Practical No: - 16) Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools
Title: - Installation of electronic design automation (EDA) tools
Course Outcomes: - Test the performance of electronic circuits using simulation tools.
Practical Learning Outcomes: - 1) Install available EDA tool software.
2) Create new file, open file, run and simulate in given EDA tool.
Resources Used: - Computer with installed EDA tools etc
1) Installation of EDA Tool Software
Step 1: Download the EDA Tool
Choose an appropriate EDA tool for the task. Some popular EDA tools include:
o KiCad (open-source and free)
o LTspice (for circuit simulation)
o Altium Designer (professional-grade)
o TINA-TI (for circuit simulation)
Example: For this experiment, we’ll use KiCad for schematic design and PCB creation.
Step 2: Install the Software
KiCad installation steps:
1. Go to the official KiCad website.
2. Download the installer suitable for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
3. Follow the installation prompts to complete the installation process.
2) Create a New Project File
Step 1: Launch the EDA Tool
Open KiCad or your chosen tool after installation.
Step 2: Create a New Project
In KiCad:
1. Go to File > New Project > New Project.
2. Choose a directory where your project will be saved.
3. Enter a project name (e.g., My_Circuit_Project).
4. Click Save.
Step 3: Create New Files
Schematic Design: In the project manager, right-click on the
My_Circuit_Project.kicad_pro file, and choose New > Schematic.
o This creates a .sch schematic file where you can design the circuit.
PCB Layout: If needed, you can also create a new PCB layout by choosing New > PCB
Layout.
3) Open an Existing File
Step 1: Open Existing Files
To open an existing project or schematic file:
1. Go to File > Open Project.
2. Browse and select the project folder or .sch file you want to open.
Step 2: View the Schematic
Once opened, the schematic file will be displayed, and you can start editing or modifying
the existing design.
4) Design the Circuit in the Schematic Editor
Step 1: Add Components
In KiCad’s schematic editor, use the Add Component tool to place components such as
resistors, capacitors, transistors, etc.
o You can search for components from a built-in library.
o Place the components by clicking on the workspace and connecting them with
wires.
Step 2: Connect Components
Use the Wire tool to connect the pins of different components, completing the circuit.
5) Simulate the Circuit
Step 1: Setup the Simulation
KiCad does not include built-in simulation like LTspice, but you can export your
schematic to an external simulation tool.
For LTspice Simulation:
1. Export the schematic from KiCad to LTspice using the KiCad to LTspice plugin or
by manually creating an LTspice netlist.
2. Open LTspice, load the exported file, and configure the simulation parameters
(e.g., DC analysis, transient analysis).
Alternatively: Use TINA-TI or LTspice directly to design and simulate the circuit.
Step 2: Run the Simulation
In LTspice or another simulation tool:
1. Click on the Run button or select the simulation type.
2. View the results in terms of waveforms, voltages, and currents.
6) Analyze the Results
Step 1: Inspect Simulation Output
Review the simulation results.
o Look at the waveform to verify if the circuit performs as expected.
o Analyze voltages and currents at different nodes and components.
Step 2: Debugging the Circuit
If the circuit does not behave as expected:
1. Check for mistakes in component values or connections.
2. Modify the schematic or simulation parameters to correct errors.
3. Rerun the simulation after making adjustments.
7) Final Steps
Step 1: Save Your Work
Save both the schematic and simulation files regularly during the design and simulation
process.
Step 2: Document the Experiment
Write down the steps you followed in the experiment and include screenshots of the
design, simulation, and any issues encountered.
Conclusion:
This experiment has provided hands-on practice with installing EDA tool software, creating and
modifying design files, running simulations, and analyzing results. The simulation results allow
for testing and validation of electronic circuits in a virtual environment before physical
prototyping.
