You can edit components in Multisim using the following methods:

  • Component Wizard—Use to create and edit new components. Refer to the Component Wizard section for more information.
  • Component Properties dialog box—Use to edit existing components and is accessed from the Database Manager dialog box. You can also double-click on a placed component and click Edit component in DB to display the Component Properties dialog box.

You can modify any component stored in the Multisim component database. For example, an existing component might now be available in a new package (originally pin-through hole, now surface mount). You can easily copy the component information and change only the package details to create this new component. You can also create your own component and place it into the database or load a component from another source.

You cannot edit the Master Database or any installed manufacturer databases. However, you can copy components to the Corporate or User database and modify the copies.

  Where possible, modify an existing, similar component, rather than create one.

Each component in the component database is identified by the following types of information, each of which is in a specific tab in the Component Properties dialog box:

  • General information (such as name, manufacturer, date and author)—Refer to the Editing a Component's General Properties section for more information.
  • Symbol (pictorial representation of the component for schematic capture)—Refer to the Editing a Component's Symbol section for more information.
  • Model (information used to represent the actual operation/behavior of the component during simulation)—Necessary only for a component that will be simulated. Refer to the Editing a Component's Model section for more information.
  • Pin model (information used to represent the behavior of the pin during simulation)—Refer to the Editing a Component Pin Model section for more information.
  • Package (the component package that Multisim uses when exporting a schematic containing this component to PCB Layout software such as Ultiboard)—Refer to the Editing a Component's Package section for more information.
  • Electronic parameters of the component—Refer to the Editing a Component's Electronic Parameters section for more information.
  • User fields (if used to further define the components)—Refer to the Editing User Fields section for more information.

Components can be organized in the Database Manager, where you can:

  • add and remove component families from the User or Corporate databases.
  • modify user field titles for any database.
  • add and change family icons.

      If you modify any information about a component in the Master Database, you must store the modified information in the User Database or Corporate Database database.

      If you modify information about any component in the Corporate Database or User Database, you are prompted for a new name for the component. If you do not give a new name, Multisim saves the changes to the original location, so the original User Database or Corporate Database component information is overwritten.

      You can also edit components that you have already placed on the workspace. This can be done using the component's properties dialog box (double-click on the component to display) and changing parameters in the various tabs. Changes made to placed components in this manner will not be reflected in the database. If you place the same component from the database, it will contain the parameters that it had before it was edited. Edits to individual components can also be made via the Spreadsheet View.

Complete the following steps to edit an existing component:

  1. Click the Database Manager button on the Main toolbar.

    Or

    Choose Tools»Database»Database manager.

    The Database Manager dialog box appears.

  2. Select the Components tab.
  3. Select the component you want to edit in the Component list.
  4. Click Edit.

    The Component Properties dialog box appears, consisting of multiple tabs.

  5. Edit component information in the various tabs as described in the sections referenced below:
  6. Click OK from any of the tabs to save the edited component.

    The Select Destination Family Name dialog box appears.

  7. In the Family tree area:
    • Choose the database where you want to store the edited component. Remember, you cannot change information in, or add to, the Master Database or an installed manufacturer database, so you must make your changes in either the Corporate Database or User Database.
    • Choose the Group in which you want the edited component stored and then click the Family name. The OK button becomes active.

        If you wish to add a family to the selected database, click the Add family button. The New Family Name dialog box appears where you enter the desired Family information. Refer to the Managing Families section for more information.

  8. Click OK to close the Select Destination Family Name dialog box.