MINNIE and HSpice for Analogue Circuit Simulation

After many years of teaching circuit theory and analogue electronic circuits the author believes that for most students the main path to obtaining a good understanding of the principles involved, as measured by their ability to apply them in a correct and intelligent manner, is through problem solving and design exercises. In an ideal world the student would be able to construct the circuit being analysed or designed, and so directly test the calculated or pre- dicted results. Indeed, experience leads to the conclusion that typical students like to see their own circuits perform as intended, with a con- sequent increase in motivation. At present, however, time and facility constraints mean that most of this work is of the pencil and paper variety, students having few opportunities to see the consequences of their efforts in a practical situation. At best they have to accept sample solutions or simply num- erical answers. This path can seem tedious to all but the most motivated of students, so an alternative which can provide many of the benefits of direct circuit testing within the time and resources available is of im- mediate interest. This is where the MINNIE and HSpice simulation package can assist the undergraduate teaching activity.