MultiSim configuration management

[NavyJay]

Hi,

In attempting to add some basic configuration management to my MultiSim circuits, I've found there are no built-in SCM tools or interfaces to 3rd party tools.  The .ms10 files are binary and can become quite large, especially if you save simulation data in your circuit files, which makes use of typical SCM tools (Subversion, CVS, Git, etc) not an ideal choice.

Besides zipping the entire directory structure, what tools are the rest of the community using for SCM?

-J

[Tien_P]

Hi J,

Version control is on our feature request list.  Unfortunately, I am not familiar with third party tools for backup to make any suggestion.

[_user32]

Although we don't have a direct integration with other 3rd party system configuration/mgt tools, there are several things that you can do in Multiism that give users a basic level of configuration management...

1. Multisim Project.

a. User can use the project concept to keep track of schematic files, PCB files and other associated information such as PDFs or simulation results.   When you start a project (File -> New Project) you choose a main location and a backup directory location (they can be the same).   Files of any type can be added.

b. Users have the ability to lock files and create archived versions of that project (a unique system ID is created) - these can be used to take a snapshot of the design as is in the system.

2. Alternative method using source control tools?

a. While it is true that the files are binary, some users have kept track of and verified changes to Multisim files by exporting netlists, BOM and SPICE reports - which are all text files.   Think of the SPICE code as the source code for your circuit simulation.

b. Export the SPICE code for a circuit simulation by exporting the netlist... (Transfer -> Export Netlist).   You can also export the Bill of Material report (BOM) and netlist report by going to the appropriate menu item under Reports.

c. It is relatively easy to then track changes to the design with third party tools using these export text files.

Regards,

Patrick Noonan
Business Development Manager
National Instruments - Electronics Workbench Group
50 Market St. 1-A
S. Portland, ME 04106
Email: patrick.noonan@ni.com
Tel. (207) 892-9130
Fax. (207) 892-9508

[Cbro]

Hi

We are also intrested in version control, I use for Labview a tool LVdiff that is used by Turtoise SVN, were I can see the diffrent between earlier revision, really nice tool. But as stated before the revisions is possible to save with turtoise svn, and see the difference between the text files.

[Speedyg8]

User32, Thanks for the tip. By exporting the netlist I can see the analysis features used.

Speedy

[yyao]

Hi all,

There's a new feature in Multisim 11 called project packing. It conveniently packages all files needed for a design in one compressed file. For example, if you have a design with an MCU and hierarchical blocks, it will retrieve all related hierarchical blocks, MCU project and source files and compress it into one convenient file which you can easily archive. While it does not provide any visibility into the changes made between revisions, it does allows you to easily create snapshots for archiving and transfering between computers.

We hope that you will find this feature useful.

[WJA]

This is a good start. At my company the mechanical department is using a product named Windchill a PTC product. This program allows an automated workflow and viewing of the design to everyone. 

Designers and engineers can check in and check out designs and each iteration is archived. Also, the release of the design is automated. Approvers are notified and can view the design and documentation then accept or deny the release.

Also ECO process can be automated. The ECO can be  requested, work approved and when completed, sent to all departments for signoff.

There are many 3rd party CAD and layout programs that it will work with Windchill like Altium.

With more and more Regulations automated workflow are becoming more and more impotent to make sure designs are fully documented verified and validated. 

 If possible please look into this I really like you products but I don't think I can get them approved without some form of integration.

PS we are currently looking to buy and may even agree to paying for the some integration development cost.