8 Feb
2000
8 Feb
'00
5:21 p.m.
At 23:36 08-02-2000 -0700, you wrote:
I've got a sample package of CIrcuitMaker and
TraxMaker and found it
wanting, particularly in simulation models and device symbols.
It would be. I don't believe Micro Code includes full libraries with the
sample versions.
would use the same package and symbol. They had nearly
no AC or ACT parts
represented, nor did they have BCT or F library components. Since you're
paying for a simulator, there ought to be correct models for 7400, 74L00,
74H00, 74C00, 74S00, 74LS00, 74AC00, 74ACT00, 74AHCT00, 74ACT00, 74AHCTLS00,
A basic simulator at the digital level only looks at on/off states. That's
really all it has to do. Since all the parts you've listed above perform
EXACTLY the same function, and have the same symbol, I don't see why the
library has to include every possible variation on one part.
FWIW, the current version of CircuitMaker Pro includes the following for
2-input NAND gates:
4011, 4093, 74F00, 74F132, 74F37, 74LS00, 74LS132, and 74LS37.
While I agree that CM does need some help with their library, notably in
the more exotic components such as tunnel diodes, I have found it adequate
for my needs. The version of OrCAD you refer to only does schematic
capture, if I recall correctly, and has no simulation capabilities.
and so on. There ought also to be plenty of models for
CMOS parts starting
with 40xx, 44xx, 45xx, and a goodly number of 7300 and 7600 series parts.
OrCAD had all that back in the mid-80's. They no longer offer that much
coverage, owning to the increased knowledge of the user community, which
would merely point out all their errors.
I'm not sure I understand that last statement. If the omission of
components is itself an error, why would the "user community" not point it
out and ask for better coverage?
Also, have you considered that there may be another reason? Specifically,
that the advancing state of technology where ICs are concerned has made
such wide varieties of parts unnecessary to accomplish a given task?
To be perfectly honest, I've never heard of the 7300 or 7600 series parts.
I do know of TI's 75xxx series, which were line drivers/receivers, but I'm
curious about the ones you mention.
Anyway, I feel that what CM lacks in library coverage is made up for in
other features. Also, there is nothing keeping you from adding to the
library. One can create their own SPICE models, though this is not
generally a trivial task, and I know there's at least one software package
available that lets you input specs from a databook and have it output a
SPICE model.
Have you found otherwise?
As I've said: I've found that it serves my needs. I feel that it was a
good investment for the price I paid. Do I feel that most EDA software is
overpriced? Yes. Would I recommend CM and TM for any application? No. There
are better packages, but most are well beyond the hobbyist price range.
Is there a need for an EDA package with better 'legacy' parts support? I
think so. I will continue to bug Micro Code about improving CM and TM along
those lines. In fact, we're probably due for an update this year.
The bottom line is that a question was asked of the list members, and I
gave my opinion in response. The 'Free' packages simply do not suit my
needs. If they suit the needs of others, great! I was merely offering one
option out of many.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Bruce Lane, Owner and head honcho, Blue Feather Technologies
http://www.bluefeathertech.com // E-mail: kyrrin(a)bluefeathertech.com
Amateur Radio: WD6EOS since Dec. '77
"Our science can only describe an object, event, or living thing in our
own human terms. It cannot, in any way, define any of them..."