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NL5 Circuit Simulator Changelog

What's new in NL5 Circuit Simulator 3.11 Build 3.11.58.76

Jan 3, 2024
  • Up to 32 windings allowed for Custom Coupled Inductors (L) and Custom Transformer (W).
  • New NL5 DLL build 3.11.58.22 for Windows, Linux, macOS x64 and arm64.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 3.10 Build 3.10.52.70 (Sep 4, 2023)

  • Import LTSpice and QSPICE AC data (raw, qraw).
  • Place some components at 45 degrees (R,C,L,S,D,Z).
  • New NL5 DLL build 3.10.52.20.
  • NL5 DLL: if NL5_GetLicense() is not called, NL5_Open() will try to find and open license in the same folder as schematic file.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 3.9 Build 3.9.49.65 (Jun 24, 2023)

  • Vber.3 schematic file format has changed. You can still open and save schematics in Ver.2 format. Schematics saved in a new Ver.3 format cannot be read by NL5 Ver.2.
  • Ver.3 is 64-bit application. DLLs used by DLL component must also be 64-bit.
  • Ver.3 License is not compatible with Ver.2 License (if you have one). You have to purchase a new License or upgrade your old License to work with Ver.3.
  • Ver.3 DLL requires License file to work with unlimited components. Call NL5_GetLicense(license_file_name) to enable full functionality.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 3.8 Build 3.8.43.60 (Feb 25, 2023)

  • Transient states feature remove.
  • Transient/Save IC fixed.
  • New NL5 DLL build 3.8.43.17.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 3.7 Build 3.7.42.55 (Dec 19, 2022)

  • User interface changed: floating windows. Please see updates topic for details.
  • Floating Transient and AC tables.
  • Minor bug fixes.
  • New DLL build 3.7.42.16.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 3.6 Build 3.6.37.51 (Oct 18, 2022)

  • "Schematic properties" window replaced by "Schematic settings".
  • Advanced settings (transient and AC) changed.
  • Advanced settings/Algorithm version option.
  • Advanced settings/States/Configure states button and window.
  • Groups: “Same IC for all components in selected group”.
  • Fixed: calculating Gamma and VSWR for complex z0.
  • z-function component: reports error if z-parameter not defined.
  • New DLL build 3.6.37.14.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 3.5 Build 3.5.32.41 (Jul 8, 2022)

  • Opens Ver.2 schematics without offering options to save.
  • "Save As Ver.2" removed.
  • Fixed: component text may be not selectable if texts overlapped.
  • Fixed: "cont" script command.
  • New DLL build 3.5.32.13.
  • New DLL functions: NL5_SaveData, NL5_SaveACData.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 3.4 Build 3.4.17.24 (Feb 1, 2022)

  • Minor non-critical bugs fixed.
  • File/Save As encrypted command fixed.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 3.3 Build 3.3.15.20 (Feb 1, 2022)

  • The same NL5 License file works for both NL5 Ver.3 and NL5 Ver.2.
  • Fixed functionality of AC window.
  • Fixed AC data import.
  • Trace data Copy/Paste commands available in transient/AC pop-up menu.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 3.2 Build 3.2.8.8 (Aug 1, 2021)

  • Clock model: new parameter Step.
  • New schematic shortcuts: Ctrl-D - disable selection, Ctrl-E - enable selection.
  • If transient Start > 0, extra data point saved prior to Start.
  • Multiple files selection for import/open traces.
  • Bug fixed: changing component parameters through http link, console, and script.
  • Bug fixed: using functions in subcircuit.
  • Bug fixed: Sin model delay.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 3.1 Build 3.1.1.1 (Jul 1, 2021)

  • 64-bit application, no 2GB limit on simulation data.
  • New improved switching algorithm.
  • Up to 5 times faster for most circuits.
  • Many new components, models, and features.
  • Support for multiple displays.
  • New NL5 License required for NL5 and NL5 DLL Ver.3.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 2.7 Build 2 (May 4, 2020)

  • Network License supports DLL enabled option.
  • Minor algorithm modifications.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 2.7 Build 1 (Feb 13, 2020)

  • Creates DLL-enabled schematic files (License with DLL option required).
  • This is the last revision of NL5 ver.2.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 2.6 Build 2 (Jan 24, 2020)

  • Fixed memory allocation for C-code component.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 2.6 Build 1 (Sep 30, 2019)

  • Fixed File and PWL signal models.
  • Fixed exponential rise and fall of Pulse model.
  • Fixed Duplicate traces operation for Bus and Digital trace types.
  • This is the last revision of NL5 ver.2.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 2.5 Build 1 (Jun 10, 2018)

  • Fixed background color for list of transient traces of digital and bus format.
  • Preferences/Application/Library : multiple library paths for subciruits, C-code, and DLL.
  • "Show password" checkbox when saving/opening encrypted document.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 2.4 Build 3 (May 11, 2018)

  • Select traces for transient and AC tools, other than transient and AC traces.
  • Select active trace for XY diagram.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 2.4 Build 1 (Jan 24, 2018)

  • "OpAmp" model "IC" parameter cannot be blank.
  • Various improvements and bug fixes.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 2.3 Build 1 (Jun 9, 2017)

  • Notification when entering label name.
  • "Save IC" adjusts "delay" parameter if current t > "delay".
  • Format component attributes for multiple selected components.
  • Other minor bugs fixed.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 2.2 Build 3 (Oct 25, 2016)

  • Warning message when DLL is attached, and a new DLL has been built.
  • Schematic window: "Component" pop-up menu.
  • New component encryption functionality.
  • Component/Format/Attributes: display value, formula, or "formula=value".
  • Smith Chart: mouse wheel zooming is done relative to the mouse pointer position.
  • Preferences, Digital/Bus tab: display prefix for binary, octal, and hex numbers.
  • Preferences, Application tab: Library path is used for subcircuits, DLLs, and C-code files.
  • Subcircuit can be modified while transient is paused.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 2.2 Build 2 (Jul 12, 2016)

  • Annotations are displayed on XY and Eye diagrams, Nyquist/Nichols plots, and Smith chart.
  • Division is done in double format everywhere except C-code and script.
  • Some LeCroy oscilloscope support.
  • Bus component, new models: Function, Linear.
  • Trace color can be changed for all selected traces at once.
  • Digital trace parameter: Threshold.
  • Bus trace parameter: Fixed point (quantity of fractional bits).
  • Bus trace number format: Decimal (always signed).
  • Digital and Bus traces are always located on the top of the list.
  • File/Preferences, Trace tab: background color for Analog/Digital/Bus traces.
  • File/Preferences, Table tab: background color for Bin/Octal/Hex format.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 2.2 Build 1 (Jul 12, 2016)

  • New trace type: Math (post-processing).
  • All traces can be renamed.
  • Transient/Data window, Traces page: "Reset scale" button for individual trace.
  • Transient/Data window: No Apply needed for most of settings.
  • New script commands: cmd, scope.image.
  • Import traces: "Skip columns" option.
  • Import LeCroy traces from TRC data files.
  • Improved DLL Project build log.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 2.1 Build 1 (Jul 12, 2016)

  • Scope tool: configure scope, get scope data, program waveform generator (Keysight Technologies, Tektronix).
  • DLL Project tool: create DLL code and build automatically (Microsoft Visual C++).
  • New components: X - NL5 Circuit, C-code, DLL.
  • New components: Y - JK trigger, Logical function, Bus
  • C-code component, new model: File.
  • Select "dot" position for custom L and W.
  • Open, view, and edit SubCir, File models.
  • "Attachment" for SubCir, File models, C-code, DLL components. Attach file to the schematic.
  • Save component into "NL5 Component" file (encrypted).
  • Transient Preview window.
  • Analog, Digital, and Bus traces.
  • Digital/Bus window.
  • Configurable transient and AC window status bar.
  • Mouse wheel graph zooming is done relative to the mouse pointer position.
  • Improved trace data compression.
  • New trace is calculated and displayed instantaneously as added, if required data exists.
  • Drop-down list of previous scales for each trace.
  • Annotations are not deleted with run data.
  • Select annotation position as a nearest point both in time and amplitude omain.
  • Amplitude histogram: Linear interpolation, Range autoselect features.
  • Format component: show/hide subcircuit labels.
  • Save all images as PNG.
  • Import digital channels from BIN file.
  • "-scope" command line switch.
  • scope.* script commands.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 2.0 Build 2 (Feb 5, 2014)

  • Many changes in C language:
  • bool, int, double, and complex data types
  • all variables should be explicitly declared
  • new functions: sum, mean, floor, ceil,...(and more)
  • new bitwise and type-casting operators
  • Many changes in C model of Code component, structure of C-code changed.
  • C-code execution accelerated.
  • Global C-variables of C model can be changed from script or command line.
  • Power operator ^ not supported, use pow() function instead.
  • Function component: new model "Integral"
  • Many improvements made and bugs fixed.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 1.9 Build 3 (May 21, 2013)

  • Edit Component dialog box: OK/Cancel buttons are visible if large font is set in OS.
  • Main code of C-code component can be modified during transient.
  • New script command "traces n,n,...": hide/show traces.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 1.9 Build 2 (Mar 12, 2013)

  • C-code variables can be displayed as a trace on the graph (e.g. "X1.varname").
  • Tab separated files are accepted for Trace import and "File" model.
  • File/Properties, Save tab: save transient data, AC data, or script into schematic file.
  • "logdata +" script command writes header into a new file.
  • AC/Settings/Method: Z-transform method for switching-mode circuits.
  • AC/Settings/Advanced: formula for Z parameter.
  • To move the attribute of the component, select the component first, then move the attribute.
  • Transient/Save IC: clears VIC for "Label" model of the Label component.
  • Transient/Save IC: modifies "Delay" parameter of appropriate models.
  • Schematic/Tools/Initial Conditions: "Set Delay of labels, sources,... to 0".
  • New script command: return(filename).
  • Fixed operator "?:" for complex numbers.
  • Minor bugs fixed.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 1.8 (Mar 12, 2013)

  • File/Save As encrypted: save schematic with password.
  • C-code error message shows code line (with line number) where error occurred.
  • Edit C-code dialog box: "Show line numbers" mode.
  • Limited License is available: unlimited components with limited functionality.
  • Minor bugs fixed.
  • Mouse wheel zooming and scrolling available in all tools.
  • Import traces in ISF 8-bit format (Tektronix).
  • Graphs vertical scrolling fixed.
  • Tools/Optimization: modify parameters while transient is running.
  • Import traces in RAW (LTSpice) binary format.
  • Preferences, Transient page: Suppress flickering if graph updates in less than NNN ms.
  • Frequency markers with slide bar for Smith chart, Nyquist, and Nichols plot.
  • Smith chart: Fit the screen, Reset scale, zoom-in by mouse (left-click and drag).
  • Smith chart: 4 grids available (impedance, admittance, abs+phase, polar).
  • Smith chart: "Show Z and Gamma traces only".
  • New function: gauss(m,d). Normally distributed random number with mean value m and standard deviation d.
  • Improved testing of the total memory used by application (cannot exceed 2GB).
  • File/Save As with data: save schematic with all traces data.
  • Label, I, and V source, "Trace" model: use trace data for voltage or current source.
  • Transient/Data, Traces page, "Shift": shift trace along time axis.
  • Import traces from scope data file in ISF, WFM (Tektronix), and BIN (Agilent) formats.
  • Import Traces, "Skip lines...": select number of lines to skip.
  • Import Traces, "Insert header": insert header line automatically.
  • Transient/Tools/Eye diagram/Settings: use cursors interval as "Interval" for the diagram.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 1.7 (Mar 12, 2013)

  • FET Switch model fixed.
  • Transient/Tools/DC sweep: calculates DC operating point as a function of component parameter or variable.
  • Transient/Tools/Amplitude histogram: shows the distribution of amplitudes as a histogram.
  • Transient/Save IC function improved.
  • Minor bugs fixed.
  • "FET" model: parameter "IC" added.
  • "Open schematic" dialog starts in the directory of active document or the first file in the "Most Recently Used" list.
  • If schematic was changed, the word "modified" is shown in the schematic Title Bar.
  • PNP transistor IC fixed.
  • Undo/Redo works for variables.
  • AC/Data, Traces page: "Phase width".
  • Preferences, HTTP Link page: "Show log".
  • HTTP Link: right-click to clear log.
  • HTTP Link: only one command is allowed in the URL request.
  • FFT autoscale fixed.
  • Transient should be paused to edit schematic.
  • Sweep AC source method bugs fixed.
  • Script bugs fixed.
  • In Run Until transient mode, simulation does not stop at the end of the screen.
  • Unity gain circle is shown on the Nyquist diagram.
  • Transient/Tools/Line snapshot: shows V and I distribution inside transmission line.
  • PWL function approximation with automatic intervals to minimize error.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 1.6 (Mar 12, 2013)

  • New components: O - Voltage and current controlled amplifiers.
  • New model Table: look-up table for Function and Function-2 components.
  • PWL editor improved.
  • New editor with graphs for PWL, List, and Table models.
  • Coupled inductors fixed.
  • Fixed nested "a?b:c" operator.
  • Graphics speed improved (specifically for Win7).
  • Scrolling and toolbars with Zoom In/Out/Auto buttons added to Nyquist/Nichols diagrams.
  • FFT, XY, and Nyquist/Nichols diagrams can be zoomed-in by mouse (left-click and drag).
  • New resistor model "PWL-I" - piece-wise linear resistor with R(I).
  • Toolbars with Zoom In/Out/Auto buttons added to XY diagram, Eye diagram, and Histogram tools.
  • PWL format changed: zero point is required for non-symmetrical characteristic.
  • PWL table editing improved.
  • Bug fixed: transient in "rununtil" mode started from the script.
  • New components: C - Voltage and current controlled capacitors.
  • New components: L - Voltage and current controlled inductors.
  • Custom colors in the "Color" dialog are stored in the preferences.
  • "Sweep AC source" method can be started through HTTP link.
  • Some "Sweep AC source" method bugs fixed.
  • New component: W - Custom transformer, up to 9 windings.
  • SubCir model available for transformers.
  • Fixed MOSFET symbol.
  • "Sweep AC source" method can be used in script and parameter sweep.
  • Start-up configuration wizard for new users.

New in NL5 Circuit Simulator 1.5 (Mar 12, 2013)

  • Many minor bugs fixed.
  • Windows Registry is not used for preferences anymore. Preferences are stored in the file "nl5.nlp", in the same directory as "nl5.exe".
  • Preferences, Application page: Beep on errors and messages.
  • Script command "export" has more parameters.
  • New component: L - Custom coupled inductors. Up to 9 windings with arbitrary coupling coefficients.
  • New script command: "rununtil".
  • Max number of FFT points increased to 1 million (1048576).
  • FFT trace option: Points.
  • Preferences, Transient page: Max number of export traces points (applies to export and "tracename" script command).
  • Transient/Data, AC/Data, Screen page: "Show numbers".
  • Transient/Tools/Power: calculates Power Factor and THD.
  • Undo/Redo is available in all schematic cursor modes.
  • Better handling of automatic line-under-component removal.