Multsim file header format

[rockne]

Is there anything in the header of a multisim *.ms10 file that can be used to uniquely identify it. There is a time date stamp in the file properties which is of course unique but doesn't really say anything about which computer or which user or which installation of multisim was used to create it. I was thinking maybe a MAC address or SW license or serial number is embedded in the header file of the the *.ms10 file which could be used to uniquely identify the original creator of the file. Even if the information had to be viewed with a hex editor utility it would be useful.

[lacy]

I rather doubt that anyone is going to give any information on this. NI won't give any information on decrypting their files, period. The only way to know this information is if the designer placed a title block on the design with this information on it. This should be standard practice on a professional design file

[rockne]

Well, you might be right, but it would be useful information in an academic environment to discourage students from copying other people's design files. A graphical header or anything in the schematic itself is of little use for identifying the original creator of the file.  The only thing unique I can find is the time date stamp of when it was created. Too bad there isn't a MAC address or SW serial number or something embedded in the file somewhere. I'm still waiting on NI to respond to me on this. I think it's pretty likely there is something in the header that is unique to the machine where it was created. I just don't want to spend weeks trying to reverse engineer their schematic file header to get to it.

[lacy]

I understand why you need this and contacting NI directly as you did may be your best option. If they are kind enough to give you this information it definitely won't be in a public forum. I hope you get what you need.

It is a shame that students are copying other people's designs. It is definelty unethical and very unprofessional behavior. I wish you good luck in gettting them back on the straight and narrow path.

[atomic tommy]

anyone who thinks copying a circuit is cheating needs to have their head examined! Does one have to re-invent the wheel to be original! Arent we copying the work of Newton or Maxwell or Faraday everytime we design a magnetic circuit.Knowledge should be in the public domain for the global community for the benefit of all mankind...hello!

[lacy]

What you say is partially true, but I believe this post concerns an educational setting and part of an assignment (just by the way the post reads) and copying someone elses work under these circumstances is cheating.

I, personally would not use someone else's design unless, like you say, it is already public domain or I had permission from the designer to do so. There are certain copyright laws that prevent a person from using a design that they do not have authorization to use. This is how corporations protect thier intellectual property, otherwise everyone would copy their work and claim it as their own.

The types of circuits/designs you refer to, I would consider public domain and anyone can use them however they see fit. I also would consider any circuit on the internet as public domain with the exception of the circuits posted to this forum. These are the sole property of the designer who posts them and would require permission to use, in my opinion.

I believe in rules of integrity when it comes to circuit design 1). Do not to use someone else's design without their permission and claim it as your own. 2). If you do use their design, with permission, be sure you give them the credit they deserve.

These are just my thoughts and nothing more than that. You can do whatever you want to do. Let your conscience be your guide.