NI Multisim software simplifies circuit teaching by abstracting the complexities of SPICE simulation. By using Multisim with NI Ultiboard software, you create a learning environment that reinforces theory with a hands-on approach to learning.
In the academic space, there are two distinct software versions to meet student and educator needs. The Multisim Student Edition is meant for student ownership and installation on PCs. It does not contain many of the teaching options found in the Multisim Education Edition. Use the following chart to compare the two distinct software editions. Note that this is not a comprehensive feature list. For more information about features and functions, view the user manual.
Feature | Student | Education |
Customizable user interface | • | • |
Screen-capture utility | • | • |
Autosave | • | • |
Subcircuits | • | • |
Global restrictions | • | • |
Ability to view and respond to embedded questions | • | • |
Simple part placement and wiring | • | • |
Fast-retrieval parts bins | • | • |
Forward/backward annotation with Ultiboard | • | • |
Rubber banding on part move | • | • |
Autowiring and manual wiring | • | • |
Fast autoconnect passives | • | • |
Symbol editor | • | • |
3D breadboarding | • | • |
On-page connector | • | • |
Virtual NI ELVIS I/II series schematics | • | • |
Virtual NI ELVIS II toolbar (with NI-ELVISmx installation) | • | • |
Programmable logic device (PLD) schematic to VHDL | • | • |
PLD component and connector | • | • |
Hierarchical block design (including PLD blocks) |
| • |
Ability to create and edit embedded questions |
| • |
Advanced search |
| • |
Ability to zoom to selected part |
| • |
Spreadsheet view |
| • |
Multisheet designs |
| • |
Electrical rules check |
| • |
Project manager and packing |
| • |
Device library (number of components) | 5,255 | 14,697 |
Maximum components in design | 50 | Unlimited |
Feature | Student | Education |
Interactive simulation | • | • |
Fully mixed-mode A/D simulation | • | • |
Standard SPICE 3X5/XSPICE | • | • |
PSpice model simulation1 | • | • |
Simulation advisor | • | • |
Convergence assistant | • | • |
Virtual, interactive, animated parts | • | • |
Mouse-click support for interactive parts | • | • |
Rated components | • | • |
Insert faults into components and circuits | • | • |
Measurement probes | • | • |
Component Creation Wizard | • | • |
NI measurement data file sources | • | • |
NI measurement data file export | • | • |
NI LabVIEW VIs as instruments and sources | • | • |
Grapher and postprocessor | • | • |
RF design kit | • | • |
Cosimulation of microcontrollers (MCUs)2 | • | • |
Circuit wizards |
| • |
Description box synched with simulation |
| • |
Ladder diagrams/components |
| • |
Model makers |
| • |
Ability to load and save simulation profiles |
| • |
Automation API |
| • |
| VIs | 22 | 22 |
| Analyses | 12 | 20 |
| Integrated NI-ELVISmx instruments | 8 | 8 |
| 1 | Does not support all Cadence PSpice syntax. |
| 2 | Learn about the features of Multisim MCU functionality. |
Feature | Student | Education |
AC | • | • |
AC single frequency | • | • |
DC operating point | • | • |
DC sweep | • | • |
Fourier | • | • |
Monte Carlo | • | • |
Nested sweep | • | • |
Noise figure | • | • |
Parameter sweep | • | • |
Temperate sweep | • | • |
Transients | • | • |
Worst case | • | • |
Batched |
| • |
Distortion |
| • |
Noise |
| • |
Pole zero |
| • |
Sensitivity |
| • |
Trace width |
| • |
Transfer function |
| • |
User-defined |
| • |
Feature | Student | Education |
2-channel scope | • | • |
4-channel scope | • | • |
Function generator | • | • |
Voltmeter | • | • |
Wattmeter | • | • |
Ammeter | • | • |
Multimeter | • | • |
Bode plotter | • | • |
Current probe | • | • |
Measurement probe | • | • |
Frequency counter | • | • |
Word generator | • | • |
Logic converter | • | • |
Logic analyzer | • | • |
IV analyzer | • | • |
Network analyzer | • | • |
Spectrum analyzer | • | • |
Distortion analyzer | • | • |
Agilent function generator | • | • |
Agilent multimeter | • | • |
Agilent oscilloscope | • | • |
Tektronix oscilloscope | • | • |
Feature | Student | Education |
Digital reader | • | • |
Digital writer | • | • |
Digital multimeter | • | • |
Oscilloscope | • | • |
Function generator | • | • |
Variable power supply | • | • |
Arbitrary waveform generator | • | • |
Dynamic signal analyzer | • | • |
Feature | Student | Education |
Push and shove trace placement | • | • |
Real-time and from copper ratsnest | • | • |
Selection filters | • | • |
Forward/backward annotation | • | • |
Crossprobing with Multisim | • | • |
Grouping/ungrouping | • | • |
Dimming inactive information to the background | • | • |
Comprehensive Footprint Wizard | • | • |
Enhanced 3D viewer | • | • |
User annotations | • | • |
Gerber, DXF, IPC-D-356A, SVG |
| • |
Dimensions on printed circuit board (PCB) and land patterns |
| • |
Dimensions in Database Manager |
| • |
3D visualization inside circuit board |
| • |
Turn off ratsnest for selected nets |
| • |
Gridless follow-me placement |
| • |
Load and save technology files |
| • |
Customizable layer viewing |
| • |
Split power planes |
| • |
Keep-in/keep-out areas |
| • |
Unplace all components |
| • |
Ruler bar alignments |
| • |
Auto-alignment |
| • |
Save PCB design as a component |
| • |
Multiple clearances |
| • |
Jump to error |
| • |
Equispace trace support |
| • |
Differential Impedance Calculator |
| • |
Transmission Line Calculator |
| • |
Microvias |
| • |
Test point insertion |
| • |
In-place footprint editor |
| • |
Mechanical CAD |
| • |
Export 3D info in DXF format |
| • |
Customization of report generation |
| • |
Spreadsheet view | Limited | Complete |
Number of pins supported | 550 | 1,500 |
Feature | Student | Education |
Interactive autorouting | • | • |
Constraint-driven routing | • | • |
Manual preplacement: components, vias, traces | • | • |
Trace rubber banding | • | • |
Follows keep-in/keep-out criteria | • | • |
Pin number limit | 550 | 1,500 |
Maximum number of layers | 2 | 4 |