This file contains important last-minute information about Circuit Design Suite 13.0 for Windows, including installation and compatibility issues.
Refer to the Getting Started with NI Circuit Design Suite manual for information about getting started with Circuit Design Suite. You can access this PDF from Start»All Programs»National Instruments»Circuit Design Suite 13.0»Documentation»Circuit Design Suite 13.0 Getting Started.
Circuit Design Suite 13.0 supports Windows 8/7/Vista 32-bit and 64-bit editions, Windows XP 32-bit edition, Windows Server 2003 R2 (32-bit) and Windows Server 2008 R2 (64-bit). Circuit Design Suite 13.0 does not support Windows 2000/NT/Me/98/95, Windows XP 64-bit edition, or the Windows Server non-R2 editions.
National Instruments Circuit Design Suite will drop support for Microsoft Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003 as of July 1, 2016. Versions of Circuit Design Suite that ship after July 1, 2016 will not install or run on Windows Vista, Windows XP, or Windows Server 2003. For detailed information about Circuit Design Suite's product life cycle, visit NI Multisim OS Support and System Requirements. The information on this page applies to Multisim and Ultiboard.
Circuit Design Suite 13.0 installs side-by-side with previous versions of Circuit Design Suite.
National Instruments recommends that you regularly back up the files created within the Multisim and Ultiboard components of NI Circuit Design Suite. Additionally, you should back up internal files that store user-created data, such as database components. For more information about which files to backup and where to find them, refer to the Help.
Uninstalling Circuit Design Suite will not remove user data. For more information about the locations of user database and configuration files, refer to the Archiving Data Help topic.
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For more information about NI support for Windows 8, visit ni.com/windows8.
LabVIEW functionality (LabVIEW instruments and grapher interpolation) will not work if the installation path uses characters that are not native to the "Language for non-Unicode programs" setting, available by selecting Start»Control Panel»Regional and Language Options and selecting the Advanced tab. In the Vista OS, use the "Current language for non-Unicode programs:" setting in the Administrative tab. LabVIEW functionality works for Unicode characters that are native to this setting.
You cannot install Circuit Design Suite 13.0 on Windows Vista Starter edition.
Multisim and Ultiboard leak GDI resource handles when used over extended periods of time, eventually leading to unpredictable user interface behavior and crashes. This is an issue with MFC applications running on Windows XP SP2 and Windows Server 2003. For more information and workarounds, refer to KB 4JREGSXL:Multisim or Ultiboard Leaking GDI Resource Handles.
The following is a subset of the issues fixed since the last release of Circuit Design Suite.
Multisim ( 139 ) |
Bug ID | Description |
402858 | The hierarchical block names in the RefDes Setup dialog don't correlate with the names in the design toolbox window |
406154 | Using the model maker in Component Wizard will override the user specified model name |
414345 | Disabling Include components without models filter does not find Ground |
382685 | Save component to database doesn't save instance parameters properly |
415653 | Duplicated simulation names shown in the post processor |
404623 | Cannot copy text from the text boxes to the Description box editor |
413808 | Sometimes transient simulation can lead Multisim to become non-responsive |
367615 | Adding a bus vertex on selected bus is behaving erratically |
406399 | Opening netlist with circular SUBCKTs causes Multisim to crash. |
406520 | Simulating a netlist with circular SUBCKTs causes Multisim to crash. |
402989 | Changing parameter sweep settings does not mark design as modified. |
394555 | Cannot compile multiple obj files using HiTech compiler. |
412244 | Transient analysis incorrectly shows a negative power output for a BJT. |
399208 | Calling COM API method disconnect() will crash Multisim randomly. |
372025 | Quotation marks used in expression causes some output parameters to be left out of analysis. |
402798 | Some components have their Refdes and value reversed after flipping an already flipped component. |
404505 | Saving a component to database that had ERC markers creates an unusable component. |
351431 | Closing ELVIS/LabView instrument's window will not return focus to Multisim window. |
409692 | Using the Grapher's Export to Excel will not work when traces are hidden. |
400769 | Switching model view from SPICE template to table clears any existing parameters. |
382456 | Cannot create packages that link to land patterns having a space or special characters in their name. |
373134 | Adding sections to a component and then manually clearing footprint mapping does not display them correctly. |
406121 | Variable Inductor components have a Coil Resistance parameter that is not used at all. |
372026 | Node names that start with operators are not simulated when used in output expressions. |
404674 | Backward annotate certain files may crash Multisim. |
404667 | Triangular current source should say current offset and not voltage offset. |
404737 | Parameter sweep dialog removes selected circuit parameters and voltage variables when switching tabs. |
404137 | Internal simulation error caused by a function that divides by zero. |
402783 | Simulating current through a component in the Fourier analysis doesn't work. |
392977 | Incorrect values shown for noise contribution from individual contributors. |
394560 | When editing the sub-circuit symbol the text locations are unpredictable. |
401669 | The pulse width doesn't work in the Phase Angle Controller 6 Pulses component. |
400933 | Net changes in the spreadsheet view do not prompt the user to save file before exiting. |
374557 | Operator != does not work correctly in SPICE expression. |
383256 | Multisim copy and paste graph properties overwrites plot names in legend. |
402613 | Cannot edit components in database that have open square bracket "[" in their name. |
401579 | Multisection RefDes's become inconsistent across subcircuits after deleting components. |
401876 | Pasting the sections of a multi-section component will not always preserve the refdes names correctly. |
400228 | Advanced Pin Mapping generates an incorrect mapping when sorted by Symbol pins. |
380269 | SPICE Netlist Viewer does not show unicode characters correclty. |
399200 | COM API method EnumInputs() returns duplicate names. |
399204 | COM API method WaitForNextOutput() returns incorrect or empty string instead of output name. |
399115 | Performance degradation caused by oscilloscope intruments. |
274958 | Missing Delete Page from context menu on multi-page designs. |
373910 | Save As in Symbol Editor window sometimes leads to confusion. |
393411 | Deleting time value from PWL sources data tables clears the entire row. |
396828 | .NODESET and .IC settings for nets throw netlist errors when net names contain '-', '+', or '@' |
389228 | Denormalized corner frequency in the Transfer Function Block does not work as expected |
396348 | Device parameters sometimes show internal SPICE syntax in the analysis settings dialog |
394837 | In the component wizard, entering the same model name with different data for multi-section components should not be allowed. |
367903 | Copying symbol from another component with same pin names updates poorly. |
395603 | Multisim does not save Interactive Simulation settings. |
264232 | Cannot edit params if the params statement is not present. |
275102 | Changing the windows temp environment variables to a non-existing folder will affect multisim negatively. |
356061 | Snippet Drag behavior changes between minor Internet Explorer builds. |
390898 | The spreadSheet view does not scroll up with shift + up arrow key. |
391044 | Keyboard arrows not moving a group of selected parts in any direction. |
393290 | Docked window views improvements |
274599 | XSpice Laplace device has simulation issues. |
273993 | Adding device/model parameter does seem to do anything for submodule parameters. |
337145 | Provide a better description of the error message when the PLD device is not detected. |
389624 | Saving an older file using a current Multisim version will have incorrect behavior. |
390078 | Unchecking a checkbox associated to Clock trigger value for CONTROLLED_ONE_SHOT will lose entered data. |
383070 | Locked sub-circuits can be opened if dragged onto the schematic from design toolbox. |
380838 | In the spreadsheet view selecting components from multiple pages does not show the option to Replace selected components. |
381432 | Word Generator pins 0-15 should be on the right side for improved convenience. |
387017 | Multisim may crash when switching from mil to mm in PCB sheet properties. |
268850 | Components with swappable pins don't work well with pin highlighting and ELVIS 3D view. |
388626 | Noise analysis can sometimes produce "-1.#INDO T" as a result. |
383991 | Unable to simulate an expression in a worst case analysis. |
272318 | Some analyses results do not have column headers |
389344 | The cm_static_integrate routine does not implement the Trapezoidal integration method correctly. |
334937 | Support for EDA parts XML files was removed. |
389531 | Display duplicate components in the result tab fails for certain components. |
389500 | Pressing enter in LabVIEW Co-simulation Terminals window causes entire window to go blank. |
376684 | Netlist errors are generated at simulation after pasting digital component and probe. |
367411 | Sometimes an expression cannot be deleted in an analysis. |
373734 | Incorrect labels in the filter wizard's explanation image. |
389069 | Title block properties resets to default values when design border is not visible. |
366002 | Checking for common pin in the Advanced RefDes Configuration dialog is not working. |
386538 | Spiky response during AC analysis for certain circuits. |
265616 | Convergence assistant does not correctly roll back initial conditions simulation settings for certain files. |
271623 | DC Sweep analysis performs unnecessary solution cycles. |
319412 | User data for Multisim v11 is not being converted. |
268203 | Xspice command line interface does not always work properly. |
274263 | Placing an on-page connector sometimes generates a net conflict message. |
271503 | Pasting an instrument will not always maintain the instrument's settings. |
271384 | In the XSPICE Command Line Interface setting the inertial delay does not seem to work. |
286275 | Multisim does not follow Pspice compatibility using parenthesis and curly braces. |
354632 | Simulator error when TDM source is not provided with a file name. |
275078 | The default size for the bill of Materials dialog should be increased. |
269328 | COM API should have more descriptive error messages on failure. |
363394 | Oscilloscope adding function gives incorrect values when changing V/div settings. |
363423 | Exported VHDL does not complile in some cases because of duplicated connectors. |
319959 | Results tab displays an incomplete message when a virtual connection is made. |
326044 | Certain circuits use large amount of memory that may crash the simulator. |
326706 | Adding a description box label does not immediately show in the labels dialog. |
351708 | COM API methods for the bill of materials and netlist reports do not obey the variant settings. |
274562 | The update components window does not include subcircuit components. |
274584 | Copy and paste a component's multisections does not keep the sections on same component. |
295957 | Footprint names in the bill of materials for Multisim are different from the bill of materials for Ultiboard. |
352988 | Cancelling the action to open multiple component snippets does not work as expected. |
358820 | COM API methods DoACSweep and SetOutputRequest should use int/int32 type instead. |
383404 | Degree symbol does not show properly in text exports from bill of materials report. |
269819 | ELVIS II 3D breadboard have inconsistent pin numbers of the I/O blocks compared to the physical board. |
329684 | Virtual transistors sometimes have inconsistent 3D representations |
268961 | COM API EnumInputs method shows clock current incorrectly as a voltage source. |
346910 | The select button is greyed out when adding a new SPICE model. |
352295 | Unable to import user fields data for most components. |
352726 | The add a footprint dialog does not populate footprint names correctly. |
268614 | COM API needs proper input data validation on all inputs of type variants. |
359051 | Multi-selecting components seems to only work when clicking on drawn areas of a component. |
371140 | 4-channel oscilloscope incorrectly flips A/B graph. |
274229 | CLOCK_VOLTAGE and CLOCK_CURRENT sources are no good past 100MHz |
263369 | ELVIS net does not change colour when two of the nodes are on the ELVIS rails. |
267416 | MCU wizard does not check for invalid characters in the workspace path until the end of the wizard. |
317666 | Buses do not follow grid when rotated. |
356710 | 3-phase power sources have incorrect AC analysis phase |
359237 | Running MCU assembly source using C compiler causes Multisim to stop simulating other files. |
354674 | Cancelling a replace by subcircuit will lead to an orphan subcircuit in the design toolbox. |
304367 | SPICE params statements with no parameters following will be treated as subcircuit names. |
267840 | MS COM method DoACSweep should not accept 0 as starting frequency. |
324659 | Simulation errors are poorly described. |
269179 | The models for 12AT7 and 12AX7 are incorrect |
273976 | Some counter components do not behave as expected. |
321791 | Editing text in schematic does not prompt the design to be saved. |
275149 | Interactive simulation seems to get stuck without generating convergence error. |
361670 | Breakpoints are completely missed for D/A bridge component. |
372141 | Renaming connectors in a subcircuit or hierarchical block adds duplicate pins to the block symbol. |
284662 | Multisim simulation fails due to calling a breakpoint in the past. |
309665 | SYNC output for the Agilent Function Generator has incorrect rise/fall time. |
362333 | Function generator instrument should not be setting TMAX. |
365444 | The option to select a RefDes numbering based on a Hierarchical Block instance is not working. |
364792 | Replacing a multi-section component will sometimes lose hidden pin's connections. |
364797 | No merging warning of hidden pins for multi-section components in different circuits levels |
274419 | Disallow creating Family names with space characters. |
345454 | Pasting sections of a component into one instance of a subcircuit does not keep section consistency on the second instance of the subcircuit. |
275455 | Placing wire using keyboard shortcut during component copy/paste operation crashers Multisim. |
351776 | Printing in Black and White removes text. |
Ultiboard ( 44 ) |
Bug ID | Description |
413655 | Voiding is not being redrawn when resizing holes. |
413844 | A Net bridge causes a copper area cut-out that's on a different layer |
374621 | Overlapping pads that belong to the same net does not trigger a DRC error. |
412733 | Cannot exclude Courtyard layer from keep-in/keep-outs |
369042 | Print dialog is missing drill and drill symbols layers in list of available layers. |
400219 | Power plane not showing in 3d preview when placed on top copper layer. |
392931 | Grid & units settings in PCB properties are not imported properly by Ultiboard v12 and later. |
402542 | A via that is about to be placed uses copper grid instead of via grid. |
387142 | Importing DXF with too many layers crashes Ultiboard. |
400706 | Autofilled value is a nuisance when typing digit zero first into a field. |
400710 | Part Wizard in Ultiboard discards changes when back button is pressed. |
274323 | Placing a netbridge directly on the nets to connect creates invalid DRC errors. |
392957 | Gerber drill exports do not honor "Minimum tool size for slot drilling" design rule. |
388793 | Snap to grid is ignored when moving existing traces. |
390079 | Unable to set multiple traces to "use net settings". |
369041 | Clearances are temporarily enabled upon applying changes to holes. |
383057 | Wrong net is highlighted when a SMT pad is selected. |
389667 | Drawing a line from a via does not use trace settings in PCB properties. |
375198 | Unable to autoroute due to a blind via being enabled on a two layers board. |
357790 | Cutting and pasting pins which are placed directly on a board will cause a crash. |
387690 | Cancelling Get a part from the Database dialog and then switching tabs can make Ultiboard crash. |
364244 | No option to separate drill symbols gerber file export from a multi-layer design. |
377973 | Upgrade option in PCB properties causes power planes to connect with pins in other nets. |
388335 | Drag and drop file path to 3rd party file type is assumng it is a DXF file. |
268564 | Unplacing parts takes too long compared to previous versions. |
269043 | Unable to place text on copper layer in the footprint editor. |
380186 | Composite merge of silkscreen top and bottom corrupts the gerber export. |
269004 | The maximum pin count warning dilaog only appears once. |
274453 | Upon disabling the DRC check and undoing a copper trace move, it will disconnect the pad from the net. |
348345 | Multi-select custom pads and then change clearances will cause all pads to be identical. |
268441 | Follow-me tool ignores keep-in/keep-out causing DRC errors. |
268445 | Connection machine ignores keep-in/keep-out causing DRC errors. |
356987 | Cannot export drill symbol and drill holes in DXF Format. |
273255 | Corner mitering is behaving inconsistently. |
282135 | Cannot move objects from PCB layers to information layers. |
325170 | 3D view does not refresh when design is updated. |
273270 | In 3D view the show/hide height mode cannot be disabled once it was enabled. |
383044 | While in In-Place Edit mode, placing a land pattern will lead to a crash. |
362250 | 3D View cannot properly display mirrored Windows font text. |
382206 | DRC net length check no longer distinguishes nets with no length. |
272209 | Pad edit layer shows up as a routing layer. |
274406 | Custom pad can incorrectly be pasted on to PCB from pad edit. |
351249 | Width and height reversed in Advanced Hole Properties. |
358385 | Ultiboard incorrectly connects two nets when using perpendicular-cross shaped thermal relief type. |
Other ( 2 ) |
Bug ID | Description |
274642 | Unable to copy and paste footprint name from dialog window. |
275094 | Closing the application window when a modal dialog is active will lead to crashes. |
98 new.
6 new.
9 new simulatable diodes.
88 new layout only microcontrollers.
1173 new.
57 new.
499 new.
417 new.
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