1.

Introduction
1. Objectives for the National Instruments Multisim Course
2. Interactive Schematic Capture and Layout in National
Instruments Multisim
3. Exercise: Introducing the National Instruments Multisim
Environment
2. Schematic Capture
1. Electrical and Electronic Components Available in
National Instruments Multisim
2. Exercise: Finding and Placing Components in National
Instruments Multisim
3. Electrical and Electronic Component Manipulation in
National Instruments Multisim
4. Exercise: Drawing A Schematic in National Instruments
Multisim
3. Circuits
1. Creating Circuits in Multisim
2. Using Electrical Rules Checking in National Instruments
Multisim
3. Creating and Using Sub-Circuits in National Instruments
Multisim
4. Generating Schematic Reports and Annotation in National
Instruments Multisim
4. Simulation
1. Simulating Circuits using the SPICE in National
Instruments Multisim
2. Instrumenting a Circuit Simulation in National
Instruments Multisim
3. Exercise: Instrumenting Simulated Circuits in National
Instruments Multisim
 4. Creating LabVIEW Instruments to Instrument Circuit
Simulations in National Instruments Multisim
5. Analyses of Circuit Simulations
6. Exercise: Analysis of Circuit Simulations in National
Instruments Multisim
5. Integrated Design and Academic Features
1. Integrated Design with Multisim and Other National
Instruments Products
2. Enhanced Educational Features for Teaching with
National Instruments Multisim
Objectives for the National Instruments Multisim Course

Introduction

Course Objectives and Overview

This course will provide you with an introduction to Multisim's many

features. At the end of the three hours, you should have a basic
understanding of the user interface (UI), schematic capture and simulation.
You will also see how Multisim fits into the broader PCB design flow
(Figure 1 and Figure 2).

The course is split into sections, each containing associated exercises to

help solidify the concepts presented. There is also an Appendix, which
provides some direction on how to integrate Multisim with National
Instruments’ products to create a truly integrated benchtop platform for
design and verification.

Course Materials

In order to successfully complete this course, you will need the following:

Multisim Software.
Multisim User Guide and helpfiles (available in soft copies installed
with the software).
Associated circuits (associated circuits found on the CD in the back of
this book).

The Electronics Workbench Portfolio

 Electronics Workbench Product Flow

Multicap

Multicap 9 is the industry’s most intuitive and powerful schematic capture

program. Multicap’s innovative and timesaving features, including
modeless operation, powerful autowiring and a comprehensive database
organized into logical parts bins on your desktop, allow designs to be
captured almost as fast as they can be conceptualized. Repetitive tasks are
optimized, leaving you freer to create, test and ultimately perfect your
designs, resulting in superior products and minimizing time-to-market.

Multisim

Multisim, the world’s only interactive circuit simulator, allows you to

design better products in less time. Multisim includes a completely
integrated version of Multicap, making it the ideal tool for capturing
schematics and then instantly simulating circuits.

Multisim 9 also offers integration with National Instruments LabVIEW and

SignalExpress, allowing you to tightly integrate design and test.

Ultiboard
Ultiboard has been carefully designed to maximize your productivity. By
optimizing the most common repetitive tasks such as part and trace
placement, the number of keystrokes and mouse movements required to lay
out any design has been dramatically reduced.

Ultiboard handles today’s higher speed designs with ease using constraint
driven layout. Innovative features such as Real-Time design rule checking,
“Push & Shove” components & traces, component nudging with trace
rubberbanding, “Follow-me” trace editing and an Automatic Connection
machine ensure that you rapidly complete an error-free board.

Ultiroute for Professional Customers

For all but the most basic PCBs, the density and complexity of today’s
designs make manual component and trace placement techniques
impractical. For these designs, Electronics Workbench offers Ultiroute — a
state-of-the-art autorouting and autoplacement tool.

Ultiroute ensures high circuit performance and lower production costs for
these demanding projects by uniquely combining the best of gridless
(shape-based) and grid-based routing.

Integrated Design and Validation with National Instruments

The Integrated Design Flow

LabVIEW

NI LabVIEW is the graphical development environment for creating

flexible and scalable test, measurement, and control applications rapidly
and at minimal cost. With LabVIEW, engineers and scientists interface with
real-world signals, analyze data for meaningful information, and share
results and applications. Regardless of experience, LabVIEW makes
development fast and easy for all users.

SignalExpress

SignalExpress is interactive software for quickly acquiring, comparing,

automating, and storing measurements. Use SignalExpress to streamline
your exploratory and automated measurement tasks for electronics design,
validation, and test.

SignalExpress introduces an innovative approach to configuring your

measurements using intuitive drag-and-drop steps that do not require code
development.

NI ELVIS

National Instruments Educational Laboratory Virtual Instrumentation Suite

(NI ELVIS) is a LabVIEW-based design and prototyping environment for
university science and engineering laboratories. NI ELVIS consists of
LabVIEW-based virtual instruments, a multifunction data acquisition
device, and a custom-designed benchtop workstation and prototyping
board. This combination provides a ready-to-use suite of instruments found
in all educational laboratories. Because it is based on LabVIEW and
provides complete data acquisition and prototyping capabilities, the system
is ideal for academic coursework, from lower-division classes to advanced
project-based curricula. Curriculum applications include electronics design,
communications, controls, mechatronics, instrumentation, and data
acquisition.
Interactive Schematic Capture and Layout in National Instruments Multisim

Schematic Capture in MultiSim

The Benefits of Integrated Capture and Simulation

Multisim provides users with the unique ability to capture and simulate
from within the very same integrated environment. The advantages of this
approach are many. Users new to Multisim do not have to worry about
sophisticated SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit
Emphasis) syntax and commands, while advanced users have easy access to
all SPICE details.

Multisim makes capturing schematics easier and more intuitive than ever. A
spreadsheet view allows users to easily modify characteristics of any
number of components simultaneously: from PBC footprint to SPICE
model. Modeless operation provides the most efficient way of placing
components and wiring them together. Working with both analog and digital
multisection components is intuitive and simple.

In addition to traditional SPICE analyses, Multisim allows users to

intuitively connect virtual instruments to their schematics. Virtual
instruments make it fast and easy to view interactive simulation results by
replicating the real-world environment.

Multisim also provides special components known as interactive parts

which can be modified while a simulation is running. Interactive parts such
as switches and potentiometers, will immediately and accurately affect the
results of simulation.

When the need arises for more advanced analysis, Multisim delivers over
15 sophisticated analyses. Some examples of analyses include AC, Monte
Carlo, Worst Case, and Fourier. Provided natively within the Multisim
environment is a powerful Grapher, which allows the customized viewing
of simulation data and analyses.
The integrated capture and simulation environment provided by Multisim is
a natural fit for any circuit designer, and will save both time and frustration
throughout the entire circuit design process.

The Multisim Environment

Introducing the Multisim Environment

Multisim’s user interface consists of the basic elements, illustrated in Figure

1 below.
 The MultiSim Environment

The Design Toolbox

The Design Toolbox is used to manage various elements in the schematic.

The Visibility tab lets you choose which layers to display on the current
sheet on the workspace. The Hierarchy tab contains a tree that shows the
dependencies of the files in the design that you have open. The Project tab
displays information about the current project. Users can add files to the
existing folders of the current project, control access to files, and archive
designs.

Configuring global options

Global options allow users to configure specifics of the Multisim

environment. They can be modified by accessing the preferences dialog
box. 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
settings.

• 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 default digital simulation settings.

• General—where you set up selection rectangle behavior, mouse wheel

behavior, bus wiring and auto-wiring behavior.
 Various Global Preferences

Configuring sheet options

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.

The sheet specific settings are arranged in 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.

Consult the Multisim User Guide or Multisim helpfile for a detailed

description of each sheet property.
 Various Sheet Properties

Customizing the user interface

The Multisim user interface is highly customizable. Customizations are

context sensitive. Toolbars may be docked in various positions and
orientations. The contents of the toolbars may be customized. New toolbars
may 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 key
combinations to be assigned to any command that may be placed in a menu
or on a toolbar.

Note: To avoid interfering with interactive simulation, it is recommended

that users only assign commands to key combinations (such as Ctrl-E).

For example, the toolbars and docking windows may be re-configured as

you move from a circuit sheet to a description sheet.

To customize the user interface, select Options/Customize User Interface.

Using the Customize dialog, users can create or modify toolbars, assign or
change keyboard shortcuts, customize and create menus, and modify the
way the user interface appears.
Customize Dialog Box
Exercise: Introducing the National Instruments Multisim Environment

Approximate time to complete: 10 minutes

The purpose of this exercise is to familiarize yourself with the Multisim
environment. You will have the chance to explore the sheet and global
options, as well as examine the various toolbars and menu items available.

Objectives
Become familiar with the general Multisim interface.
Become familiar with configuring Multisim workspace parameters.

Procedure
1. Launch Multisim

1. Select File/OpenSamples, and open AMPMOD.ms9 .

2. Experiment with the different views that Multisim provides:

1. Select View/Spreadsheet to toggle the spreadsheet view.

2. Browse the Nets, Components,and PCB Layerstabs.
3. How many uniquely numbered nets are there?__________

3. Select View/Circuit Description Box.This is where designers can

view detailed information about their design. To edit the contents,
select Tools/Description Box Editor.
4. Select View/Design Toolbox.This view gives designers insight
into the files, sub-circuits and other elements of a given design.

2. Experiment with Global Preferences and Sheet Properties.

1. Select Options/Sheet Properties.

1. Try toggling on and off the grid in the Workspace tab (to
view the changes, click OK or Apply).
 2. Try switching the colors of the environment in the Circuittab
(to view the changes, click OK or Apply).

2. Select Options/Global Preferences.

1. Enable the Auto-backup feature in the Save tab.

2. Toggle on or off the Return to Component Browser check
box in the Parts tab according to your personal preference.

3. Examine the settings under the Generaltab. What is the default

Selection Rectangle mode?
4. If time permits, continuing experimenting with the Multisim
environment. Try to place an arbitrary component onto the schematic.
5. Close the schematic by clicking File/Close.

End of Exercise

AMPMOD.ms9
Electrical and Electronic Components Available in National Instruments
Multisim

Components

Components Overview

Components comprise the basis for any schematic. A component is any part
that can be placed onto the schematic. Multisim defines two broad
categories of parts: real and virtual. It is important to understand the
difference between these parts, in order to fully utilize their advantages.

Real components can be differentiated from virtual parts because real

components have a specific value that cannot be changed, and a PCB
footprint.

Virtual components are simulation-only components, which can be assigned

user-defined characteristics. For example, a virtual resistor can take on any
resistance (such as 3.86654 Ohms). Virtual components help designers to
check calculations by simulating designs with precise component values.
Virtual components can also be idealized components such as the 4-pin Hex
display shown in Figure 1.

Multisim also provides other classifications of components: analog, digital,

mixed-mode, animated, interactive, multi-section digital,
electromechanical, and radio-frequency (RF) components.
 Various Component Symbols: 7-Segment Display, Diode D1, Voltage
Source V1, NAND gate U2A, Microcontroller U3 and Transistor Q1

Interactive Components

Multisim provides a method for interacting with certain components that

are placed on the schematic. Changes to these components will affect the
simulation results on-the-fly. Components are controlled by pressing the
key listed beside the component.

For the components shown in Figure 2 below, pressing the A keywill

increase the resistance of the potentiometer toward 100% of the shown
value (1kΩ); to decrease the resistance, hold the Shift key then press the A
key. Pressing the Spacebar will toggle the switch to be either closed or
open.

The keyboard shortcut key can be changed by double-clicking on the

component, and choosing the desired key from the drop-down box as
shown below.
 Examples Interactive Components

Component Characteristics

The following fields are visible from the Component Browser.

 Component Information

The Component Browser

The Component Browser is used to select components for placement onto

the schematic. To access the Component Browser, click on any icon in the
parts bin, or select Place/Component. The default keyboard shortcut to
place a component is Ctrl-W.Double-click on the desired component to
place it on the schematic. The component will “ghost” the mouse cursor
until the left mouse button is clicked again to place the component.
 The Parts Bin or Component Toolbar

The Component Browser

To search this view, simply start typing the name of the desired component,
and the browser will automatically display matching candidate parts.
Optionally, for a more detailed search, click on the Search button.
The Component Browser shows the current database in which the displayed
parts are stored. Multisim organizes the parts by group, and family. The
browser also shows the symbol, a description of the component in the
Function field, the model, and the footprint / manufacturer.

The wildcard character ‘*’can be used to match any set of characters. For
example “LM*78” would match components “LM*AD” would return both
“LM101AD” and “LM108AD”, among others.

Note:Any component may have multiple models associated with it. Each
model may account for varying physical characteristics of the component.
For example, the LM358M opamp has five visible pins, but only three of
them are used in one model, ignoring the power supply terminals. More
information about models can be found by selecting the desired model from
the Model Manuf.\ID field, and click on the Model button.

Databases

There are three levels of database provided by Multisim:

The Master Database is read-only, and contains components supplied

by Electronics Workbench.
The User Database is private to the individual user logged onto the
computer. It is used for components built by an individual that are not
intended to be shared.
The Corporate Database is used to store custom components that are
intended to be shared across an organization. The Corporate Database
can be shared on a network.

Database management tools are supplied in order to move components

between databases, merge databases, and edit them. All the databases are
divided into groups and then into families within those groups. When a
designer chooses a component from the database and drops it onto the
circuit, a copy of the component is placed onto the circuit. Any edits made
to the component in the circuit do not affect the original database copy.
Edits made to the component in the database do not affect the previously
placed components, but will affect all subsequently placed components of
that type. When a circuit is saved, component information is saved in the
Multisim file. On load, the user has the option to keep the loaded parts as is,
to make copies to place into their user or corporate database, or to update
similarly-named components with the latest values from the database. Note:
The Database Manager can be opened by selecting
Tools/Database/Database Manager. To edit Master Database parts, copy
them to the User or Corporate Database.

Database Manager

Creating Custom Components

Multisim includes the ability to create and edit components to satisfy the
needs of any design. The two methods available are the Component Wizard,
and the Component Properties dialog box.
To access the Component Wizard, select Tools/Component Wizard. The
component wizard allows designers to enter all pertinent component
information, such as symbol, and SPICE model (Figure 7).

To access the Component Properties dialog box, double-click on a placed

component, click on the Value tab, and click the Edit Component in DB
button (Figure 8).

Component Wizard
 Component Properties Dialog
Box

More details on creating custom components are available in the helpfiles.

Exercise: Finding and Placing Components in National Instruments
Multisim

Approximate time to complete: 10 minutes

This exercise has been designed to introduce users to the component
browser. By the end of this exercise, you should be able to open the
component browser, search and find components that you need, and learn
more information about those components using the various fields of the
browser.

Objectives
Learn how to use the component browser to locate desired
components.
Become familiar with the information that the component browser
provides.

Procedure
1. Open a new schematic window (File/New/Schematic Capture).
2. Bring up the component browser by clicking on the Sources button of
the Parts Bin (or Components Toolbar).

1. Locate and place a Groundsymbol onto the schematic. It is found in

the POWER_SOURCES Family.
2. Use the Searchtool to locate the Analog Devices OP297AZ.

1. From within the component browser, click Search.

2. Type “OP297AZ” into the Component field, when you locate the
part click OK. Do not place the component yet.
 3. How many different varieties of this Opamp are in your database?
__________

(Hint:Try including a wildcard ‘*’ in your search: “OP297*”)

1. 1. How many sections does this chip have? __________

(Hint: Sections are lettered from A-Z)

1. 1. Should you place the opamp, you will have the option of
choosing section A or B. You do not need to place the opamp at
this time.

1. 1. Use the Search tool to locate the 74S04D Hex Inverter.

2. When you place the inverter, you are given the option of placing any
of the six inverters. Place the A gate. Notice that you now have the
option of placing a new chip, or continuing to place gates of the
existing U1.
3. Place another “A” gate. What is the default reference designator for
this new inverter? ________
Electrical and Electronic Component Manipulation in National Instruments
Multisim

Component Placement, Rotation, Selection and Wiring

Placement, Rotation, and Selection

Once parts have been selected from their respective database, it is time to
place them onto the schematic, and wire them together. Double-clicking on
a component in the browser will attach that component to the cursor. This
behavior is known as “ghosting”. Ghosting helps guide users when placing
components anywhere on the schematic by left-clicking at the desired
location.

Components can also be rotated while ghosting, and any time after
placement. To rotate a part while ghosting, press Ctrl-R. Ctrl-R will also
work when a placed component is selected. Placed components can also be
rotated by right-clicking on them and selecting 90 Clockwise or 90
CounterCW.
 Component
Rotation

Replacing Components

To select a component, simply-left click on it. To select multiple

components, click and drag to create a selection around the desired
components. A dashed line indicates that a component is selected.
Individual elements of a symbol can also be selected, such as the
component value and reference designator. To select these, left-click on the
desired text or graphic element.

Holding the Shift key while selecting allows multiple components to be

selected or de-selected.
Components can be replaced by right-clicking on them then selecting
Replace Component(s) from the right-click menu. Users can then select the
replacement components from the newly opened component browser.
Multisim will connect the new component to the same nets as the original
component.

Wiring

Multisim provides modeless operation — the action performed by the

mouse cursor is dependent on the cursor’s location. There is no need to
select a tool, or mode when working with Multisim. The cursor will change
depending on what object is underneath it. describes the different icons that
the mouse cursor will display.

When the cursor is over a pin or terminal of a component, that component

can easily be wired by left-clicking. When the cursor is over an existing
wire and near a pin or terminal the net can easily be re-wired.

Left-click on the terminal to begin wiring, and to finish the wire, left-click
on the destination terminal.

When a wire is placed, Multisim will automatically assign it a net number.

Net numbers increase sequentially, beginning with 1. Ground nets are
always numbered 0 — a requirement of the underlying SPICE simulator. To
change a net number, or assign it a logical name instead, simply double-
click on the wire.
 Modeless Mouse Cursors

Naming Nets

Autowiring by Touching Pins

Multisim also allows auto-connection of pins to wires, and pins to pins. To
automatically connect a component to existing nets or pins, simply place
that component so that its pins are touching an existing net or pin.

Autowiring by Touching Pins

Autoconnect Passives

Multisim provides the ability to place a component in-line with an existing

wire or set of wires. To automatically split an existing wire around a
component, simply place that component in-line with the wire (Figure 6).

Autoconnect Passives
Exercise: Drawing A Schematic in National Instruments Multisim

Exercise: Drawing a Schematic in MultiSim

Approximate time to complete: 20 minutes.

This exercise provides a general introduction to Multisim’s schematic

capture. You will build and wire a basic circuit in Multisim using a variety
of means to access parts, experiment with the wiring and run a basic
simulation.

Objectives

Understand the difference between real, virtual, ideal, and interactive

parts.
Build and wire a basic circuit (including virtual wiring).
Become familiar with and set wiring options.

Procedure

1. Build your own version of circuit 40kFILTER1_Complete.ms9 as

pictured below. Select the required components from the Master
Database (Place/Component) and the In-Use List. Set component
values as identified below. Note: Components R1, R2 and C2 are all
virtual parts.
 Bandpass Filter

1. To wire your circuit, point at a component terminal so that you see the
cursor changes to crosshairs and left-click. Move the pointer (while
dragging the wire) to the second component terminal and left-click to
terminate.
2. Using the Replace function by right clicking on the R2, choose
Replace Component(s) and substitute the virtual resistor (R2) with a
real resistor (Basic/Resistor) of your choice.
3. Double-click on the virtual components to see how they can be used to
set variable parameters.
4. Rotate and move a component within the circuit to see how movement
of components affects the wiring. Components can also be rotated
while being placed from the database.
5. Select the virtual capacitor from the In-Use List and place it between
Points A and B in the circuit. Notice the how it is automatically
connected, and has a capacitance of 270 pF.

SOLUTION
Creating Circuits in Multisim

Circuit Wizards
Multisim provides several circuit wizards, which can aid designers by
quickly producing circuits to match specifications. The circuits wizards
provided are listed in . To use a circuit wizard, select Tools/Circuit Wizards.

Circuit Wizards
 Filter Wizard Dialog Box

Use the 555 Timer Wizard to build astable and monostable oscillator
circuits that use the 555 timer.

The Multisim Filter Wizard helps design numerous types of filters by

entering the specifications into its fields.

The Common Emitter BJT Amplifier Wizard helps design common emitter
amplifier circuits by entering the desired specifications into its fields. The
Multisim MOSFET Amplifier Wizard helps design MOSFET amplifier
circuits. The Multisim Opamp Wizard helps design the following opamp
circuits. Users can enter the desired specifications in its fields:

Inverting Amplifier.
Non-inverting Amplifier.
Difference Amplifier.
Inverted Summing Amplifier.
Non-inverted Summing Amplifier.
Scaling Adder.
Using Electrical Rules Checking in National Instruments Multisim

Electrical Rules Check (ERC)

The Electrical Rules Check creates and displays a report detailing
connection errors (such as an output pin connected to a power pin) and
unconnected pins. Once the circuit is wired, check the connections for
correctness based on the rules set up in the Electrical Rules Check dialog
box.

Depending on your circuit, you may wish to have warnings issued if some
types of connections are present, error messages for other connection types,
and no warnings or errors for other connections. You control the type of
connections that are reported when ERC is done by setting up the rules in
the grid found in the ERC Rules tab of the Electrical Rules Check dialog
box.

ERC may be run over an entire design, or only across certain areas of a
design. When an ERC is run, any anomalies are reported into a results pane
at the bottom of the screen and the circuit is annotated with circular error
markers. Clicking on an error will center and zoom on the error location.

The ERC Options tab and ERC Rules tab are used to configure the ERC.

To run the electrical rules check:

1.Select Tools/Electrical Rules Check to display the Electrical Rules Check

dialog box.

2.Set up the reporting options using the ERC Options tab (Figure 1).

3.Set up the rules using the ERC Options tab (Figure 2).

4.Click OK. The results display in the format selected in the Output box in
the ERC Options tab.
ERC Options Tab

ERC Rules Tab

Creating and Using Sub-Circuits in National Instruments Multisim

Sub-circuits and Hierarchical Blocks

Multisim provides the ability to handle increasingly complex designs. In
addition to multi-sheet designs, users can create sub-circuits (SC), and
hierarchical blocks (HB) to modularize repetitive circuits, or to abstract
sophisticated designs.

Subcircuits are useful for compacting existing designs that would be best
kept in a single file. Hierarchical blocks are better suited for design reuse
because they are stored in separate files and can be accessed for other
designs.

Hierarchical blocks and subcircuits are functionally identical; the only

difference is in how their contents are stored on disk.

Hierarchical blocks and subcircuits can be created using two methods, the
first method is to highlight an existing section of a circuit, and select
Place/Connectors/HB/SC Connector. The second method is described
below.

To place a new hierarchical block (2nd method):

1. Select Place/New Hierarchical Block and enter a filename.
 Hierarchical Block Properties Dialog Box

or

1. Click on Browse, navigate to the folder where you would like to save
the hierarchical block, enter a name and click Save. You are returned
to the Hierarchical Block Properties dialog box.
2. Enter the number of pins desired and click OK. A “ghost” image of the
new hierarchical block appears. Click where you want the hierarchical
block to appear.
3. Double-click on the new hierarchical block and select Edit HB/SC
from the Hierarchical Block/Subcircuit dialog box that displays. A
circuit window that contains only the entered pins displays.
4. Place and wire components as desired in the new hierarchical block.
5. Wire the hierarchical block into the circuit.
6. Save the circuit.

Note: If you move or re-name a hierarchical block relative to the main

circuit, Multisim will not be able to find it. A dialog box will ask you to
provide the new location for the hierarchical block.

To place an existing hierarchical block from a file, select Place/Hierarchical

Block from file and follow the same procedure.

To place a new subcircuit:

1. Select Place/New Subcircuit. The Subcircuit Name dialog box appears.
 Subcircuit Name Dialog
Box

1. Enter the name you wish to use for the subcircuit, for example,
“PowerSupply” and click OK. Your cursor changes to a “ghost” image
of the subcircuit indicating that the subcircuit is ready to be placed.
2. Click on the location in the circuit where you want the subcircuit
placed (you can move it later, if necessary). The subcircuit appears in
the desired location on the circuit window as an icon with the
subcircuit name inside it.
3. Double-click on the new subcircuit and select Edit HB/SC from the
Hierarchical Block/Subcircuit dialog box that displays. An empty
circuit window appears.
4. Place and wire components as desired in the new hierarchical block.
5. Select Place/Connectors/HB/SC Connector, and place and wire the
connector as desired. Repeat for any other required Connectors. When
you return to the main circuit, the symbol for the subcircuit will
include pins for the number of connectors that you added.
6. Wire the subcircuit into the circuit.

Replacing Components with Hierarchical Blocks or Subcircuits

Multisim allows users to easily replace existing components with a
hierarchical block or subcircuit. Simply select the components which
comprise the desired subcircuit or hierarchical block, and select
Place/Replace by Hierarchical Blockor Place/Replace by Subcircuit.

Spreadsheet View
The Spreadsheet View provides a global perspective on object properties. It
allows fast advanced viewing and editing of parameters including
component details such as footprints, Reference Designators, attributes and
design constraints.
The Spreadsheet View can also be used to modify groups of components at
a time. The view can be sorted by any column in either ascending or
descending order. You can also export the contents to Microsoft Excel® for
further reports.
Generating Schematic Reports and Annotation in National Instruments
Multisim

Schematic Reports and Annotation

Multisim allows you to generate a number of reports: Bill of Materials
(BOM), Component Detail Report, Netlist Report, Schematic Statistics,
Spare Gates and the Cross Reference Report. A BOM lists the components
used in your design and therefore provides a summary of the components
needed to manufacture the circuit board. Information provided in the Bills
of Materials include:

quantity of each component needed.

description, including the type of part (example: resistor) and value
(example: 5.1 kohm).
Reference Designator of each component.
package or footprint of each component.

The Component Detail Report shows all information stored in the Multisim
database for a particular component.

The Netlist Report provides the following circuit connectivity information

for each component:

Net name.
Page (filename).
Pin (logical pin name).

The Cross Reference Report provides a detailed list of all components and
their locations in the design.

The Schematic Statistics Report provides the quantity of the following in a

circuit:

Components — total number of components. (Real components +

virtual components).
Real components — components that can be purchased.
Virtual components — components that cannot be purchased.
 Gates — total number of gates used in the design.
Nets — total number of connections between pins.
Pins in nets.
Unconnected pins.
Total pins — pins in nets and unconnected pins.
Pages.
Hierarchical blocks — total number of hierarchical blocks, unique or
otherwise. Instances of hierarchical blocks equals the number of copies
of the same hierarchical block.
Unique hierarchical blocks — total number of unique hierarchical
blocks.
Subcircuits — total number of subcircuits, unique or otherwise.
Unique subcircuits.

The Spare Gates Report lists unused gates on multi-section components.

Note: Multisim provides a gate optimizer which will automatically and
efficiently pack multisection parts onto the minimum number of chips. To
run the gate optimizer select Tools/Rename/Renumber Components and
then select Gate Optimizer.

Graphical Annotation
Multisim provides an easy method for graphically annotating your circuits.
The Graphic Annotation toolbar allows placement of the following items:
text, lines, multilines, rectangles, ellipses, arcs, polygons, pictures, and
comments. To place graphical elements without using the toolbar, right-
click on the schematic and select Place Graphic.

Graphical Annotation
Toolbar
Circuit Description Box
In addition to adding text to a particular portion of a circuit, you can add
general descriptions to your circuit using the Circuit Description Box. You
can also place bitmaps, sound and video in the Circuit Description Box.

The contents of the Circuit Description Box are viewed in the top pane of
the Circuit Description Box window (select View/Circuit Description Box).
To edit the contents of the Circuit Description Box, select Tools/Description
Box Editor.

Title Blocks
A powerful title block editor allows you to create customized title blocks. If
desired, a title block can be included on every page of your design.

Various fields in the title block are automatically filled in depending upon
the context and various document properties. When designing the title
block, you choose one of the pre-defined fields or a custom field. You
choose appropriate fonts depending upon your language of preference. To
edit an existing, or to create a new title block, select Tools/Title Block
Editor.

Title blocks can include elements such as text, lines, arcs, Bezier curves,
rectangles, ovals, arcs, bitmaps, and so on.

To place a title block, select Place/Title Block. The title block can be
automatically placed in any corner by right-clicking on the title block and
selecting Move To. To populate fields of each title block, simply double-
click the title block.

Schematic Transfer to Ultiboard and Other Packages

Multisim includes a single-click feature which will transfer the current
design to an installed copy of Ultiboard. Select Transfer/Transfer to
Ultiboardto initiate the PCB design process. Designs can be easily forward
and back-annotated using the same Transfer menu.
In addition to a transfer mechanism between Multisim and Ultiboard,
designers also have the option to transfer designs to one of several other
PCB layout packages. Note: Transferring designs to 3rd party layout
packages may require matching Multisim components to components in the
database of the chosen PCB layout program.
Simulating Circuits using the SPICE in National Instruments Multisim

Simulation Overview
While a good design naturally follows from quality schematics, truly great
designs can made with the help of simulation. Multisim provides powerful
simulation capabilities and features which are simply unavailable in other
EDA packages.

Simulating a design can result in fewer design iterations and less chance of
errors in the prototype stage of product development. When a design is
simulated at the front end of the design process, the number of design
cycles can be significantly reduced.

In addition to a world-class SPICE simulator, Multisim also includes

XSPICE simulation, enabling fast simulation of digital other components.

Patented co-simulation techniques allow designers to simulate VHDL

modeled components along with the rest of a circuit. With MultiMCU,
certain microcontrollers can be simulated in the very same mixed-mode
environment. MultiMCU is not available for all versions of Multisim.

Using the Interactive Simulator

To begin a simulation, ensure that the circuit has all the necessary
prerequisites. All circuits must include a ground reference, and a source.
Once the circuit is ready for simulation, click the Run / Stop Simulation
button

Run/Stop
Simulatio
n Button
or press F5. An interactive circuit simulation will begin.

The settings that are used for interactive simulation can be viewed and
modified by selecting Simulate/Interactive Simulation Settings.Figure 1
below illustrates some of the settings available for interactive simulation.
The default end time for the simulation is 1e+30 seconds, or around
3.17e+30 billion years. By default time steps will be generated
automatically.

Interactive Simulation Settings

To view results of this simulation, the measurement probe

 The
Measuremen
t Probe

can be used dynamically. Simply click on the probe icon and the mouse
cursor will turn into a probe. The mouse can then be moved over any net to
view the following metrics:

Voltage (instantaneous, peak-to-peak, RMS, and DC).

Frequency.

Virtual instruments can also display simulation results. Virtual instruments

are covered later in this section.

Multisim also provides more traditional SPICE analyses, which are run
through the Grapher/Analyses List toolbar button,

Grapher/Analyse
s List toolbar
button

or by selecting Simulate/Analyses. Analyses are described in greater detail

later in this section.

Handling Simulation Errors

Sooner or later, even the most experienced SPICE users will run into a
SPICE simulation error. Multisim includes a simulation advisor to help
discover and fix the source of troubling errors.

When an error message appears such as the one in Figure 5, click the
Adviser button to access the available help.

Simulation Error Log Dialog Box

 Simulation Advisor

Two of the most often encountered errors are timestep errors, and singular
matrix errors. below provides the most common solutions to these
simulation errors.
Common Solutions to Simulation Errors
Instrumenting a Circuit Simulation in National Instruments Multisim

Instrumenting a Simulation in MultiSim

Virtual instruments are components in Multisim which model real-world
bench-top instruments. Examples of virtual instruments in Multisim include
Oscilloscopes, Function Generators, Network Analyzers, and Bode Plotters.

Virtual instruments provide designers with an easy and intuitive method for
interacting with their circuits as they would in a testing or prototyping
phase.

In addition to the provided virtual instruments, designers with familiar with

National Instruments LabVIEW can create their own custom instruments
from scratch. For example, one could create a custom noise generator to
model electromagnetic interference.

Custom virtual instruments written in NI LabVIEW can also acquire real-

world data and use the data to drive simulations, and can send generated
data to analog output hardware, allowing simulated data to control real-
world devices. The LabVIEW development suite is required to create
custom LabVIEW instruments, but not necessary to run existing LabVIEW
based instruments.

To place a virtual instrument, select the desired instrument from the

Instruments toolbar (Figure 1). To view the front panel of the instrument,
double-click on the instrument icon. Make connections to the terminals of
the instrument icon as you would to any other component.

Multisim also provides designers with simulated benchtop instruments.

These are instruments such as the Tektronix TDS 2024 Oscilloscope. They
will look and operate exactly according to the manufacturers’ user manuals.
 Instruments Toolbar

A single circuit can have multiple instruments attached to it, including (for
most tiers) multiple instances of the same instrument. In addition, each
circuit window can have its own set of instruments. Each instance of any
instrument is configured and connected independently.

An overview of the more common instruments is included in this section.

For more detailed information on how to use each instrument, consult the
Multisim User Guide or helpfile.

Multimeter

Use the multimeter to measure AC or DC voltage or current, and resistance

or decibel loss between two nodes in a circuit. The multimeter is auto-
ranging, so a measurement range does not need to be specified. Its internal
resistance and current are preset to near-ideal values, which can be changed.

Multimete
r
Schematic
Symbol
 Multimeter
Front Panel

Function Generator

The function generator is a voltage source that supplies sine, triangular or

square waves. It provides a convenient and realistic way to supply stimulus
signals to a circuit. The waveform can be changed and its frequency,
amplitude, duty cycle and DC offset can be controlled. The function
generator's frequency range is great enough to produce conventional AC as
well as audio- and radio-frequency signals.

The function generator has three terminals through which waveforms can
be applied to a circuit. The common center terminal provides a reference
level for the signal.

Function
Generator
Schemati
c Symbol
 Function
Generator Front
Panel

Oscilloscopes

Multisim includes several varieties of oscilloscopes. All of the scopes can

be controlled like real-world oscilloscopes. Horizontal timing and vertical
voltages parameters can be adjusted. Triggering levels, and types are also
selectable. Data from the Multisim-exclusive oscilloscopes is available in
the Grapher after the interactive simulation has completed by selecting
View/Grapher.

Multisim provides the following oscilloscopes:

2-Channel.
4-Channel.
Agilent 54622D Mixed Signal Oscilloscope.
Tektronix TDS 2024 Four Channel Digital Storage Oscilloscope.
Oscilloscope
Schematic
Symbol

Oscilloscope Front
Panel
 Tektronix
Oscilloscope
Schematic
Diagram

Tektronix Oscilloscope Front Panel

Bode Plotter

The bode plotter displays the relative phase or magnitude response of an

input and output signal. This is especially useful when characterizing the
bandwidth of filter circuits.
 Function
Generator
Schemati
c Symbol

Bode Plotter Front Panel

Spectrum Analyzer

The spectrum analyzer is used to measure amplitude versus frequency. This

instrument is capable of measuring a signal's power and frequency
components, and helps determine the existence of harmonics in the signal.

The spectrum analyzer displays its measurements in the frequency domain

rather than the time domain. Usually the reference frame in signal analysis
is time. In that case, an oscilloscope is used to show the instantaneous value
as a function of time. Sometimes a sine waveform is expected but the
signal, rather than being a pure sinusoidal, has a harmonic on it. As a result,
it is not possible to measure the waveform's level. If the same signal is
displayed on a spectrum analyzer, its amplitude is displayed, along with its
frequency components, that is, its fundamental frequency and any
harmonics it may contain.
Spectrum
Analyzer
Schematic
Symbol

Spectrum Analyzer Front Panel

Exercise: Instrumenting Simulated Circuits in National Instruments
Multisim

Approximate time to complete: 20 minutes

This exercise will demonstrate the interactive simulator, and virtual
instruments. By the end of this exercise, users will be familiar with placing
instruments, opening their front panels, and configuring various options.

Objectives
Learn how to place and connect virtual instruments.
Gain experience configuring instruments.

Procedure
1. Load circuit 40kFilter2.ms9 . Refer to while performing steps 2 - 4.
2. Replace the Clock Source with a Function Generator. Once placed,
double-click to open the instrument panel and adjust its settings as
follows:

Waveform = sinewave
Amplitude = 1 V
Frequency = 40 kHz

1. Close the instrument panel.

2. Attach the Bode plotter between the input and output nodes. Double-
click to open the instrument and adjust its settings as follows, then
simulate and observe the output:

Set Magnitude
Horizontal I (Initial) = 1 kHz, F (Final) = 1 MHz
Vertical I (Initial) = -50 dB, F (Final) = 10 dB

1. Attach an oscilloscope to monitor the input and output

voltages.Double-click on the oscilloscope icon to adjust its settings as
follows:
 Set Timebase = 20 us/Div
Channel A= 1 V/Div
Channel B = 1 V/Div

1. The color of the wire segment connected to an instrument controls the

color of the trace on the instrument display. Make sure that the wires
from the output of the op-amp are blue. If they are not, then right-click
on a wire segment and choose “Wire Color” to change the setting.
Now, simulate and observe the output.
2. Change the value of the Potentiometer (R3) by pressing “A” to
increase the resistance and “Shift-A” to decrease the resistance during
simulation. Observe the response on the oscilloscope. Note: The Bode
Plot response will be updated only after you re-simulate the circuit.

1. While the simulation is still running, use the “Measurement Probe” to

view the voltage levels in the circuit. It is found at the end of the
instrument panel.

SOLUTION
Creating LabVIEW Instruments to Instrument Circuit Simulations in
National Instruments Multisim

Creating LabVIEW Instruments in MultiSim

Multisim ships with four different virtual NI LabVIEW instruments: a
microphone, speaker, signal generator, and signal analyzer. The symbols are
shown in Figure 1 and the speaker front panel is shown in Figure 2.

Microphone - Records audio from the computer sound device and outputs
the sound data as a signal source.

Speaker - Plays input signal using the computer sound device.

Signal Generator - Generates and outputs a sine, triangle, square, or

sawtooth wave.

Signal Analyzer - Displays time-domain data, auto power spectrum, or

running average of input signal.

NI LabVIEW Instrument
Symbols
 Sample NI
LabVIEW Front
Panel

Custom instruments can be created using the NI LabVIEW graphical

development environment. Instruments that are created using NI LabVIEW
can take advantage of the full functionality of the NI LabVIEW
development system including data acquisition, instrument control,
mathematical analysis, and so on.

For example, you can create an instrument that acquires data from the real
world using a National Instruments data acquisition device or modular
instrument. Multisim will then use that data as a signal source for circuit
simulation.

You can also create an instrument that displays simulation data

simultaneously with multiple measurements (running average and power
spectrum, for example) made from that simulation data.

NI LabVIEW instruments can be either input instruments or output

instruments. Input instruments receive simulation data for display or
processing. Output instruments generate data to use as a signal source in
simulation. A NI LabVIEW instrument cannot be both an input and output
instrument.

Additionally, input and output instruments behave differently. Input

instruments continuously receive simulation data from Multisim while
simulation is active.

In contrast, at the beginning of circuit simulation, output instruments will

first generate a finite amount of data and return that data to Multisim.
Multisim will then use that data for circuit simulation. Output instruments
do not continuously generate data while simulation is running. To cause an
output instrument to generate new data, you must stop and restart
simulation.

Output instruments allow the user or creator of the instrument to determine

whether the instrument repeats the output data. The LabVIEW instrument
must be configured to repeat its output data periodically, or else the
simulator will assume the output is 0V once it has no data remaining from
the instrument. Alternatively, if you configure the instrument and repeat the
output data, the instrument will loop and repeat its output periodically until
the simulation has stopped.

Input instruments allow the user or creator of the instrument to set a

sampling rate. This sampling rate is the rate at which the instrument
receives data from Multisim. This sampling rate is analogous to the
sampling rate you would set for a physical data acquisition device or
modular instrument that acquires data from the real world. You should
observe the Nyquist sampling theorem when choosing a sampling rate for
your instrument. Note that the higher the value of the sampling rate, the
slower simulation will run.

To create and modify NI LabVIEW instruments, you must have the NI

LabVIEW 8.0 (or later) Development System.

To use NI LabVIEW instruments, you must have the NI LabVIEW Run-

Time Engine installed on your computer. The version of this Run-Time
Engine must correspond to the version of the NI LabVIEW Development
System used to create the instrument. The Multisim installer includes the
NI LabVIEW Run-Time Engine 8.0 as part of the Electronics Workbench
Shared Components installation.
Analyses of Circuit Simulations

Analysis of Circuit Simulation

Multisim offers many analyses, all of which utilize simulation to generate
the data for the desired analysis. These analyses range from quite basic to
extremely sophisticated, and often require one analysis to be performed as
part of another. To configure and begin an analysis, select
Simulate/Analyses, and choose the desired analysis. Figure 1 lists all
available Multisim analyses. For each analysis, you configure the settings
that tell Multisim how to exactly perform the desired analysis. In addition to
the analyses provided by Multisim, user-defined analyses can be created
based on user-entered SPICE commands.

To prepare an analysis, configure the analysis-specific parameters, such as

frequency range for an AC analysis. Output traces must also be selected
here. It is especially important to name nets appropriately to avoid
confusion when analyzing results. The results are displayed on a plot in
Multisim’s Grapher and saved for use in the Postprocessor. Some results are
also written to an audit trail, which can be viewed.
Available
Analyses
 AC Analysis Options Dialog Box

Grapher
The Grapher is the primary tool used to view the results of simulations.
Users can view the Grapher by clicking View/Grapher. Additionally, the
Grapher opens automatically displayed upon when running an analysis.
Elements of the Grapher window are detailed in Figure 3.

The display shows both graphs and charts. In a graph, data are displayed as
one or more traces along vertical and horizontal axes. In a chart, text data
are displayed in rows and columns. The window is made up of several
tabbed pages, depending on how many analyses, etc. have been run.

Each page has two possible active areas which will be indicated by a red
arrow: the entire page indicated with the arrow in the left margin near the
page name or the chart/graph indicated with the arrow in the left margin
near the active chart/graph. Some functions, such as cut/copy/paste, affect
only the active area, so be sure the desired area has been selected before
performing a function.
 The Grapher

Through the properties pages, the Grapher provides extensive

customization. Axes scales, ranges, titles, colors, line styles, and many
more options can be modified. To access the page or standard properties
pages, click Edit/Page Propertiesor Edit/Properties (Figure 4 and Figure 5).

Grapher Page Properties

 Graph Properties

Cursors can be moved by clicking and dragging them with the mouse.
Additionally, right-clicking on a cursor, will display cursor movement
options. Users can move the cursor to a particular X-Value, Y-Value, and
local Maxima or Minima in either direction (Figure 6). Cursors, legends and
graph lines can be toggled on or off by clicking the corresponding toolbar
buttons (Figure 7).

Cursor
 Movement
Options

Grapher Toolbar

Results can also be exported to NI LabVIEW, Excel, or MathCAD. Graph

data can also be saved to a variety of formats including NI LabVIEW Data
(either .LVM or .TDM), comma separated values (.CSV), and plain text. To
save results from the Grapher select File/Save As,and choose the desired
file format.
Exercise: Analysis of Circuit Simulations in National Instruments Multisim

Exercise: Working with Analyses in Circuit Simulation

Approximate time to complete: 35 minutes

In this exercise, users will further explore the characteristics of the

bandpass filter using analyses. Users will use AC, Transient, Fourier, and
Monte Carlo Analyses and learn about analyses settings and how to
configure the Grapher.

Objectives

Compare AC Analysis to a Bode plot

Compare Transient Analysis with the Oscilloscope
Use expressions in analyses
Understand how to set up and run Fourier Analysis
Understand how to set up tolerances and run a Monte Carlo Analysis
Learn how to format the output in the Grapher

Procedure

1. Load circuit 40kFilter3.ms9. Notice that a load resistance has been

added to the circuit (Rload) on the output of the filter. This is to
facilitate an output power analysis.
2. Run the Simulation to get the Bode plotter and oscilloscope traces.
Double-click the Bode plotter and Oscilloscope icons to open the
instrument panels. Start the simulation by clicking on the lightning bolt
button, or by pressing F5. Stop the simulation after the Bode plot is
displayed. Close the instrument panels by clicking on the Close button
on each instrument. Note:You can also open and close instrument
panels by double-clicking on the instrument icons.
 3. Open the settings for an AC Analysis (Simulate/Analyses/AC
Analysis).

1. On the Output tab, remove all variables from the Selected

variables for analysis column on the right hand side of the dialog
box. To do this, select all variables in the column and then click
Remove.
2. Select the $output variable and click Add.
3. The test point will move to the right side under Selected Variables
for Analysis.

4. Verify the output parameters and simulate.

5. Click Simulate.

The Grapher appears with multiple tabs. The last three include: one for the
oscilloscope, one for the Bode plotter, and one for the AC Analysis.
Compare the AC Analysis and the Bode Plotter graphs.

1. Perform the steps below to adjust the graph properties of the AC

Analysis. These general steps can be used for adjusting any graph.
2. Left-click on the Magnitude graph (top graph) to make it active.

A small arrow on the left side of the window indicates which graph is
active.

1. Right-click on the left axis to access the Graph Properties option.

1. Select the Left Axis tab.

2. Enter the following information in the Left Axis tab:
3. In the Scale box, choose Decibels.
4. In the Label dialog, type Gain (dB).
5. In the Axis box, choose Enabled and a Pen Size of 1.
6. In the Range box, choose a minimum range of –50 and a
maximum range of 10.
Setting the Graph Properties for the
Magnitude

1. 1. 1. In the Divisions section, choose Total Ticks of 4, Minor

Ticks of 2 and Precision of 3.
2. Click the Apply button.

2. Select the Bottom Axis tab.

1. Select Logarithmic Scale. In the Frequency Range, type

1000 for minimum and 1000000 for maximum.
2. Click Apply, then OK.

2. Adjust the bottom (Phase) graph by setting the Graph Properties as

shown in the following figure. Then click on the Bottom Axis tab and
change the range to 1000 to 1000000.
 Setting the Graph Properties for the
Phase

Now compare the outputs of the Bode plot and the AC analysis by directly
overlaying the magnitude traces.

1. Left-click on the magnitude plot of the Bode plot to select it.

1. Select Overlay Traces from the Tools menu.

2. Pick Graph_1 of the AC Analysis (this should be the second last
entry in the list).

A new page will open in the Grapher that displays the two traces overlaid.

You can zoom in to see the region where both traces exist. Press and hold
the left mouse button as you drag a box around the peak of the graph.
 Zooming in on Overlaid Traces

Notice the results are slightly different. This is because the two methods
used different sampling rates. You can control the sampling rate when you
set up the instrument or the analysis.

1. Investigate how to make precise measurements in the Grapher.

1. Select the Bode Plot Tab in the Grapher.

2. Turn on the cursors by selecting Show/Hide Cursors from the
Viewmenu.
3. Select one of the cursors and right-click on it.
4. Select Go to next Y_MAX to find the peak.
5. Select Set Y_Value =>and enter the value that is 3 less than the
max. This will give you one of the -3dB points.
6. Read the resulting value in the numeric display box.

2. Perform Transient Analysis (Simulate/Analyses/Transient Analysis).

1. Set the analysis settings as shown below. Note: You may need to
expand the dialog box by clicking the More button.
 Setting Up the Transient Analysis

1. 1. Switch to the Outputtab.

2. Select test point nodes $input and $output as the Selected
Variables for Analysis.
3. Click the Simulate button. Compare the graph with the
oscilloscope display.

You will now set up to run a Fourier analysis.

1. Open the instrument panel of the function generator and change the
waveform to a square wave.

1. Choose Simulate/Analyses/Fourier Analysis.

2. Select both Estimate buttons to set the sampling options and
transient Analysis options automatically.
3. Switch to the Outputvariablestab.
4. Select $input and $output as the Selected Variables for Analysis.
 5. Click Simulate.

Note the output is presented on two separate pages in the Grapher.

Optional Section (time permitting):

Perform a Monte Carlo Analysis, (Simulate/Analyses/Monte Carlo).

1. From the front dialog box, select Add a new tolerance function.

1. In Parameter Type, choose Device Parameter.

2. In Device Type select Capacitor. Choose cc1.
3. In the Tolerance section, select Percent. For Tolerance Type,
assign 20 and click Accept.

Setting Device Tolerances

1. 1. Select Add a new tolerance again, and repeat the above

procedure. Select cc2 this time.
2. Now configure the Analysis Parameters.
 3. Click on the Analysis Parameters tab.
4. Set it up to run an AC Analysis, with 5 runs, and set the Output
variable to $output.
5. Click on the Edit Analysis button and then configure the settings
for the AC analysis.
6. Set the FSTART to 1 kHz, the FSTOP to 1 MHz, the Number of
points per decade to 100 and the Vertical scale to Decibel.
7. Click the Simulate button.

SOLUTION
Integrated Design with Multisim and Other National Instruments Products

Integrated Design with Other National Instruments Products

LabVIEW

National Instruments LabVIEW is a graphical programming environment

that can be used to automate test and measurement functions, for the
purpose of testing and validating designs. Multisim data saved in .LVM or
.TDM format can be easily loaded into LabVIEW using express Virtual
Instrument (VI) technology. Simulation data can then be overlaid on top of
measured results to quickly and easily verify designs.

Loading .LVM and .TDM Data Files

To load Multisim simulated data that were saved in a .LVM or .TDM file,
use the Read from Measurement File Express VI. This VI is located in the
Programming/File IOpalette. For help on this file, consult the LabVIEW
help file. The Express VI can be configured to read either .LVM or .TDM
files.

Read from Measurement

File Express VI
Note: The following only applies to .LVM files.The EOF? output terminal
of the Express VI indicates true if there is more data contained in the .LVM
file. This value is especially useful when reading data that were saved from
a Bode Analysis, or from any plot window with more than one graph
display. Simply place the Read From Measurement File Express VI into a
while loop, with the EOF? output terminal wired to the exit condition
terminal.

Note: The following only applies to .TDM files. To load .TDM files into
LabVIEW which contain multiple graphs, lower level storage express VIs
are required. Figure 2 below gives a demonstration of how one might load
multiple graphs from a .TDM file.

Loading Multiple Graphs

from a .TDM File

LabVIEW Based Virtual Instruments in Multisim

For further information on LabVIEW based Virtual Instruments in

Multisim, consult the LabVIEW Virtual Instruments text in Section II.

SignalExpress
SignalExpress introduces an innovative approach to configuring your
measurements using intuitive drag-and-drop steps that do not require code
development. Unlike traditional benchtop measurement tools,
SignalExpress combines the optimal balance of measurement functionality
and ease-of-use to assist designers in streamlining a variety of applications:

Design modeling.
Design verification.
Design characterization.
Device validation.
Automated test troubleshooting.

Loading Multisim Data into SignalExpress

To load simulated data into SignalExpress, simply use the Load from LVM
step, select Add Step/Analog/Load and save Signals/Load from LVM.
Choose the file name to load, and select the traces to import. Use the
Domain field to choose from either Time, or Frequency data. Click close
and run the SignalExpress workbench file to load the Multisim data.
 SignalExpress Load from LVM Step

ELVIS

National Instruments ELVIS is an ideal companion to any electronics lab

that uses Multisim. ELVIS provides a breadboard prototyping environment,
with built-in instruments including a Function Generator, Digital
Multimeter (DMM), Oscilloscope, and Variable Power Supplies. The
breadboard is detachable, allowing students to work on their projects and
labs independently of the ELVIS unit.

ELVIS provides LabVIEW-based software for interacting with the Virtual

Instruments. These instruments can be modified to load Multisim data for
rapid comparison of simulated and measured data.
NI ELVIS Bode Analysis Comparing MultiSim Data
Enhanced Educational Features for Teaching with National Instruments
Multisim

Enhanced Features for Teaching

Overview

Multisim is used in colleges and universities around the globe. It has

become an essential academic tool. Academic features available in
Multisim provide students with intuitive methods for easily exploring
circuit theory.

Because National Instruments products can be applied at the introductory,

advanced and professional levels, students’ proficiency with the software
will naturally grow over time, allowing them to focus on tackling
increasingly complex content and projects, not on learning new tools over
and over as their needs increase.

Prototyping

3D Virtual Components

Multisim includes a set of components specifically designed for students

with little to no experience working with parts in real life. When placed on
the schematic, these 3D virtual components appear exactly as they look in
the real world. These components are available in the Basic group of the
Master Database, under the 3D_VIRTUAL family.
 3D Virtual Components

Animated Components

Animated components provide students with visual feedback on circuit

operation during simulation. Examples of animated components include
LEDs, 7-Segment displays, and other interactive components such as
switches and potentiometers. Animated components are located throughout
Multisim's databases.

Rated Components

Rated Componentshave tolerances just like real-world parts. Users can

control the tolerance level by editing the part properties. If the power being
dissipated by a virtual rated resistor is above the threshold, the resistor will
"explode" on the schematic, and act as an open circuit. Rated
Virtualcomponents can be found in the RATED_VIRTUAL family of the
Basic group in the Master Database.
3D Virtual Breadboard

Multisim also includes a 3D Virtual Breadboard. The breadboard can be

used to teach students important prototyping techniques. Nets and
components will turn green on the schematic when their corresponding
breadboard elements have been correctly wired. The breadboard also
includes a Design Rules Check (DRC) and Connectivity Check.

3D Virtual Breadboard

3D Virtual ELVIS

In addition to the standard 3D Virtual Breadboard, students also have the

option to create NI ELVIS schematics, which will have a corresponding 3D
ELVIS representation. The virtual instruments included with NI ELVIS
such as the function generator, oscilloscope, and variable power supplies
have also been modeled. To create an NI ELVIS schematic, click
File/New/ELVIS Schematic.

To access the ELVIS virtual instruments, double-click on the terminals

corresponding to the desired instrument.

3D NI ELVIS Schematic
 3D Virtual NI ELVIS

Troubleshooting

Circuit Faults

Instructors have the ability to insert faults into schematics, and have
students hone their troubleshooting skills by trying to find the faults. The
injected faults can be hidden to force students to apply fundamental
techniques of troubleshooting. To add a fault into a component, double-
click on the component, and select the Faults tab.

Faults include open circuits on a particular terminal, short circuits between

two pins of a component, and resistive losses measured in Ohms.
 Adding Faults to
Components

Black Boxes

Instructors can also use subcircuits as black boxes, and engage students in
more sophisticated circuit analysis techniques. To create a black box
problem, use the information in Section I on creating subcircuits.
Note:Hierarchical blocks should not be used as black boxes because the
internal circuitry is stored in a separate file, which students would be able to
view.

Circuit Restrictions

Circuit restrictions play a very important role when creating black box
problems, or inserting circuit faults. Restrictions allow instructors to
prevent students from seeing subcircuits, hide the faults, and limit the
number or available components and instruments. In this manner, as an
example, it is possible to force students to use an oscilloscope to make gain
measurements when determining the bandwidths of filters, as a bode plotter
or AC analysis may not always be available.

Global and circuit restrictions are available under the Options menu.
Restrictions are locked by password.

Circuit Restrictions Dialog Box