Shop OBEX P1 Docs P2 Docs Learn Events
I need recommendations for a good, free version of SPICE to run on (preferably) a Mac — Parallax Forums

I need recommendations for a good, free version of SPICE to run on (preferably) a Mac

ElectricAyeElectricAye Posts: 4,561
edited 2011-08-13 08:18 in General Discussion
I'd like to learn how to do some simple simulations with SPICE (I guess), and I've noticed there are all sorts of versions floating around the web. I was wondering if anyone can recommend a version that they have used and know works okay without too many dramas. A Mac version would be preferable, but I've been known to bite the bullet, jump on a hand grenade, and work with PCs, too.

Thanks.

Comments

  • Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi)Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) Posts: 23,514
    edited 2011-08-12 21:59
    A quick Google query turned up MacSpice.

    -Phil
  • ElectricAyeElectricAye Posts: 4,561
    edited 2011-08-12 22:34
    Phil Pilgrim (PhiPi) wrote: »
    A quick Google query turned up MacSpice.

    -Phil


    Thanks, Phil. I saw that, but I was wondering if anyone had actually used any of these that they could vouch for. I've been burned a few times by freebie software that turned out to be a waste of my time.

    Also, I see it doesn't have a graphical schematic way of entering things. Maybe I should just get a version for (somebody please kill me before I say it!) Windows. ack!
  • Mike GreenMike Green Posts: 23,101
    edited 2011-08-12 22:57
    I've found links to things like Volta and mi-sugar, but I haven't had time to try them. MacSpice is the main Spice implementation for the Mac, but, as you've noticed, it's not GUI-based.
  • LeonLeon Posts: 7,620
    edited 2011-08-13 02:10
    SPICE OPUS is quite good:

    http://www.spiceopus.si/index.html

    It can use Eagle for schematic entry.

    I use the SPICE available with the Pulsonix PCB software that I use. It's actually SIMetrix SPICE and is very good, there is a (limited) free version:

    http://www.simetrix.co.uk/

    Schematic entry is available.
  • Heater.Heater. Posts: 21,230
    edited 2011-08-13 02:44
    I like LTSpice from Linear Technology, it's one of my all time favorite programs. It's free has no limits and runs on Windows. BUT it also runs perfectly under Wine on Linux. No idea about Macs but there must be a way to get it working there.
  • ElectricAyeElectricAye Posts: 4,561
    edited 2011-08-13 08:18
    Heater. wrote: »
    I like LTSpice from Linear Technology....

    Okay, so I'll bite the bullet and go for a Windows version. Thanks everybody for your insights on this. I guess it's about time I learn how to simulate things.
Sign In or Register to comment.