, for more information.

LabVIEW Instruments button. Places a LabVIEW

instrument on the workspace. Refer to the LabVIEW

Instruments section of Chapter 9, Instruments, for more

information.

Measurement Probe button. Attaches a probe to the mouse

pointer that measures voltage, current and frequency on any

wire on your schematic. Can be placed before simulation

(static probe), or during simulation (dynamic probe). Use

the arrow to place static probes. Refer to the Measurement

Probe section of Chapter 9, Instruments, for more

information.

Button Description

Chapter 1 User Interface

NI Multisim User Manual 1-12 ni.com

•Place Schematic»HB/SC Connector—Adds connectors to a circuit

for use in a hierarchical block or a subcircuit.

•Place Schematic»Off-Page Connector—Places an off-page

connector on your workspace. Refer to the Flat Multi-Sheet Design

section of Chapter 4, Working with Larger Designs, for more

information.

•Place Schematic»Bus HB/SC Connector—Adds bus connectors to a

circuit for use in a hierarchical block or a subcircuit.

•Place Schematic»Bus Off-Page Connector—Places an off-page

connector for use with buses only on your workspace.

•Place Schematic»Hierarchical Block from File—Opens a file to be

embedded as a hierarchical block. Refer to the Placing a HB from an

Existing File section of Chapter 4, Working with Larger Designs, for

more information.

•Place Schematic»New Hierarchical Block—Displays the

Hierarchical Block Properties dialog box. Refer to the Adding a

Hierarchical Block section of Chapter 4, Working with Larger

Designs, for more information.

•Place Schematic»New Subcircuit—Places a new subcircuit on the

workspace. Refer to the Adding a Subcircuit section of Chapter 4,

Working with Larger Designs, for more information.

•Place Schematic»Replace by Subcircuit—Replaces the selection by

a subcircuit.

•Place Schematic»Multi-Page—Opens a new page. Refer to the Flat

Multi-Sheet Design section of Chapter 4, Working with Larger

Designs, for more information.

•Place Schematic»Merge Bus—Merges selected buses.

•Place Schematic»Bus Vector Connect—Use to place numerous

connections from a multi-pinned device, such as an IC, to a bus. Refer

to the Bus Vector Connect section of Chapter 4, Working with Larger

Designs, for more information.

•Place Graphic»Text—Places text on the circuit. Refer to the Adding

Miscellaneous Text section of Chapter 2, Schematic Capture—Basics,

for more information.

•Place Graphic»Line—Places a straight line on your workspace. Refer

to the Graphic Annotation section for more information.

•Place Graphic»Multiline—Places a multiline on your workspace.

Refer to the Graphic Annotation section of Chapter 2, Schematic

Capture—Basics, for more information.

Chapter 1 User Interface

© National Instruments Corporation 1-13 NI Multisim User Manual

•Place Graphic»Rectangle—Places a rectangle on your workspace.

Refer to the Graphic Annotation section of Chapter 2, Schematic

Capture—Basics, for more information.

•Place Graphic»Ellipse—Places an ellipse on your workspace. Refer

to the Graphic Annotation section of Chapter 2, Schematic

Capture—Basics, for more information.

•Place Graphic»Arc—Places an arc on your workspace. Refer to the

Graphic Annotation section of Chapter 2, Schematic Capture—Basics,

for more information.

•Place Graphic»Polygon—Places a polygon on your workspace.

Refer to the Graphic Annotation section of Chapter 2, Schematic

Capture—Basics, for more information.

•Place Graphic»Picture—Places a picture on your workspace. Refer

to the Graphic Annotation section of Chapter 2, Schematic

Capture—Basics, for more information.

•Place Comment—Use to “pin” a comment to the workspace, or

directly to a component. Refer to the Adding a Comment section of

Chapter 2, Schematic Capture—Basics, for more information.

•Cut—Removes the selected item from the circuit and places it on the

clipboard.

•Copy—Copies the selected item from the circuit to the clipboard.

•Paste—Pastes the current contents of the clipboard onto the circuit.

•Delete—Deletes the selection from the workspace.

•Select All—Selects all elements on the workspace.

•Toggle NC Marker—Places an NC (no connection) marker on a

component’s pin. Refer to the Marking Pins for No Connection section

of Chapter 2, Schematic Capture—Basics, for more information.

•Clear ERC Markers—Clears existing ERC (electrical rules check)

markers from the workspace. Refer to the ERC Options Tab section of

Chapter 3, Schematic Capture—Advanced Functions, for more

information.

•Paste as Subcircuit—Pastes the contents of the clipboard onto the

workspace as a subcircuit.

•Replace by Subcircuit—Replaces the elements that you have selected

with a subcircuit. Refer to the Hierarchical Design section of

Chapter 4, Working with Larger Designs, for more information.

•Font—Displays a dialog box where you set font information for the

circuit. Refer to the Sheet Properties—Font Tab section for more

information.

Chapter 1 User Interface

NI Multisim User Manual 1-14 ni.com

•Properties—Displays the Sheet Properties dialog box. Be sure that

you have no elements on the workspace selected, or the properties for

that element will appear instead. Refer to the Using the Sheet

Properties Dialog Box section for more information.

Pop-up From a Selected Component or Instrument

When you right-click on a selected element (component or instrument), a

pop-up menu of appropriate commands appears. These commands are:

•Cut—Removes the selected components, circuits or text, and places

them on the clipboard.

•Copy—Copies the selected components, circuits or text, and places

them on the clipboard. Refer to the Copying a Placed Component

section of Chapter 2, Schematic Capture—Basics, for more

information.

•Paste—Places the contents of the clipboard on the workspace. The

cursor shows a “ghosted” image of the item to be pasted. Click to

indicate where the item is to be pasted.

•Delete—Deletes the selection from the workspace.

•Flip Horizontal —Flips the selection horizontally. Refer to the

Rotating/Flipping Placed Components section of Chapter 2,

Schematic Capture—Basics, for more information.

•Flip Vertical—Flips the selection vertically. Refer to the

Rotating/Flipping Placed Components section of Chapter 2,

Schematic Capture—Basics, for more information.

•90 Clockwise—Rotates the selection 90 degrees clockwise. Refer to

the Rotating/Flipping Placed Components section of Chapter 2,

Schematic Capture—Basics, for more information.

•90 CounterCW—Rotates the selection 90 degrees counterclockwise.

Refer to the Rotating/Flipping Placed Components section of

Chapter 2, Schematic Capture—Basics, for more information.

•Bus Vector Connect—Displays the Bus Vector Connect dialog box.

Refer to the Bus Vector Connect section for more information.

•Replace by Hierarchical Block—Replaces the elements that you

have selected with a hierarchical block. Refer to the Replacing

Components with an HB section for more information.

•Replace by Subcircuit—Replaces the elements that you have selected

with a subcircuit. Refer to the Hierarchical Design section of

Chapter 4, Working with Larger Designs, for more information.

Chapter 1 User Interface

© National Instruments Corporation 1-15 NI Multisim User Manual

•Replace Components—Invokes the Select a Component browser

from which you can select a new component. Refer to the Replacing a

Placed Component section of Chapter 2, Schematic Capture—Basics,

for more information.

•Save Component to DB—Lets you save the selected component,

including any changes you made to it, to the database. Refer to the

Saving Placed Components section of Chapter 5, Components, for

more information.

•Edit Symbol/Title Block—Depending on the selected item, launches

either the Symbol Editor or the Title Block Editor.

•Reverse Probe Direction—Reverses the polarity of a selected

Measurement Probe or Current Probe.

•Change Color—Displays a color palette where you can change the

color of the selected element’s lines.

•Font—Changes the font of various elements on the workspace from

their default values. Refer to the Sheet Properties—Font Tab section

for more information.

•Properties—If a component is selected, displays that component’s

properties dialog box. If an instrument is selected, opens the

instrument face.

Pop-up From a Selected Wire

When you right-click on a selected wire in the circuit window, a pop-up

menu of appropriate commands appears. These commands are:

•Delete—Deletes the selected wire from the workspace.

•Change Color—Changes the color of the selected wire from its

default value.

•Color Segment—Changes the color of the selected wire segment from

its default value.

•Font—Changes the font of various elements on the workspace from

their default values. Refer to the Sheet Properties—Font Tab section

for more information.

•Properties—Displays the Net dialog box. Refer to the Modifying Net

Names section of Chapter 2, Schematic Capture—Basics, for more

information.

Chapter 1 User Interface

NI Multisim User Manual 1-16 ni.com

Pop-up From a Selected Text Block or Graphic

When you right-click on a selected text block or graphic element in the

circuit window, a pop-up menu of appropriate commands appears. These

commands are:

•Delete—Deletes the selected item.

•Flip Horizontal—Flips the selection horizontally. Refer to the

Rotating/Flipping Placed Components section of Chapter 2,

Schematic Capture—Basics, for more information.

•Flip Vertical—Flips the selection vertically. Refer to the

Rotating/Flipping Placed Components section of Chapter 2,

Schematic Capture—Basics, for more information.

•90 Clockwise—Rotates the selection 90 degrees clockwise. Refer to

the Rotating/Flipping Placed Components section of Chapter 2,

Schematic Capture—Basics, for more information.

•90 CounterCW—Rotates the selection 90 degrees counterclockwise.

Refer to the Rotating/Flipping Placed Components section of

Chapter 2, Schematic Capture—Basics, for more information.

•Pen Color—Changes the color of the selected item from its default

value.

•Pen Style—Changes the style of the pen for a selected graphic. Is

disabled if text is selected.

•Fill Color—Changes the color of the fill for selected rectangles,

ellipses and polygons. Is disabled if any other graphic element, or text

is selected.

•Fill Type—Changes the appearance of the fill for selected rectangles,

ellipses and polygons. Is disabled if any other graphic element, or text

is selected.

•Arrow—Places an arrow on selected lines and multilines. Is disabled

if any other graphic element, or text is selected.

•Order—Use to Bring to Front or Send to Back the selected element.

•Assign to Layer—Places selected element on the selected layer.

Deselect to remove an element from the assigned layer. Refer to the

Sheet Properties—Visibility Tab section for more information.

•Font—Lets you select a font, font style and size for selected text.

•Properties—Is inactive for text blocks or graphics.

Chapter 1 User Interface

© National Instruments Corporation 1-17 NI Multisim User Manual

Pop-up From a Title Block

When you right-click on a selected title block in the circuit window, a

pop-up menu of appropriate commands appears. These commands are:

•Delete—Deletes the selected title block.

•Edit Symbol/Title Block—Launches the Title Block Editor. Refer to

the Title Block Editor section of Chapter 3, Schematic

Capture—Advanced Functions, for more information.

•Change Color—Displays a palette where you can change the

selection’s color.

•Move to»Bottom Left—Places the selected title block at the bottom

left corner of the document.

•Move to»Bottom Right—Places the selected title block at the bottom

right corner of the document.

•Move to»Top Left—Places the selected title block at the top left

corner of the document.

•Move to»Top Right—Places the selected title block at the top right

corner of the document.

•Properties—Lets you change the information that you see in the title

block. Refer to the Entering the Title Block Contents section of

Chapter 2, Schematic Capture—Basics, for more information.

Pop-up from a Comment or Measurement Probe

When you right-click on a selected Comment or Measurement Probe, a

pop-up menu of appropriate commands appears. These commands are:

•Cut—Removes the selected item and places it on the clipboard.

•Copy—Copies the selected item and places it on the clipboard.

•Paste—Places the contents of the clipboard to the workspace. The

cursor shows a “ghosted” image of the item to be pasted. Click to

indicate where the item is to be pasted.

•Delete—Deletes the selected item from the workspace.

•Show Comment/Probe—Displays the contents of the comment or

placed probe.

•Edit Comment—Is active for a selected comment only. Use to enter

text into the comment.

•Reverse Probe Direction—Is active for a selected probe only.

Reverses the probe’s polarity.

Chapter 1 User Interface

NI Multisim User Manual 1-18 ni.com

•Font—Changes the font of various elements on the workspace from

their default values. Refer to the Sheet Properties—Font Tab section

for more information.

•Properties—Depending on the element selected, displays either the

Comment Properties, or the Probe Properties dialog box. Refer to

the Adding a Comment sectionof Chapter 2, Schematic

Capture—Basics, and the Measurement Probe Settings section of

Chapter 9, Instruments, for more information.

Setting Schematic Capture Preferences

You can customize virtually any aspect of Multisim preferences, including

the colors used in your circuit, page size, zoom level, auto-backup interval,

symbol set (ANSI or DIN) and printer setup. Your customization settings

are saved individually with each circuit file you use so you could, for

example, have one color scheme for one circuit and another for a different

circuit. You can also override the settings for individual instances (for

example, change one particular component from red to orange) or for the

entire circuit.

Customization is done through the:

•Preferences dialog box—Used to set up global preferences. These

preferences can vary from computer to computer. Refer to the Using

the Preferences Dialog Box sections for more information.

•Sheet Properties dialog box—Used to set up the preferences for the

active sheet. These preferences are saved with the circuit files so that

if the circuit is opened on another computer, it will use the same

settings. Refer to the Using the Sheet Properties Dialog Box section

for more information

Chapter 1 User Interface

© National Instruments Corporation 1-19 NI Multisim User Manual

Using the Preferences Dialog Box

This section explains general procedures for setting preferences. The

following sections describe details of setting specific options.

Note Refer to the Using the Sheet Properties Dialog Box section for information on sheet

preferences.

Complete the following steps to set your user preferences:

1. Choose Options»Global Preferences. The Preferences dialog box

appears, offering you the following tabs:

•Paths—Where you can change the filepaths for the databases and

other items.

•Save—Where you set up auto-backup timing and whether you

want to save simulation data with instruments.

•Parts—Where you set up component placement mode and the

symbol standard (ANSI or DIN). You also set up phase shift

direction and digital simulation settings.

•General—Where you set up selection rectangle behavior, mouse

wheel behavior, bus wiring and auto-wiring behavior.

2. Select the desired tab.

3. Set the desired customization options. The specific options and

settings available in the tabs are described in the following sections of

this chapter.

4. Click OK to save your changes.

Preferences—Paths Tab

The Multisim installation puts specific files in specific locations. If

necessary you can point to a new location to find, for example, database

files.

Tip Click on an item in the Paths tab to show its description.

Complete the following steps to change file locations:

1. Choose Options»Global Preferences. The Preferences dialog box

appears.

2. Select the Paths tab.

Chapter 1 User Interface

NI Multisim User Manual 1-20 ni.com

3. Change the General settings as desired:

•Circuit Default Path—This is where all new files are saved,

unless you manually navigate to a new location when saving.

•User Button Images Path—This is where you store any

user-created button graphics.

4. Change the User Settings as desired:

•Configuration File—Contains the user interface settings.

•New User Configuration File—Click to create a new user

configuration file and select an item from the drop-down list.

5. Change the settings in the Database Files area as desired:

•Master Database—The location of the Master Database.

•Corporate Database—The location of the Corporate Database.

•User Database—The location of the User Database.

Refer to the Structure of the Component Database section of

Chapter 5, Components, for information on Multisim’s databases.

6. Change the Miscellaneous settings as desired:

•User LabVIEW Instruments Path—The location where

user-created LabVIEW instruments are found. Refer to the

LabVIEW Instruments section of Chapter 9, Instruments, for

information on these.

•Code Models Path—The location where user-created code

models are found.

Preferences—Save Tab

The options in this tab let you set up auto-backup timing and whether you

want to save simulation data with instruments.

Complete the following steps to set up save preferences:

1. Choose Options»Global Preferences and click on the Save tab that

appears in the Preferences dialog box.

2. Set the following as desired:

•Create a Security Copy—Enable to save a security copy when

you do a save.

•Auto-backup—Dnable to create a recovery file that is saved at

the interval that you specify in the Auto-backup interval field.

Chapter 1 User Interface

© National Instruments Corporation 1-21 NI Multisim User Manual

•Save simulation data with instruments—Enable to save data

displayed on instruments with the circuit file. Enter the maximum

size of the simulation data in the Maximum size field.

•Save .TXT files as plain text (not Unicode)—When enabled,

text files saved from reports will be in plain text file format, not

Unicode text file format.

Preferences—Parts Tab

The options in this tab determine where you set up default component

placement mode, the symbol standard (ANSI or DIN), and phase shift

direction.

Complete the following steps to set up parts preferences:

1. Choose Options»Global Preferences and click on the Parts tab that

appears in the Preferences dialog box.

2. In the Place component mode box, select one of:

•Place single component—Allows you to place one selected

component at a time.

•Continuous placement for multi-section part only—Allows

you to place multiple sections of a multi-section component. For

example, 7400N has four NAND gates, so using this option means

each time you place a 7400N you place a different one of its

NAND gates. Refer to the Using the Place Component Browser

section of Chapter 2, Schematic Capture—Basics, for an example

of multi-section part placement.

•Continuous placement—Allows you to place several

components of the same type by continuing to click on the

workspace after each component is placed. End continuous

placement by pressing Esc.

Optionally, enable the Return to Component Browser After

placement checkbox to display the Select a Component dialog box

after you place a component on the workspace. This is useful when you

have many parts to place. (Click Esc when finished part placement).

3. In the Symbol standard box:

• Select the symbol set to be used for components (ANSI or DIN).

The graphic changes to represent the selected symbol set. Refer to

the Creating and Editing a Component’s Symbol with the Symbol

Editor section of Chapter 6, Component Editing, for information

on how to override this setting for individual components.

Chapter 1 User Interface

NI Multisim User Manual 1-22 ni.com

4. In the Positive Phase Shift Direction box:

• select the desired direction for positive phase shift. (This setting

only affects the Phase parameter in AC sources).

Preferences—General Tab

In this tab, you set up selection rectangle, mouse wheel, auto-wiring, and

netlist error behavior.

Complete the following steps to set up parts preferences:

1. Choose Options»Global Preferences and click on the General tab

that appears in the Preferences dialog box.

2. In the Selection Rectangle box, select either Intersecting or Fully

enclosed. Refer to the Setting Dragging Selection Options section of

Chapter 2, Schematic Capture—Basics, for more information.

3. In the Mouse Wheel Behavior box select one of:

•Zoom workspace—Mouse wheel will let you zoom in and out on

workspace.

•Scroll workspace—Mouse wheel will let you scroll up and down

the page.

4. Enable the Show line to component when moving its text and Show

line to original location when moving parts checkboxes as desired.

5. In the Wiring box select the desired options to control the degree of

automation used in wiring. Refer to the Setting Wiring Preferences

section of Chapter 2, Schematic Capture—Basics, for more

information.

6. Enable Delete associated wires when deleting component if you

wish to delete wires that are connected to components being deleted;

if this box is unchecked, wires connected to deleted components will

remain.

7. In the Language box, select the desired locale. You must restart

Multisim for the new setting to take effect.

8. In the Netlist Errors box, set the following as desired:

•When a netlist error occurs drop-down list—Select one of

Prompt user; Cancel Simulation/analysis; Proceed with

Simulation/analysis.

•When a netlist warning occurs drop-down list—Select one of

Prompt user; Cancel Simulation/analysis; Proceed with

Simulation/analysis.

Refer to the Netlist Errors and Warnings section for more information.

Chapter 1 User Interface

© National Instruments Corporation 1-23 NI Multisim User Manual

Using the Sheet Properties Dialog Box

The Sheet Properties dialog box is used to set up the preferences for each

sheet. These preferences are saved with the circuit file so that if the circuit

is opened on another computer, it will use the same settings.

Note Refer to the Using the Preferences Dialog Box section for information on personal

(user) preferences.

Complete the following steps to set sheet preferences:

1. Select Options»Sheet Properties.

Or

Right-click on a blank area of the workspace and choose Properties

from the pop-up menu that appears. Do not select any elements (for

example, components, wires) on the workspace, or the properties

dialog box for the selected element will display instead.

The Sheet Properties dialog box appears, offering you the following

tabs:

•Circuit—Where you set the color scheme and the display

properties of workspace text

•Workspace—Where you set the sheet size and properties

•Wiring—Where you set the wire and bus options

•Font—Where you select the font, font size and style for text

elements on the circuit.

•PCB—Where you set up options for your printed circuit board

•Visibility—Where you enable and disable custom annotation

layers.

2. Select the desired tab.

3. Set the desired customization options. The specific options and

settings available in the tabs are described in the following sections of

this chapter.

4. The Save as Default checkbox is normally enabled. If you do not wish

to have the settings saved as the default, disable this checkbox. Default

settings are those used when you create new circuits (File»New).

5. Click OK to save your changes. (If you wish to apply the changes

without closing the dialog, click Apply).

Chapter 1 User Interface

NI Multisim User Manual 1-24 ni.com

Sheet Properties—Circuit Tab

The options in this tab control the way your circuit and its components

appear on the workspace, and the level of detail which appears. Multisim

comes with several color schemes that affect the circuit window

background color, wire color, and component color. You can also develop

your own color scheme to meet your individual needs.

1. In the Component box, enable those items you want shown on the

workspace. The results of enabling these options is shown in the

preview area. Refer to the Displaying Identifying Information about a

Placed Component section of Chapter 3, Schematic

Capture—Advanced Functions, for information on how to override

your choices for a particular component.

For symbol and footprint pin names:

•Symbol Pin Names checkbox—When fully checked, shows all

symbol pin names; when not checked, shows no symbol pin

names; when grey checked, shows symbol pin names for those

components whose default behavior is to show them.

•Footprint Pin Names checkbox—When fully checked, shows all

footprint pin names; when not checked, shows no footprint pin

names; when grey checked, shows footprint pin names for those

components whose default behavior is to show them.

Note Pin names and numbers are made visible as detailed above; checking and

unchecking in the Visibility tab of the Design Toolbox has no effect.

2. In the Net Names box, select how net names will be shown:

•Show All—Check to display all net names on the workspace.

•Use Net-specific Setting—Check to show net names as set in the

Net dialog box. Refer to the Modifying Net Names section of

Chapter 2, Schematic Capture—Basics, for more information.

•Hide All—Check to hide all net names on the workspace.

3. In the Bus Entry box, enable the Show Labels checkbox if you wish

to display the busline name in circuits that contain buses.

4. In the Color box:

• To use one of the built-in color schemes :

– Choose the scheme from the drop-down list.

– A representation of the scheme’s settings appears in the

preview box below the list.

Chapter 1 User Interface

© National Instruments Corporation 1-25 NI Multisim User Manual

• To create a custom color scheme:

– Choose Custom from the drop-down list.

– Click on the colored button next to any item. A Color selector

dialog box appears.

– Click on the color you want to use for that item and click OK.

– You are returned to the Sheet Properties dialog box.

– The results of your choice appear in the preview area.

– Repeat until all your color settings are made.

Sheet Properties—Workspace Tab

The options on this tab determine the appearance and behavior of the circuit

window.

Multisim comes with standard sheet sizes that you can use to capture your

circuit. You can modify any of the settings of these sizes to make your own

custom sheet.

1. In the Show box, enable the Show grid, Show page bounds and

Show border checkboxes as desired. The results appear in the preview

area.

2. In the Sheet size box, select the desired size from the drop-down list.

3. Select either Portrait or Landscape in the Orientation box.

4. In the Custom size box, you can set the Width and Height as desired.

Sheet Properties—Wiring Tab

The options on this tab control the wire width, bus width and bus wiring

mode options.

1. In the Drawing Option box, change the Wire width and Bus width

as desired for current or subsequent wires and buses.

2. In the Bus Wiring Mode box, select either Net or Busline. Refer to

the Buses section of Chapter 4, Working with Larger Designs, for more

information.

Sheet Properties—Font Tab

Use this tab to set the font parameters for some or all of the elements in the

workspace that contain text.

Caution Changing to larger fonts may cause labels to collide or exceed boundaries.

Chapter 1 User Interface

NI Multisim User Manual 1-26 ni.com

Complete the following steps to change the font for any text element of the

circuit:

1. Select the Font, Font Style and Size for the desired elements.

Multisim supports Unicode characters, which lets you use Cyrillic and

Asian fonts. However, you must be sure to select a font that is

Unicode-compatible, or the desired character will display as a

rectangle.

2. Select the elements you want to change from the following options in

the Change All section of the tab:

•Component RefDes—The component’s unique identifier

(Reference Designator). For example, R22.

•Component Values and Labels—The value being used by the

component and identified in the Value tab of the component’s

properties dialog box. Refer to the Viewing a Placed Component’s

Value/Model section of Chapter 3, Schematic

Capture—Advanced Functions, for information on viewing and

modifying this value. The component label is assigned by

Multisim and identified in the Label tab of the component’s

properties dialog box. Refer to the Modifying Component Labels

and Attributes section of Chapter 2, Schematic Capture—Basics,

for information on changing this label.

•Component Attributes—Descriptive information you add to

specific components using the component’s properties dialog box.

Refer to the Modifying Component Labels and Attributes section

of Chapter 2, Schematic Capture—Basics, for more information.

•Footprint Pin Names—The name assigned to a pin when it is

transferred to PCB layout.

•Symbol Pin Names—The name assigned to a pin, for example,

GND (for ground).

•Net Names—The name automatically assigned to a net when it is

placed on your circuit. Refer to the Modifying Net Names section

of Chapter 2, Schematic Capture—Basics, for information on

changing this name.

•Schematic Texts—Notes that you add to your circuit using the

Place»Text command. Refer to the Adding Miscellaneous Text

section of Chapter 2, Schematic Capture—Basics, for more

information.

•Comments and Probes—Text found in comments that you add to

the circuit from the Place»Comment command. Also for text

found in probes that placed from the Instruments toolbar. Refer

Chapter 1 User Interface

© National Instruments Corporation 1-27 NI Multisim User Manual

to the Adding a Comment section of Chapter 2, Schematic

Capture—Basics, and the Measurement Probe section of

Chapter 9, Instruments, for more information.

•Busline Name—The name that you assign to a busline. Refer to

the Buses section of Chapter 4, Working with Larger Designs, for

more information.

Note In the Apply to box, Entire Circuit changes the font for all instances of the

elements selected in the Change All box. To change the font for a specific selection,

right-click on the desired element and select Font from the pop-up that appears, or select

it before you open the Sheet Properties dialog box, then enable the Selection radio button

in the Font tab.

Sheet Properties—PCB Tab

This tab is used to set options used when exporting data for PCB layout.

1. In the Ground Option box, select Connect digital ground to Analog

ground if you wish to make the digital and analog grounds the same

when exporting to PCB layout packages.

2. In the Export Settings box, select the Units to use during export to

PCB layout.

3. Enter the desired Number of Copper Layers. As this value increases,

the number of copper layers (inner) increases, and is reflected in the

list below the Number of Copper Layers field. This setting is used by

Ultiboard to determine the default board setup.

Sheet Properties—Visibility Tab

This tab lets you add the custom annotation layers that are available in

Multisim.

1. In the Custom Layers box, click Add to add custom annotation layers

to the schematic.

2. Show/hide these layers from the Visibility tab in the Design Toolbox.

Refer to the Visibility Tab section for more information.

Note Refer to the Visibility Tab section for information on annotation layers.

Chapter 1 User Interface

NI Multisim User Manual 1-28 ni.com

Design Toolbox

The Design Toolbox is used to manage various elements in the schematic.

Note Refer to the Project Management and Version Control section of Chapter 4,

Working with Larger Designs,for information on the Project View tab.

Visibility Tab

The Design Toolbox Visibility tab lets you choose which layers to display

on the current sheet on the workspace.

The Schematic Capture layers consist of:

•RefDes—This layer contains the reference designators for all elements

on the workspace, for example, R1, U2A.

•Label and Value—This layer contains the label entered in the

component’s properties dialog box in the Label field in the Label tab.

It also contains the component’s value, for example, 1 kohm. Refer to

the Placed Component Properties section of Chapter 3, Schematic

Capture—Advanced Functions, for more information.

•Attribute and Variant—This layer contains the attribute information

entered in the component’s properties dialog box in the Attributes

fields in the Label tab. It also includes the Variant Status. Refer to the

Variants section of Chapter 4, Working with Larger Designs, for more

information.

•Net Name—This layer contains the netnames.

•Pin Name—This layer contains the pin names.

•Pin Number—This layer contains the pin numbers.

•Bus Entry Label—This layer contains the labels that appear at the

point where a wire enters a bus, for example, “Ln 1”.

The Fixed Annotations layers consist of:

•ERC Error Mark—This layer contains the marks that are placed on

the schematic that indicate ERC error points. Refer to the Electrical

Rules Checking section of Chapter 3, Schematic Capture—Advanced

Functions, for more information.

•Static Probe—This layer contains the static measurement probes that

can be placed on the schematic. Refer to the Measurement Probe

section of Chapter 9, Instruments, for more information.

Chapter 1 User Interface

© National Instruments Corporation 1-29 NI Multisim User Manual

•Comment—This layer contains any comments that you “pin” to the

workspace. Refer to the Adding a Comment section of Chapter 2,

Schematic Capture—Basics, for more information.

•Text/Graphics—This layer contains any graphic elements that you

place on the workspace.

Custom Annotation layers can be added from the Sheet Properties dialog

box. Refer to the Sheet Properties—Visibility Tab section for more

information.

To hide a layer, disable the layer’s checkbox.

To show a hidden layer, enable the layer’s checkbox.

Hierarchy Tab

The Design Toolbox’s Hierarchy tab contains a tree that shows the files

in the design that you have open.

Refer to the Variants, Flat Multi-Sheet Design, and Hierarchical Design

sections of Chapter 4, Working with Larger Designs, for more information.

Note Variants are not available in all versions of Multisim.

1 Design Root

2Active Variant

3 Page 1 of Multi-sheet

4Subcircuit

5Hierarchical Blocks

6 Included in Active

Variant

7 Page 2 of Multi-sheet

Chapter 1 User Interface

NI Multisim User Manual 1-30 ni.com

Pop-up Menus

Complete the following steps to view and use context-sensitive menus in

the Hierarchy tab:

1. Right-click on an item. Depending on the item, different

context-sensitive menus appear.

2. From the Design Root select:

•Close—To close the entire design.

•Save—To save the design.

3. From an active or in-active variant that branches from the Design

Root, select:

•Set Variant Active—To set the active variant. A blue box

displays beside the active variant. Refer to the Setting the Active

Variant for Simulation section of Chapter 4, Working with Larger

Designs, for more information.

•Variant Manager—To display the Variant Manager dialog

box. Refer to the Setting Up Variants section of Chapter 4,

Working with Larger Designs, for more information.

4. From a page of a multi-sheet design (in this example, PowerSupply#1),

select:

•Open Window—To open the page on the workspace.

•Close Window—To close the page.

•Rename Page—To change the multi-page’s name.

5. From a subcircuit, select:

•Open Window—To open the subcircuit on the workspace.

•Close Window—To close the subcircuit.

•Map Variants—To display the subcircuit’s properties dialog box,

where you can assign its variant status. Refer to the Assigning

Variant Status to Components section of Chapter 4, Working with

Larger Designs, for more information.

•Rename Subcircuit—To change the subcircuit’s name.

6. From a hierarchical block, select:

•Open Window—To open the hierarchical block on the

workspace.

•Close Window—To close the hierarchical block.

•Map Variants—To display the hierarchical block’s properties

dialog box, where you can assign its variant status. Refer to the

Chapter 1 User Interface

© National Instruments Corporation 1-31 NI Multisim User Manual

Assigning Variant Status to Components section of Chapter 4,

Working with Larger Designs, for more information.

7. From a variant that branches from a hierarchical block, select:

•Variant Manager—To display the Variant Manager dialog

box. Refer to the Setting Up Variants section of Chapter 4,

Working with Larger Designs, for more information.

•Exclude from Active Variant—To exclude this variant from the

active variant. If desired, you can exclude all variants in a

hierarchical block from the active variant.

•Include in Active Variant—To include this variant in the active

variant. A blue triangle appears beside the included variant. You

can only include one variant at a time in the active variant.

Customizing the Interface

The Multisim user interface is highly customizable. Separate

customizations can be applied whenever a different type of sheet becomes

active. For example, the toolbars and docking windows can be

re-configured as you move from a circuit sheet to a description sheet.

Toolbars can be docked in various positions and orientations. The contents

of the toolbars can be customized. New toolbars can be created. The menu

system is fully customizable, including all pop-up menus for the various

object types.

As well, the keyboard shortcut system is customizable. This allows for any

keys or key combinations to be assigned to any command that can be placed

in a menu or on a toolbar.

Complete the following steps to customize the interface:

1. Select Options»Customize User Interface.

2. Make changes as detailed in the following sections:

•Commands tab

•Toolbars tab

•Keyboard tab

•Menu tab

•Options tab

•Customization Pop-up Menus.

Chapter 1 User Interface

NI Multisim User Manual 1-32 ni.com

Commands tab

The Commands tab in the Customize dialog box is used to add commands

to menus and toolbars.

Complete the following steps to add a command to a menu or toolbar:

1. Drag it from the Commands list to the desired menu or toolbar. When

a command is selected in the Command list, its description is

displayed in the Description field.

2. If you do not see the command that you require, click on another

selection in the Categories list to display more commands.

3. Click Close when customizations are complete.

To remove a command from a menu or toolbar, right-click on it and select

Delete from the pop-up that appears. The Customize dialog box must be

open when you do this.

To change the position of a command that is in a menu or toolbar, drag it to

its new location. The Customize dialog box must be open when you do

this.

Toolbars tab

The Toolbars tab in the Customize dialog box is used to show or hide

toolbars, and to add new custom toolbars.

Complete the following steps to use the features in this tab:

1. To display a toolbar, switch on the checkbox beside the desired toolbar

in the Toolbars list.

2. Switch off a checkbox to hide a toolbar.

Note You cannot switch off the Menu bar.

3. User the following buttons and checkbox as desired:

•Reset All—Displays the Reset Toolbars dialog box, where you

select whether to reset the currently selected toolbars, or all

toolbars. You are prompted to select the configuration file you

wish to use, for example, “default.ewcfg”.

•New—Displays the Toolbar Name dialog box, where you enter

the name for a new toolbar. When you click OK, a new toolbar

with the name that you entered is created. Follow the steps in the

Commands tab section to add buttons to the toolbar.

Chapter 1 User Interface

© National Instruments Corporation 1-33 NI Multisim User Manual

•Rename—Use to rename a toolbar that you have created yourself.

You cannot rename toolbars that are included in Multisim by

default, for example, Components, Menu Bar.

•Delete—Use to delete the selected toolbar. You cannot delete

toolbars that are included in Multisim by default, for example,

Components, Menu Bar.

•Show text labels—Select this checkbox to show the text labels

(for example, “Save”) in the toolbar, along with the command’s

icon.

4. Click Close when customizations are complete.

Keyboard tab

The Keyboard tab is used to set up keyboard shortcuts.

Complete the following steps to set up keyboard shortcuts:

1. Choose a category from the Category drop-down list and the desired

command from the Commands drop-down list. If a shortcut is already

assigned, it appears in the Current Keys field.

2. Enter a new shortcut in the Press New Shortcut Key field.

3. Click Close when customizations are complete.

Menu tab

The Menu tab is used to modify the various context-sensitive menus that

appear when you right-click from various locations in Multisim.

Complete the following steps to display the desired menu:

1. Select the desired menu set from the Select Context Menu drop-down

list.

2. Right-click on the menu that appears and edit as desired.

3. Select the desired menu effects using the Menu animations

drop-down list and the Menu shadows checkbox.

Options tab

The Options tab in the Customize dialog box is used to set up toolbar and

menu options.

To set up menu and toolbar options, switch the checkboxes on or off as

desired.

Chapter 1 User Interface

NI Multisim User Manual 1-34 ni.com

Customization Pop-up Menus

To customize the appearance of toolbar buttons and menu items, a pop-up

menu is available when the Customize dialog box is open.

Complete the following steps to display the above pop-up:

1. Be sure you have the Customize dialog box open.

2. Right-click on either a menu item or toolbar and select the desired

option from the pop-up menu that appears.

3. When you select Button Appearance, the Button Appearance dialog

box appears, where you can change the appearance of the selected

toolbutton.

© National Instruments Corporation 2-1 NI Multisim User Manual

2

Schematic Capture—Basics

This chapter describes the basic functions involved in creating a circuit in

the circuit window. It explains the fundamental steps in circuit creation, but

is not intended to describe all the potential aspects of circuit design. For

example, you should look to other chapters for details on the component

database and instructions on editing components.

Some of the features described in this chapter may not be available in your

edition of Multisim. Refer to the release notes for a list of the features in

your edition.

Introduction to Schematic Capture

Schematic capture is the first stage in developing your circuit. In this stage

you choose the components you want to use, place them on the circuit

window in the desired position and orientation, wire them together, and

otherwise prepare your design. Multisim lets you modify component

properties, orient your circuit on a grid, add text and a title block, add

subcircuits and buses, and control the color of the circuit window

background, components and wires.

Note Refer to the Setting Schematic Capture Preferences section of Chapter 1, User

Interface, for information on how to set up your workspace.

Working with Multiple Circuit Windows

You can open as many circuits as you want at the same time. Each circuit

appears in its own circuit window. The active circuit window is, as in other

Windows applications, the window with the highlighted title bar. You can

use the Window menu to move from circuit window to circuit window or

just click on the tab at the bottom of the workspace for the circuit you want

to see.

Each window is distinct, and can have its own preferences settings, set of

components and so on. You can copy, but not move, a component or

instrument from one circuit window to another.

Chapter 2 Schematic Capture—Basics

NI Multisim User Manual 2-2 ni.com

Selecting Components from the Database

The first step in schematic capture is placing the appropriate components

on your circuit window.

You can use the following methods to locate a component in the database:

•use the Components toolbar to browse through all the component

groups. Refer to the Using the Place Component Browser section for

more information.

• search for a specific component group/family in the database. Refer to

the Searching for Components section of Chapter 5, Components, for

more information.

Note There are multiple “levels” of the component database. Refer to the Database Levels

section of Chapter 5, Components, for more information.

The first of these choices is normally used. Each button on the

Components toolbar corresponds to a group of components with similar

functionality. Click one of these buttons to open the place component

browser (that is, the Select a Component dialog box) with the contents of

that button’s group displayed.

Multisim provides the unique concept of virtual components. Virtual

components have a symbol and a model, but no footprint and hence are not

“real” in the sense that they cannot be purchased. They are included for

simulation flexibility. Virtual component families are color coded green in

the Select a Component dialog box.

Placing Components

The component browser is used to select parts from the component

databases and place them on a circuit. Parts are organized by database,

group, and family (for example, Master Database, Sources Group,

Power Sources Family). Filters are provided as appropriate to narrow lists

based on value range and tolerance where applicable. Type-ahead allows

you to type a few characters to jump to the component you are looking for.

Search capabilities allow you to find parts using generalized wildcard

searches throughout all the databases.

Chapter 2 Schematic Capture—Basics

© National Instruments Corporation 2-3 NI Multisim User Manual

Using the Place Component Browser

The procedure described in this section applies for the placement of most

components. Refer to the Placing Resistors, Inductors or Capacitors

section for information on the placement of R, L, or C components. Refer

to the Multi-section Components section for information on the placement

of multi-section components.

Complete the following steps to place a component:

1. Click on the desired group in the Components toolbar, for example,

Transistors. The Select a Component dialog box appears with the

selected component group displayed.

Alternatively, you can display the Select a Component dialog box by

choosing Place»Component and selecting the desired group from the

Group drop-down list.

Or

Right-click in the workspace and select Place Component from the

pop-up that appears.

Note The Select a Component browser is also referred to as the place component

browser.

2. The default database that displays in the browser is the Master

Database. If you wish to select a component from either the

Corporate Database or User Database, you must select that database

from the Database drop-down list before selecting a component. Once

changed, the database will remain as selected for subsequent part

placements.

3. Click on the desired component family in the Family list.

4. Click on the desired component in the Component list.

Tip To make your scroll through the Component list faster, type the first few characters

of the component’s name in the Component field. As you type, matches are displayed in

the top of the Component list. If you make a mistake, you can use the Backspace key to

remove one character at a time.

Note The Function area shows any available information about the component selected

in the Component list.

5. Select the desired model and model manufacturer in the

Model manuf./ID area.

Chapter 2 Schematic Capture—Basics

NI Multisim User Manual 2-4 ni.com

6. Selected the desired footprint in the Footprint manuf./Type list.

Some virtual components (for example, power sources) do not have

footprints available. Refer to the Real Components section of

Chapter 3, Schematic Capture—Advanced Functions, for a discussion

of “real” vs. virtual components.

The Hyperlink field is intended to contain, for example, the internet

address for the component’s manufacturer. The contents of this field

can be edited in the Components tab of the Database Manager. Refer

to the Modifying User Field Titles and Content section of Chapter 5,

Components, for more information. If you want to go to the link, hover

your cursor it, hold down the Ctrl key and click your mouse.

7. Click OK to confirm that this is the component you want to place. The

browser closes and the cursor on the circuit window changes to a ghost

image of the component. This indicates that the component is ready to

be placed.

Note If you are placing a component that is one part of a multi-section component such

as a quad 2-input NAND gate, a dialog box displays, where you specify which of the

sections you want to place. Refer to the Multi-section Components section for more

information about the dialog’s functionality.

8. Move your cursor to the location where you want to place the

component. The workspace automatically scrolls if you move your

cursor to its edges.

9. Click on the circuit window where you want the component placed.

The component’s symbol and labels appear (unless you have specified

that they are not to be displayed, as explained in the Displaying

Identifying Information about a Placed Component section of

Chapter 3, Schematic Capture—Advanced Functions), as well as a

unique RefDes made up of a letter and number. The letter represents

the type of component and the number is a sequential number that

indicates the order in which the components were originally placed.

For example, the first digital component has the RefDes “U1”, the next

is “U2”, the first inductor has the RefDes “L1”, and so on.

If you have Return to Component Browser after Placement

selected in the Parts tab of the Preferences dialog box, the Select a

Component browser reappears. Refer to the Preferences—Parts Tab

section of Chapter 1, User Interface,for more information.

If the component you place is a virtual component, it appears in a different

color from real components. This color is set in the Sheet Properties

Chapter 2 Schematic Capture—Basics

© National Instruments Corporation 2-5 NI Multisim User Manual

dialog box. Refer to the Sheet Properties—Circuit Tab section of

Chapter 1, User Interface, for more information.

Placing Resistors, Inductors or Capacitors

The procedure used to place resistors, inductors or capacitors is quite

similar to the procedure used to place other types of components. However,

there are some differences.

When placing any of these components, you can choose any combination

of: the component’s value (for example, resistance); type (for example,

carbon film); tolerance; footprint and manufacturer.

Caution If you are placing a component that will ultimately be exported to PCB layout,

and become part of a Bill of Materials, you must be careful that the combination of values

that you select in the Select a Component dialog box are available in a real-world,

purchaseable component.

Complete the following steps to place an R, L or C component:

1. Click on the Basic group in the Components toolbar. The Select a

Component dialog box appears with the Basic component group

displayed.

Alternatively, you can display the Select a Component dialog box by

choosing Place»Component and selecting the Basic group from the

Group drop-down list.

Or

Right-click in the workspace and select Place Component from the

pop-up that appears.

2. If it is not already selected, select the Master Database in the

Database drop-down list.

3. Click on the desired component family in the Family list, for example

Resistor.

4. Type the value of the component that you want to place in the field at

the top of the Component list. The value does not need to appear in

the list to be placed on the schematic.

5. Optionally, enable the Save unique component on placement

checkbox. When this is enabled, any component with a unique

combination of the values in the various fields of the Select a

Component dialog box is saved.

Chapter 2 Schematic Capture—Basics

NI Multisim User Manual 2-6 ni.com

Note R, L, and C components found in the Master database are in fact a combination of

the component’s value, component type, tolerance, and footprint manufacturer/type.

Whenever a unique combination of these values is selected in the Select a Component

dialog box, and the Save unique component on placement checkbox is enabled, the

combination of these values is saved in the Corporate database. Consequently, if the

Corporate dB is deleted, these components no longer appear in the Master database.

Refer to the Backing up the Corporate Database section of Appendix B, Archiving Data

for information.

6. Select the desired Component Type. If you do not see the desired type

in the list, you can type it manually.

7. Select the desired Tolerance. If you do not see the desired tolerance in

the list, you can type it manually. This list does not appear for

potentiometers, variable inductors, or variable capacitors.

8. Selected the desired footprint in the Footprint manuf./Type list. If

you are placing a part for simulation only, select <no footprint>. If you

intend to export the schematic to PCB layout, select a value in this list.

The Hyperlink field is intended to contain, for example, the internet

address for the component’s manufacturer. The contents of this field

can be edited in the Components tab of the Database Manager. Refer

to the Modifying User Field Titles and Content section of Chapter 5,

Components, for more information. If you want to go to the link, hover

your cursor over it, hold down your Ctrl key and click your mouse.

9. To confirm that this is the component you want to place, click OK. The

browser closes and the cursor on the circuit window changes to a ghost

image of the component you wish to place. This indicates that the

component is ready to be placed.

10. Move your cursor to the location where you want the component

placed. The workspace automatically scrolls if you move your cursor

to its edges.

11. Click on the circuit window where you want the component placed.

If you have Return to Component Browser after Placement

selected in the Parts tab of the Preferences dialog box, the Select a

Component browser reappears. Refer to the Preferences—Parts Tab

section of Chapter 1, User Interface, for more information.

Note You can also create resistors, inductors or capacitors using Multisim’s Component

Wizard, however, R, L, and C components created in this way will only contain basic

simulation model information. Those that are placed from the Master Database as

described in this procedure have additional SPICE simulation parameters that can be

viewed from the Value tab of the placed component’s properties dialog box. When you are

Chapter 2 Schematic Capture—Basics

© National Instruments Corporation 2-7 NI Multisim User Manual

placing components that were created using the Component Wizard, you must select

them from either the Corporate or User Database.

To edit a placed R, L, or C component, double-click on the component and

click the Value tab.

Multi-section Components

Certain non-virtual part symbols do not have a one-to-one correspondence

with a footprint. Rather, several component symbols may correspond to a

single physical package. An example is a quad 2-input NAND gate such as

the Texas Instruments 74LS00D. For this particular device, up to four

component symbols on a schematic diagram may correspond to a single

part for the purposes of PCB layout.

To place a multi-section part, select the individual part (in this case, a

NAND gate) from the component browser. Immediately prior to placing the

component, a section chooser pops up that lists parts that have free sections,

or allows you to start placing a new part. You must select one of these

sections for placement. Once placed, optimizing facilities are provided to

enable multi-section parts to be efficiently packed into chips. A Spare

Gates Report is available to show sections not used on multi-section parts

in the circuit. Refer to the Spare Gates Report section of Chapter 12,

Reports, for more information.

As well as being available in components with individual sections as

described above, some multi-section TTL and CMOS components are

available in a single-footprint format containing all of the devices. These

components’ parts families are found in the place component browser, and

are appended with “_IC”, as in the part family “74LS_IC”.

Chapter 2 Schematic Capture—Basics

NI Multisim User Manual 2-8 ni.com

In the above figure, (1) shows 74LS00D gates placed as individual

components. These four gates were place from the 74Ls component family,

and will be contained in one component package when the circuit is

exported for PCB layout. It also shows a single-footprint 74LS00D IC

containing four NAND gates (2). This was placed from the 74LS_IC

component.

Complete the following steps to place a multi-section part with a single

footprint:

1. Select Place»Component and navigate to the desired Group, Family

and Component.

2. Click to place the IC on the workspace.

Note Single-IC components are not available for all multi-section components.

Complete the following steps to place one device of a multi-section part:

1. Select Place»Component and navigate to the desired Group, Family

and Component.

2. Click OK. If this is the first multi-section component of this type (for

example, 74LS00D) being placed on the circuit, a dialog box appears

as shown in the figure below:

1 Individual 74LS00D Gates 2 Single-footprint 74LS00D IC

1

2

Chapter 2 Schematic Capture—Basics

© National Instruments Corporation 2-9 NI Multisim User Manual

If there are already other multi-section components placed, the dialog

box will be similar to the following:

Darker text (1) indicates available sections for placement. Greyed-out

text (2) indicates this section has already been placed.

3. Click on an available section to place it.

Note It is a good idea to place all the sections of a multi-section device (U1 in this

example) before going to a new multi-section device of the same type. Only instances of

the same component type are shown as available to place. In the above example, U1 and

“New” are both quad 2-input 74LS00D ICs. If there are other quad 2-input NAND devices

in the circuit, for example 74LS01N, they will not be displayed.

4. Click on any available section. The dialog box closes and a ghost

image of the device is attached to your cursor.

5. Click to place the device in the desired location.

6. If you selected either Continuous placement for multi-section part

only or Continuous placement in the Parts tab of the Preferences

dialog box, the dialog box re-appears.

7. Continue placing parts from this dialog. When finished, press ESC to

exit.

Rotating/Flipping a Part During Placement

Complete the following steps to rotate or flip a part during placement:

1. Select a part as detailed in the Using the Place Component Browser

section.

2. As you are dragging the “ghost” image of the part that you are placing,

press one of the following key combinations:

•Ctrl-R—rotates the component 90 degrees clockwise.

•Ctrl-Shift-R—Rotates the component 90 degrees

counter-clockwise.

1 Darker Text 2 Greyed-out Text

1

2

Chapter 2 Schematic Capture—Basics

NI Multisim User Manual 2-10 ni.com

•Alt-X—Flips the component horizontally.

•Alt-Y—Flips the component vertically.

Other Buttons

To display the Search Component dialog box, click the Search button.

Refer to the Searching for Components section of Chapter 5, Components,

for more information.

To display the Component Detail Report dialog box, click the

Detail Report button. Refer to the Component Detail Report section of

Chapter 12, Reports, for more information.

To display the Model Data Report dialog box, click the Model button.

Refer to the Model Data Report section of Chapter 12, Reports, for more

information.

Placing Virtual Components

Use the Virtual toolbar to place virtual components on your workspace.

Complete the following steps to place a virtual component:

1. Click on the desired button in the Virtual toolbar.

Button Description

Show Power Source Components button. Displays the

Power Source Components toolbar, which contains

buttons that let you place different virtual Power Source

components.

Show Signal Source Components button. Displays the

Signal Source Components toolbar, which contains

buttons that let you place different virtual Signal Source

components.

Show Basic Components button. Displays the Basic

Components toolbar, which contains buttons that let you

place different virtual Basic components.

Show Diode Components button. Displays the Diodes

Components toolbar, which contains buttons that let you

place different virtual diodes.

Chapter 2 Schematic Capture—Basics

© National Instruments Corporation 2-11 NI Multisim User Manual

Note Refer to the Virtual Component Toolbars section for information about the various

toolbars that appear when buttons on the Virtual toolbar are pressed.

2. From the toolbar that displays, click on the desired virtual component.

The cursor changes to a “ghost” image of the component you wish to

place.

Show Transistor Components button. Displays the

Transistor Components toolbar, which contains buttons

that let you place different virtual transistors.

Show Analog Components button. Displays the Analog

Components toolbar, which contains buttons that let you

place different virtual Analog components.

Show Miscellaneous Components button. Displays the

Miscellaneous Components toolbar, which contains

buttons that let you place miscellaneous virtual

components.

Show Measurement Components button. Displays the

Measurement Components toolbar, which contains

buttons that let you place different virtual Measurement

components.

Show Rated Virtual Components button. Displays the

Rated Virtual Components toolbar, which contains

buttons that let you place different virtual components

that are found in the Rated Virtual component group. This

component group contains a number of virtual

components that can be rated to "blow" if pre-set

tolerance(s) are exceeded when the circuit is simulated.

These tolerances are set in the Values tab of each

component's properties window. This feature is not

available in all versions of Multisim.

Show 3D Components button. Displays the 3D

Components toolbar, which contains buttons that let you

place different virtual 3D components. These

components function normally when the circuit is

simulated, but appear like the real component on the

circuit schematic. This feature is not available in all

versions of Multisim.

Button Description

Chapter 2 Schematic Capture—Basics

NI Multisim User Manual 2-12 ni.com

Tip You can click on the down-arrow beside any of the buttons in the Virtual toolbar to

display the components available for that button and select the desired component directly

from the drop-down list that appears.

3. Click the workspace in the