Simulation
How to run the physics simulation and interpret the results.
Starting a simulation
Click Run (▶) in the top bar. The simulation starts immediately if the circuit is valid.
If the circuit has errors (open grounds, short circuits), the simulation detects them and shows a failure state instead of running.
Simulation controls
| Button | Action |
|---|---|
| ▶ Run | Start simulation |
| ⏸ Pause | Freeze the simulation at the current state |
| ⏹ Stop | Stop and reset to initial state |
What you see during simulation
Animated current flow
Wires show moving dots while simulation is running. The dots represent charge carriers:
- Direction — dots move from high potential to low potential (conventional current direction)
- Speed — dot speed is proportional to current magnitude; faster = higher current
- Color — changes based on current level (green → yellow → red as current increases)
Component behavior
- Bulb — glows brighter with more current
- LED — lights up in its configured color when forward current flows
- Relay — contact switches from open to closed when coil voltage is sufficient
- Toggle/SPDT/Multi switches — click them during simulation to change state; circuit updates instantly
Ammeter and Voltmeter readings
Place an Ammeter in series or a Voltmeter in parallel to read live values. The measurement displays on the component body in real time.
Simulation panel
The simulation panel (bottom bar) shows component health during the run:
| Indicator | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Green | Component operating within rated limits |
| Amber warning | Approaching rated value (e.g., near max temperature or current) |
| Red failure | Component has failed — exceeded thermal or electrical limit |
Click a warning or failure entry to highlight the component on the canvas.
Component failures
The simulator models realistic failure modes:
- Resistor — overheats and fails open if power rating exceeded
- Capacitor — fails if voltage rating exceeded
- Transistor / MOSFET — fails if Vce/Vds max or Ic/Id max exceeded
- Diode / LED — fails if reverse breakdown or max current exceeded
- Battery — internal voltage drops as charge level decreases
When a component fails, current stops flowing through it and the component is highlighted red.
Simulation logs
Click Open Logs in the simulation bar to see a timestamped log of all simulation events: component warnings, failures, and state changes. Logs can be saved as a .txt file.
Environment settings
In the properties panel when no component is selected, you can configure:
- Ambient temperature — starting temperature for thermal calculations
- Simulation speed — time scale multiplier (useful to observe slow RC charge/discharge)