SimulIDE is a program compatible with Windows and Linux designed for simulation of general circuits and popular microcontrollers such as PIC, AVR, and the always present Arduino modules.
Simulating Subtitles
We all agree that there is something very special about creating homemade circuits. The fact of combining components and seeing how they work together for the first time generates enormous satisfaction, but the frustration factor tends to be considerable when errors appear in the design.
If it is an isolated and personal project, one can learn a lot from those mistakes, however, if the risk of destroying material is too great, it might be a better idea to follow the path of virtual design and simulation.
At the top of the list is KiCad, a platform with a brutal learning curve and dozens of online tutorials, but enthusiasts agree that it is the best open source option. Now, when we enter the space of real-time circuit simulators, we find SimulIDE.
SimulIDE: Simulating Circuits in Real Time
The interface of SimulIDE is divided into three general panels, with components (separated into subcategories) and properties on the left, the workbench in the center, and an editor on the right. Drag the desired components to the center, and the connections of the virtual wires are made with the cursor.
The component list includes motors, keyboards, LEDs, LCD panels, switches, and even a small oscilloscope. The properties of each component are adjusted by right-clicking on it.
One of the most interesting aspects of SimulIDE is the simulation of microcontrollers. The PIC simulation is handled by the gpsim module, and in the case of AVR, the responsible is simavr. On the Arduino side, there are four variants: Uno, Nano, Duemilanove, and Leonardo.
The editor on the right section can be linked to the Arduino IDE, but it is recommended to get the latest version, and have patience with the inevitable freezes. The potential of SimulIDE is gigantic, however, all its versions require additional work to eliminate bugs. In fact, the build of Windows seems to be a bit more stable than the Linux one, when one would expect the opposite.
The tutorial section on the official page is quite extensive, and our suggestion is to take it easy. At the same time, do not forget that all logical training will be of help, including some unusual exercises, like building a processor.
