Innovations in simulating the electronics circuits laboratory

Interactive graphics-based computer programs have been developed for simulating major aspects of the electronics circuits laboratory including the support equipment, test instruments, and measuring procedures. The graphically generated test instruments instruments mimic real-world devices in both appearance and operation while reflecting the principles involved in the measurement of physical quantities. A graphically generated circuit construction breadboard is available for component connection and provides familiarization with component labeling and circuit hookup. Circuit component layout on the simulated breadboard is not limited to a given orientation or configuration. The `smart´ features of the board cause the correct voltages to appear at the nodes for measurement and display by the graphically generated instruments. The simulation techniques permit randomizing of component values within specified tolerance limits and provide for voltage and current measurements over a wide range of circuit operating temperatures