Activity 1.2.

3 Circuit Theory - Simulation

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.

Equipment
 Paper & pencil
 Calculator
 Circuit Design Software (CDS)
Procedure
1. Shown below is the schematic for a simple series circuit. Analyze this circuit to
determine its total current and the voltage across each of the two resistors. To
make these measurements, add an ammeter and two voltmeters. The second
schematic shown is the original circuit with the added meters.

Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Copyright 2010
DE_SV – Unit 1 – Lesson 1.2 – Activity 1.2.3 – Circuit Theory: Simulation – Page 1
 Using the CDS, enter and simulate this circuit. Measure and record the circuit’s
total current and the voltage across each of the resistors.

2. Using the CDS, analyze the circuit shown below to determine I T, VR1, VR2, & VR3.
Add the appropriate ammeters and voltmeters. Be sure to put your answer in
proper engineering notation and use the correct units.

This circuit was analyzed by hand in Activity 1.2.2. How do these measured
values compare to the previously calculated values? If they do not match, review
your circuit, your calculations, and make any necessary corrections.

3. Repeat step (2) for the circuit shown below. In this circuit measure I T, VR1, VR2,
VR3, & VR4.

Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Copyright 2010
DE_SV – Unit 1 – Lesson 1.2 – Activity 1.2.3 – Circuit Theory: Simulation – Page 2
4. Repeat step (2) for the circuit shown below. In this circuit measure I T, IR1, IR2, &
IR3.

5. Repeat step (2) for the circuit shown below. In this circuit measure I T, IR1, IR2, IR3,
& IR4.

Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Copyright 2010
DE_SV – Unit 1 – Lesson 1.2 – Activity 1.2.3 – Circuit Theory: Simulation – Page 3
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?

2. Using the results from step (3) of the procedure, verify Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law.

3. Using the results from step (5) of the procedure, verify Kirchhoff’s Current Law.

Project Lead The Way, Inc.

Copyright 2010
DE_SV – Unit 1 – Lesson 1.2 – Activity 1.2.3 – Circuit Theory: Simulation – Page 4