The use and misuse of circuit simulation in electronics courses

Summary form only given. It is clear that electrical and computer engineering students need to be able to use circuit simulation (SPICE) effectively upon graduation, but how that tool can best be used to teach the concepts of circuit design and analysis is not as obvious. The authors describe how, at the University of the Pacific, USA, they have grappled with this problem and are developing a solution that integrates the use of SPICE in their electronics courses and laboratories. This solution tries to keep the balance between exposing students to the latest software tools and teaching course concepts.