From idea to prototype, eSim simplifies each step of the electronics design course of in a single intuitive surroundings.
eSim is a free and open-source Digital Design Automation (EDA) software developed by the FOSSEE crew at IIT Bombay. It integrates a number of functionalities—circuit design, simulation, evaluation, and PCB format—right into a single platform. Constructed upon open-source software program like KiCad, Ngspice, GHDL, OpenModelica, Verilator, Makerchip, and the SkyWater SKY130 PDK, eSim affords a complete answer for digital design duties. This integration permits engineers, educators, and hobbyists to carry out schematic seize, simulate circuits (analog, digital, and mixed-signal), and design PCBs with out the necessity for a number of proprietary instruments.
Key Options of eSim
- Built-in Schematic Seize and PCB Format: Makes use of KiCad’s Eeschema and CvPcb for creating schematics and designing multi-layered PCBs.
- Analog and Digital Simulation: Incorporates Ngspice for analog simulations and GHDL and Verilog for digital simulations, supporting mixed-signal evaluation.
- Mannequin and Subcircuit Administration: Supplies Mannequin Builder and Subcircuit Builder instruments for including or modifying SPICE fashions and subcircuits.
- OpenModelica Integration: Permits system-level modeling and simulation of advanced multi-domain techniques.
- Makerchip Help: Facilitates digital design and simulation utilizing the Makerchip platform.
- SkyWater SKY130 PDK Help: Permits for open-source semiconductor course of design package utilization.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Helps Linux and Home windows working techniques.
- Python Integration: Gives scripting capabilities for automation and customization.
The most recent launch in March 2025, eSim 2.5, brings a number of enhancements designed to make digital design extra streamlined and environment friendly. One of the crucial notable additions is the modular set up characteristic, which permits customers to put in solely the elements they want, decreasing setup complexity and conserving system assets. As one person famous, “The most recent model’s modular set up is a welcome change. It makes organising the surroundings a lot easier.”
The person interface has additionally obtained vital updates, making it extra intuitive and smoother to navigate, which helps speed up the design and simulation workflow. Alongside this, the simulation capabilities have been enhanced, with assist for extra fashions and improved accuracy in outcomes, enabling extra exact circuit evaluation. Designers have praised these enhancements, with one commenting, “eSim has been a game-changer for my college students. It’s intuitive and covers all facets of circuit design and simulation.”
As well as, it consists of up to date element libraries, increasing design prospects for engineers and hobbyists alike. The software additionally introduces an AI-powered chatbot to help with debugging and troubleshooting, whereas the software tracker ensures seamless assist and concern decision. Different updates embody a greater installer with Docker assist, enhanced plotting options for visualization, UI refinements, and fixes for a number of stability-related bugs. These updates collectively make eSim 2.5 a extra highly effective and user-friendly EDA answer.
eSim stays utterly free and open-source underneath the GNU Basic Public License, making it accessible to academic establishments, startups, and particular person engineers. The free model supplies all core functionalities, permitting customers to carry out complete circuit design, simulation, and PCB format with none value. The open-source nature additionally encourages customers to change and lengthen the software in response to their wants, selling innovation and community-driven growth. As one electronics designer put it, “I admire the open-source nature of eSim. It’s a sturdy various to costly proprietary instruments.”
For extra data and to obtain eSim, click on right here.
