We will use two different
types of circuit simulators that differ in the way the circuit
is constructed.
Schematic
entry simulators require that you build the
circuit using standard logic symbols. These symbols are
available in a library and you can choose the one that you need
at any time. Once the circuit has been constructed, you
can set the inputs variables to to particular values and watch
to see how the output variables change with time as a result of
changing the inputs. You may choose to use any of the simulators
shown below:
Logic
Works is a product of Capilano
Associates and is available as a student edition from Prentice
Hall along with a detailed book that explains how to use it.
One advantage of LogicWorks is that the schematic file for the
computer designed in the textbook can be downloaded from my website.
You can see a description of the package here.
There is unfortunately no free version of this program.
An older version of the program, LogiMac, is available
on the Apple Macintosh computers in NSB A135 and can be used
for all homework assignments in this course.
B2
Spice A/D v4 Lite is a program by Beige Bag Software
that will do much more than schematic entry and simulation. The
free vesion of this program has a limitation of 30 digital parts,
which is enough for any of the homework assignments that I will
give in the course. It can be downloaded here.
Please Note that two versions of the software
are available at this URL. Download B2 Spice A/D v4 Lite
and not the Professional version that is available
for a 30 day free trial. The latter will not permit you
to print your homework assignments.
Circuit
maker is a program that is also used by other
sections of this course. The free student version has a
limitation of 50 devices per design, which is more than necessary
for any of the projects in the course. It can be downloaded
here.
Hardware
Description Language simulators require that you
describe the circuit in specific higher level languages that resemble
programming languages in many respects. Two languages are
widely used: Verilog and VHDL. We will use the latter in
this course. Once you have described the circuit, you can
test it by entering the input variables through a testbench and
seeing how the outputs change. We are currently in the process
of selecting the software for the course.
