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NI Multisim CAD software logo

NI Multisim

★ 4.2Expert Score
Origin: USA

NI Multisim is the long-standing educational and engineering SPICE simulator (formerly Electronics Workbench) — used in thousands of universities for analog and mixed-signal circuit instruction and prototyping.

#Interactive SPICE simulation with virtual instruments#Mixed-signal A/D simulation#Microcontroller co-simulation#Ultiboard PCB layout pairing#26,000+ component database#LabVIEW integration
EDA / SPICE Engine
Berkeley SPICE + XSPICE extensions
Industry Standards
SPICE3, IBIS
Market Seg.
Hobbyist
Pricing Model
Subscription

Full Pricing Breakdown

Regional & Multi-Currency Pricing Notice

Official software licensing terms, volume discounts, educational exemptions, and renewal fees vary significantly across countries, exchange rates, and regional authorized resellers. Click below to verify real-time terms directly on the vendor portal.

Licensing Model: Subscription
Official Live Vendor Pricing

Official deployment options, concurrent multi-user licensing, and educational discounts are configured per enterprise seat on the vendor portal.

View Official Pricing Page

Key Capabilities

Simulation

SPICE simulation
Virtual instruments
Interactive simulation

Mixed-Signal

Mixed-signal A/D
Microcontroller co-sim
Analog design

PCB

Ultiboard layout
Schematic capture
Component database

Integration

LabVIEW integration
Educational tools
Lab bench simulation

Environment Support

Certified OSWindows
Multi-threadingLimited
GPU OptimizationNo

Industry Standards

SPICE3IBIS

Compatibility & Interoperability

File Format Support

Import
MS14UltiboardSPICE netlistLabVIEW
Export
MS14SPICE netlistUltiboard (PCB)ExcelPDF

Native Integrations

SPICE Circuit SimulationMCAD-ECAD IDX / STEP CollaborationComponent Supply Chain BOM

Deployment Options

DesktopOn-Premise

Interface Languages

English

API & Developer Access

API
Scripting / ULP / Skill Extension API
SDK Languages
PythonTclC++
View API Documentation

Trust & Support

Support Channels

EmailDocumentationKnowledge BaseCommunityTraining

License Types

SubscriptionCommercialEducational

The Pros

  • Best-in-class interactive analog simulation UX
  • Strong educational pedigree — used in many universities
  • Virtual instruments mimic real lab benches

The Cons

  • Windows-only
  • PCB layout (Ultiboard) is the weak partner
  • Now under Emerson — future roadmap uncertain

CADGuide Verdict

Final Professional Conclusion

"Still the friendliest way to teach circuits — and a fine bench-side simulator for analog designers."

NM
NI Multisim CAD software logo
Editor Score
4.2 / 5.0
Highly Recommended

Expert Q&A

?What is NI Multisim used for?

Schematic capture with SPICE-based circuit simulation, popular in education and analog design. NI Multisim is an EDA solution widely adopted in Electronics, Education, Aerospace.

?How much does NI Multisim cost?

NI Multisim is licensed on a Subscription model. Because official seat rates, multi-currency pricing, educational exemptions, and authorized reseller quotes vary by region, click the Official Live Pricing link on this page to verify real-time pricing directly on the vendor portal.

?Is there a free version of NI Multisim?

NI Multisim is a commercial product without a free permanent tier. Most vendors offer a 15-30 day evaluation on request; verified educational seats are typically free for students.

?What operating systems does NI Multisim support?

NI Multisim runs on Windows.

?Which file formats does NI Multisim support?

NI Multisim works with standard EDA interchange formats including Gerber, IPC-2581, and ODB++. Check the vendor's official documentation for the complete list of supported import and export options.

?What are the best alternatives to NI Multisim?

The closest alternatives to NI Multisim are LTspice, Proteus Design Suite, OrCAD. LTspice (100% free) competes directly on core Electronics workflows, while Proteus Design Suite (offered on a Perpetual license) is another top-rated option in the same category. Compare their full technical specifications, file-format compatibility, and official licensing options side-by-side on CADGuide.

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