[sdiy] Proteus software

[John Loffink]

I've been using Proteus including the advanced simulation tool for 5 
years. I did not transition from Eagle but had used several other 
professional packages over the previous 20 years, primarily PCAD and 
ViewDraw.

I am using the Proteus 2+ level, more for the multiple power planes 
feature than for the pin count. You can do quite a lot in analog with 
500 pins.

The Advanced Simulation is very nice. Among the things you can do 
relevant to synthesizer design:
* Frequency response graphs
* Real time interactive simulation using high resolution potentiometer 
models, ammeters and voltage meters, signal generators and scopes. I use 
this all the time.
* Logic simulation including standard families such as CMOS 4000 logic. 
The simulator shows colored dots per logic node and state making it very 
easy to trace any logic problems.
* Logic Analyzer, I2C and SPI real time analyzers.
* Generate WAV files from your circuits.

Labcenter updates Proteus frequently so it is still in active 
development. Overall I have been very pleased with the package.

John Loffink



On 2/18/2011 6:46 AM, Tom Bugs wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> Last night George Hearn showed me Proteus (Schematic & Board design + 
> simulation) - it looked pretty good and further reading makes it even 
> more tempting.
> I checked back through the archives and  see that at least a few 
> people are using it.
>
> Has anyone made the transition from Eagle to Proteus? And, if so, how 
> was it?
> I've been using Eagle for 5+ years and am happy with it - though it 
> often feels a bit cranky. I guess it took me about a year or two to 
> get really up to speed.
> I certainly hadn't been planning on a move of software - but getting 
> simulation integrated into the design would be very interesting and 
> perhaps Proteus has a better workflow than Eagle.
>
> Any comments appreciated!
> Also, for those of you already using Proteus, what version/level are 
> you running? The starter version is very affordable, but max 500 pins 
> may well be restrictive. It is great that you can quite easily upgrade 
> the specs and for not too much $$$.
> And while we're on the subject, how about the 'Advanced Simulation 
> Features' add-on. (probably I should get up to speed with simulation 
> first)
>
> First things first I will begin trying out the demo and see how it 
> feels, but any comments or experiences, please do share!
> http://www.labcenter.com
>
> Cheers,
> Tom
>