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About NL5
   
Is NL5 yet another SPICE?
   
No, it is not.
Typical SPICE-based simulator is intended for an accurate analysis of a "real" circuit. It uses quite complex models of "real" components, most of which are provided by parts manufacturers. Standard SPICE algorithm has a lot of limitations. Convergence problems may occur even for very simple circuits. For some types of circuits (especially switching), wrong result can be easily obtained, just due to numerical methods used in SPICE.
Unlike SPICE, NL5 does not have complex and "accurate" models of non-linear components. Instead, it uses very simple models as much as possible: "ideal" switches and diodes, amplifiers with infinite gain, etc. Some non-linear behaviour can be modelled with piece-wise linear approximation, however most of the time it is not needed at all. Using simple components results in fast and reliable simulation, with almost no convergence problems.
   
Is NL5 similar to PSIM and Simplis?
   
There are some common features in NL5, PSIM, and Simplis. For example, a switch can open/close at one simulation step, without detailed calculation of the entire switching process ("instantaneous switching"). Other than that, NL5 is very different in terms of its idea, implementation, performance, and features.
A major difference is that NL5 does have "true" ideal switches and diodes, with zero impedance when closed, and infinite impedance when open. PSIM and Simplis always require some small and large impedance to be set.
   
Does NL5 run on Linux and Mac OS?
   
No, NL5 is Windows only application. However, it can run on Linux and Mac OS under Windows Virtual Machine, such as Wine, for example.
   
Does NL5 run on Windows 8 and 10?
   
Yes, it does, although it is not officially tested. However, many customers are already running it on Windows 8 and 10 with no major complains.
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Startup
Help
   
Content of Help file is not shown
   
If you cannot see content of Help file, most likely the file is blocked. To unblock:
- Locate nl5.chm file in the nl5 directory;
- Right-click the file, and then click Properties;
- Click Unblock.
   
Index search does not work
   
That's right, index search is not implemenetd in the Help file. Please use Contents menu. For detailed information about NL5 operation and features refer to the NL5 Manual.
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License
   
NL5 does not see license file
   
Please check the following:
- A license file is located in the same directory as executable nl5.exe;
- A name of the license file is exectly nl5.nll. You might need to turn off an option "Hide extensions for known file types" in Windows Explorer, to make sure there is no any other extension in the file name (for example, "txt");
- If you receive a license file as an attachment in the email, simply copy the attachment in the NL5 directory. Do not copy the text from the license file manually!
   
License file does not work anymore
   
You license file will most likely stop working if you:
- change some hrdware on your PC, such as processor, hard drive, Ethernet card, video card, etc;
- reinstall or upgrade Windows Operating System
- move your license file to another computer
Contact us to resolve the problem.
   
My Portable License (dongle) does not work on Windows 8 and 10
   
That's right! Contact us to resolve the problem.
   
I'd like to upgrade my license
   
Please contact us for quote and instructions.
   
Can Network License run as a service?
   
NL5 License Server is a Windows application, and cannot run as s service. However, along with a Network License file nl5.nll, you will receive a service application NL5LicenseService.exe. Contact your IT department for proper service installation. Please note that service application does have all required license information built into it, so you do not need license file nl5.nll while using the service.
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Schematic
Transient
   
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AC: linearization
   
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AC: sweep AC source
   
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AC: z-transform
   
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C language
   
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Script
   
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HTTP link
   
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