Java Sims

GCSE    AS    A2          Java Sims :: Java Sim Examples

Use Google to Search This Site        reviseOmatic

Java Circuit Simulations at falstad.com

Learn how to use this tool. It is really useful!

Download the Simulator

On-Line Demonstrations: Java Circuit Simulations.

Run the applet. This does all you need.

Zip Download: Get this if you ever lack Internet Access.

You will need the Java Run-Time Environment from www.java.com/en/download/. You might already have this.

Windows Installation

This is not needed for the on-line version.

Make a short-cut like this one and take care to get the file paths correct based on your own computer set-up.

Hello World

Run the application on-line or locally and import this simple DC circuit by copying this code and pasting it into the Import window of the simulator. You never need to create this code yourself ...

$ 1 4.9999999999999996E-6 10.20027730826997 50 5.0 43
r 368 160 368 288 0 1000.0
w 368 288 496 288 0
v 496 288 496 160 0 0 40.0 12.0 0.0 0.0 0.5
p 368 160 160 160 1
w 160 160 160 288 0
w 160 288 368 288 0
s 368 160 496 160 0 0 false
o 3 64 0 34 20.0 9.765625E-5 0 -1

Build Your Own Circuit

Detailed Instructions

1. Launch the simulator.
2. Delete any pre-existing circuitry.
3. Right click each component or wire and select delete or use Edit - Select All - Cut.
4. Right click a blank area and select Inputs/Outputs.
5. Select Add Voltage Source (2-terminal).
6. Click and drag to position the Voltage Source (battery).
7. Right Click and Select Passive Components - Add Switch.
8. Click and drag to position the switch and link it to the battery.
9. Click the switch to turn it on and off.
10. Right click and Add Resistor.
11. Right click the resistor to Edit its value.
12. Right click Add Wire and click and drag to complete the circuit.
13. Watch the current flow when you turn on the switch.
14. Click Options and deselect Conventional Current Motion if you prefer to see Electron Flow.
15. Click Options and select European Resistors if you prefer this symbol.
16. Save your circuit.
    1. Click File - Export.
    2. Copy the code in the Export window.
    3. Paste it into an application like notepad.exe.
    4. Save the data to your local disk.

Beware

• In your coursework, you must build a real circuit!
• It's OK to use this to help with your design work and to produce a circuit diagram.
• You can create idealised circuits with this simulator.
• In real life, especially with higher frequency alternating currents, the idealised simulations often don't work quite as expected.