Activity 1.2.3
Introduction
As much fun as it is to analyze circuits by hand, the process becomes tedious as circuits grow in size and complexity. This is where Circuit Design Software (CDS) comes to the rescue. As the name implies, the CDS is a software tool that can be used to enter and simulate analog and digital circuit designs.
As with most computer applications, the CDS handles the mundane and repetitive tasks associated with analyzing circuits, allowing the designer (you) to concentrate on producing quality and creative designs.
In this activity you will gain experience using the Circuit Design Software to analyze simple analog circuits. In future activities we will use the CDS to analyze digital circuits as well. The circuits analyzed are some of the same circuits that were analyzed by hand in Activity 1.2.2. Thus, the theoretical and simulation results can be compared.
As much fun as it is to analyze circuits by hand, the process becomes tedious as circuits grow in size and complexity. This is where Circuit Design Software (CDS) comes to the rescue. As the name implies, the CDS is a software tool that can be used to enter and simulate analog and digital circuit designs.
As with most computer applications, the CDS handles the mundane and repetitive tasks associated with analyzing circuits, allowing the designer (you) to concentrate on producing quality and creative designs.
In this activity you will gain experience using the Circuit Design Software to analyze simple analog circuits. In future activities we will use the CDS to analyze digital circuits as well. The circuits analyzed are some of the same circuits that were analyzed by hand in Activity 1.2.2. Thus, the theoretical and simulation results can be compared.
Conclusion
1. It should be obvious that using a CDS to analyze circuits is far easier than performing the calculations by hand. Yet, being able to perform these calculations by hand is still an important skill for a circuit designer. Why?
Being able to calculate these measurements by hand is important for a circuit designer because a computer program isn’t going to always be there to give them the answer.
2. Using the results from step (3) of the procedure, verify Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law.
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law
Vt=V1+V2+V3
.669+2.47+.818+2.03=5.987Volts
3. Using the results from step (5) of the procedure, verify Kirchhoff’s Current Law.
Kirchhoff’s Current Law
It=I1+I2+I3
.0018+.0022+.0006+.00073=.00533=5.33mAmps
1. It should be obvious that using a CDS to analyze circuits is far easier than performing the calculations by hand. Yet, being able to perform these calculations by hand is still an important skill for a circuit designer. Why?
Being able to calculate these measurements by hand is important for a circuit designer because a computer program isn’t going to always be there to give them the answer.
2. Using the results from step (3) of the procedure, verify Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law.
Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law
Vt=V1+V2+V3
.669+2.47+.818+2.03=5.987Volts
3. Using the results from step (5) of the procedure, verify Kirchhoff’s Current Law.
Kirchhoff’s Current Law
It=I1+I2+I3
.0018+.0022+.0006+.00073=.00533=5.33mAmps