Free software

Texas Instruments is giving away a circuit simulation program for designing, simulating and analysing analog electronic circuits.

The 20Mbyte Windows-based software program, called TINA-TI, is available for downloading at www.ti.com/tina-ti. Installed within the program is TI´s extensive library of macromodels for precision and high-speed amplifiers. Example circuits for each macromodel show simulation results and serve as an excellent starting point for more complex designs.

TINA-TI, a special complimentary version of TINA PRO prepared by DesignSoft exclusively for TI, offers extensive analysis options. The program is fully functional and can simulate two IC macromodels. Full-featured versions of TINA PRO that provide extended analysis options and unlimited circuit size are available from DesignSoft at www.tina.com starting at $360.

Based on a SPICE simulation engine, TINA-TI features an intuitive schematic entry and capture screen. Components are chosen from convenient toolbars, allowing easy circuit entry and modification. Analysis options include DC, AC, transient, Fourier and noise. Virtual instruments such as a function generator, multimeter, oscilloscope, X-Y recorder and signal analyzer provide an alternative to standard analysis with the familiar appearance and function of common laboratory instruments.

Simulation results appear in separate windows with versatile scaling, formatting and annotation capabilities. Schematics and simulation results can easily be pasted into presentations and e-mails.