NI Multisim and Ultiboard Academic Features

Contents

Overview

NI Multisim software simplifies circuit teaching by abstracting the complexities of SPICE simulation. By using Multisim with NI Ultiboard software, you create a learning environment that reinforces theory with a hands-on approach to learning.

In the academic space, there are two distinct software versions to meet student and educator needs. The Multisim Student Edition is meant for student ownership and installation on PCs. It does not contain many of the teaching options found in the Multisim Education Edition. Use the following chart to compare the two distinct software editions. Note that this is not a comprehensive feature list. For more information about features and functions, view the user manual.

NI Multisim Schematic Capture

 

Feature

Student

   Education

 

Customizable user interface

Screen-capture utility

Autosave

Subcircuits

Global restrictions

Ability to view and respond to embedded questions

Simple part placement and wiring

Fast-retrieval parts bins

Forward/backward annotation with Ultiboard

Rubber banding on part move

Autowiring and manual wiring

Fast autoconnect passives

Symbol editor

3D breadboarding

On-page connector

Virtual NI ELVIS I/II series schematics

Virtual NI ELVIS II toolbar (with NI-ELVISmx installation)

Programmable logic device (PLD) schematic to VHDL

PLD component and connector

Hierarchical block design (including PLD blocks)

 

Ability to create and edit embedded questions

 

Advanced search

 

Ability to zoom to selected part

 

Spreadsheet view

 

Multisheet designs

 

Electrical rules check

 

Project manager and packing

 

Device library (number of components)

5,255

14,697

Maximum components in design

50

Unlimited

 

NI Multisim Circuit Simulations

 

Feature

Student

Education

 

Interactive simulation

Fully mixed-mode A/D simulation

Standard SPICE 3X5/XSPICE

PSpice model simulation1

Simulation advisor

Convergence assistant

Virtual, interactive, animated parts

Mouse-click support for interactive parts

Rated components

Insert faults into components and circuits

Measurement probes

Component Creation Wizard

NI measurement data file sources

NI measurement data file export

NI LabVIEW VIs as instruments and sources

Grapher and postprocessor

RF design kit

Cosimulation of microcontrollers (MCUs)2

Circuit wizards

 

Description box synched with simulation

 

Ladder diagrams/components

 

Model makers

 

Ability to load and save simulation profiles

 

Automation API

 

 VIs

22

22

 Analyses

12

20

 Integrated NI-ELVISmx instruments

8

8

 1 Does not support all Cadence PSpice syntax.
 2 Learn about the features of Multisim MCU functionality.

 

 

NI Multisim Analysis

 

Feature

Student

Education

 

AC

AC single frequency

DC operating point

DC sweep

Fourier

Monte Carlo

Nested sweep

Noise figure

Parameter sweep

Temperate sweep

Transients

Worst case

Batched

 

Distortion

 

Noise

 

Pole zero

 

Sensitivity

 

Trace width

 

Transfer function

 

User-defined

 

 

NI Multisim Simulation-Driven Instruments

 

Feature

Student

Education

 

2-channel scope

4-channel scope

Function generator

Voltmeter

Wattmeter

Ammeter

Multimeter

Bode plotter

Current probe

Measurement probe

Frequency counter

Word generator

Logic converter

Logic analyzer

IV analyzer

Network analyzer

Spectrum analyzer

Distortion analyzer

Agilent function generator

Agilent multimeter

Agilent oscilloscope

Tektronix oscilloscope

 

NI-ELVISmx Instruments Inside NI Multimeter

 

Feature

Student

Education

 

Digital reader

Digital writer

Digital multimeter

Oscilloscope

Function generator

Variable power supply

Arbitrary waveform generator

Dynamic signal analyzer

 

NI Ultiboard Printed Circuit Board Layout

 

Feature

Student

Education

 

Push and shove trace placement

Real-time and from copper ratsnest

Selection filters

Forward/backward annotation

Crossprobing with Multisim

Grouping/ungrouping

Dimming inactive information to the background

Comprehensive Footprint Wizard

Enhanced 3D viewer

User annotations

Gerber, DXF, IPC-D-356A, SVG

 

Dimensions on printed circuit board (PCB) and land patterns

 

Dimensions in Database Manager

 

3D visualization inside circuit board

 

Turn off ratsnest for selected nets

 

Gridless follow-me placement

 

Load and save technology files

 

Customizable layer viewing

 

Split power planes

 

Keep-in/keep-out areas

 

Unplace all components

 

Ruler bar alignments

 

Auto-alignment

 

Save PCB design as a component

 

Multiple clearances

 

Jump to error

 

Equispace trace support

 

Differential Impedance Calculator

 

Transmission Line Calculator

 

Microvias

 

Test point insertion

 

In-place footprint editor

 

Mechanical CAD

 

Export 3D info in DXF format

 

Customization of report generation

 

Spreadsheet view

Limited

Complete

Number of pins supported

550

1,500

 

NI Ultiboard Routing 

 

Feature

Student

Education

 

Interactive autorouting

Constraint-driven routing

Manual preplacement: components, vias, traces

Trace rubber banding

Follows keep-in/keep-out criteria

Pin number limit

550

1,500

Maximum number of layers

2

4

 

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