ECE 121

Computer Simulation

In order to succeed in any career, one has to understand the how to acquire and apply new
knowledge as needed. Learning doesn’t stop after your courses are over. In this assignment, you
will use a circuit simulator to build and simulate a simple circuit. You will consult tutorial videos
on youtube.com to help you complete this assignment. Circuit Lab (http://www.circuitlab.com) is a
software tool for circuit simulations. Also check the wiki about Kirchhoff voltage law (KVL) and
Kirchhoff current law (KCL). You are going to use this tool to simulate a simple circuit where the
simulation will identify all voltages and currents in the circuit.

*Note the demo version is time-limited but clearing the browser cookies resets the time limit.
You do not need to purchase this software. Follow these steps to build the circuit.

• The circuit below will be used for your simulation. The V1, I1, R1 and R2 values are based on your
CWID.

• Build the circuit using the circuit lab tool. Add a ground (or reference) node to the bottom node. Add
expression to find I1, V1, I2 and V2. All node voltages are referenced to ground so there is no need to
label the ground node.

• Run the DC solver. Use the pen to identify node voltages and branch currents. Take a photo or print and
scan your screen (that contains circuit and your simulation results). Before you leave the simulation, write
down any voltages and currents that are not displayed in your photo.

Please submit one-page report that includes the following questions.

1. Write down your CWID.
2. Provide a copy of the photo or digitized file showing the circuit simulation results (with computer
time, for example Mon 11:30PM).
3. Calculate the voltage of interest (V1, V2). Can you write down KVL equations in two meshes?
List the two currents of interest (I1, I2). Can you write down the KCL equation at the node 1?
4. Identify at least one video you consulted to learn to use this circuit simulation tool.
5. Describe two things you learned from the video.
6. Name at least one thing you thought was confusing in the video or did not seem to
help you in completing this assignment.
7. Briefly, after you graduate, provide an example of a resource you might consult to
learn new skills necessary for your job?

When complete, upload this assignment to BlackBoard.