LTspice is dead but QSPICE is born - A Great New FREE Circuit Simulation Software

[@copernicofelinis]

On a side note, as an Italian I could never have a beer that close to my hands when I talk. 😂

[@KissAnalog]

LOL - shouldn’t either:)

[@franciscorompana2985]

It's the second time my cup of coffee goes flying around the room.😢 ☕ 🍻 😂

[@TheDagda1000]

🤣👍

[@maxpayne5449]

There are not so many channels out there on youtube, where you can watch the video and feel like you almost there, in the room full of feebly humming equipment, sitting next to the presenter, drinking beer or tea or what have you, engaging in a polite and calm discussion with the expert and overall expirienced human, listening to his stories and taking mental notes. Thank you for brining in this kind of conversational style of presentation. These days it is a rare occurrence.

[@KissAnalog]

Thank you for this great feedback! I really appreciate you! Glad to have you here.

[@alslab2764]

I met Mike years ago in Connecticut at a LTSPICE seminar at Arrow Electronics. I do agree the guy is brilliant. He told us at the time his formal college education was in physics. I just downloaded QSPICE and looking forward to using it. Thanks for the heads up about QSPICE. Also, by the way great channel!

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks so much! I appreciate you and the feedback! Mike actually went to 3 different universities for degrees in physics - and the last was Berkley - which is really interesting. Maybe that's where he got the idea to start his own simulation company?

[@manoA98A]

LTspice is not dead at all: it is by far the simplest electronic cad simulator, both for analog, power electronics and some basic digital circuits. The cons of ltspice is that it performs poor with mixed signal and you can't implement stm32 or C++ code to simulate a real C code PWM for instance, or an ADC. Apparently, QSpice can do that, yes, but for some simulation in power electronics, especially in the high side switching, QSpice , let's just say it still has room for improvement. By the way, I will always use LTSpice and keep doing video on ltspice. It's just beautiful and magical for me

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for your feedback! You are right - it is still alive today, but it is hard to know what its future is. It hasn't had a major update since ADI bought LT, and now that Mike is gone... QSPICE is still new but Mike has learned a lot from his development of LTSpice, so he is making huge strides with his new baby;)

[@JohnnySmith-to7jw]

@@KissAnalog ... In the future, I can give the same answer about QSPICE when another similar software is developed. Presenting your 'business' by attacking another 'business' is not fair. It is toxic and induces a lack of trust.

[@byugrad1024]

@@KissAnalog One of his strides should have been to address the obvious elephant in the room... linux support. How on earth he missed the boat on that...

[@scottbrady419]

Love the video Eddie! I was worried about your beer getting warm, but see you polished that off. I also loved your corporate world analogy because you are absolutely right. Leadership never appreciates knowledge, it always the budget which can lead to the demise of the success of the company in the long run. I also like QSpice's ability to show what's going on inside the "black hole"!

[@KissAnalog]

LOL the beer was tasty:) I agree with the lack of appreciation for experience

[@damny0utoobe]

I like these talks. I let the audio play while I work. You're like the analog colleague I never had.

[@KissAnalog]

That is awesome! Thank you!

[@markswain1]

Thanks for the knowledge and the revie!!!. Great insight from someone who knows. Been a LTSpice user for ages. Yeh - Gonna get to throw away all my Post It Notes reminding me of LT Spice short cuts. Great Job on the the videos - thank you

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for your feedback! It would be interesting if post it notes would work on this new tool:)

[@kartinosurodipo4520]

Ltscpice has helped our people DIYers in Indonesia. Especially for me in developing class D Amplifier from hundred to thousand watts. Many types have been born: sigma delta, UcD, clocked, BD, halfbridge to fullbridge, also developed class AB, H, EEEngines, TD. I true love this software.

[@KissAnalog]

The Father of LTspice is now created the new Qspice - and it is free - so it is time to switch to the new product that will keep getting improved daily.

[@BB-iq4su]

Good video. I used HSpice for many years for semiconductor chip design. Used Cadence for layout mostly. Used Electric CAD for 14 years, freeware. No problems. Now, retired, I use LTspice for hobby stuff. So far it's been great. Most of my hobby stuff I use Kicad for the PCB creation. Biggest barrier to accuracy is finding models and estimating parasitics.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks so much! Cadence bought PSPICE so that kind of fell into obscurity. Micro-Cap is awesome and free now. I have lots of tutorials on that. I hope QSPICE grows the library and tutorials;) I am also learning Kicad - so I'll have to do some videos on that.

[@versace885]

HI Eddie, thank you so much for this video, fantastic. Have a great weekend….😁👍

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks, you too!

[@aviandragon1390]

You put so much time into your channel. When you hit your 100k remember that you earned it. Thanks for the info. 🍻

[@KissAnalog]

I appreciate that! That day will be a very happy day;)

[@ElPasoTubeAmps]

I will try the Qspice - however - I am long retired as a defense contractor of 40 years and last used Spice in a DOS format at WSMR while working at Lockheed - before they became LMT. I loved it and thought it was great. Next adventure with Spice was LTSpice and vacuum tube amplifier modeling using the Koren and Ayumi models. I don't use any version of Spice for a living anymore so for me to move to Qspice, it will have to support the vacuum tube models already in place. It is an audio and ham radio hobby now. As a matter of fact, what brought me to this YT video is I am going to simulate an AM transmitter I recently build running GG, cathode driven and plate modulated. I experimented and found an inductor around 10H in the grid-leak bias path increased modulation considerably but caused large grid current excursions under modulation. I am now thinking of putting a much lover value of L in series with the grid-leak bias resistor and modulate it (adjustable) with the audio driving the high level modulator. Anyone got thoughts on this? 73 WA4QGA

[@KissAnalog]

Great background and feedback! Thank you! I'll try to do some tutorials with Tube Amps in QSPICE. I do have a video on this for MicroCap that will be posted very soon.

[@GlennHamblin]

Glad to have found your channel. Thanks for letting me know about QSPICE.

[@KissAnalog]

I'm glad you found this channel. BTW, I have the first tutorial out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKSQnJKXfMd-bZY

[@franciscogerardohernandezr4788]

This reminds me of those chats when I was doing a summer internship at CPS a while ago. I remember the engineers talking about simulations while arguing about fitting the inductors into a smaller chassis and faxing the design department for a signature.

[@KissAnalog]

LOL - you mean they still fax;)

[@franciscogerardohernandezr4788]

@@KissAnalog it was some decades ago.

[@FindLiberty]

LOVED IT - Thanks for the info / update!

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for your feedback!

[@funtechu]

For power supply design, the best simulation tool I've found is NL5.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for sharing. I guess I've stayed away from NL5 because it uses 'Ideal' parts where I have wanted to know what the 'real' part will do. Maybe I need to take another look.

[@funtechu]

@@KissAnalog Yeah, that's still its main downside. I'm generally comfortable building a reasonable approximation of any part using ideal components, and NL5 is just so much faster at simulation that I find it easier to iterate with, especially with bespoke power supply designs. Then once I have a design nailed down, if there are decent spice models available I'll run a few LT Spice sims to dial it in for a specific part, or confirm that it's still within specs. Thanks for sharing about QSPICE though. I'll definitely have to check it out.

[@bigjd2k]

I still use the original Microsim windows based spice - fastest schematic editor ever! I only use it for unusual discrete transistor designs, everything gets breadboarded Bob Pease style anyway - so - Solder is my favourite programming language!

[@KissAnalog]

Yes, some people still use older programs that work great. Microcap is very mature but some people are concerned that it will not get more updates. It is so mature that - unless windows changes so that it can't run - it will be a great software for years. You can always add your own models and parts. LOL - I love your programming language!

[@electronicswithemrys]

I'm also very excited about Mike's new simulator. I've already switched over to using Qspice almost exclusively and I haven't even wanted to look back!

[@KissAnalog]

Great to hear! Let us know how you like it please.

[@jeppe5942]

I have been working in Pspice and then switching to LTspice a couple of years ago. Qspice sounds really great if it is easier to work with macromodels. I would like to see more tutorials using Qspice. Cheers

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for the info! I used Pspice a lot back before cadence, and only a little since then. It is still a very powerful package. Has it changed much in the last few years?

[@CallistoPili]

for me one big point in Qspice is the hierarchical subcircuits, the C/C++/Verilog integration which allows a very clever mixed simulations. the schematic UI sounds similar to the classic RF tools, like the free Qucs. I noted also that the great amount of icons and labels is almost the same as LTSpice. if Mike can add the RF stuff like microstrip, stripline and other stuff for RF, and polar plot that would be a must. btw LTspice is fast, runs everywhere an is supported by tons of vendors. No idea what Qorvo plan is, i guess there will be a paid version with advanced stuff. I cannot believe the tool will be free with more stuff. never say never

[@Roosville1]

The major issue is now you get a macro-model or behavioural models and not a full PSPICE description. Your real circuit oscillates but the model, even when pushed below data sheet minimum and usiing SPICE non-iideal capacitors ect. The lack of true SPICE is a massive pain. I have used Microcap since back in the mid 90’s. Other point is my colleges use LT Spice, so what would be the point of me checking their work with LT Spice, I’ll get the same answer, hence I use Microcap. Sometimes Microcap will show what LT didn’t.

[@KissAnalog]

I completely agree - that's why I only use LTspice to run their prebuilt schematics that you can download. There's limited value as they come with their behavior based models. But, there is a very large crowd out there that the Free software has attracted, so it has made LTspice very widely used. I think this QSPICE will make a large dent in that crowd as it is free as well - but is not limited with the behavior ideas.

[@yl7108]

Really love this video and thank you!

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks so much for your feedback!

[@LousyPainter]

Love to see some Qspice videos.

[@KissAnalog]

Ok thanks for your feedback

[@LousyPainter]

@@KissAnalog It's very impressive. Just what the Doctor ordered. Thanks COVID hair cut guy. Lol. Cheers.

[@KissAnalog]

LOL - did you see my video where I cut my hair?

[@LousyPainter]

I did. Is was hilarious.

[@rogeronslow1498]

I've been using LTspice for years for my simulations but I'm going to give QSpice a try. I always wanted Simplis/Symetrix as it came highly recommended from Wendel Boucher but couldn't find a cracked version. Thanks so much for the info.

[@marcdraco2189]

Finally I can sit right through of of Eddy's videos and not end up buying a new instrument that I never knew I didn't need. But it keeps my desk untidy so there's that. I'm an LTSpice guy but I'm gonna keep a close eye on QSpice as any free (graphical) SPICE is a good thing. I've used the others but I always come crawling back to LT as although it looks like a VW Bug, it goes like a Koenigsegg1

[@KissAnalog]

LOL - thanks for your feedback!

[@douglasvinicius5020]

I'm still gonna watch this video but allow me to say something before I forget it again: I absolutely love your scenario. All of those equipments/instruments is so beautiful !!!

[@KissAnalog]

Wow, thank you!

[@electronicengineer]

I spent a good six (6) years of my professional career using OrCAD, as it was mandated software by my employer during my tenure at that point in time. I also used a lot of AutoCAD from 1993 through 2014. I enjoyed setting up National Instruments LabVIEW the most, as I got a kick out of computer automating all of Manufacturing's test fixtures. Those were great days Eddie... Fred

[@KissAnalog]

Wow - great experience! Thanks for sharing that!

[@electronicengineer]

It was my pleasure Eddie. You always share your really cool stories with us, from your past "travails" so I thought "it's my turn to share with you" and I would oblige you by sharing a couple of mine. Besides, that's what friends do! @@KissAnalog

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks!

[@radicalradiotech4944]

Brilliant in depth prologue on this issue i gonna give Qspice a go like now!!

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks so much! Let us know what you think:)

[@SpinStar1956]

Was wondering about the MicroCap videos; think the last one you did was the uA741 but that was over a year ago. So for me, both MicroCap and QSPICE with comments on differences and advantages of either. Thanks for all you do! 73…

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks I do need to do more, but I did actually do 4 more after the 741;) here’s the next one Class AB Amplifier and Miller Effect MicroCap Tutorial with JAT Amplifier (John Audio Tech) kzbin.info/www/bejne/emXXZ4OMp8d7mZo

[@SpinStar1956]

@@KissAnalog Ok, wow! I’m having trouble with getting ALL notifications and never saw them! Since I have pretty much all the test equipment I need, I don’t watch many of those reviews. My apologies and I will look back through your catalog. Thanks! & 73…

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks so much! No apologies needed. I try to do too much probably but I hope to have more time to do all that I want;)

[@paulusvanos1826]

Hi Eddie! I just happened to install LTspice just yesterday. I recently upgraded from KiCAD5 to KiCAD7 and would like to export the schematics into a simulation program. So after your enthousiastic video, I will definitely start installing Qspice rightaway ! It would be interesting to know how to run Qspice simuations on KiCAD-created circuits .

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks Paul for your feedback. Did you see my interview with Mike Engelhardt that wrote both simulation tools? kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5iwh4KjoL13jNU

[@MrMersh-ts7jl]

Man I thought the LSD was kicking in again first time you uploaded it! Also, damn, duvel to steel reserve. That's a wide range of taste!

[@KissAnalog]

LOL Yes but both tasty:)

[@MrMersh-ts7jl]

Man after my own heart. Thanks for the heads up about qspice.

[@KissAnalog]

LOL thanks!

[@JohnDoe-wb7ng]

TI has Tina TI and pSpice for TI as the main platforms. Simplis is great for switch mode power supplies as it works internally under the hood. That's why TI sometimes releases Simplis model for some switchers.

[@KissAnalog]

Great feedback - thank you!

[@barnowl6807]

Back in the Jurassic age I ran across a FREE FLOPPY of Electronic Workbench. I think it was V 1.3. Totally unique at the time for the graphical input for schematic and library parts. (What there was for them). I had been using the Apple II spice program for LCR filter design using node input notation. A simple 5 pole Butterworth would take a half hour to type in. I had just bought a used 286 DOS machine and this was one of the first programs I used. The EWB speed up my work by an order of magnitude and everything I did checked out with the Apple stuff. As a result, I was a loyal EWB customer. I bought updated programs until the last upgrade was something like $350. Shortly after that NI bough them out and the program was in the $900 range.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for the feedback! I also bought the Electronics Workbench - and as I remember they came out with a PCB design package. I liked it to run AC input power stuff, but I eventually stopped using it when it would give me crazy readings - like 1kV when I had a 12V system. But now NI has a free version but it looks very basic.

[@brucebower4814]

..Been using LT for the last year. Took on quick look at the comparison.. ..That, ACME and the coyote had me instantly.. ..running off to install on the gaming computer I bought to run Think or Swim (a complex trading software). I am intensely iterative, the quick access component adjustment interface appears awesome.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for your feedback! Yes QSPICE is a big step forward and is getting updates very often.

[@brucebower4814]

@@KissAnalog ..Hmmm.. ..The NE555 model appears to be too "accurate" , seems to simulate the NE version accurately.. ..I use the CMOS versions, in particular the new Ti LMC555 that will operate at 3meg. LT simulates my circuit more accurately, trying to find an "ideal" model, (I am not smart enough to edit the existing).. ..Otherwise using the program is "mostly" intuitive (not verse in computer syntax, setting timing and conditions is a challenge).

[@suarezvictor77]

Lovely. I'd like to see a vídeo showing a example of why fixing the discontinuity issue leads to a better simulation

[@KissAnalog]

Great idea. I'm usually trying to avoid that;) I'll have to show an example. Thanks for the idea!

[@TabletopWargamer]

QSPICE giveaway. Really like how QSPICE has a C++ interface for arbitrary components.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for your feedback! It does seem like it will be really powerful.

[@noanyobiseniss7462]

Repeat FORTRAN literally is shorthand for Formula Translation. Until Pascal does while.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks!

[@robdavis3220]

He worked for Linear tech , where he developed LTSpice. Linear was then acquired by Analog devices , along with the software.

[@KissAnalog]

Yes that was what I explained. Mike did go with ADI but only lasted a couple of years.

[@nurahmedomar]

I've been using LTspice for the past 5 years for my DC-DC converters and class-D amplifiers. QSPICE seems promising as it takes into account device discontinuities, power integrity, and also provides Verilog support for digital controller designers. I suppose I'll transition gradually from LTspice to QSPICE.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for your feedback! Yes QSPICE has better models for transistors of all types - so should be much more accurate. Please keep us updated on what you find/learn about QSPICE.

[@osvaldocristo]

I used a lot SPICE running in Burroughs mainframe as a fresh design Engineer in 1980s. Eventually I went to a executive carrer retired recently. Now my interest on Electronics is a hobby. Looking to updated me I discovered PSpice. Very funny and convenient. I will try your suggestion. Thanks for suggestion.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for your feedback! Sounds like you have some very interesting experience.

[@VEC7ORlt]

All of this is great, but Mike cannot into a normal user friendly user interface. Its tiring and annoying like there is no tomorrow - if I don't use it for a few months, doing other stuff like CAD, I need to read the manual AGAIN, because its obtuse about where things are.

[@KissAnalog]

Yes I do understand and agree! Intuitive interface is our friend. Mike does like to keep the dashboard sparse,

[@micropower8]

QSPICE does not run under Linux and with the new patch for wine it is possible to run, but there is a bug with the drawing. I hope it will be fixed soon, then I can try this program. It would be nice to have a modern LTSpice.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for your feedback. This is on their list. There are updates almost every day. I have my first tutorial coming out soon BTW.

[@paulschreiber9384]

Raise your hand if you got the initial LTSPICE release on CD with A ROOTKIT.

[@KissAnalog]

LOL - I do remember that;) Shows how old I am;)

[@1828fernando]

I love ltspice, its dificult to me to make a change I am getting old 😂. I will give it a try. Thanks

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for your honesty;) Really it is a human trait - people just do not want to change. And, I think that is why they justify so vehemently why their chosen 'what ever it is' is the best;)

[@qzorn4440]

Wow! I have been using LTspice for hobby stuff. LTspice did not have a Vishay IL300 Optoisolator Photovoltaic, Linearized Output 5300Vrms. I duplicated the IL300 specs and footprint. The circuit uses two isolated opamps each with their own +/- 15vdc power supply. The IL300 is placed between the two opamps. The goal is [plus or minus 0to10vdc in] and [plus or minus 0to10vdc out] 1:1 ratio with a 2 second ramp speed. The PCB is for high voltage isolation between a computer and a 300hp 500VDC motor drive. Anyway, the circuit simulated OK in LTspice and of coarse did not work the same in the real world, but close. Then the next step is to have some PCBs made like PCBway. Next, I would like to use this dusty project to try out QSPICE. However, the IL300 Optoisolator in not listed in QSPICE? I am no sure if there is a better solution? 😎 Thank you for the new simulation software video.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for the great feedback! I will check to see how to build new parts. This will be a great start.

[@vandersonpc]

QSpice looks very powerful. Its interface reminds me of QUCS simulator. My only complaint is about the plot output. Similar to LTSpice, there's no way to change axis labels or use aliases. It would be a nice feature for reports.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks - I'll see what help I can do in tutorials to come;)

[@els1f]

22:11 Adding my comment to vote for "Let's learn together" 😋

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks so much for your vote!

[@KunalVaidya]

listening about DC-DC designer and power supply engineer, made me think. it would be great if you could use a computer SMPS and explain what care should be taken and why they are so expensive, and how gigabyte PSUs became a spark and fire provider

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for the great feedback. I like idea.

[@ItsTristan1st]

NGSpice is rapidly improving to the point that I have had superior results to LTSpice in many cases. Of course the interface in a problem for interactive use, I was using it in a batch environment.

[@KissAnalog]

Great to know - so NGSpice is improving to the point it surpassed LTspice? Maybe because there has not been a major upgrade to LTspice since Analog Devices purchased them? Goes with the title of this video.

[@ItsTristan1st]

@@KissAnalog NGSpice is certainly improving from a solver perspective, very useful if you are into batch simulations. The improvements in NGSpice and the appearance of QSpice is exciting, it feels like there is some momentum in the field after it being dormant for quite a while.

[@jstro-hobbytech]

You love this stuff. It's great to see haha

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks so much!

[@DERKONIG12345]

I could not agree that LTSpice is dead. There are even python libraries for extending and manipulating it, like PyLTSpice.

[@KissAnalog]

I got to say that I love Micro Cap and now that it is free it is a hard one to ignore. But now that QSPICE is out - it is growing fast and is the new an improved LTspice;)

[@DERKONIG12345]

@@KissAnalog I am glad we have both, improvement is always welcome...

[@funtechu]

I'd be interested to see if QSPICE adds limited support for IBIS models.

[@KissAnalog]

Great question! I'll have to look into this.

[@dougbas3980]

I will look at QSPICE. Thanks.

[@KissAnalog]

Awsome! Please let us know how you like it. I do have a playlist showing QSPICE tutorials as well as a interview with Mike the creator of this;)

[@audiokees4045]

I have installed it but have so much use of LTspice done and much models who can not be imported to qspice, that is a shortcoming, I look forward to a converting tool into this nice simulator.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for the great feedback! Yes QSPICE is more powerful and the models have more detail to simulate better. It is hard to make a better tool totally compatible to a lower end tool. But, you can convert models. I'll start doing tutorials and giving QSPICE T-shirts away;)

[@dean6860]

Actually AD bought Linear Technology who employed Mike Englehardt, the developer of LTSpice.

[@KissAnalog]

Yes that's what I meant to say - and ADI management (as my guess) didn't appreciate the merits vs cost of him;) The program did not have another major update after they acquired LT, but they had one every year before that. Mike enjoys this work so much - he must have been excited to see all the new Analog Device parts (but they use their version of SIMPLIS/SIMetrix, so they didn't need him). He went to another company and built a totally new program which he thinks is superior. Or, at least this is the way I imagine it all happened:)

[@odissey2]

Curious, why is he not being sued for trade secrets?

[@KissAnalog]

Great question - but have you heard of any noise in the tech forums? I think he had to agree not to say bad things about his former employer. As far as trade secrets - I think that would only apply to LT parts specifically. He had a simulation software before LT asked him to write LTspice, so it was his tech. What he is doing now is a level above that - and as he is the wizard - I'm sure he knows what he is doing. I don't think LTspice had an tech that was a secret - other than what Mike brought to the table.

[@odissey2]

@@KissAnalog the unfortunate state of US courts, it is practically impossible to defend on trade secrets - it is murky waters, which becomes "a single opinion of the judge".

[@robinbrowne5419]

Thanks for the fun and interesting story. Every good software has a good story. As a long time LTSpice user, I would be interested to learn about QSpice. One thing that interests me is MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) to try and achieve maximum efficiency for solar panels, battery chargers, DC-DC converters, LED drivers, motor controllers, etc. If you have any wisdom on that, I'd love to hear it. Cheers from Canada :-)

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for asking about this! I do want to do a tutorial on this subject;)

[@Milosz_Ostrow]

The original program developed at University of California, Berkeley, was most likely called "SPICE" because early versions of FORTRAN and computer printers did not support lowercase letters and file names were limited to five or fewer characters.

[@KissAnalog]

Wow - thank you for this very interesting back ground! It is funny how things evolve and how they got started - it takes someone from the times to share those gems of history.

[@trope584]

I had to use punch cards for batch processing back in "70". All night sessions. Ugly. Go Bears.

[@baydroid144]

SPICE -> Simulation Program for Integrated Circuit Engineering Berkeley originally developed it because you can't oscilloscope probe inside an IC, hence the need to simulate it to find out what's going on when there's a bug.

[@brainfornothing]

Registration page to download QSPICE ? Nope ! Thanks for sharing !

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for asking. Here's the page to download. They have made it a lot easier: www.qorvo.com/design-hub/design-tools/interactive/qspice/

[@brainfornothing]

@@KissAnalog Hehehe ! What I was saying is I need to register to download the program, so, I don't gonna download it :D I'll continue using LTSpice. Thank you anyway for your support. Cheers !

[@comment8767]

Great video.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks!

[@Harzurner]

Guitar pedal circuits are moving over to QSPICE slowly

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks - I think this is just the beginning;)

[@lohikarhu734]

Mike didn't work for "LTSpice", duh, he developed it for Linear Technology, an IC maker, as a tool to make designing-in LT products easier and more robust...Mike's a pretty smart puppy, a real "individual"!

[@KissAnalog]

So you are saying he developed it for LT for free? And he is not now working for Qorvo? Mike was Director of Simulation Development at Linear Technology, employed from March 1998 to December 2019.

[@timthompson468]

Interesting. I’ve used LTSpice, but I switched to MicroCap when it was released for free. I’ll check out this one. That’s cool that you can probe internal nodes. I’d definitely watch tutorial videos if you have time to make them. Thanks.

[@KissAnalog]

Yes MicroCap really is my favorite - but we will have to see how QSPICE works for us. I'll start the tutorials very soon;)

[@basicaodaeletronica]

I found QSpice very interesting, but unfortunately it doesn't run on Linux, and with Wine it requires certain adjustments that are unfeasible for me now, which makes me continue with LTSpice and NGSpice. But I liked Micro Cap, it seems very friendly.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks - yes there was a reason Micro-Cap could sell for $4700 - until the owner retired and decided to give it away. It has a huge library of parts and sample circuits - plus lots of advanced features. QSPICE is getting upgrades literallly every day;) I run it on Parallels on my Macbook Pro. I think Linux/Wine are on the list of upgrades - so we will see when that happens...

[@chrysalide_aero]

Love those tools, but i'm not experimented. I like the simplicity of NG Spice, i'm a Unix fanboy, actually even BSD (mostly don't use Windows). Running kicad and dealing with C/C++. Thanks for sharing, Regards Jean-François

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for your feedback! Nothing wrong with sticking to a system you know. What do you think of Kicad's latest updates (last couple of years)?

[@chrysalide_aero]

@@KissAnalog Well it's really working well, i believe from 5->6 series they changed a bit on the philosophy but that remained very manageable. I didn't have the chance to use Altium yet but the work flow poses no issue under kicad, quite efficient. It supports i believe NG Spice.

[@KissAnalog]

I use Altium at work but I want to use a program that all my viewers can use, so Kicad does seem to be a great option.

[@filips7158]

You're forgetting something or maybe you didnt know. Mike worked on his spice software for a long time even before he joined LT. It used to be called SwitcherCAD, the main thing it did better than other simulation software is convergence of switchers, i.e. switched PWM converters. Remember the dreaded Def Con? Well, it was vastly worse before SwitcherCAD. Then Mike then re-branded his program and added new features to it. The rest is history.

[@KissAnalog]

Yes - thank you! I didn't know how far back I should go or how much I should tell about his current business, so I stuck to just the parts that have to do with LT and Qorvo. Thank you for adding this.

[@riz94107]

Your stories and insights are really useful. I would gently suggest being a little more ruthless when editing, though...

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for the tip! I appreciate you!

[@shekador]

great video, glad it showed up in my feed. the algorithm did a good thing! funny coincidence that I just installed LTSPCE 17.1.15 today, which seems like a fairly significant update. wonder if it has anything to do with QSPICE.

[@KissAnalog]

That's awesome! Welcome! It is funny though that they are still on version 17.x.xx. Back before ADI purchased them - the 17 years prior - they had a full update each year - thus the 17. Also, the fact that they let Mike the man you wrote LTspice go - says a lot. Have you seen my interview with Mike about QSPICE? kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5iwh4KjoL13jNU

[@shekador]

@@KissAnalog yes I watched it, good stuff!

[@CircuitShepherd]

Thank you very much for this enlightening overview! I've signed up for the beta. How long does it usually take for them to send he download link? Is there an alternative source available for immediate download?

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks so much! I checked to see if I could provide the direct link but they prefer for people to register - which is a fair trade;) The download link for me came the same day - but I think they are getting hammered by all the registrations - so it could take longer. Please let us know;)

[@Doom2pro]

I would love a circuit simulation that has package and board parasitics, and utilizes multiple CPU cores and or GPU Compute.

[@KissAnalog]

Yes, knowing where and what parasitics into the simulation is really what completes a great simulation.

[@metoo478]

Just noticed the beer is Steele reserve .....stout. Thumbs up

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks! ;) Cheers!

[@FıratDeveci]

Free cheese is only in mousetrap. If something is free, you are the product. As someone who has used Pspice, LtSpice, PSIM, PLECS ext. I have never had the same taste as PSIM.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for that insight! I think that's one reason I never settled on any one product - especially LTspice. I like not being tied down to one eco system. I am still intrigued with QSPICE, so I'll put that in my toolbox and see how it goes;)

[@ddognine]

So Linux users are the product? It is easy to be cynical with Google and others monetizing our internet activity, but not all free software fits this mold.

[@FıratDeveci]

@@ddognine what about your time? Time is more important than money as you know. Professional simulators takes less effort to do simulation. That's why I said you are the product.

[@russoleum]

QSPICE GIVEAWAY I just started reading a circuit analysis book from ~ 1990 that said the reader should use SPICE to simulate the models in the examples. So it's about time I learned one of these programs!

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks! Which book are you using?

[@russoleum]

“Basic Engineering Circuit Analysis” J. David Irwin, 3rd ed. 1990. Bought second hand somewhere. Looked like it might be interesting.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks - I think that is a great book. Let me know if there is a specific chapter or subject that you would like to see me do a video on.

[@dolbodolb6173]

Whoa. Dead? LTSpice is alive and well. No new versions because it just works and satisfy 99% of most users' needs.

[@KissAnalog]

Great question! Ok, so Analog Devices buys Linear Technology in 2017, and then LTspice doesn't get another major upgrade... Every year there was a major upgrade since it was released since 1999, so now it. Then Analog devices buys them in 2017 and the major release is stuck at XVII (17). That is 17 years since its release. Now in 2020, 3 years later since they were bought - Mike who designed LTspice leaves the company (first, why?). Now 3 years later Mike releases a brand new Simulation program named QSPICE. QSPICE is getting updates almost every day - and will be far more powerful than LTspice - so why stay with the version one program instead of moving to QSPICE? This is My Humble Opinion...;)

[@dolbodolb6173]

@@KissAnalog Fair enough. Do you know if it runs under WINE on Linux just like LTSpice? Another thing, I watched a demo by the author and apparently entering parameters, for example for the voltage source, is now done by typing instead of filling out fields in a dialog window and even the author missed a parameter and had to correct it. It may be a matter of a personal preference but I find it easier to just open a dialog to see exactly what settings you are entering, especially if you need like 7-8 of them for SINE or PULSE (magnitude, delay, frequency, rise/fall time, period, phase, etc). Having to type all that in the correct order seems tedious and error prone.

[@kevincozens6837]

In the beginning there was SPICE. IIRC it was written in Fortran and I ran it on an IBM 360 back in the day. I still have a manual for it. Sometime later came pspice and ngspice. I haven't used any circuit simulation program in quite some time. QSPICE sounds interesting. I'll be checking it out.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for this - great background;) Things do evolve - and some for the better. I hope that QSPICE is that evolution in simulation.

[@haroldh3863]

Lt spice is 95% spice using the Berkeley spice 3 version code. It's not a great tool other than the low cost.

[@haroldh3863]

Lt spice is 95% spice using the Berkeley spice 3 version code. It's not a great tool other than the low cost.

[@hanelyp1]

As a linux user: does this software at least play well with WINE?

[@KissAnalog]

Great question! I understand that will be a future feature but as of yet no:(

[@donepearce]

I had trouble downloading this but I got there eventually. It is interesting. It could do with some buttons for dropping familiar circuit elements and simulations in. And bits of the software look identical to LTSpice. I suppose that is not a problem though. I quite like it, but I'm not too happy about the schematic elements. They are a bit clunky. I'll do a few analyses and see how it stacks up.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for your feedback! Please let us know how you like it. It is updated almost every day.

[@donepearce]

@@KissAnalog OK, I'm liking it more and more. I suppose this is always the way with new software - a learning curve. I particularly like the ability to create DLLs in C. Things I like less? When I import a Spice model from outside I can't find a way to make it available as a library item to future schematics - I'm forced to do the import each time.

[@KonstantinGrigoriadis]

Hi Eddy, Great Video Thankyou! The Problem with all these Spice Simulators is that all use (Intentionally Probably) incompatible Output Files. TopSpice, LTSpice and now Qspice(from what I saw) cannot read other Schematics except of their own.. That makes it difficult to change if you have a lot of LTspice for ex. made simulations and many Parts made for it, all have to be redrawn and made new.... I would be happy if someone tell me Qspice can Import LTSpice Files...

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks - and you bring up a fantastic point that is very important to many companies. This is why many companies will not allow you to use LTspice, or any other FREE program. They want to have some assurance from the company that provides the program. So if it is purchased, there is som maintenance agreement that comes with that. It is only been recent years where I see engineering losing its 'ART' and where managers don't care as much. But regarding simulation software, honestly it doesn't take that much time to build the schematic and every new design has its own merits to simulate - otherwise why simulate it.

[@KonstantinGrigoriadis]

Well reinventing the wheel (in our Situation Redrawing) quite large Schematics again just to bring them in a new Simulation software, is not really sinful, even more if there are a lot of them, same with the own created Parts. So either: 1) loose a lot of time redrawing everything and hoping this will last till the next incompatible Software comes that is better 🙂, or 2) use the old and new Software depending on the need.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for this feedback. Back in the day simulations were focused on certain circuits, but now it seems more prevalent that people want to simulate the entire circuit. I honestly have mostly seen value in that where timing from one circuit to another might be important - and actually that has only happened maybe 2 or 3 times in my career. The idea to see an entire circuit operate has little value I think - it is the focused circuit areas that have to be ironed out to make sure that in the whole picture everything is running correctly. But - every application is different - so in your case you need this. It sounds like QSPICE can read in a netlist from LTspice so it might be possible with little work.

[@garydirkse9900]

Good video, thank you. Useful software is rather magical because most of the tedious work has been done. Bean counters explain to management that, we can hire 4 excited rookie engineers for the cost of one geezer. Soon, rapid change arrives. Mistakes multiply. Sales decline and deveopment slows. An aside , a software engineer told me about his pro engineer test, he said it involved cross diciplines so, he had to guess right often. I worked amongst many engineers. Most this stuff is too deep for me, an electrician and hobbyist.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for this great insight!

[@joshua43214]

I suggest you get a wife to occasionally whisper with love and kindness; "get to the point sweetie."

[@KissAnalog]

LOL - she hollers that:)

[@richardandrews573]

Since QSPICE doesn't work on WINE I am sticking with LTspice.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for your feedback! I think it may not be long before that is added. They are adding features to QSPICE about every day I think.

[@ats89117]

For engineers, in the 20s are best, 30s are okay, 40s are over the hill, 50s are dinosaurs, and 60s or higher need to be in management or running their own company. Just reality. Tell a young engineer that you learned to program in Fortran on punch cards and watch the reaction...

[@KissAnalog]

LOL but sadly there's a lot of truth in that. In certain fields it takes awhile to be real experts and gladly there are companies that still recognize that. But - so many are shedding the weight and losing the experience to save money - and the bean counters win - in the short run.

[@brucebower4814]

,,72yrs (not dino.. ..fossil). ..Co founder of an R&D power electronics and piezo electric materials co. just retired from board of directors job to play at stocks and my private lab.. ..only formal education was military electronics 'Nam era. @@KissAnalog

[@gsmollin2]

I’m glad he shortened this, because he can’t stay on topic. Short story: Ltspice is on the decline. The new version is buggy and often delivers results laced with “singularitys”. These are short spikes that may be a thousand volts away from the correct answer. Because of this LtspiceXVII is often faster than the new version. Besides all that, the program is being written in Vietnam. I worry about security. Actually, any secure work requires an air gapped computer. Q spice has Engelhart’s personal attention, so I am migrating that way after 20 years of Ltspice use. It’s no big deal. I started on ECAP in 1970. Simulators come and go.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for providing a great example of why the title of this video. Have you seen the review I did with Mike Engelhardt? kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5iwh4KjoL13jNU

[@danielsanichiban]

Thing is.. Windows only?

[@KissAnalog]

Yes - but it was just released. I understand that other OS systems will come later. I use Apple products, but I run Parallels so that I can run Windows based software without any issue.

[@szaki95]

I tried a few Spice programs, but the interface is always a pain in the ass, so I always go back to Circuit Maker 2000.

[@KissAnalog]

That's true with others that I have known. It is funny how many people still use that. I had a copy somewhere as well;) I think the sample circuits - if they are close to what you want - are what helps make new Simulation programs easier to learn. Thanks for your feedback!

[@mmark666]

QSPICE GIVEAWAY let's see if QSpice can do the wolverine...

[@KissAnalog]

Thank you!

[@UnbornWarrior123]

If you have no time to watch the whole video... Just watch, 32:57 to 39:23 and thank me later.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks so much!!

[@hoobsgroove]

A good introduction into the software would be to build an STK amplifier in microcap or space videos, considering they're not available anymore Sanyo STKs maybe using MOSFETs as an alternative or even GaNfet that would be awesome as a replacement in amplifiers. Bear and electronic equipment don't mix lol

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for the great feedback! Is there a particular STK part that you have in mind?

[@hoobsgroove]

@@KissAnalog no not really just that they're not available anymore, and even the replacements are counterfeit or the replacement module are becoming unavailable now and maybe something better could be made then the original! Updating a 70-80th amplifier to modern day

[@n.shiina8798]

STK superseded by chip amps, i think. this is sadly just how things works. once a chip/module obsolete, you have no drop-in replacement at all. it's a nice idea to build a drop-in replacement for vintage amps, though. kinda hate to see them becoming e-waste

[@hoobsgroove]

@@n.shiina8798 no you can get discreet drop in STKs

[@KissAnalog]

I try not to use modules just because of this. Sticking with discrete parts usually makes things much easier. I'd be interested in an example STK part that I could look at to convert.

[@tommost1]

Having worked for LTC for a long time - longer than Mike - I'll correct a couple of the errors in the video. First, as a couple of commenters have mentioned, he didn't work for "LTSPICE" as you said a couple of times in the video. He worked for Linear Technology as the head (and most of the time the only) developer of LTSPICE. A small distinction but it's important. Second, Analog Devices has indeed been updating LTSPICE, but the latest version is called 17.X, not XVII. Your XVII installation won't update anymore, you need 17.X. ADI hasn't done a good job of explaining the difference. Third, while I haven't spoken to Mike about his leaving LTC, he left at the same time I did - December 2019 when over 400 of the senior engineers were let go AKA "the great ADIos". Some people were given a choice, others weren't. You'd have to ask Mike what his circumstances were.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for this great feedback! A slip - I did mean that he worked for LT not LTspice;) I'm surprised that if it was a major update that they didn't increase the numerical number to 18. It used to be that you knew what year of upgrade you had by the number. I think that they let everyone go it is like TI getting rid of all their high paid guys that actually knew how their chips worked. I think it is a matter of time that LTspice is no longer a leader. QSPICE has Mike behind it and it is going strong. Updates literally daily. Did you see my interview with him? kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5iwh4KjoL13jNU

[@tommost1]

​@@KissAnalogyes I saw it nice job

[@BjornV78]

I had to register at the Qspice site, and in the mail that i received they say that they gonna let my know when the beta version is available for download. So no option yet to download it.

[@KissAnalog]

Yes it usually takes just a few hours but they are getting bombarded so it might take a little more time. Pleases let us know when you get your download email.

[@BjornV78]

@@KissAnalog will do, untill now i have not used many simulation software , except the very basic Falstad Simulator, that can run as stand alone program from any location on your computer or from USB flashdrive. I have tried in the past some simulation software programs like Easy EDA, Microcap etc, but i like the simplicity of Falstad, where you don't need a tutorial to get it to work. But i'm gonna give Qspice a try, because many scenario's can't be build in Falstad.

[@KissAnalog]

I totally understand. I think MicroCap will be easier and is very powerful, but for those that love LTspice I think QSPICE will be a major upgrade. So I'm excited to learn it as well.

[@kaelinmittel5722]

MATLAB Simulink is great for power supply design, but sadly, it's not free.

[@ojotabe3]

Man, I had no idea James Hetfield had a youtube channel!

[@KissAnalog]

Yes sir;) He really likes it too;)

[@dantheman1998]

whatever happened to the audio grade power supply you were designing

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for bringing that up. I thought I was going to get a job do design one so I thought I'd do them together, but that job hasn't come thru, so I will get that going ASAP.

[@dantheman1998]

@KissAnalog yeah I really want to see the difference between a normal smps and a audio grade smps and how you get lower noise in the design of the smps.

[@Halabaloosa]

Friday! Cheers!

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks! Cheers!

[@jheissjr]

Is Mike active online? Any chance of getting him in a video?

[@KissAnalog]

Funny you ask - I was asked if I'd be interested in an interview - so we will see what will happen;)

[@sellicott]

A bit too much speculation for my taste (particularly about leaving ADI). In defense of behavior based models, at least for the designs I work with (high-speed mixed signal), putting the full system into the model would slow down the simulations too much.

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for your feedback! I'll bet I'm not far off the mark;) Yes, behavior based models to have their place, but not so with switching regulators where it is just that that we want to simulate. SIMPLIS has a much better mix and that is why it is taking over in power.

[@MrMersh-ts7jl]

Qspice giveaway brotha!

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks!

[@jimgolab536]

I just now went to the qorvo/qspice page, and it is just a signup for future notification, FYI. Will it have an easy way to make subckt icons be anything other than simple rectangles? For the thing I want to do, I want the icon to reflect some of the spatial aspects of the component.

[@KissAnalog]

Yes you sign up and usually get a notice with download the same day. They are getting flooded so it might take a little more time:)

[@jcolonna12]

Please make some qspice videos. Would love to see some

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for your feedback!!

[@ryanmelvey8764]

which one would you recommend if i want to model simple analog circuits?

[@basilwatson1]

Doesnt run on Linux as far as I can see

[@KissAnalog]

Yes, QSPICE is a newborn;) So it is going thru updates practically every day. I am pretty sure Linux is on the roadmap but don't know when it will that will happen.

[@herauthon]

Not having Win10+

[@KissAnalog]

Thanks for your feedback - so you don’t want win10+?

[@herauthon]

@@KissAnalog - i don't have it how well does it run in wine ?

[@KissAnalog]

Great question. It is in the books for one of the upgrades I understand.

[@cuchulainkailen]

simplis/symmetrix demo project

[@KissAnalog]

I love Simplis/Symmetrix - so I will do a project to show this tool off;)