Name:____________________________________________________Date_____________
Activity 1.1.5b 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 the previous
activity. Thus, the theoretical and simulation results can be compared.
Series Circuit
Parallel Circuit
Equipment
● Calculator
● Circuit Design Software (CDS) - Multisim Live / Tinkercad
Adapted for Wheaton HS from © 2014 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Digital Electronics Activity 1.1.5b Circuit Theory: Simulation – Page 1
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.
a) Calculated Values:
IT
17mV
VR1
220 ohms
VR2
470 ohms
Using the CDS, Multisim Live, enter and simulate this circuit. Measure and record the
circuit’s total current and the voltage across each of the resistors.
b) Measured Values (from MultisimLive or Multisim 14.01):
IT
17mV
VR1
220 ohms
VR2
470 ohms
(Attach the Circuit File Link / Imagehere)
Adapted for Wheaton HS from © 2014 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Digital Electronics Activity 1.1.5b Circuit Theory: Simulation – Page 2
2. Using Multisim Live, analyze the circuit shown below to measure IT, VR1, VR2, VR3, & VR4.
IT
VR1
VR2
VR3
VR4
Copy/Paste the Circuit Link here:
This circuit was analyzed by hand in the previous activity. These values Measured by your
Simulation should be compared to your calculations from 1.1.5 A
a) 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.
Adapted for Wheaton HS from © 2014 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Digital Electronics Activity 1.1.5b Circuit Theory: Simulation – Page 3
3. Using Multisim Live, analyze the circuit shown below to measure IT, IR1, IR2, IR3, & IR4.
IT
IR1
IR2
IR3
IR4
Copy/Paste the Circuit Link here:
This circuit was analyzed by hand in the previous activity. These values Measured by your
Simulation should be compared to your calculations from 1.1.5 A
a) 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.
4. Using Tinkercad, analyze the circuit shown below to measure IT, VR1, VR2, & VR3.
Add the appropriate ammeters and voltmeters. Be sure to put your answer in proper
engineering notation and use the correct units.
Adapted for Wheaton HS from © 2014 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Digital Electronics Activity 1.1.5b Circuit Theory: Simulation – Page 4
Measured Values:
IT
VR1
VR2
VR3
Make sure you are logged into your MCPS Google Account on Tinkercad
This circuit was analyzed by hand in the previous activity. These values Measured by your
Simulation should be compared to your calculations from 1.1.5 A
a) 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.
5. Using Tinkercad, analyze the circuit shown below to measure IT, IR1, IR2, & IR3.
IT
IR1
IR2
IR3
Make sure you are logged into your MCPS Google Account on Tinkercad
This circuit was analyzed by hand in the previous activity. These values Measured by your
Simulation should be compared to your calculations from 1.1.5 A
a) 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.
Adapted for Wheaton HS from © 2014 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Digital Electronics Activity 1.1.5b Circuit Theory: Simulation – Page 5
Conclusion
1. It should be obvious that using a CDS to analyze circuits is far easier than performing
the calculations by hand. Yet, one is often preferred over the other. In your experience
so far, which CDS tool (Tinkercad or Multisim) is your preferred circuit design tool?
Why?
2. Using the results from step (2) of the procedure, verify Kirchhoff’s Voltage Law.
3. Using the results from step (5) of the procedure, verify Kirchhoff’s Current Law.
Adapted for Wheaton HS from © 2014 Project Lead The Way, Inc.
Digital Electronics Activity 1.1.5b Circuit Theory: Simulation – Page 6