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Creating Subcircuits in Multisim

In the previous article we analyze how the multi-page design can help us have a better organization of our circuit. Following the philosophy of "divide and conquer" continue studying the design blocks in Multisim, and this time we will learn to use subcircuits in our designs.

A subcircuit is a circuit in Multisim to reduce to a single block for a better organization of our schematic. Towards a programming analogy, a subcircuit is equivalent to a subroutine. Here is an example.

The following is an excerpt from a counter circuit:

As you can see, we have a clock generardor based on the 555 (enclosed in box) that connects to terminal 14 (CLK) of 74190N, here is more detail the clock signal generator :

To simplify our design in Multisim, we will convert the signal generator subcircuit clock, so be represented as a single block in the schematic. To do this first we select all the components that make up the clock signal generator:

Now select the menu Place>> Replace Subcircuit. Enter a name for the subcircuit:

We click OK and place the subcircuit on the workspace:

Ready, we have reduced generator clock signal to a single block: a subcircuit. In the window Design Tools can see the hierarchy of our design. We have the main circuit ( Counter ) and subcircuit clock. Note that the latter has an icon with an S, this indicates a subcircuit.

If necessary to view and / or modify the subcircuit, simply select the window Design Tools in Multisim to open it:

The subcircuits in Multisim are saved along with the main file so if you move the main file to another location, it automatically moves the subcircuit. The disadvantage is that the file size can be large, clear, depending on the complexity of design. Another aspect to consider is that a subcircuit can not be reused in other designs of Multisim. For this blocks are hierarchical, they talk in a later entry.

As always welcome comments and questions.

Greetings! Fernando