How to simulate in Proteus

Proteus is a software design and simulation of electronic circuits. It is a very popular tool among engineers, students and professionals in the field of electronics. In this article we will analyze the main features of this program and we will see how to simulate in Proteus.

This program has been developed by Labcenter Electronics as a complete tool for designing, simulating and testing electronic circuits before moving on to the production phase. Using it as a simulation allows us to correct errors, save time and avoid unpleasant surprises when building these circuits.

The name of the software is not badly chosen. In Greek mythology, Proteus is one of the primordial gods, endowed with the ability to see the future. That is, broadly speaking, the main quality of Proteus, who through simulation, can offer us a foresight of an electronic circuit before it is built.

Proteus: basic features

Proteus combines many of the qualities and functions of the simulators in use, although it adds other peculiarities that make it especially interesting:

• Specialization in the design of electronic circuitsThis software allows us to create circuit diagrams through a large library of electronic components that is constantly updated.
• Friendly interfaceDespite its appearance, learning to use this software's interface is quite simple, even for first-time users.
• Real-time simulation capability, whether in analog or digital circuits. Its great advantage is that it allows a visualization of the behavior of the components in different circumstances.
• Microcontroller simulation. One of the strengths of Proteus, which includes the main brands and models: PIC, AVR, Arduino, ARM, and 8051, among others.
• PCB Design Tools (Printed Circuit Board), i.e. printed circuit boards. An essential feature for establishing the physical layout of the components, designing the connection tracks and generating files for subsequent manufacturing.
• Circuit analysis and debugging in order to control aspects such as current or voltage. For this purpose, virtual instruments such as oscilloscopes or signal generators, among others, are used.

Who might benefit from software like Proteus?

Obviously, it is a very valuable resource for electronic engineers and pcb designers, who use this tool to simulate circuits before launching them into the production phase. It is also, for the same reasons, for the microcontroller developers.

Finally, it should be noted that the use of Proteus is common in universities and Training centers technique, as it allows students to experiment with complex circuits cheaply.

Simulating with Proteus, step by step

To start enjoying the advantages that Proteus offers us, the first thing we have to do is download and install the software from the Labcenter Electronics Official WebsiteThere we can find a free trial version. After that, we just have to start the installation program and follow its instructions.

The cost of the license is expensive. Prices range from 200 euros for the basic package to professional versions for companies, which can reach up to 6.000 euros.

Create a new project

In the Proteus start menu we find the tab for creating new projects clearly marked. We have already said before that the interface stands out for its simplicity. All we have to do is this:

1. First we go to the tab of "New project" (can also be accessed from the File menu).
2. When the project creation wizard starts, we have to insert the name and location of the project in our team.
3. Then, in the wizard, We select “Schematic” or “PCB Layout”, depending on what we want to simulate.
4. We accept the default options and select "Finalize".

Design the scheme

Once the project has been created, we go to the schematic design environment. There, in the work area, we can insert and locate the different components.

At add components, we will do the following:

1. First, in the toolbar, we press the button P (Component Library).
2. Then we go to the search window, where we type the name of the component we need.
3. Next, we select the component from the list and press OK.
4. Finally, to place the component in the desired position, we click on the exact location in the work area..

At connect the components, these are the steps to follow:

1. We click on the button that shows the icon of a pencil to open the wiring tool.
2. In the work area, click on the starting point to place a pin and drag the mouse to the destination point. When you release the mouse, the connection will be established.

Optionally, it is also possible configure some of the components, such as resistors. These have a series of adjustable parameters whose values ​​can be defined according to our own needs.

Simulate the circuit

When all the components are already defined and connected in the schematic, and with the microcontroller code (if needed) already configured, you can start simulation proper.

In the toolbar, click the Play button (the one with the green triangle). When the circuit starts working, we will be able to Observe the behavior of all components and monitor their operation using virtual instruments such as oscilloscopes, voltmeters, ammeters, etc.

If there is something to modify or correct, we can use the stop button (the one with the red square) to stop the simulation and make any necessary adjustments. We can repeat this operation as many times as necessary.

Optionally, it is also possible to use the option to switch to PCB Design from the main menu to transfer our schematic and generate the files necessary to physically manufacture the board. That is, export the plans of our design to share them as a preliminary step to making it a reality. Very practical.

Conclusion

As you can see, simulating a circuit in Proteus is a task accessible to any type of user, although electronics specialists will be the ones who will be able to benefit the most from it. In short, it is a very efficient tool for testing electronic circuits before physically building them.