Simulation in Fritzing

Bolvi56 · September 8, 2021, 3:28pm

Hello, im kinda new in Fritzing and i would like to know if Fritzing have a simulation option, and if not, if you guys can do it the function of simulation cuz will be too much helpfull, cuz for simulation im using Tinkercad, but i prefer have all my stuff in one software please

fai · September 8, 2021, 6:42pm

Hello!
Maybe there will a simulator soon. I made a super basic one which has been merged in the Fritzing repository (in its own branch), but it has not been merged in the development branch. If you are able to compile it from source, you can try out. If not, you will have to wait until is released (hopefully in 0.9.9, but I cannot guarantee that). It still needs some work and it is an experimental (beta) feature, but it is functional.

HOWEVER, the simulator is really limited and it will not be able to simulate Arduino and its code. So, it will not be what you need. I have some ideas for being able to simulate Arduino code in the future, but it will probably take years and it is not guaranteed.

If you want to learn more about the features of the current simulator, the documentation is here:

github.com

failiz/fritzing-app/blob/simulator2/src/simulation/SIMULATOR_README.MD

# Simulator Description #

This document describes the features of the implemented simulator in Fritzing. The purpose of the simulator is to teach electronics to beginners. Therefore, the current capabilities are very basics. In the future, we could extend this code to handle advanced analyses, but currently it is not a priority. If you want to help us, please, contact us to discuss collaborations (see the contribute section of this file). 

## Use ##

The simulator is disabled by default. To enable it, go to Edit->Preferences, select the "Beta Features" tab and check the enable simulator checkbox. This option will be saved and you only need to activate the simulator once. Of course, you can still disable at any time in the preferences dialog. 

After the simulator has been enabled, a new button called "Start Simulator" should appear at the bottom bar (next to the "Share" button). In order to use it, build a circuit as usual and add a multimeter to measure something (voltage, current or resistance).  Then, press the "Start Simulator" button and the simulator will be working. Thus, you will observe some changes: (1) the screen of the multimeter will show the result of the simulation, (2) the parts not being simulated are greyed out, and (3) if any device is out of specifications, a smoke appears over it. From now on, every time that you modify the circuit, a new simulation is performed. In order to stop the simulator and remove all the artifacts that adds (smoke, greyed out effects, etc.), click on the small arrow in the "Start Simulator" button and select "Stop Simulatior". Thus, all the items of the simulation disappear (smoke images, text in multimeters and grey out of the non simulated parts).

## Features ##

The current implementation performs a dc analysis (operating point). By default, there is no output of the voltages or currents in the circuit. To be able to measure them, you should use the multimeters of the core bin. There are five multimeters but currently only the dc multimeters work (voltmeter, ammeter and ohmmeter). 

### Currently supported devices ###

Currently, a very limited types of devices are supported:

* Resistors
* Capacitors

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Domi21 · September 10, 2021, 4:00am

My problem is the same
I just loose 2 hours to try to run my basic circuit. I would love as beginner to test everything offline.

MaryCru · September 10, 2021, 1:29pm

Good morning, I take the opportunity to ask if fritzing allows to apply the teardrops technique (tears) to the tracks of the printed circuit?

vanepp · September 10, 2021, 3:16pm

Not as far as I know. The trace runs straight in towards the center of the pad, I don’t know of an option to teardrop the edges.

Peter

KjellM · September 10, 2021, 5:24pm

It seems to be quite useful, and I just created an issue to keep track of it.
The image already allows to guess what is required. But it can’t hurt to describe the feature more, in a few sentences before anyone puts in the hours (possibly days) it need to code, integrate, document… it . Could you maybe add more information?

Is this intended for better CNC? More robust connectors in general?

MaryCru · September 11, 2021, 4:22am

Hello Mr. KjellM, thanks for your attention, we use the teardrops technique to better connect tracks to vias and teardrop pads, instead of using direct trace runs straight in towards the center of the pad. This type of connection is available in current versions of programs such as Altium, Orcad, Proteus, etc. Its main purpose is to strengthen the integrity of the connection in situations of mechanical or thermal stress.

An additional advantage is to increase the tolerances in the event of inaccuracies in the drilling process due to misalignment. Its use also becomes important in the design of a PCB with very thin lines, since it increases the strength of the connection of the tracks to conventional tracks and pads, reducing the risk of fractures at their junction point.

It would be very good if fritzing allowed to apply these tears automatically to all the tracks, or by manually selecting the tracks to which you want to apply this technique. This takes great importance in the design of flexible printed circuits.

Teardrops

jorgechacblogspot · September 13, 2021, 2:24am

It would also be good to include panelization in fritzing.

vanepp · September 13, 2021, 3:04am

Already present at least in some form:

Peter