LTspice
| Original author(s) | Mike Engelhardt |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Linear Technology, Analog Devices |
| Initial release | October 1999 |
| Stable release | 26.0.1
/ January 14, 2026 |
| Operating system | Windows, macOS |
| Type | Electronic design automation |
| License | Freeware |
| Website | www |
LTspice is a free computer program used to test electronic circuits. An engineer draws a circuit on the screen, and the program works out how it will behave before it is built. This kind of program is called a circuit simulator.[1] It is based on a program called SPICE and is one of the most widely used circuit simulators.[2]
LTspice was first made by Linear Technology and is now made by Analog Devices.[1] The program is free, and unlike some free programs, it does not limit how large or complex a circuit can be.[2] It comes with a library of ready-made parts, such as resistors, diodes, and transistors, that people can drop into their circuits.[1]
LTspice does not design the layout of a printed circuit board, which is the physical board that holds the parts. It is used to test how a circuit works, not to lay one out.[1]
History
[change | change source]The first public version came out in 1999. At that time it was called SwitcherCAD III.[3] A new version, LTspice IV, came out in 2008.[2] A version for Apple macOS computers followed in 2013.[4] LTspice XVII came out in 2016.[1]
In 2017, Linear Technology became part of Analog Devices, and parts made by Analog Devices were added to the program.[1]
References
[change | change source]- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "LTspice". Analog Devices. Archived from the original on December 3, 2018.
- 1 2 3 Pell, Rich (January 13, 2009). "Free SPICE software exploits multicore processors". EE Times.
- ↑ "Linear Technology announces SwitcherCAD III a fully functional Spice Simulator for switcher applications". AboutSpice.com. May 16, 2001. Archived from the original on December 5, 2018.
- ↑ "LTspice IV Is Now Native on Mac OS X". Evaluation Engineering. November 9, 2013.
