Electric Circuits Laboratory

ECE 225
Fall 2016
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
The University of Alabama

LAB 1 Introduction To Pspice Circuit Simulation Software

Designed and prepared by: Dr. Jaber A. Abu Qahouq
Reviewed and updated by: Mr. Wangxin Huang
Lab Instructor (Fall 2016): Mr. Lin Zhang

Objective:
(1) To introduce students to Pspice, a circuit analysis and simulation software.
(2) Students should be able to search for additional resources to learn Pspice and to learn about
other existing electric circuits simulation software packages.
(3) Students should be able to use resources from both inside and outside of class lectures and
textbooks to be able to simulate and analyze electric circuits.
Main Equipment:
- Pspice software installed on laboratory computers is used.
- You can download a free trial version on your own computer from online locations, such as:
http://www.cadence.com/
https://www.cadence.com/products/orcad/pages/downloads.aspx
Procedure:
The lab instructor will walk you through the initial main steps to start using the software and to
connect and simulate some basic electric circuits within the scope of ECE 225 course.
The basic few tasks include:
Task 1 Getting Started
Log in to a computer and then click on:
Start menu-All Programs-OrCad Demo-Orcad Capture CIS Demo (This should start the
application)
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Task 2- Create a Project

Click on File-New Project, select Analog or Mixed A/D, and type a name for your project,
specify a directory (use your my documents directory) and the click OK.
Select create blank project and then click OK. You should now see a blank doted page.
Task 3- Constructing a Circuit
The lab instructor will provide you with the schematic of the circuit that you are to construct.
You will be guided through part of the process. You will also be required to take measurements
for variables such as voltage, current, and power in this part.
Task 4- Next Steps
After the lab, you are required to practice and increase your proficiency on using the software on
your own. You are required to turn in some assignments for the lab and the course using this
software. Ask if you have questions.
Task 5- Assignment for the lab report
(1) Find additional resources from both inside and outside of class lectures and textbooks to
increase your proficiency in using Pspice and to learn about other existing electric circuits
simulation software packages. (a) List the inside and outside resources you used to increase your
proficiency in using Pspice. (b) List and describe at least one other software package that can
be used for electric circuits simulation and list your references.
(2) Submit the simulation schematics and simulation results for the following circuits: Problem
E2.17 (on page 59 in the course textbook) and E2.27 (on page 67 in the course textbook). Show
the simulation results for all circuit elements voltages, currents, and power. Also, verify
Tellegens Theorem.
(3) Perform detailed theoretical analysis for the electric circuits in (2) above to find all circuit
elements voltages, currents, and power and compare them to the simulation results obtained in
(2).
(4) List an advantage or more for the electric circuits simulation software packages/tools.
(5) Provide a conclusion for your report.
Pre-Lab and Lab Report Guidelines and Other Lab Policies:
Please refer to a separate document provided to you by the lab instructor for this purpose.

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