Capture Simulate Layout Autoroute

A NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS COMPANY

A LEADING GLOBAL PLAYER IN

MAINSTREAM, PROFESSIONAL EDA
Electronics Workbench is an international market leader, delivering the worlds most widely used
circuit design software. The Company has over 15 years of EDA experience and was one of the
pioneers of PC-based electronics design. Today, Electronics Workbench boasts an installed base of
more than 180,000 seats.
The Electronics Workbench product portfolio includes software for schematic capture, circuit
simulation (SPICE, VHDL and patented co-simulation), PCB layout and autorouting. Our users
benefit from truly unique product features, industry-leading ease-of-use and complete integration
between the tools that comprise our product suites. SUU, our Support and Upgrade Utility,
automatically checks for and installs software updates over the web, ensuring that your software is
always at its most capable level.
Electronics Workbench is headquartered in Toronto, Canada with a European headquarters in
Amsterdam. The Company also has sales operations in New York, Stuttgart, London, Sao Paulo and
Tokyo. A network of highly competent technical distributors offers sales and support services in
35 additional countries throughout the world.
Electronics Workbench Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of National Instruments
(NASDAQ: NATI). For further information about NI, please visit www.ni.com.

THE ELECTRONICS WORKBENCH ADVANTAGE

Electronics Workbench is devoted to engineering high quality, robust tools that offer the
circuit designer truly unique capabilities, providing advantages simply not available
anywhere else. Advantages that dramatically improve your circuit design process.

The worldwide, corporate headquarters of

Electronics Workbench.

To develop increasingly sophisticated products in less time than ever before, you need better
software today and in the future.
Electronics Workbench delivers.

A SAMPLE LIST OF OUR GLOBAL CUSTOMER BASE

Many of the leading electronics firms around the world depend on Electronics Workbench products.

3M AT & T Advanced Micro Devices Agilent Instruments Alcatel Allen-Bradley Allied Signal
AMP Analog Devices Atmel Bang & Olufsen BMW Boeing Bombardier Celestica
Cisco Systems Compaq Dow Chemical Eastman Kodak Ericsson Fairchild Semiconductor
Ford Fujitsu General Electric General Motors Harris Semiconductor Hewlett Packard Hitachi
Honeywell Hughes IBM Intel Johnson Controls Lockheed Martin Los Alamos National Labs
Lucent Technologies Microchip Technologies Mitel Motorola NASA National Semiconductor
Nortel Networks Northrop Grumman Philips Procter & Gamble Raytheon Rohde & Schwarz
Robert Bosch Rockwell Collins Rolls-Royce Sandia National Labs Scientific Atlanta Siemens
Sony Texas Instrument Xerox

UNIQUE FUNCTIONALITY,
COMPREHENSIVE PORTFOLIO
MULTICAP SCHEMATIC CAPTURE

ULTIBOARD PCB LAYOUT

Multicap is an exceptional capture program,

suitable for pure schematic entry, driving
simulation, or feeding PCB layout. Multicap 8s
exciting new features further reduce your
design time, while adding support for ever more
complex designs.

Ultiboard combines power with ease of use to

quickly get error-free boards to production.
The program uses one of the industrys only
real-time systems so that all DRC, ratsnest,
polygon, and force vector information is
updated in real-time as you work, for instant
feedback. Ultiboards user interface is carefully
designed so that the most critical repetitive
tasks such as trace editing and component
placement can be performed quickly with
minimum steps and fewer mouse clicks.

A well-designed user interface reduces the time

and steps needed for repetitive schematic entry
tasks. Powerful wiring algorithms enable
automatic wiring as well as part dragging
without losing connections. Parts are easy to
find and quick to place, making you more
efficient. All devices are stored in an integrated
database along with their simulation models
and PCB footprints so that your schematics are
automatically ready to simulate at the click of a
single button, and are easily transferable to PCB
layout. Page 6.

Ultiboard supports simple to advanced boards,

high-speed designs, up to 64 layers, 1 nanometer
resolution, microvias and todays most complex
packages (such as BGAs). Manufacturing
optimization features are also included to
ensure efficient error-free production, with
available CAM functionality. Page 14.

CONSIDER THESE TIME-SAVING

PRODUCT INNOVATIONS:
Capture
Modeless placement & wiring
Fast retrieval Parts Bins on the desktop
Auto and manual wiring
Rubberbanding on part moves/rotates
Robust bus support and the worlds
only Bus Vectors
Auto-connect passives
Tool-tip style circuit annotations
Variant support
Simulation
Instant simulation of any schematic
Interactive change-on-the-fly simulation
Intuitive Virtual Instruments, including
real Agilent and Tektronix instruments

MULTISIM SIMULATION & CAPTURE

ULTIROUTE AUTOROUTING

Multisim is a powerful simulation tool that

includes a complete, fully integrated version of
Multicap for design entry leading to simulation.
Multisim is by far the worlds most widely used
SPICE simulator, and Multisim 8 not only adds
compelling new functionality, but also runs
simulations 67% faster!

Ultiroute is the only autorouting program to

employ Progressive Routing breakthrough
technology that combines grid and gridless
(shape-based) routing techniques into a single
engine. Get better board layouts with higher
completion, shorter trace lengths, and fewer
vias through gridless routing, while most traces
are still placed on the grid for easy editing.

Verify circuits and locate errors before they

propagate further down the design flow and
become costly mistakes. Investigate circuits
using the industrys only virtual instruments
and change-on-the-fly interactive simulation.
Gain true understanding of your circuits
performance with a comprehensive suite of
analyses. Multisim helps optimize designs and
minimize time-to-market.

With Ultiroute, you will make more efficient

use of limited board space and reduce
production costs. You have complete control
over all configuration factors affecting routing
strategy, and can stop, adjust and restart routing
at any time. Page 18.

Circuit Wizards self-generate circuitry to

match user specifications
Patented co-simulation of SPICE and VHDL
Automatic SPICE model makers
Measurement Probes annotate circuit with
dynamic values
Simulation Advisor
Layout and Autorouting
Push and shove parts and traces
Component nudging with trace rubberbanding
Real-time Ratsnest and DRC
Follow-me trace placement
Automatic Connection Machine
Interactive autorouting stop, adjust and
restart as required

Every PCB design should now include

simulation as a key step. Page 9.

Progressive routing industrys only

combined grid and gridless routing engine

Tight, Forward & Backward Integration

multiCAP 8

multiSIM 8

ultiBOARD 8

ultiROUTE 8

Schematic Capture

SPICE/VHDL/RF
Simulation

PCB Layout

Autorouting

Common User Interface

SIMPLY THE WORLDS BEST

CIRCUIT SIMULATION
The popularity of circuit simulation continues to grow. In a recent survey, 80% of designers said that
they would like to simulate before proceeding to PCB layout. In todays market, featuring constant
pressure to bring more products to market in less time than ever before, its easy to understand why.
Electronics Workbench software dramatically reduces time-to-market by enabling the
development and creation of PCBs faster, more accurately and with greater cost-effectiveness than
any other design suite available. Multisims unparalleled easy-of-use and comprehensive simulation
environment, featuring powerful functionality typically found only in software costing many times
more, is a key reason why.
Other EDA vendors treat simulation as an afterthought. Their solutions are cumbersome and
incomplete, and therefore cannot deliver real value. At Electronics Workbench, simulation is the
core of what we do. While our high-performance capture and layout tools offer all of the features
you would expect from a professional EDA tool and are as efficient as any, our simulation software
is simply the best in the industry.
Our truly unique approach to circuit simulation featuring full interactivity, intuitive Virtual
Instruments, patented co-simulation and a comprehensive suite of analyses have made us the
undisputed market leaders in this increasingly important field. Simulation is not just a technology
its an approach to circuit design that Electronics Workbench understands better than any other
EDA vendor.
Add Electronics Workbench to your desktop now and enjoy these benefits:

USE MULTISIM TO COMPLEMENT

YOUR EXISTING EDA TOOLS, OR AS
PART OF A COMPLETE DESIGN SUITE
FROM ELECTRONICS WORKBENCH.
You dont need to change or give up your
existing software to benefit from
simulation.
Multisim 8 adds best-in-class circuit
simulation to your design flow. Once your
circuit has been proven in Multisims
comprehensive and intuitive simulation
environment, export your design to any of a
number of popular PCB layout tools.
Or, to enjoy the benefits of a completely
integrated workflow, pair Multisim with
Ultiboard and Ultiroute Electronics
Workbenchs own powerful and efficient
layout and autorouting software.

Save time and money. With Multisim, every circuit you draw is automatically ready for
simulation, allowing you to begin testing at the earliest possible stage of the design flow
during schematic capture. Catch and correct errors almost before they happen.
Become a simulation expert fast. With virtual instruments that look and operate exactly
like real-world devices, Multisim is completely intuitive. Just connect to your schematic and
start making measurements. Its that simple!
Make design changes during simulation. Circuit changes in Multisim require only a few
mouse-clicks, encouraging experimentation and improvement. Variable devices can even be
changed while simulating to instantly see the impact on signals.
Draw from a comprehensive component library, or easily create new models. If you
cant find the device you need in Multisims 16,000 part library, you can easily import external
models written in SPICE or VHDL. Alternatively, the built-in Model Makers quickly create
SPICE models from databook values.

MULTISIM EASILY OVERCOMES THE MOST COMMON SIMULATION OBJECTIONS

Recent market research revealed that 60% of designers use circuit simulation to test at least part of
some of their designs, a huge increase in the past several years. When the researchers probed why
simulation wasnt used by all designers to validate every project, the top 4 responses were that
simulation software:
is too hard to use/requires too much effort. Multisim, in contrast, is incredibly easy to use.
Every schematic you draw is automatically a single mouse-click away from simulating.
is too expensive. Multisim is available from under $2,000, providing powerful and complete
simulation capabilities at a cost-effective price.
is not capable of simulating my entire design. Multisim easily simulates digital, analog
and mixed-mode circuits and, using patented technology, also co-simulates VHDL devices.
doesnt have models for all of my components. All 16,000 devices in Multisims library
come with matching simulation models. Additional models are easily imported or created from
databook values with Multisims built-in Model Makers.
4

Every engineer should be simulating

every circuit now that the historical
impediments have been removed.
Bill Wignall, P.Eng.
President
Electronics Workbench

INNOVATIVE SIMULATION FEATURES UNIQUE TO MULTISIM

Multisim is the worlds most popular SPICE simulator, offering a legacy of
unique, timesaving functionality that includes:

Multisim 8 extends this legacy through the addition of powerful and

productive features such as:

Change-on-the-fly interactive simulation

A 67% increase in simulation speed

Instant simulation of any schematic

Simulated real Tektronix instruments

Virtual Instruments (e.g. Logic Analyzer, Scopes, etc.)

Robust measurement probes annotate circuit with dynamic values

Simulated real Agilent instruments

Support for design variants

Automatic SPICE model makers

Simulation profiles (save and reuse SPICE parameter sets)

Patented co-simulation with VHDL

New Circuit Wizards and Model Makers

Circuit Wizards

Powerful new Worst-Case Analysis

Interactive, virtual and animated components

Simulation Advisor

Significantly enhanced schematic capture, including industry-leading

bus support

Comprehensive suite of analyses

Full support for hierarchical designs

Integrated with National Instruments LabVIEW

Comprehensive circuit-annotation capabilities

TIGHTLY INTEGRATED, END-TO-END DESIGN SUITES

The Electronics Workbench product family
was designed from the start to leverage the
benefits of tight integration. While each of our
products also operates as a stand-alone
application, it is in combination that they
really shine.
We have embedded simulation within capture
and autorouting within layout, to provide you
with instant, on-demand access to these
important tools. Enjoy the unparalleled power
and flexibility of a truly interactive design
environment. Every schematic you draw is
instantly ready for simulation. Sophisticated
Design Rules can be easily created during
capture or layout, and will be recognized and
respected by all downstream steps. Advanced
layout features, such as component nudging
with trace rubberbanding, are made possible
through automatic, real-time calls to the
autorouting engine. And changes made at any
stage in the design process can be annotated
either forwards or backwards.
The Component Database System stores all
component data in a single repository
accessible from all Electronics Workbench
products. User, corporate and master library
levels operate transparently across products.
Any database search can access all possible
component parameters, including user fields.

There are two compelling reasons to move up to an Electronics Workbench Suite. First, you
will benefit from powerful and timesaving features that arise as the result of the tight
integration between the products in the Electronics Workbench family. Second, you will
receive a substantial discount over the purchase price of the individual software tools.
Other vendors offer only a limited selection of product bundles, forcing you to pay for
products you dont need. In contrast, we provide you with the freedom to configure the ideal
solution for your design needs from our complete range of products, allowing you to invest in
only those tools that deliver value to your organization.

SELECT A RECOMMENDED SUITE

We have created a number of recommended
Suites and offer them at best-in-class pricing.
If you dont need the power of simulation and
autorouting, then choose the Electronics
Workbench PCB Suite. Combine Multicap, the
markets most efficient capture program, and
Ultiboard, our easy-to-use layout software,
into a powerful, integrated suite.
If you create more complex designs, then you
are ready for our complete Design Suite.
Integrating Multicap, Multisim, Ultiboard and
Ultiroute, our Design Suite delivers a complete,
powerful and tightly integrated end-to-end
solution.

Simulation embedded in Capture

Autorouting embedded in Layout

OR BUILD YOUR OWN!

Integrated Component Database System

If our recommended Suites dont match your

exact requirements, then build your own!
With Electronics Workbench, your options are
always open.

Powerful data sharing between applications

Full forward and backward annotation
Component nudging with trace rubberbanding
Drive PCB layout with schematic constraints
Project Files and intuitive Project Browser

multiCAP 8
Schematic Capture
Multicap 8 is the industrys most intuitive,
powerful schematic capture program.
Multicaps innovative and timesaving
features, including modeless operation,
powerful autowiring and a comprehensive
database organized into logical parts bins
on your desktop, allow designs to be
captured almost as fast as they can be
conceptualized.
Repetitive tasks are
optimized, leaving you freer to create,
test and ultimately perfect your designs,
resulting in superior products and
minimizing time-to-market.

PROJECT MANAGER
Using a familiar tree control structure,
Multicaps Project Manager provides an easy
and intuitive way to navigate and manage files.
The Project Manager collates schematics,
simulation data, PCB files and documentation
together into a single project. Files can be
locked so that other users can view files but not
make unauthorized changes. Version control
options give you complete control over the
backup settings.
Consolidate various file types (schematics,
PCBs, reports, etc.) into single projects

WORKSPACE AND SPREADSHEET

LIBRARIES

Every aspect of Multicaps user interface can be

customized for your own way of working.
Create and position your own menus, toolbars
and shortcuts, or edit the defaults that already
exist. Toggle the ruler guides and borders on or
off, and choose your own fonts for all parts of
the schematic. Greek symbols (e.g. ) enhance
the readability of your designs.

A large library of over 16,000 parts includes

symbols for the most commonly used devices,
including the latest ICs. In addition to the
master library that ships with the product,
users can set up corporate or user libraries. In
this way it is possible, for example, to identify a
set of approved components that are available
through the purchasing department, and that
meet technical and cost requirements. You can
add your own properties to parts by employing
User Fields, either across the entire component
database, or on a part-by-part basis.

Multicap provides a spreadsheet view of all

components and nets in your schematics,
offering advanced viewing and editing of all
schematic parameters and PCB layout design
constraints. This highly powerful tool enables
you easily sort components and rapidly change
parameters for multiple objects in a single step,
and also provides access to advanced
functionality such as pin or gate swapping.
The zoom-to-component feature allows you to
quickly locate specific parts. The spreadsheet
includes complete support for hierarchical and
multi-page designs and is fully compatible
with Microsoft Excel, providing valuable
additional functionality.
Fully customizable workspace
Spreadsheet view for instant viewing/editing
Microsoft Excel compatible

Lock files against unauthorized changes

Zoom-to-component

Backup control

Customizable title block with bitmaps

Greek symbols enhance readability

HIERARCHY
Multicap has full hierarchical and flat
multi-sheet design, with an intuitive hierarchy
viewer that allows you to efficiently navigate
all instances of nested circuits. Changes to a
hierarchical block can be applied to just
that instance, or to all instances of that
block throughout the schematic, allowing
refinements made to a circuit propagate to
all other circuits making reference to it. This
facilitates reusability of common circuits and
ensures consistency among groups of
designers. Portions of a circuit can be easily
saved as a subcircuit for future reuse. Virtual
Instruments, interactive parts and dynamic
probes can all be used within nested circuits,
facilitating the simulation of large and
complex designs.

The Component Wizard guides you through

creating new parts.
All Electronics Workbench programs use an
integrated database, meaning that simulation
models and PCB layout footprints are stored
together with the parts' schematic symbol. As a
result, every schematic is instantly ready for
simulation and layout, literally with the click
of a single button.
A Database Manager aids in managing and
updating your libraries and parts, while a
Component Wizard guides you through the
creation of new devices. Any new components
included in a schematic can be easily saved to
the library for future use. Components can also
be exported/imported from a spreadsheet for
rapid editing.

The spreadsheet helps to manage and maintain your

design.

Integrated 16,000 device library for capture,

simulation and layout
Master, Corporate and User Library levels
Component Wizard
Save components from schematic to database
Export/import to spreadsheet for rapid editing

Full hierarchical design with intuitive

navigation

Database Manager
Symbols in DIN or ANSI formats

Flat, multi-sheet support with off-page

connectors

Custom part properties (User Fields)

Changes automatically propagated

through hierarchy
Replace by subcircuit feature

Nested circuits may include Virtual

Instruments, interactive parts and
dynamic probes

Use the Hierarchy Viewer to see how all of the

blocks in your design relate.

multiCAP 8
Schematic Capture
SYMBOL EDITOR

PLACING PARTS

WIRING

A sophisticated Symbol Editor provides the

flexibility to build even complex parts quickly
and easily. Customizable pins can be placed
individually, or by using pin array placement
to automatically add large numbers of pins
with a few simple steps.

Placing parts in Multicap is quick and easy.

Devices are sorted into families and subgroups
and stored in logical Parts Bins on your desktop.
No more guessing where to find a part or
scrolling through long alphanumeric lists.
Multicaps type-ahead dynamic lookup with
feedback, combined with convenient new
filters, allow you to rapidly locate the exact
parts you require. Comprehensive searches on
any electronic parameters are also available.

Wiring is the most common step in the capture

process; it is often repeated hundreds or even
thousands of times per design. Multicap
includes truly unique functionality to
maximize your efficiency during this
time-intensive step. Because of Multicaps
modeless operation, when you click on a pin
the program immediately starts wiring you
dont waste time performing unnecessary steps
such as telling the software that you want to
leave placement mode and begin wiring.

Another key time-saver is modeless operation.

In a capability unique to Multicap, you dont
need to tell the program whether you want to
place a part or draw a wire. Multicaps built-in
intelligence knows what you are trying to do.
This conserves significant time as you avoid
repeatedly toggling back and forth between
modes, a redundant requirement of other
schematic products.
A powerful symbol editor makes it easy to add pin
arrays and customize parts.
The Symbol Editor offers a spreadsheet view for
advanced and fast editing of pins. Alignment
tools are extremely useful for positioning
objects on the same axis. Mistakes can be
reversed with undo/redo functionality. Create
complex symbols with a large palette of
drawing tools, combined with the ability to add
bitmap images. A Symbol Integrity Check can
be run to verify new or edited symbols.

You define the default mode for placement:

place just a single instance of a part, or repeat
placement until pressing the ESC key. Parts are
easily rotated prior to placement. A powerful
naming algorithm automatically assigns
component names across multiple levels of
hierarchy and, of course, manual naming is
also supported.
Rapid part retrieval through logical Parts Bin
Dynamic lookup with robust filters
Advanced library searching

Quickly draw even the most complex ICs

Modeless operation

Customize default pin options

Quick part rotation

Pin array placement for large parts

Powerful auto-naming algorithm

Spreadsheet view for advanced editing

of parameters and pins
Multiple graphic drawing tools, including
Bezier curves and alignment tools
Undo/redo
Unlimited zoom
Bitmap support
Symbol Integrity Check

MULTISECTION PARTS
Multicap automatically optimizes the use of
any multisection components included in your
design, efficiently packing sections into parts
for export to PCB layout, even across
hierarchies. Of course, full manual control is
also available.
Automatic multisection part optimizer
Flexible manual allocation

Multicaps powerful autowiring feature lets you

simply click on a source and destination pin,
instructing the program to make a connection
for you. Our schematic autowiring algorithm
strives to make wire paths intuitive and logical,
placed as you would expect if you had drawn
them yourself. Multicap of course also offers
traditional manual wiring. You can even
combine manual and automatic wiring to force
the placement of some key wire segments, and
let the program automatically connect the rest
of the wire.
If you prefer, you can simply touch a
components pin(s) to an existing wire, bus or
other pin to automatically create a new
connection, and then move the component into
place Multicap maintains the connection(s)
and draws the wire(s) for you. You can even
drop 2-terminal passives directly onto a
wire and both connections will be made
automatically, saving a huge amount of time as
there are frequently hundreds of such devices
added once the basic circuit is created.
Wire rubber-banding enables you to move or
rotate connected parts without ever losing
connections. Similarly, you can drag and
reshape wires as you please. Multicap also
displays draglines during component and label
moves. You can start a wire anywhere on your
schematic. Graphical feedback informs you
when a connection is about to be made
no more almost connected pins. Or use
virtual wiring to completely eliminate the need
to physically draw the wire at all. Just label
two points the same and Multicap will
automatically connect them virtually.
Automatic or Manual wiring
Modeless operation
Rubber-banding on component moves
Touch a components pin(s) to a wire, bus
or other parts pin(s) to automatically create
a connection, then move into place
Auto-connect passives
Wire reshaping without losing connections
Virtual wiring

Choose parts from the logically organized Parts Bin.

Modeless operation and autowiring let you capture

your design almost as fast as it can be conceived.
7

multiCAP 8
Schematic Capture
BUSES

DESIGN CONSTRAINTS

ELECTRICAL RULES CHECK

Multicap 8 includes powerful bus support that

will significantly reduce the time you creating,
wiring and editing buses.

Using Multicap, you can set PCB layout and

routing constraints directly from your
schematic, an especially useful option
for higher speed designs. Specify min/max
trace width and length, clearances to
trace/pads/vias, constrain certain traces to a
specific layer, enable pin/gate swapping and
more. All such constraints specified during
capture will be recognized and utilized by
Ultiboard and Ultiroute.

A sophisticated Electrical Rules Check

allows you to define what Multicap sees as a
schematic error, automatically flagging errors
such as outputs connected together, inputs
connected together, an input pin driving an
output and I/O pins incorrectly connected to
power.

Configure any size bus (up to 128 bits) easily

with auto-incrementing functionality that
eliminates the need to define every bit.
Pre-declare bus line names. Assign bus bits to
the appropriate range of pins on a symbol with
a few easy steps. Finally, wire the entire bus in
one easy step with the industrys only bus
vector-connect function.
Freely position buses. All buses are fully
editable so changing one section without
disturbing other bus segments is easy. Merge
buses. Quickly rotate and move bus entries
along the bus line, and even connect to 45o
buses. Add bus entry labels.
Robust bus placement and editing
Industry-leading bus vector-connect
Off-page, hierarchical and sub-circuit bus
connectors
Rotate and move bus entries, add labels
Bus merge functionality

Design constraints pass through to Ultiboard

and Ultiroute

Multicap annotates your schematics with

visible ERC error markers and facilitates rapid
corrections with its zoom-to-error feature. All
ERC functionality is fully compatible with
hierarchical designs.
Intuitive ERC configuration

CIRCUIT ANNOTATIONS

Circuit annotated with visible error markers

Annotate your designs by attaching tool-tip

style notes to any point on your schematic.
Choose between show, hide and pop-up
on mouse over modes. Define your own
switchable annotation layers and optionally
hide or display each layer. For example, create
different layers to separate annotations by date
and author. Great for clearly organizing
and navigating your design notes as well
as comments made by any additional
participants in the design process.

Zoom-to-error
Fully compatible with hierarchical designs

Bus wizard auto assigns pins

Attach tool-tip style notes to your schematic
Show, hide and pop-up modes
User-defined, switchable annotation layers
facilitate organization and navigation

TRANSFER TO PCB LAYOUT

With Bus vector-connect you can wire the address

lines of a chip to the bus in one easy step.

VARIANTS
With Multicap, you can draw a single
schematic for multiple product variants (e.g. to
support different voltages for export markets).
Designs that include variants are compatible
with Multisim, Ultiboard and Multicaps ERC
functionality, allowing these circuits to be
completely tested and easily manufactured.
Hierarchical variants are fully supported and
all reports are variant selectable.
One schematic for multiple variants
Fully compatible with simulation and
PCB layout
Support for hierarchical variants
Variant-selectable reporting
ERC compatible
8

Multicap schematics are transferred and

loaded into Ultiboard with a single button. All
16,000 parts in the library have matching
footprints so that you will never experience
transfer errors. There is full forward and
backward annotation between Multicap and
Ultiboard so that any changes are correctly
propagated.
Multicap can also export to a number of third
party PCB layout programs.
Single button transfer to Ultiboard
Forward/backward annotation from Ultiboard
Orcad, Protel, Eagle, P-CAD and
PADS export

THIRD PARTY SCHEMATIC IMPORT

For users of legacy capture tools from other
vendors, Multicap provides comprehensive file
import capabilities. Transfer schematics from
Orcad Capture, PSPICE and Ulticap quickly
and smoothly into Multicap.
Import from Orcad, PSPICE and Ulticap

The Electrical Rules Check quickly identifies

misconnected or unconnected pins throughout your
design.

REPORTS AND DOCUMENTATION

Multicap generates a wide variety of
professional reports, all of which fully support
design variants, hierarchical designs and other
advanced options.
The Schematic Statistics report summarizes
the number of parts, nets, unconnected pins
and more, while the Spare Gates report shows
unused gates in multi-section parts. The Bill of
Material (BOM) report displays information
about all the components used in your design
and is fully customizable. With a single button,
reports can be printed, saved to file or loaded
into Microsoft Excel. A built-in screen
capture utility makes it straightforward to
include any other relevant information in
presentations and reports.
Schematic Statistics and Spare Gates reports
Customizable BOM
Full support for variants, hierarchical
designs, etc.
Built-in screen capture utility
Insert text, graphics, sound and video

multiSIM 8
Simulation & Capture
Multisim, the worlds only interactive circuit
simulator, allows you to design better
products in less time.
Multisim includes a completely integrated
version of Multicap, making it the ideal tool
for creating and then instantly simulating
circuits.
Featuring unparalleled ease-of-use and
packed with unique and powerful functions,
Multisim boasts an impressive history that
has made it the most successful simulator in
the industry with over 180,000 users
worldwide. Combined with Multisims
aggressive price, there is now no reason not
to simulate every design.

INTERACTIVE SPICE
You dont have to be a SPICE expert to use
Multisim. All SPICE netlists and commands
operate behind the scenes, earning Multisim its
well-deserved reputation as the most intuitive,
user-friendly simulator available. Multisim is
also the only interactive simulator in the world,
allowing you to modify your schematic while
simulation is running to explore "what if"
scenarios in real-time.

MODEL LIBRARY

ADDING MODELS

Multisim includes one of the industrys largest

libraries with over 16,000 simulatable
components. Even with such a large database,
its fast and easy to find the part you want.
All devices are logically organized into parts
families, and you can also use Multisims robust
SQL search engine to quickly find components
that match your exact specifications. Multisim
is fully mixed-mode, so that every part can be
used in every circuit (there are no digital-only
parts like in other tools).

Multisim provides more options for adding

new simulation models to its already extensive
database than any other product.

Multisim is the only product with interactive,

animated and virtual parts. These are not real
parts that can be ordered from a manufacturer,
but instead are intended to let you easily
explore design alternatives during simulation.
Interactive switches, potentiometers, and
capacitors in Multisim allow you to adjust their
values using a designated keystroke and
instantly see changes while a simulation
is running. This interactivity is ideal for
experimenting with different values, and saves
significant time by not having to change parts
and then rerun simulations.
Animated parts, such as LEDs and 7-segment
displays, change their appearance in response
to simulation results.

Industrys only interactive simulator

Fast, accurate simulation results
No need to understand SPICE syntax
Simulation Profiles
Simulation Advisor
Industry standard SPICE 3F5/XSPICE
Available Speed/Accuracy tradeoffs

Use your datasheet to easily create a MOSFET

model.
Manufacturer-supplied SPICE models (often
available for download from their websites) are
easily imported into the database since
Multisim supports all industry standard
formats and even proprietary formats like
PSPICE.

Fast, accurate simulation results are generated

from the programs engine that is based on
industry standard and proven SPICE 3F5.
Enhancements have been made for improved
speed, accuracy and convergence. Multisim
also incorporates XSPICE for improved
behavioral modeling and digital simulation.
Simulation profiles allow you to quickly and
easily configure, save and reuse complete SPICE
parameter setups. And should the engine ever
encounter convergence problems, Multisims
Simulation Advisor provides you with detailed
messaging and diagnostic suggestions.

Model Makers deliver an easy way to

automatically generate SPICE models from
databook values. Employing highly advanced
algorithms for optimal performance matching,
Multisims Model Makers can make SPICE
models for Diodes, BJTs, MOSFETs, Zener
Diodes, SCRs and Opamps. Multisim 8
includes new Model Makers to support
power electronics applications, including
Transformers, Converters and AC Motors.

Adjust the sweeper of the potentiometer with the

A key and instantly see changes to your circuit.
Virtual components allow you to assign any
value you like, even if you could not find a part
with those exact values in real life. Use virtual
devices early in the design cycle, regularly
changing and experimenting with their values,
and replace them with real devices once you
know what values are required to meet design
specifications.

Digital parts can be created with an easy to

learn descriptive language. Multisim can even
simulate compiled C-code so that you can
model devices using C-code scripts. And
finally, using patented co-simulation, Multisim
fully supports IEEE compliant VHDL models.
Model Makers
SPICE3F5 models
XSPICE models
PSPICE models
C-code support
VHDL models

Models for 16,000 parts

Parts logically organized into families
Advanced searches and filters
Interactive, Virtual and Animated components
Every model is fully mixed-mode
(no digital-only parts)
9

multiSIM 8
Simulation & Capture
INTERNET DESIGN SHARING

CIRCUIT WIZARDS

VIRTUAL INSTRUMENTS

Multisims Internet Design Sharing allows

colleagues in different locations to work on the
same circuit together in real-time. Users can be
around the corner, across town or on opposite
sides of the globe.

Multisim contains unique, advanced wizards

for automating the creation of certain
specialized circuitry.

Multisim has established a reputation for

powerful yet easy-to-use simulation. The use of
Virtual Instruments, with faceplates that look
and operate just like their real-world
counterparts, is one of the ways that Multisim
has risen to this leadership position.

The 555 Timer Wizard is used to assist with

appropriately configuring this widely used,
versatile chip to produce the desired behavior.
Obtaining the required configuration is one of
the most common complaints from users, and
this wizard overcomes these difficulties.
Simply tell Multisim whether you want the
chip to operate in a stable or monostable mode
and the program generates recommended
circuitry to deliver the desired functionality.

Share circuits and simulations with clients and

colleagues around the world.
Virtual instruments wire into circuits just like the
real equipment.

SOURCES AND DATA ACQUISITION

Multisims virtual function generator operates
just like its real world equivalent and is an easy
way to generate source signals. You can also
change this instruments waveform shape,
frequency, and amplitude while a simulation
is running and instantly see the changes at
measurement points.
An extensive collection of sources include: DC,
Sine, Triangle, Square, Pulse, Arbitrary, AM, FM,
FSK, Exponential, Clock, Polynomial and One
Shot. In addition, the piecewise linear source
lets you define the shape of a signal, or utilize a
simple text data file to use real data as the
source for your simulations.

Quickly create an active bandpass filter that is ready

to simulate.

Multisims instruments are wired into the

schematic just like you would connect a real
instrument on the bench. Like their real world
counterparts, they are fully interactive so that
you can change their settings while a
simulation is running and instantly see new
results. Its completely intuitive.

The Filter Wizard enables you to specify filter

characteristics that Multisim will use to
generate circuitry meeting those parameters.
Tell Multisim the poles/zeros, the type of filter
(hi-pass, low-pass, band-pass, etc.), and
Multisim can devise Chebyshev or Butterworth
filters for you utilizing both active and passive
devices.

Virtual instruments let you take advantage of

the full power of simulation without having to
be an expert in SPICE syntax. When you press
a button on an instrument, an appropriate
simulation command is automatically issued
and results are immediately displayed on that
instrument's face. Instrument settings and
simulation results can also be saved with the
circuit file.

The Amplifier Wizard automatically

generates circuitry for a common-emitter
amplifier that matches your specifications.
Set the Signal Source and Load Resistance,
Quiescent Point, Beta of the BJT and more.

Electronics Workbench has also partnered

with leading instrument suppliers such as
Agilent and Tektronix to provide simulated
real instruments that look and operate
exactly like these vendors real-world models.

555 Timer Wizard

Industrys only virtual instruments

Filter Wizard

Look and operate like their real-world

counterparts

Common-Emitter Amplifier Wizard

Intuitive, interactive operation

Comprehensive suite of 20 instruments

With the Agilent Function Generator you can

interactively change settings during simulation.

Real faceplates and simulated functionality

from leading instrument vendors

Multisim is compatible with LabVIEW from

National Instruments, allowing you to use
acquired data to drive your simulation as well
as compare simulated results to measured data.
Function Generator & extensive sources
Drive simulations with real world values
Integrated with NI LabVIEW
10

Import real world signals or export to LabVIEW

directly from Multisim.

multiSIM 8
Simulation & Capture
16-Channel Logic Analyzer
Scroll through data and display logic levels with
cursors.
Agilent Instruments
Simulated implementations that look and
operate just like this leading vendors 54622D
Scope, 34401A DMM and 33120A Waveform
Generator.
Ammeter
For fast, simple read-outs of current.
Bode Plotter
Indicates frequency response, plotting gain or
phase shift against frequency (up to 10 GHz).
Distortion Analyzer
Measure both intermodulation distortion and
total harmonic distortion for signals.
Frequency Counter
Measurements include frequency, period, pulse,
rise/fall. Choose between AC or DC coupling
and set sensitivity and trigger level.
Function Generator
Produces square, triangular, or sinusoidal waves.
Set frequency (to 1 GHz), duty cycle, amplitude
and DC offset.
Multimeter
Measure AC and DC current and voltage,
resistance and decibel loss (autoranging).
Network Analyzer
Measure the S-parameters of networks, with
Smith Charts, stability circles and impedance
matching.
Oscilloscope
Internal or external triggering on the positive or
negative edge. Available in 2- and 4-channel
versions.
Spectrum Analyzer
Measure amplitude versus frequency with
adjustable span and amplitude range.
Tektronix Oscilloscope
Simulated implementation that looks and
operates just like this leading vendors TDS
2024 4-channel scope.
Voltmeter
For fast, simple indications of voltage.
Wattmeter
Measure power values and display power factor
readings.
Word Generator
Configure to step one word at a time, burst
through user-defined sets of data (using final
and initial addresses) or cycle continuously.
11

multiSIM 8
Simulation & Capture
ANALYSES
While virtual instruments give you the
flexibility of a complete lab, Multisims 24
analyses (the most extensive suite available
anywhere) lets you investigate circuits in ways
just not possible in the real world.
With significantly improved execution speed,
Multisim 8 provides you with an unrivaled
ability to fully understand your circuits
behavior and performance.

DYNAMIC MEASUREMENT PROBES

Monte Carlo Perform statistical analysis of
the transient, AC and DC circuit response to
random variations of device parameters.
Nested Sweep Run one analysis within
another. For example, perform a temperature
sweep on the results of a parameter sweep.
Noise Determine the noise susceptibility of
your circuits by calculating the RMS sum of
noise contributions.

Comprehensive suite of 24 analyses

Significantly improved execution speed
3dB Point Calculate and display the popular
3dB point on any graph for your circuit.
AC and DC Sensitivity Display sensitivity
to a particular parameter and predict how
variances in manufacturing can affect circuit
performance.
AC Frequency Sweep Plot gain and phase
response over a specified range of frequencies.
Batched Analyses Schedule a sequence of
analyses to be run.
DC Operating Point Determine the DC
operating point of a circuit and produce a
detailed report of voltages and currents at each
circuit node.
DC Sweep Compute the DC operating point
of nodes in the circuit for various values of
voltage or current sources.
Distortion Determine total harmonic
distortion and its spectral density.
Fourier Observe the spectral components of
signals in your circuit.

Pole-Zero Determine the AC small-signal

transfer function of a circuit and calculate the
poles and zeros (points of instability).
Temperature Sweep Sweep transient, DC
and AC response of any circuit over a range of
operating temperatures.
Trace Width Simulate current through all
circuit branches and automatically assign
appropriate trace widths for PCB layout,
ensuring all traces have sufficient current
handling capacity. Results are automatically
exported to Ultiboard.
Transfer Function Derive the DC small
signal transfer function of a circuit and
calculate the input resistance, output resistance
and DC gain.
Transient Understand the behavior of your
circuit over a user-specified time range.
User-Defined Analysis Create your own
customized analyses.

Place probes wherever you wish to annotate

your circuit with dynamic current and voltage
values. Set thresholds and control the precision
of individual probe displays.

GRAPHER
The grapher serves as a multi-purpose tool to
view, adjust, save, print and export the results of
a simulation analysis. The fully customizable
grapher lets you make measurements, set
markers, configure axes and add grids, and also
provides great flexibility in how traces are
displayed. You can even overlay traces from
different simulation runs to compare results.
All grapher results can be loaded into
Microsoft Excel or Mathsoft Mathcad with a
single button.
Displays simulation results
View, adjust, save, print and export data
Precise measurements
Overlay traces and compare results
Excel and Mathcad export

POST PROCESSOR
The Post Processor allows you to perform
almost any mathematical or engineering
calculation on simulation results and
waveforms. Multiply a voltage curve by a
current waveform to obtain power curves or
observe the effect of circuit changes by
subtracting one simulation result from another.
The possible uses for this tool are endless.

Worst Case Powerful new algorithms

accurately determine the most extreme values
to be expected in your circuit, given the
specified tolerance for each component.

I-V Analyzer Generate the characteristic

I-V curves for diodes, BJTs and MOSFETs.
Model Parameter Sweep Perform transient,
DC and AC analyses while sweeping a
component model parameter.

Use the post processor to further analyze your

designs.
Perform mathematical calculations on
simulation results/graphs
Use Worst Case Analysis to find out how much
components variance will affect circuit
performance.

Arithmetic operators
Trigonometric operators
Calculus & Algebraic operators
Boolean logic operators
Vector operators

Parameter Sweeps allow you to understand how

your circuit operates under a variety of conditions.
12

Complex math operators

multiSIM 8
Simulation & Capture
RF DESIGN

MULTIVHDL 8

Multisims RF Design Module provides

simulator enhancements and special features
for high frequency design beyond 100MHz.

Multisims VHDL add-on has the power and features demanded by experienced users, but with
exceptional ease-of-use. This program comes complete with flexible design entry, highly
automated project management, powerful simulation, advanced waveform viewing and
comprehensive debug features. MultiVHDL can be used as a stand-alone application, or together
with Multisims SPICE simulator using patented co-simulation. Perfect for either programmable
logic design or for creating simulation models for complex digital ICs not practically modeled in
SPICE.

Most SPICE models are unreliable for RF

designs because at higher frequencies,
simulation behavior departs from databook
values, often owing to models that dont have
parasitic capacitances. Multisim RF contains a
library of SPICE models designed to be
accurate at high frequencies and also includes
devices unique to higher frequency circuits.
Interdigital Capacitors
Microstrips and Transmission Lines
Pin Diodes
RF BJTs

MultiVHDL 8 adds a graphical state machine

diagram editor which automatically generates
a VHDL implementation. The powerful new
Graphical Testbench Designer creates
testbenchs without writing code simulation
results update automatically when you edit
the waveforms.
And save time with
MultiVHDLs on-the-fly error detection that
helps you catch errors in your code even before
you complete it.

RF MOSFETs
Spiral Inductors
Tunnel Diodes
Waveguides

Project Manager and Source Code Editor

Fast, accurate simulation
State machine editor

Automatically generate VHDL code from a graphical

state machine diagram.

Graphical Testbench Designer

Should you want to make your own RF models,
Multisim RF also comes with Model Makers
that automatically generate SPICE models
from databook values for:

On-the fly error detection

Graphical Waveform Viewer
Complete VHDL IEEE 1076-93 and 1164 support
Advanced, interactive source level debugging

RF Capacitors
RF Inductors
Striplines and Transmission Lines
Waveguides
A Spectrum Analyzer displays circuit
characteristics in the frequency domain,
letting you investigate signal harmonics,
carrier levels and side-band frequencies.
A Network Analyzer plots output versus input
amplitude over a range of frequencies and
calculates S-, Y-, Z- and H-parameters.
It derives circuit characteristics and plots them
onto a Smith chart. Then it generates gain and
stability circles to investigate circuit stability
and automatically find lumped element
configurations to match the circuits
impedance.
Spectrum Analyzer

PATENTED CO-SIMULATION OF SPICE AND VHDL

Because different components are sometimes best modeled in different simulation languages,
Multisim has developed a co-simulation engine that can analyze designs combining a mix of SPICE
and VHDL modeled components. This technological breakthrough finally enables designers to
simulate complete boards containing discrete, analog, glue logic, programmable logic and complex
digital devices for the first time. Up until this point, simulation often had to exclude the more
complex digital ICs for which SPICE models were not available and not practical for the user to
create. Multisims patented co-simulation technology seamlessly integrates these distinct
simulation engines that interchange data in real time, displaying
one consolidated result.
Co-simulation is an ideal testbench when writing VHDL code since
you can test devices along with the very circuits in which they are
designed to operate.
Combine and simulate components with SPICE and VHDL models
in a single design
Integrated simulation and results
Ideal testbench

Network Analyzer
Smith Charts
Stability Circles
Automatic impedance matching
RF Model Library
RF Model Makers

13

ultiBOARD 8
PCB Layout
Ultiboard has been carefully designed to
maximize your productivity. By optimizing
the most common, repetitive tasks such
as part and trace placement, we have
dramatically reduced the number of
keystrokes and mouse movements required
to layout your design.
Ultiboard handles todays higher speed
designs with ease using constraint
driven layout. Innovative features such as
Real-Time
design
rule
checking,
Push & Shove components & traces,
component
nudging
with
trace
rubberbanding, Follow-me trace editing
and an Automatic Connection machine
ensure that you rapidly complete an
error-free board.

USER-FRIENDLY INTERFACE

FAST BOARD OUTLINE CREATION

Ultiboards user-friendly interface simplifies

viewing and navigation with features such as
selective dimming of inactive layers, the ability
to turn off the ratsnest for selected nets, a
birds-eye window showing the active area
relative to the whole board and a full-screen
mode to maximize the workspace. Quickly
annotate your design with "post-it style" notes.

Ultiboard lets you create any shape board,

including cutouts, up to 2x2 meters in size.
Import board outlines as DXF files from
mechanical CAD programs, define your outline
using the Advanced Board Outline Wizard, or
make use of Ultiboards library of pre-defined,
common board shapes.
Board Outline Wizard

Selection filters let you isolate components,

traces, copper areas or any other object type
from the rest of the design, making it easier to
select the element you want. The spreadsheet
view lets you easily see and work with: pads,
vias, keep-in/keep-out areas, nets, parts, groups
and copper areas. Use this powerful feature to
quickly edit information common to multiple
components or traces instantly.

DXF import
Library of standard board outlines

SEAMLESS SCHEMATIC INTEGRATION

Importing a schematic design into Ultiboard is
fast and easy: a single click of a button in
Multicap transfers the netlist into Ultiboard,
populates the parts bin and adds the
components to the layout workspace.
Ultiboard supports forward and backward
annotation with Multicap schematics allowing
you to make changes to all critical schematic
information during layout. Use cross probing
to automatically select a footprint in Ultiboard
by highlighting the corresponding symbol in
Multicap. And of course, Ultiboard is fully
compatible with Multicaps design variant
functionality.
Single button transfer from Multicap
Unified project structure
Forward and backward annotation
Cross-probing
Variant support

Create any shape board using the advanced Board

Outline wizard.

DESIGN SET-UP
Ultiboards spreadsheet allows you to quickly view
and edit layout information.
You can customize and create all standard
Windows functionality including toolbars,
menus and shortcut keys, resulting in
workspace thats comfortable and productive
for you. The Favorite Layer Selection feature
allows you to assign keyboard shortcuts to
quickly activate your most used layers. Easily
locate traces using the powerful Highlight
Selected Net function.

Import legacy files from Orcad Layout

Customize all menus, toolbars and commands
Post-it style annotations

Ultiboard
allows
you
to
assign
keep-in/keep-out areas to components only,
traces only or both, including height
restrictions. Intuitive layer stackup lets you
easily define boards up to 64 layers.
Ultiboards one-nanometer architecture, the
industrys leading resolution, ensures support
for truly gridless placement of even the
smallest objects. Ultiboard allows you to create
rule sets, saved in Technology Files, which are
completely reusable and are attached to
specific projects. These Technology Files are
used to specify parameters required by your
design or by your PCB manufacturer, such as
default trace width, minimum clearance
between any two types of objects and more.

Spreadsheet view for rapid viewing/editing

Favorite Layer selector

Keep-in/Keep-out for components/traces

Highlight Selected Net

Height restrictions

Turn off the ratsnest for selected nets

Define multiple areas on multiple layers

Inactive layer dimming

64 Copper & 10 Mechanical layers

Selection filters

Solder and paste mask

Multi-level undo/redo

Silkscreen, glue and drill layers

1 nm resolution for gridless placement
Separate trace and placement grids
Re-useable Technology Files

Select a symbol in Multisim and the corresponding

footprint is automatically selected in Ultiboard.
14

ultiBOARD 8
PCB Layout
CONSTRAINT DRIVEN HIGH SPEED
DESIGN
Ultiboard provides a number of essential
functions necessary to deal with the challenges
of todays high-speed designs. Ultiboard also
includes PCB Transmission Line and
Differential Impedance calculators that
complement the high-speed functionality
described below.

FAST, INTUITIVE PART PLACEMENT

FOOTPRINT LIBRARY & EDITING

Ultiboard features two intuitive drag-and-drop

placement techniques. You can drag parts from
just outside the board outline (where they
appear after schematic import) or place them
from a parts bin that lists all components. Save
time using the Component Sequencer the
next component will automatically appear on
your cursor as soon as the previous component
is placed.

Ultiboard contains one of the industrys largest

footprint libraries, with nearly 4,000 shapes,
and shares the same Master, Corporate and
User database structure as the rest of the
Electronics Workbench Product Suite. Quickly
customize libraries, or add parts and User
Fields with Ultiboards sophisticated library
manager.
Use the Footprint Wizard to quickly create
footprints for even the most complicated
components, or import shapes as DXF files.
Ultiboards In-place Footprint Editor lets you
edit shapes directly on the board, eliminating
the need to leave the layout process.

Ultiboard automatically respects any design

constraints set in Multicap. These might
include minimum and maximum trace length,
minimum and maximum separation and
parallelism (on the same or adjacent layers).
You can also constrain trace placement for
high-speed boards from inside Ultiboard. For
example, choose from shortest, star and daisy
chain topologies. Use the Equi-space Trace
function to improve space efficiency while
adding to the professional appearance of the
layout. Constrain certain nets to a specific layer.
Or set clearances between any two objects to
over-ride defaults and meet manufacturing
determined limits.
Finally, use Ultiboard in conjunction with
Ultiroute for your higher speed designs and
youll be able to automatically route differential
pairs and add net shielding to specified traces.
Respects design constraints specified in
Multicap
Constrain trace placement and topology
Control trace length, separation and
parallelism
Equi-space traces
PCB Transmission Line and Differential
Impedance calculators
Automatic routing of Differential Pairs
Automatic Net Shielding

Rapidly place parts with a Component Sequencer.

The Push and Shove feature automatically
moves interfering parts aside to let you place
components in congested areas it even
features Springback from the board outline.
Or quickly restart placement using the Unplace
command that removes all unconnected
components from the board.
Real-time Force Vectors guide placement for
routability, analyzing the ratsnest and advising
where to move the component. Alignment and
Equi-spacing functions aid in the placement of
regular arrays of components. Ruler guides
assist in accurate and precise placement;
simply snap a part to the guide and slide it to an
exact coordinate. Improve your layouts with
flexible, automated pin and gate swapping.
The Replicate Place function allows you to
rapidly duplicate the placement of a group of
components.

In-place editing lets you edit footprints on the board,

eliminating the need to return to the Footprint Editor.
The powerful Fan-out Wizard quickly
generates fans-outs for BGAs and similar large
components, reducing frustration. Ultiboard
supports polygon pads, blind and buried vias,
microvias, advanced padstacks and vias inside
SMD pads. Pads and vias can have different
shapes on different layers. Display as much
information about pads and vias as you need.
4,000 Footprints
Footprint Wizard
Master, Corporate and User levels

Component Sequencer

Footprint browser and Library manager

Push and Shove with Springback

User-defined part attributes

Any angle & exact coordinate placement

In-place Footprint Editor

Unplace command

Fan-out Wizard

Orthogonal and polar grids

Any shape pads

Component mirroring

Blind, buried and micro vias

Real-time Force Vectors

Via stacks inside SMD pads

Flexible pin and gate swapping

Replicate Place function
Use Ultiboard to perform constraint driven layout for
your higher speed designs.

15

ultiBOARD 8
PCB Layout
POWERFUL TRACE PLACEMENT

UNIQUE TRACE FUNCTIONALITY

COPPER AREAS & POWER PLANES

Ultiboard includes three powerful trace

placement techniques, providing the flexibility
to meet a range of design complexities and
user preferences. All are fully gridless and
interactive.

Ultiboard offers truly unique and robust

features for working with traces.

Ultiboards highly advanced copper pour lets

you create areas with any combination of
shapes including polygons, arcs and cutouts.

Ultiboards unique follow-me trace placement

combines the power and automation of an
autorouter with the flexibility and control of
manual placement it is completely unique in
the industry. Simply guide the path of the trace
with your cursor, and the follow-me feature
automatically routes from the last placed
segment to your mouse. You can manually
route a partial trace segment and allow
Ultiboard to complete the trace automatically.

Follow-me trace placement delivers the power

and automation of an autorouter with the
flexibility and control of manual routing.
Ultiboards Connection Machine effectively
autoroutes an entire trace with a single click on
a ratsnest line. Fast, gridless and precise, it
routes the trace between the two nearest pads
on the net.
Ultiboard also supports traditional manual
trace placement, where you change the path of
the trace with each mouse click.

Real-time calls to the Ultiroute autorouting

engine enable component nudging without
losing connections placed traces
automatically rubberband as you move the
part! Push and Shove trace placement moves
already placed traces aside when routing
through congested areas. Of course, you can
also lock a trace segment (or whole trace) in
place, to avoid having it move.
Ultiboards real-time ratsnesting updates the
ratsnest lines continually as you move parts
and traces. From copper ratsnesting displays
ratsnest lines from the nearest copper point,
not just from pins. The snap-to feature offers
discrete jumps between elements on your board
as you move the mouse: the cursor snaps to the
ratsnest in trace placement mode and to the
copper in select mode.
The Copy Route feature duplicates a
previously placed set of traces to quickly create
multiple channels or reuse other parts of your
design. The Paste with Net function pastes
traces along with their associated nets. Net
bridges allow you to easily join two nets
(to create multiple grounding, for example).
The Bus Placement feature makes bus
placement a breeze by simultaneously routing
traces for all bits at once (in parallel) as you
place the trace for a single bit.
All trace properties can be changed while
editing. For example, you can change the angle
and width of your trace on the fly to navigate
through dense pin arrays. And when you get
close to a destination pad, a magnetic
attraction effect pulls the trace in to the center
of the pad, ensuring a completed connection.

Advanced copper areas support trace voiding and

cutouts with real-time polygon updates.
Copper objects can use Net Settings for width
and clearances, and can also be connected to
pins, with or without thermal relief. Ultiboard
supports multiple thermal relief styles
including direct connection, 2 connection and
4 connection in x or + configurations.
Plow traces through copper
Automatic polygon voiding
Copper area hatching
Drawing tools for any copper shape
Copper cutouts
Automatic thermal relief
Real-time copper area updating
Split power planes

Part nudging with trace rubberbanding

Push and Shove trace placement

Trace always connected to your cursor

Rapid Bus Placement

Gridless and interactive

Copy Route & Paste with Net

Different widths on same net

Real time ratsnest updates

Unique Follow-me placement

Mouse snap to trace/ratsnest

Connection Machine

From copper ratsnesting

Traditional manual placement

Magnetic attraction at pads

Ghosting while editing
Editable trace properties while placing
Trace Biasing (Horizontal, Vertical, 450)
Pin-necked trace support

16

Real-time polygon updating lets you plow

traces through a copper area, creating the
necessary void automatically as you place the
trace. Hatching is fully supported.

BUILT-IN AUTOROUTING
Ultiboard includes a built-in standard
autorouter that is sufficient for basic boards.
It utilizes a grid-based, rip-up and retry
algorithm.
For most of todays PCBs, and to enable some of
the more advanced, time-saving features of
Ultiboard 8, youll want to add Ultiroute 8, our
state-of-the-art autorouter, to your desktop.
Page 18.

ultiBOARD 8
PCB Layout
REAL-TIME DESIGN RULE CHECK CUTS
TIME AND ERRORS
Real-time design rule checking (unique to
Ultiboard) shortens the design cycle by
flagging rule violations as they occur, letting
you prevent mistakes rather than finding and
fixing them later.
With the violations automatically highlighted
during part placement, layout and routing, you
can quickly nudge a component or trace to
meet design rules as you work. Or you can
choose to ignore violations and analyze them at
the end of the session using the error log. And
although Ultiboard is unique in the industry
with Real-time DRC, you can of course choose
to run it in batch mode too.

MANUFACTURING & OUTPUT FILES

3D VISUALIZATION

Ultiboard produces fully customizable output

in all popular formats. Export an IPC-D-356A
Netlist to confirm connectivity or merge
multiple layers to produce one output layer.
Ultiboard 8 adds support for multi-byte and
other special characters on any silkscreen or
copper layer, allowing you to easily add
appropriate labels to the finished product.

Ultiboards 3D Viewer brings your design to life,

providing a realistic 3D rendering of a
complete, populated board, including
components, traces, pads and silkscreen.
If desired, you can even view the traces, pads
and vias on the internal layers of your board!

Before going to production, clean up your board

and reduce manufacturing costs by
automatically removing unused trace
segments and vias. You can also renumber
components using your preferred strategy to
easily locate parts on finished boards.

Preview designs before production, and share

them with clients or other design team
members. Print the 3D rendering or export it in
a variety of standard file formats.

Copper Paste Export supports over/under

sizing and allows different settings for top and
bottom oversize solder masks. Use Ultiboards
Copper Amount Report to measure copper
length and area, quantifying router efficiency.
Ultiboard includes a Gerber Viewer to verify
photo-plots. Ensure manufacturability with
acute angle constraint, improved trace
mitering, minimum annular ring, solder/paste
mask expansion, board clearance, automatic
teardropping and thermal relief.

Realistic renderings using 3D Visualization.

Preview a precise 3D rendering of your board

Customizable output formats, including layer

output merging
Ultiboard has extensive error reporting with jump
to functionality, and the industrys only Real-time
DRC.
Clicking an entry in the error log jumps to the
violation clearly marked on the board, where
you can either correct it or override the rule.
By avoiding DRC errors in real-time, you will
spend less time and money reworking boards.
You also avoid having to make last minute,
less-than-optimal design changes to get the
board out the door

Gerber Viewer & printing

Multi-byte and special character support
Gerber 274-X and 274-D output

Print or export 3D rendering

Ensure component heights fit enclosure

DXF and SVG export

MECHANICAL CAD

BOM, Centroid and Drill files

Ultiboard also allows you to export your

complete PCB design, including 3D
information, in DXF or IGES format for use in
any popular mechanical CAD program.

Copper Paste Export supports over/under

sizing
Report copper area (length and area)
Automatic teardropping

POWERFUL CAM SOLUTION

Error log with Jump to error

GerbTool for Ultiboard offers a powerful CAM

solution complete with Gerber editing, DFM
analysis, automatic error correction, netlist
extraction and comparison.

Optionally, run DRC in batch mode

Rotate, pan and zoom

IPC-D-356A Netlist export

Real-time DRC flags violations as they occur

Clear error markers

Optionally display internal board layers

For simpler projects, Ultiboard comes with a

built-in Mechanical CAD module, allowing
you to quickly draw accurate front panels,
enclosures and other mechanical pieces.
DXF and 3D IGES export
Built-in CAD module for simple projects

Robust and accurate multi-pass DRC/DFM

Panelization
Automatic silkscreen removal from pads
Intelligent polygon pouring and filling
Buried pad removal from inner layers
Teardrops/snowman pads and T junctions
Film optimization

Built-in mechanical CAD for drawing front panels,

enclosures, etc. to ensure fit.

17

ultiROUTE 8
Autorouting
For all but the most basic PCBs, the density
and complexity of todays designs make
manual component and trace placement
techniques impractical. For these designs,
Electronics Workbench offers Ultiroute
a state-of-the-art autorouting and
autoplacement tool.
Electronics Workbench software easily
handles complex designs including large
multi-layer boards and high-pin-count
components such as BGAs. Ultiroute
ensures high circuit performance and lower
production costs for these demanding
projects by uniquely combining the best
of gridless (shape based) and grid-based
routing.
In benchmark tests against other leading
autorouters, Ultiroute consistently delivers
noticeably superior board designs with
fewer vias and shorter copper lengths.

ADVANCED AUTOPLACEMENT

INTERACTIVE ROUTING

Ultiroutes autoplacement algorithms provide

high-density component placement, fitting
more parts onto limited board space, while
optimizing for routability.

Ultiroute provides you with the ability to

interrupt the routing process at any time,
allowing you to adjust the routing parameters
or edit traces manually if necessary. Then have
Ultiroute continue routing with the new
conditions. This powerful interactivity allows
for timely user intervention and results in
improved control and better layouts.

You have complete control over autoplacement

with the ability to pre-place parts, constrain
certain components to pre-defined areas, set
separation values and enable surface-mount
device mirroring and pin and gate swapping.
Ultiroute also uses height restrictions to create
intelligent keep-out areas based on component
z-axis values.
Choose the right amount of automation for
each portion of your design: manual,
semi-automatic (click on component and it is
appropriately placed) or fully automatic.
Replicate Place (used to duplicate channels)
and Group Place (used to keep specified groups
of components in close proximity) further
enhance your productivity.

DESIGN ANALYSIS OPTIMIZES

ROUTING RESULTS
An autorouters settings will affect results
differently for each unique design. Ultiroute
uses Design Analysis to examine each design
file before routing and adjusts the router
settings based on the specific characteristics of
the design. This results in optimal router
performance every time.

SEAMLESS INTEGRATION WITH

ULTIBOARD
Placement and routing are no longer treated in
a linear fashion during the design process. To
maximize your productivity, you need instant,
interactive access to autorouting at any time.
That is precisely why we have embedded
Ultiroute within Ultiboard, where it appears as
a new menu item after installation.
This architecture provides you with
ready access to all of Ultiroutes powerful
functionality at any time during the placement
and layout process much as simulation is
instantly available from Multisim during
schematic capture. And Ultiroute uses all of
the design rules set for the project within
Multicap and Ultiboard.
Ultiroutes tight integration with Ultiboard
also enables unique and powerful new
functionality within Ultiboard 8. Exciting
features such as part nudging with trace
rubberbanding rely on automatic, real-time
calls to autorouting engine enhancing your
productivity during layout by transparently
invoking Ultiroute.

18

Powerful autoplace algorithms will improve

component layout and also help the autorouter
achieve optimal results.

Whatever your design, Ultiroute quickly and

effectively places components for high routing
completion.
High-density placement optimized for
routability
Pre-place critical components
Follows Ultiboard design rules
Replicate Place and Group Place
Automatic block capacitor recognition
Height restrictions

Uses Multicap and Ultiboard design rules

SMD mirroring

One click access from inside Ultiboard

Pin and gate swapping

Ultiroute enables advanced, timesaving

functionality with Ultiboard 8

Graphical progress display

Boards are scanned and router options

automatically adjusted to exploit your boards characteristics and improve routing results.
The true test of an autorouter is the result it
generates as measured by percentage
completion, overall copper length, the number
of vias and other factors. Ultiroute is a regular
benchmark test winner, and Design Analysis is
one of the key reasons that it easily surpasses
autorouters that use the same fixed default
settings for every board.
Automatic board analysis
Router settings chosen to meet board
characteristics

ultiROUTE 8
Autorouting
BEST OF GRID-BASED AND GRIDLESS
AUTOROUTING

ADVANCED FEATURES FOR IMPROVED

RESULTS

Ultiroutes unique Progressive Routing

algorithm routes on grid whenever possible,
automatically switching to gridless routing as
necessary to complete the trace. As a result, you
get all the benefits of gridless autorouting for
difficult to route traces, with the convenience
of having most traces located on grid for easy
and efficient manual editing when required.

Ultiroute boasts a broad range of powerful

features that combine to deliver superior
routing results.

Ultiroute easily handles dense pin arrays and

can route around the contour of todays most
advanced parts. Ultiroutes capability to utilize
both grid and gridless routing is truly unique
and is one of the key reasons for its
consistently impressive results.

Only Ultiroute provides highly sophisticated,

yet incredibly easy-to-use, Automatic Bus
Routing. This feature allows you to specify the
pins for each bit of the bus and have Ultiroute
automatically route the entire bus exactly as
you would expect, with each bits trace parallel
to the others.

Choose to route a net with a specified topology

(normal, daisy-chain or star), and set limits for
minimum and maximum connection lengths.
Set routing layers for individual nets.

Ultiroute automatically routes differential

pairs, creates fan-outs for complicated
components and can insert testpoints
automatically for you.
Net shielding is
automatically added to specified traces.
Ultiroute easily handles microvias, vias inside
SMD pads, custom pad shapes and multiple
powerplanes.
Specify topology for a net

FULLY CUSTOMIZABLE OPTIONS

Ultiroutes flexibility gives you complete
control over the autorouting process. Choose to
route an entire board or just a selected net or
subset of components.
You can define anything from grid size and
maximum via count to preferred routing
directions for each layer of the PCB. You also
have complete control over the cost factors used
by the routing algorithm: via cost, pin channel
cost, packaging cost, counter direction cost and
more.
Route entire board or just a selected net or
subset of components
Fully customizable cost factors
User-defined grid
Maximum via setting
Pin and gate swapping
Via offset support

MANUFACTURING OPTIMIZATION
Even after the autorouter has achieved 100%
completion, Ultiroute lets you refine your board
to optimize the layout, reduce production costs
and improve manufacturing yield.

Constrain net to specific layer

Route buses automatically
Ultiroutes unique combination of gridless and
grid-based routing will improve your layouts, deliver
higher routing completion rates and reduce
production costs, paying for itself many times over.
Unique Progressive Routing algorithm
combines best of gridless and grid-based
routing techniques
Graphical progress display

Route differential pairs

Support for multiple via types
Fan-out support
Net shielding
Automatic test point insertion
Full undo/redo support
Up to 64 layers

Use optimization routines to reduce production

costs and improve manufacturing yields.
A fully customizable cleanup routine enhances
your layout by reducing via counts, mitering
corners, smoothing traces and removing any
wire bends created during autorouting.
Fully customizable cost factors
Trace smoothing
Customize routing options and cost factors.

Via reduction
Cross-net cleanup
Corner mitering

19

multiCAP 8 multiSIM 8
Simulation & Capture

Schematic Capture

Multicap Features
Customizable GUI
Modeless placement & wiring
Fast retrieval Parts Bins
Auto and manual wiring
Fast auto-connect passives
Rubber-banding on part move
Bus Vector connect
Project Manager
Hierarchical & Multisheet design
Circuit annotations
Electrical Rules Check
Advanced Symbol Editor
Title Block Editor
Forward/Backward annotation
Component Database (# of parts)
Spreadsheet view
Variant Support
Constraint-driven layout from
capture
Pin and gate swapping
Advanced parts search
User-defined fields
Customizable BOM
Schematic statistics report
Spare Gates report
Cross-probing with Ultiboard
ERC scope setting
Import/export database

Pro Power Pro

11,000

16,000

PCB Layout

Multisim Features
Pro Power Pro
Multicap 8 included (by tier)
Worlds only interactive simulator
Fully mixed-mode A/D simulation
Standard SPICE 3X5/XSPICE
Speed/Accuracy tradeoffs
Simulation Advisor
Simulation Profiles
Virtual, interactive, animated parts
PSPICE import
Dynamic Measurement Probes
Component Editor Wizard
Internet Design Sharing
Co-simulation of SPICE/HDLs
NI LabVIEW integration
Virtual Instruments
14
20
Analyses
17
24
Simulated Agilent instruments
1
3
Simulated Tektronix instrument
0
1
Model Library
11,000 16,000
555 Timer Wizard
Filter Wizard
CE Amplifier Wizard
Model Makers
Post Processor
RF Design Module
Nested Sweeps
C-Code Modeling
MultiVHDL module
opt.
opt.

Or Our Complete Integrated Design Flow

ultiBOARD 8 ultiROUTE 8

Ultiboard Features
Gridless Follow-me placement
Push & Shove part & trace placement
Real-time & from copper ratsnest
Real-time polygon update with voiding
Keep-in/Keep-out areas
Forward/Backward annotation
Real-time DRC with Jump-to
64 layers and 1 nanometer resolution
Enhanced 3D visualization with print
Gerber, DXF, IPC-D-356A output
Number of pins supported
Spreadsheet view
Cross-probing with Multicap/Multisim
Variant Support
Component Placement Sequencer
Pin & gate swapping
Gridless Connection Machine
Bus routing
High-speed constraint driven layout
Diff Impedence/Trans Line Calculators
Net bridges
Automatic fan-out for components
Microvias
Copy Route & Replicate Place functions
In-place footprint editor
Mechanical CAD
Export 3D info in 3D IGES, DXF formats
GerbTool CAM module

Autorouting

Pro Power Pro

1,400 unlimited

opt.

Ultiroute Features
Complete integration with Ultiboard 8
Fully customizable cost factors
Progressive Routing (best of grid &
gridless algorithms)
Interactive autorouting
Constraint driven routing
Keep-in/Keep-out criteria:
components, traces, groups, height
Manual pre-placement:
components, vias, traces
Cluster placement support
Auto Block Capacitor recognition
SMD mirroring
Advanced SMD fan-out
Net shielding
Automatic testpoint insertion
Enables part nudging with
trace rubberbanding in Ultiboard 8
Pin number limit
Maximum number of layers
Autoplacement
Pin & gate swapping
Topology: shortest, daisy chain, star
Automatic bus routing
Differential Pair routing
Route Group function
Optimization

Pro

Power Pro

1,400
4

unlimited
64

opt.

Distributor:

Suites include Multicap, Multisim, Ultiboard and Ultiroute.

Electronics Workbench Canada

111 Peter Street, Suite 801
Toronto, Ontario M5V 2H1
800.263.5552
www.electronicsworkbench.com

Dedicated to the Professional

BRV8Pro0505

Electronics Workbench Europe

Energiestraat 36
1411 AT Naarden, The Netherlands
31.35.694.4444
www.ewbeurope.com

Committed to Innovation

A NATIONAL INSTRUMENTS COMPANY

Truly Unique Functionality

2005 Electronics Workbench Corporation. All rights reserved. Electronics Workbench, Multisim and Ultiboard are registered trademarks of Electronics Workbench Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

351195A-01

Electronics Workbench USA

60 Industrial Park, #068
Cheektowaga, New York 14227
800.263.5552
www.electronicsworkbench.com