NL5 Circuit Simulator

What is NL5 Version 3:

• 64-bit application, no 2GB limit on simulation data.
• New improved switching algorithm.
• Up to 5 times faster for most circuits.
• Many new components, models, and features.
• Support for multiple displays.
• New NL5 License required for NL5 and NL5 DLL Ver.3.

• Ver.3 schematic file format has changed. You can still open schematics in Ver.2 format. Schematics saved in a new Ver.3 format cannot be read by NL5 Ver.2.
• Ver.3 is 64-bit application. DLLs used by DLL component must also be 64-bit.
• Ver.3 License is not compatible with Ver.2 License (if you have one). You have to purchase a new License or upgrade your old License to work with Ver.3.
• Ver.3 DLL requires License file to work with unlimited components. Call NL5_GetLicense(license_file_name) to enable full functionality.

Version 3.11
Released on December 5, 2023
Download this release

• Up to 32 windings allowed for Custom Coupled Inductors (L) and Custom Transformer (W).
• New NL5 DLL build 3.11.58.22 for Windows, Linux, macOS x64 and arm64.

• Fixed: AC Math trace.
• Fixed: analog sections height control.
• Improved: setting initial scale of a new added trace.
• Minor improvements and fixes of non-critcal bugs.

Version 3.10
Released on September 1, 2023

Build 3.10.54.73, September 15, 2023

• New NL5 DLL build 3.10.54.21: macOS x64 and arm64 versions available.
• NL5 DLL loads transient data saved in the schematic file.
• NL5 DLL: functions NL5_GetText and NL5_SetText can access and modify model of the component.
• NL5 DLL: new functions NL5_AddDataTrace, NL5_AddData, NL5_DeleteData. Create new trace with post-processing results and save it into schematic file.
• NL5 DLL: new functions NL5_SetAC, NL5_SetACSource.
• AC/Data/Import from clipboard available.
• Transient/AC/Tools Settings, Screen tab: vertical and horizontal "Fit the screen" buttons added.
• AC magnitude/phase vertical scaling modes removed.
• Fixed: 45 degrees component placement and operations.
• Fixed: vertical autoscale of AC traces.
• Fixed: "export" script command.

• Import LTSpice and QSPICE AC data (raw, qraw).
• Place some components at 45 degrees (R,C,L,S,D).
• New NL5 DLL build 3.10.52.20.
• NL5 DLL: if NL5_GetLicense() is not called, NL5_Open() will try to find and open license in the same folder as schematic file.

Version 3.9
Released on June 23, 2023

Build 3.9.51.69, August 25, 2023

• Transient/Data/Import from file: comma and Tab delimiters accepted.
• Transient/Data/Import from clipboard: paste transient data from clipboard (as text), comma and Tab delimiters accepted.
• Transient, AC, Tools, Table: View/Export. Delimiter selection added, Copy to clipboard (as text) option added.

• NL5 DLL available for macOS (nl5_dll.dylib).
• Change time shift of selected transient traces by mouse.
• Vertical scaling mode for AC traces: magnitude or phase.
• Import QSPICE transient data (qraw).

• Max number of transient analog sections limited to 4.
• Trace selection for digital/analog sections improved.
• Click and drag divider between transient analog sections to change section height.
• Labels amd Legend: Shift-click to select range of traces.
• Table: right-click/Copy - copy content of the table cell to the clipboard.
• Table and Math trace: "AC RMS" and "Moving AC RMS" names changed to "SD" (Standard Deviation) and "Moving SD".
• Transient Data Import settings changed.
• Script: "import" command parameters changed.
• New script command "silent": disable/enable script execution log.
• New script command "show": show or activate specified window.
• Many improvements and fixes in GUI and algorithm.
• New NL5 DLL build 3.9.49.18.

Version 3.8
Released on February 24, 2023

Build 3.8.48.64, May 2, 2023

• Switching algorithm improved.
• When importing transient data, allow spaces in the header line.
• New transient trace is added to the active Analog section.
• Scale of a new transient trace is set to the scale of last trace in active Analog section.
• Fixed: "rununtil" script command.
• Fixed: color of transient grid numbers.
• Fixed: horizontal grid lines and numbers for negative scale.

• Preferences/Application/Library: Default directory for saved components.
• Fixed: wrong component name when Load component.
• Fixed: selecting logical gate type and view by '+'/'-' keys.

• Transient settings/Screen: "Show hor. grid for separated traces" option.
• Transient settings/Screen: "Clip separated traces" option.
• Annotation vertical position for digital and bus traces adjusted automatically.
• Name of active tab is displayed on header of Settings window.
• NOT-gates and OpAmp Comparator model added to components bar for faster selection.
• Fixed editing of Cmd and IC parameters, SubCir model.

• Transient states feature removed.
• Transient/Save IC fixed.
• New NL5 DLL build 3.8.43.17.

Version 3.7
Released on December 18, 2022

Build 3.7.42.59, February 14, 2023

• New script command "import": import text and scope transient data.
• FFT data export fixed.
• Display of Label text fixed.

• User interface changed: floating windows. Please see updates topic for details.
• Floating Transient and AC tables.
• Undo/Redo, Copy/Paste operation fixed.
• Minor bug fixes.
• New DLL build 3.7.42.16.

Version 3.6
Released on October 17, 2022

Build 3.6.41.54, November 17, 2022

• Minor script fixes.
• Transient simulation/Transient states controls can be shown/hidden.
• Trace data for console command and script are taken from currently selected run/storage.
• Calculations with disabled components allowed.
• Some fixes in DLL functions.
• New DLL build 3.6.40.15.

• "Schematic properties" window replaced by "Schematic settings".
• Advanced settings (transient and AC) changed.
• Advanced settings/Algorithm version option.
• Advanced settings/States/Configure states button and window.
• Groups: “Same IC for all components in selected group”.
• Fixed: calculating Gamma and VSWR for complex z0.
• z-function component: reports error if z-parameter not defined.
• New DLL build 3.6.37.14.

Version 3.5
Released on July 7, 2022

Build 3.5.36.50, October 4, 2022

• Switching improved: Advanced transient settings, "Ignore No solution error".
• Custom block component with no pins fixed.
• Operation of some clock-controlled components fixed.
• Several script bugs fixed.
• New DLL build 3.5.36.14.

• Groups: "Same IC for all components in the group", disabled by default.
• If cannot update registry, "Run as administrator" is suggested.
• Preferences/Document: "Show full path in the title bar".
• Random number generation improved.
• Better handling of preferences and registry access.

• Opens Ver.2 schematics without offering options to save.
• "Save As Ver.2" removed.
• Fixed: component text may be not selectable if texts overlapped.
• Fixed: "cont" script command.
• New DLL build 3.5.32.13.
• New DLL functions: NL5_SaveData, NL5_SaveACData.

Version 3.4
Released on February 2, 2022
Build 3.4.31.40, June 16, 2022

• Integral with reset component (F): reset on rising and falling edge added.
• nl5.exe path is shown in About window.
• Fixed: clock operation for C-code, DLL, and function components.
• Fixed: NL5_SimulateInterval() DLL function,
• New DLL build 3.4.31.12 (Windows only).

• Import transient data fixed and improved.
• Fixed: schematic sheets, transient storage, and AC storage tabs.
• Math-type traces are updated when open schematic with saved transient/AC data.
• Copy/Paste variables
• New DLL build 3.4.28.10.
• AC simulation is available in NL5 DLL (Linearized schematic method only).
• Fixed: memory leak in DLL.

• Improved periodic operating point calculation for Sweep AC source method.
• Improved switching of ideal diodes and Bridge rectifier.
• Show points of transient traces used for FFT calculation.
• Settings window: "Select settings" button
• Fixed: mouse pointer view for scrolling operations.
• Fixed: symbol of P-FET, FET-D model.
• Fixed: editing Roots model of s-function component.
• New DLL build 3.4.26.8.

• New model Sweep for Label, V, I, Logic Controlled V and I.
• Transient Settings/Cursors: move both cursors to all data and screen.
• HTTP/script component parameter commands: if component does not have parameters, the model will be returned and set by default.
• FFT Settings: Divide FFT of all traces by FFT of selected trace.
• New DLL build 3.4.21.7.

• Switching algorithm improved - better handling of floating nodes.
• Fixed: transient plot and table were not updated properly when simulation stops with error.
• Library path in Preferences and Schematic/Properties can be defined relative to the directory of schematic file.

• Fixed Math trace calculation when trace name is used in the function.
• Better HTTP log info (errors description).

• Minor non-critical bugs fixed.
• File/Save As encrypted command fixed.

Version 3.3
Released on January 1, 2022

Build 3.3.16.23, January 27, 2022

• The same NL5 License file works for both NL5 Ver.3 and NL5 Ver.2.
• Fixed functionality of AC window.
• Fixed AC data import.
• Trace data Copy/Paste commands available in transient/AC pop-up menu.

Version 3.2
Released on August 1, 2021

Build 3.2.14.19, December 13, 2021

• Transient settings/Format traces: Recalc Math traces manually.
• Transient and AC simulation control buttons added to Schematic toolbar.
• PWL model: pwl parameter can be manually edited as a comma separated string.
• Access Transient and AC Settings tabs from context menus, toolbars, and window menus.

• "Screen vertical mode" in transient window - similar to NL5 Ver.2 functionality.
• Preferences/Document: "Clear Transient/AC Undo buffer on simulation start".
• Fixed FET-D model of N-FET and P-FET: Vd parameter was not saved.
• Minor bugs in operation of toolbar buttons fixed.
• DLL build 3.2.13.4.

• New component: D - Diode ring.

• Fixed schematic sheet removal.
• Fixed Undo/Redo functionality for component parameters and variables.
• Undo (Ctrl-Z) and Redo (Ctrl-Y) work in Components and Variables windows.

• Image: Print/Copy/Save with Preview, black and white option.

• New views of SPDT switches.
• Symbol of Switch component indicates switch position in non-active state.
• Fixed name of Math trace.

• Settings/Cursors: new cursors mode "lock to screen".
• Double-click transient or AC window to show cursors and/or reset cursors lock mode.
• Fixed display of AC Math trace.

• Table display of Math trace fixed.
• Minor bugs fixed.

Version 3.1
Released on July 1, 2021

Build 3.1.8.8, July 28, 2021

• Clock model: new parameter Step.
• New schematic shortcuts: Ctrl-D - disable selection, Ctrl-E - enable selection.
• If transient Start > 0, extra data point saved prior to Start.
• Multiple files selection for import/open traces.
• Bug fixed: changing component parameters through http link, console, and script.
• Bug fixed: using functions in subcircuit.
• Bug fixed: Sin model delay.

• Variables window fixed: was not updated properly if non-visible.
• AC: functions linearization added (as in Ver.2).

• Switching algorithm improved.
• Windows positioning improved.

• Windows arrangement improved.
• Fixed table column width.

Version 2.7
Released on February 20, 2020

• Creates DLL-enabled schematic files (License with DLL option required).
• Network License supports DLL enabled option.
• Minor algorithm modifications.
• This is the last revision of NL5 ver.2.

Version 2.6
Released on September 29, 2019

• New AC trace type: Open loop.
• Transient/Settings/Advanced, Time-out option.
• Fixed memory allocation for C-code component.
• Fixed File and PWL signal models.
• Fixed exponential rise and fall of Pulse model.
• Fixed Duplicate traces operation for Bus and Digital trace types.

Version 2.5
Released on June 10, 2018

• Fixed directional coupler pins direction.
• Transient/AC window status bar: display frequency (1/interval)
• DLL model: output and component variable initial values can be assigned in the custom component window.
• DLL model: IC string is executed prior to init function.
• DLL model: "dll_exit" function.
• SR and JK triggers: new parameter Dominance = None/Set/Reset.
• Fixed background color for list of transient traces of digital and bus format.
• Preferences/Application/Library : multiple library paths for subciruits, C-code, and DLL.
• "Show password" checkbox when saving/opening encrypted document.
• Some algorithm bugs fixed.

Version 2.4
Released on January 23, 2018

• Select traces for transient and AC tools, other than transient and AC traces.
• Select active trace for XY diagram.
• New model for most of logical components: "Delay2". Separate up/down delay.
• Ctrl-Right/Left, Shift-Right/Left, Ctrl-Shift-Right/Left: move selected cursor with different resolution.
• Use Enter or double-click to place a new component.
• "OpAmp" model "IC" parameter cannot be blank.
• Various improvements and bug fixes.

Version 2.3
Released on June 6, 2017

• Notification when entering label name.
• "Save IC" adjusts "delay" parameter if current t > "delay".
• Format component attributes for multiple selected components.
• New FET model "FET-D": FET with body diode.
• Transient/Data window: new page "Cursors" (instead of "Cursors" window).
• AC/Data window: new page "Cursors" (instead of "Cursors" window).
• Transient/Data window, Traces page: "Lines"/"Data points" selection for analog traces.
• Transient/Data window, Table page: "integral" trace parameter added.
• Other minor bugs fixed.

Version 2.2
Released on April 21, 2016

• New trace type: Math (post-processing).
• All traces can be renamed.
• Transient/Data window, Traces page: "Reset scale" button for individual trace.
• Transient/Data window: No Apply needed for most of settings.
• New script commands: cmd, scope.image.
• Import traces: "Skip columns" option.
• Import LeCroy traces from TRC data files.
• Improved DLL Project build log.
• Annotations are displayed on XY and Eye diagrams, Nyquist/Nichols plots, and Smith chart.
• Division is done in double format everywhere except C-code and script.
• Some LeCroy oscilloscope support.
• Bus component, new models: Function, Linear.
• Trace color can be changed for all selected traces at once.
• Digital trace parameter: Threshold.
• Bus trace parameter: Fixed point (quantity of fractional bits).
• Bus trace number format: Decimal (always signed).
• Digital and Bus traces are always located on the top of the list.
• File/Preferences, Trace tab: background color for Analog/Digital/Bus traces.
• File/Preferences, Table tab: background color for Bin/Octal/Hex format.
• Warning message when DLL is attached, and a new DLL has been built.
• Schematic window: "Component" pop-up menu.
• New component encryption functionality.
• Component/Format/Attributes: display value, formula, or "formula=value".
• Smith Chart: mouse wheel zooming is done relative to the mouse pointer position.
• Preferences, Digital/Bus tab: display prefix for binary, octal, and hex numbers.
• Preferences, Application tab: Library path is used for subcircuits, DLLs, and C-code files.
• Subcircuit can be modified while transient is paused.
• New Bus trace format: "Text".
• DLL temporary files are deleted properly, if DLL is located in subcircuit.
• Transient data truncation is detected in "AC Sweep" method.
• AC Import fixed.
• Scrolling of "Variables" window fixed.
• Other minor bugs fixed.

Version 2.1
Released on February 1, 2016

• Scope tool: configure scope, get scope data, program waveform generator (Keysight Technologies, Tektronix).
• DLL Project tool: create DLL code and build automatically (Microsoft Visual C++).
• New components: X - NL5 Circuit, C-code, DLL.
• New components: Y - JK trigger, Logical function, Bus.
• C-code component, new model: File.
• Select "dot" position for custom L and W.
• Open, view, and edit SubCir, File models.
• "Attachment" for SubCir, File models, C-code, DLL components. Attach file to the schematic.
• Save component into "NL5 Component" file (encrypted).
• Transient Preview window.
• Analog, Digital, and Bus traces.
• Digital/Bus window.
• Configurable transient and AC window status bar.
• Mouse wheel graph zooming is done relative to the mouse pointer position.
• Improved trace data compression.
• New trace is calculated and displayed instantaneously as added, if required data exists.
• Drop-down list of previous scales for each trace.
• Annotations are not deleted with run data.
• Select annotation position as a nearest point both in time and amplitude domain.
• Amplitude histogram: Linear interpolation, Range autoselect features.
• Format component: show/hide subcircuit labels.
• Save all images as PNG.
• Import digital channels from BIN file.
• "-scope" command line switch.
• scope.* script commands.
• And more...

Version 2.0
Released on January 14, 2014

• 64-bit integer data type: int64.
• HTTP persistent connection (keep-alive).
• Many changes in C language:
• bool, int, double, and complex data types
• all variables should be explicitly declared
• new functions: sum, mean, floor, ceil,...(and more)
• new bitwise and type-casting operators.
• Many changes in C model of Code component, structure of C-code changed.
• C-code execution accelerated.
• Global C-variables of C model can be changed from script or command line.
• Power operator ^ not supported, use pow() function instead.
• Function component: new model "Integral".
• Many improvements made and bugs fixed.

If you are using script or C-code (C model of Code component), please refer to Manual or Help, and modify your code as needed!

Version 1.9
Released on December 12, 2012

• 3 transient modes are available: Single, Scope, and Continuous.
• Up to 256 inputs and outputs are allowed for Code component.
• Code/DLL model: DLL variables (not assigned to pins) can be displayed as traces.
• Multiple component selection is allowed to add several V/I/P/variable traces at a time.
• Edit Component dialog box: OK/Cancel buttons are visible if large font is set in OS.
• Main code of C-code component can be modified during transient.
• New script command "traces n,n,...": hide/show traces.
• C-code variables can be displayed as a trace on the graph (e.g. "X1.varname").
• Tab separated files are accepted for Trace import and "File" model.
• File/Properties, Save tab: save transient data, AC data, or script into schematic file.
• "logdata +" script command writes header into a new file.
• AC/Settings/Method: Z-transform method for switching-mode circuits.
• AC/Settings/Advanced: formula for Z parameter.
• To move the attribute of the component, select the component first, then move the attribute.
• Transient/Save IC: clears VIC for "Label" model of the Label component.
• Transient/Save IC: modifies "Delay" parameter of appropriate models.
• Schematic/Tools/Initial Conditions: "Set Delay of labels, sources,... to 0".
• New script command: return(filename).
• Fixed operator "?:" for complex numbers.
• Minor bugs fixed.

Version 1.8
Released on February 1, 2012

• File/Save As encrypted: save schematic with password.
• C-code error message shows code line (with line number) where error occurred.
• Edit C-code dialog box: "Show line numbers" mode.
• Limited License is available: unlimited components with limited functionality.
• Minor bugs fixed.
• Mouse wheel zooming and scrolling available in all tools.
• Import traces in ISF 8-bit format (Tektronix).
• Graphs vertical scrolling fixed.
• Tools/Optimization: modify parameters while transient is running.
• Import traces in RAW (LTSpice) binary format.
• Preferences, Transient page: Suppress flickering if graph updates in less than NNN ms.
• Frequency markers with slide bar for Smith chart, Nyquist, and Nichols plot.
• Smith chart: Fit the screen, Reset scale, zoom-in by mouse (left-click and drag).
• Smith chart: 4 grids available (impedance, admittance, abs+phase, polar).
• Smith chart: "Show Z and Gamma traces only".
• New function: gauss(m,d). Normally distributed random number with mean value m and standard deviation d.
• Improved testing of the total memory used by application (cannot exceed 2GB).
• File/Save As with data: save schematic with all traces data.
• Label, I, and V source, "Trace" model: use trace data for voltage or current source.
• Transient/Data, Traces page, "Shift": shift trace along time axis.
• Import traces from scope data file in ISF, WFM (Tektronix), and BIN (Agilent) formats.
• Import Traces, "Skip lines...": select number of lines to skip.
• Import Traces, "Insert header": insert header line automatically.
• Transient/Tools/Eye diagram/Settings: use cursors interval as "Interval" for the diagram.

Version 1.7
Released on April 30, 2011

• FET Switch model fixed.
• Transient/Tools/DC sweep: calculates DC operating point as a function of component parameter or variable.
• Transient/Tools/Amplitude histogram: shows the distribution of amplitudes as a histogram.
• Transient/Save IC function improved.
• Minor bugs fixed.
• "FET" model: parameter "IC" added.
• "Open schematic" dialog starts in the directory of active document or the first file in the "Most Recently Used" list.
• If schematic was changed, the word "modified" is shown in the schematic Title Bar.
• PNP transistor IC fixed.
• Undo/Redo works for variables.
• AC/Data, Traces page: "Phase width".
• Preferences, HTTP Link page: "Show log".
• HTTP Link: right-click to clear log.
• HTTP Link: only one command is allowed in the URL request.
• FFT autoscale fixed.
• Transient should be paused to edit schematic.
• Sweep AC source method bugs fixed.
• Script bugs fixed.
• In Run Until transient mode, simulation does not stop at the end of the screen.
• Unity gain circle is shown on the Nyquist diagram.
• Transient/Tools/Line snapshot: shows V and I distribution inside transmission line.
• PWL function approximation with automatic intervals to minimize error.

Version 1.6
Released on November 1, 2010

• New components: O - Voltage and current controlled amplifiers.
• New model Table: look-up table for Function and Function-2 components.
• PWL editor improved.
• New editor with graphs for PWL, List, and Table models.
• Coupled inductors fixed.
• Fixed nested "a?b:c" operator.
• Graphics speed improved (specifically for Win7).
• Scrolling and toolbars with Zoom In/Out/Auto buttons added to Nyquist/Nichols diagrams.
• FFT, XY, and Nyquist/Nichols diagrams can be zoomed-in by mouse (left-click and drag).
• New resistor model "PWL-I" - piece-wise linear resistor with R(I).
• Toolbars with Zoom In/Out/Auto buttons added to XY diagram, Eye diagram, and Histogram tools.
• PWL format changed: zero point is required for non-symmetrical characteristic.
• PWL table editing improved.
• Bug fixed: transient in "rununtil" mode started from the script.
• New components: C - Voltage and current controlled capacitors.
• New components: L - Voltage and current controlled inductors.
• Custom colors in the "Color" dialog are stored in the preferences.
• "Sweep AC source" method can be started through HTTP link.
• Some "Sweep AC source" method bugs fixed.
• New component: W - Custom transformer, up to 9 windings.
• SubCir model available for transformers.
• Fixed MOSFET symbol.
• "Sweep AC source" method can be used in script and parameter sweep.
• Start-up configuration wizard for new users.

Version 1.5
Released on April 20, 2010

• Many minor bugs fixed.
• Windows Registry is not used for preferences anymore. Preferences are stored in the file "nl5.nlp", in the same directory as "nl5.exe".
• Preferences, Application page: Beep on errors and messages.
• Script command "export" has more parameters.
• New component: L - Custom coupled inductors. Up to 9 windings with arbitrary coupling coefficients.
• New script command: "rununtil".
• Max number of FFT points increased to 1 million (1048576).
• FFT trace option: Points.
• Preferences, Transient page: Max number of export traces points (applies to export and "tracename" script command).
• Transient/Data, AC/Data, Screen page: "Show numbers".
• Transient/Tools/Power: calculates Power Factor and THD.
• Undo/Redo is available in all schematic cursor modes.
• Better handling of automatic line-under-component removal.

Version 1.4
Released on January 11, 2010

• New component: D - bridge rectifier.
• Preferences, Application page: Subcircuit Library path
• Bug fixed: formulas and functions are calculated correctly in the subcircuit
• Bug fixed: automatic step reduction (was present in versions 1.36 and 1.41).

Version 1.3
Released on September 9, 2009

• New signal types for "VCO" and "CCO" models: Triangle and Sawtooth.
• Expression is allowed in "PWL" and "File" models of Label, V, and I sources.
• Expression is allowed in "List" and "File" models of Logic source.
• New diode model "Soft" - diode with soft reverse recovery.
• New constants: "Low" - low logical level, "High" - high logical level.
• New functions: "islow", "ishigh".
• New component: D - logic, voltage, and current controlled thyristor.
• New parameter for Code component, C model: IC (Initial Conditions).
• Function approximation for PWL models.
• Preferences, HTTP Server page: max. number of log lines.
• Transient/Settings: "Run until" condition.
• "-http" switch in NL5 command line starts HTTP server.
• Correct power calculation of the Subcircuit model.
• Press F1 in the schematic window to see Help on selected component.
• ++ and -- operators apply only to local variables!
• Minor script bugs fixed.

Version 1.2
Released on June 28, 2009

• "Sweep AC source" method of AC analysis has been improved significantly: less parameters, faster simulation. Please see demo schematics in the Examples/Sweep_AC_Source directory.
• NL5 License Server 1.0 has been released. Free Network license for educational institutions!
• Full Undo/Redo functionality, including component parameters change. Preferences/Application: "Clear Undo buffer on schematic save" option.
• Direct data exchange with external applications (MATLAB, PYTHON) through HTTP link (Tools/HTTP link). See example in the Examples/MATLAB directory.
• Non-96 dpi monitors support.
• If Windows Registry is not accessible, NL5 keeps latest preferences in the file ("registry.nlp").
• Simplified C language is used for script and for a new Code component.
• Some script commands changed, new commands added: "cursors", "display".
• New operators: ||, &&, +=, -=, *=, /=, ++, --.
• New functions: lim, limit, rand, random, par.
• New components:
• F – Custom function
• R – Voltage and current controlled resistor
• S – Logic controlled switch
• S – SPDT switch, SPDT logic, voltage, and current controlled switch
• T – NPN, PNP, N–FET, P–FET transistors
• W – Transformer and Differential transformer
• X – Custom block
• X – Code: write your own component code on C language, or use DLL
• Y – Custom logic
• Y – Logic generator
• Configure size, number and location of pins, pin names of "custom" components (Function, Block, Code, Logic).
• New models:
• PWM - voltage/current controlled voltage/current sources.
• Delay - all logic components
• File, List - Switch component
• "Delay" parameter for Comparator model (OpAmps).
• Several algorithm improvements, including much faster simulation of logical components (compare old and new NL5 versions with Demo file "Examples/Demo/sos.nl5").
• Vertical splitter in the "Transient/AC Data" window.
• Cursors interval can be set in the "Cursors" dialog box.
• Preferences, Legend page: specify max legend width.
• Preferences, Symbols page: select convenient view of V/I sources and Resistor.
• Number format: units ("kOhm", "nF", "kHz", etc.) and "dB" suffix are allowed.
• Transient/AC Data window may always stay open, information in the window is automatically updated.
• Transient/AC Tools windows are always available (can be open/closed at any time).
• NL4 files not supported anymore.

Version 1.1
Released on March 9, 2009

• Demo version is fully functional, except limited number of components in the schematic (20). However, it allows simulating schematics with unlimited number of components created by any licensed NL5 copy. It also allows modifying component parameters, but not editing and saving.
• All "Open" dialogs have a preview window of schematic files and some types of text files.
• New components:
• L - Coupled inductors (see Manual, p.229)
• R - Potentiometer (p.245).
• X - Directional coupler (p.280)
• New model PWL for Label (p.197), Current Source (p.219), and Voltage Source (p.264).
• AC/Settings: "Frequency" selection (p.139):
• Interval
• List (arbitrary frequency points)
• AC/Data, Traces page: "Phase" display mode (p.147).
• Transient/Data, AC/Data, Storage page: "Store last Run", same in the Storage context menu. When new simulation starts, current simulation data ("Run") will be moved into storage under the name "Last" (pp.113,158).
• Help/"Check for updates" command.
• Script command "cursors" (p.298) - set cursors to specified positions.
• Improved transient simulation algorithm: infinite pulses are shown as a triangle with correct area (p.93).
• Show variables as a text on the schematic window (p.53).
• In addition to 's' variable, 'p', 'w', and 'f' variables are available for AC trace function and F(s) function of some models (see model descriptions).
• 555 timer subcircuit is available in the Demo files.
• Some bugs fixed (formula calculation, AC plot, and Markers).
• Reminder to NL4 users: NL4 schematic files will not be supported in the next revision. Please convert all files you need to NL5 format.

Version 1.0
Released on January 1, 2009

Version 1.0 has finally been released. Without a license, NL5 operates as a Demo version with limited functionality. Order a 30 day free trial license or buy a permanent license here.

• Context Help is available (F1). The help file nl5.chm is included into download, and should be located in the same directory as nl5.exe.
• Select Net command selects schematic element with all wires connected to the element either directly, or through labels (including other sheets).
• Script command "log+" opens existing file for data logging and appends data to the end.
• In "Separate traces" mode of the Transient graph, traces scales are shown on the graph.
• Transient/Data, Traces page: "Fit the Screen" button autoscales selected traces.
• Attention NL4 users: "nl4" schematic files will not be supported in the revision 1.1. Please convert all files you need to "nl5" format.