Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

QUCS VS Circuit Simulator

Compare QUCS VS Circuit Simulator and see what are their differences

QUCS logo QUCS

Qucs, briefly for Quite Universal Circuit Simulator, is an integrated circuit simulator which means you are able to setup a circuit with a graphical user interface (GUI) and simulate the large-signal, small-signal and noise behaviour of the circuit.

Circuit Simulator logo Circuit Simulator

Animated electronic circuit simulator using ideal components to visualize voltage and current.
  • QUCS Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-04-29
  • Circuit Simulator Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-27

QUCS features and specs

  • Open Source
    QUCS is free to use, and its source code is openly available, allowing for customization and community-driven improvements.
  • Comprehensive Simulation
    QUCS supports a wide range of simulation types, including DC, AC, S-parameter, harmonic balance, and more, making it versatile for various applications.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    The software runs on multiple operating systems such as Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it accessible to a broad audience.
  • Wide Component Library
    QUCS offers an extensive library of components that can be used in circuit design, which simplifies the process of creating and simulating circuits.
  • User Community Support
    The community around QUCS can provide support, share tips, and contribute to the software’s development.
  • Detailed Documentation
    QUCS offers comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and examples to assist users in understanding and using the software effectively.

Possible disadvantages of QUCS

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Beginners may find the software complex and challenging to master due to its extensive features and functionalities.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    Compared to commercial alternatives, QUCS may lack some advanced features and tools that are available in paid software.
  • User Interface
    The graphical user interface of QUCS may appear outdated and less intuitive compared to modern, commercial simulation tools.
  • Performance Issues
    For very large and complex circuits, the simulation performance might suffer, and the software could be slower than some commercial solutions.
  • Inconsistent Updates
    Being a community-driven open-source project, updates and new features may be released inconsistently or less frequently.
  • Documentation Gaps
    While there is detailed documentation available, certain advanced features or troubleshooting tips might not be well-covered or updated.

Circuit Simulator features and specs

  • User-Friendly Interface
    The simulator features an intuitive, graphical-based interface that makes it easy for users to design and simulate circuits even without extensive technical knowledge.
  • Web-Based Access
    Being web-based, it can be accessed from any device with a browser, negating the need for installation and ensuring compatibility across various operating systems.
  • Real-Time Simulation
    It offers real-time simulation so users can see the behavior of their circuits immediately, which helps in quick learning and debugging.
  • Educational Focus
    Designed with an educational focus, it includes features that help users understand concepts better, such as visualizing voltage, current, and other electrical parameters.
  • Free of Cost
    The simulator is free to use, which makes it accessible to a wide audience including students and hobbyists with limited resources.

Possible disadvantages of Circuit Simulator

  • Limited Component Library
    The simulator has a more limited library of components compared to professional-grade simulation software, which can be restrictive for more complex designs.
  • Simplistic Analysis Tools
    While suitable for educational purposes, the analysis tools are less advanced compared to professional simulators, which might not suffice for detailed circuit analysis.
  • Performance Issues
    Being a web-based application, performance can vary based on internet connection and browser performance, potentially causing lag in complex simulations.
  • Lack of Professional Features
    It does not offer some advanced features found in professional circuit design software, such as PCB layout tools, SPICE simulation, or integration with other EDA tools.
  • Limited Export Options
    The options for exporting designs and simulation results are limited, which can be a hindrance for users needing to share their work in different formats or integrate it into other workflows.

Analysis of QUCS

Overall verdict

  • QUCS is a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and versatile circuit simulation tool. Its open-source nature and extensive features make it a popular option for both educational and personal projects. However, for very complex simulations or specific professional requirements, users may consider exploring more advanced tools with commercial support.

Why this product is good

  • QUCS (Quite Universal Circuit Simulator) is considered good by many users due to its comprehensive set of features for simulating electronic circuits. It supports a wide range of circuit types, including DC, AC, S-parameter, noise analysis, and more. The software is open-source and available for free on SourceForge, making it accessible for students, educators, and hobbyists. Its graphical user interface is user-friendly, simplifying the process of creating and analyzing circuit layouts.

Recommended for

  • Students studying electronics and electrical engineering.
  • Educators looking for cost-effective tools to teach circuit simulation.
  • Hobbyists interested in designing and testing electronic circuits.
  • Open-source enthusiasts who prefer community-driven software.

Analysis of Circuit Simulator

Overall verdict

  • Circuit Simulator (falstad.com) is generally considered a good tool for circuit simulation due to its user-friendly approach, educational value, and robust simulation capabilities. However, it may lack some advanced features found in more professional-grade software used for commercial purposes.

Why this product is good

  • Circuit Simulator on falstad.com is highly regarded for its intuitive interface and comprehensive suite of features that allow users to easily simulate and visualize electronic circuits. It is web-based, making it accessible without the need for installation, and it supports a wide variety of components and circuit configurations. The tool is suitable for both beginners looking to understand fundamental principles and advanced users who need a quick and effective way to test circuit designs.

Recommended for

  • Students learning electronics and circuit design
  • Hobbyists experimenting with circuit ideas
  • Educators seeking a teaching tool for electronics
  • Individuals looking for a free and easy-to-use simulation tool

QUCS videos

Qucs Tutorial: Simulating a common emitter bjt amplifier circuit

More videos:

  • Review - QUCS project update Overview, status and ongoing developments.
  • Review - qucs dc simulate

Circuit Simulator videos

Best circuit simulator for beginners. Schematic & PCB design.

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to QUCS and Circuit Simulator)
Simulation
54 54%
46% 46
Electronics
100 100%
0% 0
Technical Computing
43 43%
57% 57
Computer Simulations
49 49%
51% 51

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare QUCS and Circuit Simulator

QUCS Reviews

11 KiCad Alternatives
The Qucs cross-platform circuit simulator is a spin-off of Qucs. The letter S stands for the SPICE engine, which performs all simulations within the software. The Qucs subproject's goal is to integrate free SPICE circuit simulation kernels into the Qucs GUI. It combines SPICE's capability with the Qucs GUI's simplicity. Qucs utilizes its own SPICE incompatible simulation...
Electronic circuit design and simulation software list
QUCS – Quite Universal Circuit Simulator is a free simulation software developed on GNU/Linux environment. Well, this software really works on other operating systems such as Solaris, Apple Macintosh, Microsoft windows, FreeBSD, NetBSD etc. User can simulate large signal, small signal and noise behavior of the circuit using this simple circuit simulator.

Circuit Simulator Reviews

Electronic circuit design and simulation software list
QUCS – Quite Universal Circuit Simulator is a free simulation software developed on GNU/Linux environment. Well, this software really works on other operating systems such as Solaris, Apple Macintosh, Microsoft windows, FreeBSD, NetBSD etc. User can simulate large signal, small signal and noise behavior of the circuit using this simple circuit simulator.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Circuit Simulator seems to be a lot more popular than QUCS. While we know about 29 links to Circuit Simulator, we've tracked only 1 mention of QUCS. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

QUCS mentions (1)

  • How do dual-directional couplers behave with a mismatched load?
    If you can get s parameter model you can use that. There are also generic transformer and coupled line models so long as you've got a way of characterising it you should be able to model it. https://sourceforge.net/projects/qucs/. Source: over 2 years ago

Circuit Simulator mentions (29)

  • I am trying to recreate this circuit in TinkerCAD, which is not giving me the correct current values. What am I doing wrong here?
    Have you tried modeling it in falstad's onine circuit simulator? Source: almost 2 years ago
  • How do engineers be confident when printing a PCB?
    Simulation is not viable for all but the most trivial circuits, and even then it won't catch things like a wrong footprint. I do occasionally use the Falstad simulator for simple analog circuits, but that just isn't possible with complicated digital ICs. Source: about 2 years ago
  • How can I derive the equation on the right? Please help!
    I don't know, but you could try simulating the circuit in Falstad circuit simulator to look at what is going on. Source: about 2 years ago
  • ELI5: How to make an electrical circuit that can be switched on and of at specific intervals?
    You can use Falstad to make sure you have a basic understanding of how relays work. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Need recommendations for PCB simulation and printing software
    This is quit comprehensive, but missing the awesome and intuitive online simulator: falstad. Source: about 2 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing QUCS and Circuit Simulator, you can also consider the following products

LTspice - LTspice® is a high performance SPICE simulation software, schematic capture and waveform viewer with enhancements and models for easing the simulation of analog circuits.

Pspice - OrCAD PSpice technology provides the best, high-performance circuit simulation to analyze and refine your circuits, components, and parameters before committing to layout and fabrication

KiCad - A Cross Platform and Open Source Electronics Design Automation Suite

Solve Elec - Solve Elec is a free educational program to draw and analyze electrical circuits.

Proteus PCB design - Proteus PCB design combines the schematic capture and ARES PCB layout programs to provide a...

Oregano - oregano - An electrical engineering tool for GNOME