Proteus 7 Professional

Proteus is a low-cost EDA package offering facilities for schematic drawing, SPICE simulation, and PCB layout. The ProSPICE simulation module also includes cosimulation of the PIC16F84 microcontroller, and a range of interactive peripheral models such as LCD displays, matrix keypads, and an RS232 terminal.

Proteus is an easy-to-use application for creating printed circuit-board layouts, and is good for hobbyists or students working on small projects. Proteus creates simple PCBs with 16 copper layers, two silk screens, and four user/mechanical layers, plus an autorouter. Completed designs are suitable for reports, tutorials. or articles. Proteus is a great program for creating PCBs.

The VSM advantage

The Proteus Design Suite is wholly unique in offering the ability to co-simulate both high and low-level micro-controller code in the context of a mixed-mode SPICE circuit simulation. With this Virtual System Modelling facility, you can transform your product design cycle, reaping huge rewards in terms of reduced time to market and lower costs of development.

If one person designs both the hardware and the software then that person benefits as the hardware design may be changed just as easily as the software design. In large organisations where the two roles are seperated, the software designers can begin work as soon as the schematics is completed. There is no need for them to wait until a physical prototype exists.

In short, Proteus VSM improves efficiency, quality and flexibility throughout the design process.

Proteus Virtual System Modelling (VSM) combines mixed mode SPICE circuit simulation, animated components and microprocessor models to facilitate co-simulation of complete microcontroller based designs. For the first time ever, it is possible to develop and test such designs before a physical prototype is constructed.

This is possible because you can interact with the design using on screen indicators such as LED and LCD displays and actuators such as switches and buttons. The simulation takes place in real time (or near enough to it): a 1GMHz Pentium III can simulate a basic 8051 system clocking at over 12MHz. Proteus VSM also provides extensive debugging facilities including breakpoints, single stepping and variable display for both assembly code and high level language source.