Multisim Tutorial

An Introduction to the Interface

Multisim Interface Tutorial

This tutorial will introduce the Multisim interface. Assumptions:
You have Multisim version 10 installed on your computer. You can start the program successfully. An instruction to click means to left click with the mouse or other pointing device. If you are to right-click or double-click, you will be instructed to do so.

Multisim Interface

Toolbars

Design Toolbox

Circuit Window

Toolbars
Multisim has movable toolbars located at the top and side of the screen. The following slides identify the most commonly used toolbars.

View Toolbar (zoom in, zoom out, etc.)

Standard Toolbar (new, open file, save file, print, etc.)

Component Toolbar (place components, such as sources, basic elements, etc.)

Main Toolbar

Run Simulation

Stop Simulation

Function Generator Oscilloscope

Multimeter

Instrument Toolbar

Draw a Simple Circuit

To place components on the window, you can:
Click on the component

toolbar, then browse for the part. Click Place on the menu bar, select Component, then browse for the part.

Place Power and Ground

Click the Place Source button on the Components toolbar.

Now choose DC Power and click OK.

Click GROUND, then click OK.

Next, we will place a Virtual Lamp from the Indicators menu.

Under Group, click the drop-down arrow and click Indicators.

Choose VIRTUAL_LAMP under Family.

Click OK and place the part on the Circuit Window

Now we can repeat the part placement to place a switch. See if you can find the switches in the Basic Group.

Place a switch. Choose the switch labeled SPST for single pole, single throw.

We have placed all of the components that we need for now. Click Close.

Parts can be moved. Make sure that the component has a blue box around it. Arrange the components to match the above configuration.

Wiring
To begin wiring, hover the cursor over a part terminal (end pin). Notice that the cursor changes shape to indicate that you are starting a wire.
Cursor shape changes, showing that a wire is beginning on the ground symbol.

Click once. Now you can start the wire. To end the wire, click on another terminal.

Circuit window after clicking on the source terminal

Continue Wiring
Click on the top of the source. Move the cursor to the left switch terminal and click again. This should draw a wire connecting the parts. Continue wiring the circuit until you have a complete circuit.

Now the circuit is complete. We will start the simulation by using the Play button.

Click here to start the simulation.

Running the Simulation

Once your simulation is running, click on the Circuit Window, then press the Space bar on the keyboard. This will operate the switch.

Press the space bar on the keyboard again. What happens?

Simulation Running

Simulation Not Running

Options
You have great flexibility in setting up the view that you want. For example, if you are not using the Design Toolbox, you can close it by clicking on the X at the top left of the toolbar.

Virtual vs. Real Components

Real components have a specific value that cannot be changed and a footprint used for circuit board layout. Virtual components are for simulation only. For our purposes, there is almost no difference between the component types.

Virtual Multimeter (Instruments toolbar)

Virtual Resistor: Real Resistor: value can be value cannot be changed (double click the 1kW label) changed

Wiring Hints
To start a wire with no component terminal nearby:
Double-click anywhere in the Circuit window to start the wiring action. Double-click anywhere to end the wiring action. From the menu bar, choose Place, then Junction, to place a junction. Start the wire at this point.

Wiring Hints
Single-click while wiring to place a corner. Right-click while wiring to delete the wire. Multisim uses an automatic wire router. This can cause trouble if two terminals are very close to each other. Ctrl R rotates a component clockwise. You can also rightclick and choose a rotation method.

Resistor R2 and R3 terminals are too close.

Circuit layout is easier to follow with components separated.

References
Herniter, M.E. (2004). Schematic capture with electronics workbench multisim. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall. Shields, T. (2005). Practical teaching ideas with multisim. Electronics Workbench. Retrieved from http://www.electronicsworkbench.com/ academic/

Credits:
Writer: Charles W. Brice
Lesson Editor: Narration:

PLTW Editor:
Production: Video Production: Audio: Project Manager: