Introduction
LTspice is a powerful, free simulation software developed by Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) for simulating electronic circuits. It is widely used by engineers, students, and hobbyists for circuit design, analysis, and optimization. Unlike many commercial simulators, LTspice offers robust performance without cost limitations, making it a preferred choice in the electronics community.
In this guide, we will explore the features of LTspice, provide an in-depth tutorial on its usage, and compare it with other circuit simulation tools. Learn how to use LTspice with tutorials or dive deeper with our selection of helpful tips and articles. You can also browse our library of macromodels and demo circuits for select Analog Devices products. We will also answer frequently asked questions to help you get the most out of LTspice.
What is LTspice?
LTspice is a high-performance SPICE simulator designed to model analog and mixed-signal circuits efficiently. It comes with an extensive library of components and models, including Linear Technology’s power ICs, making it especially useful for power electronics applications.
Key Features:
1. Free-to-use software with extensive documentation
2. Supports transient, AC, DC, and noise analysis
3. Advanced waveform viewer for analyzing simulation results
4. Built-in models for many Analog Devices components
5. Highly optimized simulation engine for fast performance
LTspice Download and Installation
LTspice’s enhancements and models improve the simulation of analog circuits when compared to other SPICE solutions. Download LTspice below to see for yourself! Download the LTspice simulation software for the following operating systems:
LTspice Download for Windows and Mac
Date models updated - Mar 6 2025
Version 24.1.4
Version 17.2.4
Download for Windows XP (End of Support)
Download for MacOS 10.9 (End of Support)
Download LTspice XVII for Windows (End of Support)
LTspice for Linux
While there is no official LTspice release for Linux, users can run it via Wine:
• Install Wine using the package manager of your Linux distribution.
• Download the LTspice installer for Windows.
• Run the installer using Wine.
LTspice for Android
Currently, there is no dedicated LTspice simulator for Android. However, remote desktop applications can allow users to run LTspice on mobile devices by accessing a PC remotely.
LTspice Tutorial: Getting Started
The key to most circuit designs is the speed with which you can reach an understanding of your circuit, its correctness, and its limitations, so that you can refine your design and select components before going into the lab to prototype and test. LTspice® is Analog Devices’ high performance circuit simulation program, which allows you to draft, probe, and analyze the performance of your circuit design. LTspice contains an integrated schematic editor, waveform viewer, and advanced features that are easy to use once you learn some basic commands.
LTspice includes an extensive library of macromodels covering most of ADI’s power management and signal chain products, as well as a library of passive components. LTspice uses proprietary modeling techniques for its macromodels, resulting in fast, accurate simulation results.1 This is especially important for switch-mode power supply designs, an area where LTspice outperforms many other simulation tools and enables you to iterate your designs in minimal time. Successive simulations allow you to explore the circuit limitations and performance boundaries of your design through minor adjustments, helping to develop your circuit intuition.
LTspice is provided at no cost to our customers and to the engineering community.* Do not let its free status dissuade you; it outperforms many simulation solutions in the market and is not hobbled by any arbitrary limits. Consequently, you can create, encapsulate, and abstract complex circuits with confidence that circuit size and hierarchy are only limited by your computer’s resources and your time.
Here is a video that might help:
1. Creating a New Schematic
• Open LTspice software and create a new schematic file.
• Use the Component Selector (F2 key) to add components to your circuit.
• Wire the components using the Wire Tool.
2. Performing an AC Analysis in LTspice
• Define an AC voltage source by selecting "Voltage" in the component list.
• Right-click the source and set "AC Amplitude" and "AC Phase".
• Set up AC Analysis by choosing "Simulate > Edit Simulation Cmd" and selecting "AC Analysis".
• Run the simulation and observe the frequency response.
3. LTspice Step Param Function
The step param function allows for parameter sweeping:
• Define a parameter by adding a directive .step param R 1k 10k 1k.
• This will vary resistor R from 1kΩ to 10kΩ in 1kΩ steps.
• Run the simulation and compare different results.
4. Using LTspice Switch Models
LTspice allows for modeling different types of switches, including MOSFETs and mechanical switches.
• Use Voltage-Controlled Switch (SW) for simple switching behavior.
• Set parameters like Ron, Roff, and threshold voltages.
• Test the switch behavior with transient analysis.
Additional Resources
To learn more about LTspice, visit analog.com/LTspice for technical articles and videos. The following classic videos provide additional foundational learning on using a schematic editor and a waveform viewer.
For all general LTspice questions, refer to the help file (press F1) for more details or one of the many online LTspice forums such as EngineerZone® or one of the many LTspice user groups, which provide discussion threads, tutorials, and simulation examples to explore. If you encounter a software bug or device model issues, please email LTspice@analog.com. However, if you have a specific question with regard to a simulation using an ADI device in your application, it would be best to reach out directly to your local field applications engineer for support.
Happy simulations!
*This program is specifically not licensed for use by semiconductor manufacturers in the design, promotion, demonstration, development, or sale of their products. Specific permission must be obtained from Analog Devices for the use of LTspice for these applications.
**ADI device macromodels are implemented using proprietary description languages that are native to LTspice and, as such, will not run on other SPICE platforms.
LTspice Online vs. Desktop Usage
While there is no direct LTspice online version, users can run LTspice remotely via cloud services or virtual machines. However, the desktop version remains the most efficient way to use the software due to its processing power requirements.
Comparison: LTspice vs. Other SPICE Simulators
| Feature | LTspice | PSpice | Multisim | NGSPICE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Paid | Paid | Free |
| Platform | Windows, Linux (via Wine) | Windows | Windows, Mac | Linux, Windows |
| Integrated Models | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Speed | Fast | Medium | Medium | Slow |
| User-Friendly UI | Moderate | Easy | Very Easy | Complex |
| Scripting | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I download LTspice?
Visit the Analog Devices website and download the latest version.
2. Can I run LTspice on Linux?
Yes, you can run LTspice on Linux using Wine, but some features may have limited functionality.
3. Does LTspice support parameter sweeping?
Yes, you can use the .step param directive to analyze how component values affect circuit behavior.
4. Is LTspice available for Android?
No, but you can access it remotely through a cloud or virtual desktop.
5. How can I perform an AC analysis in LTspice?
Set up an AC voltage source and configure the "AC Analysis" settings under simulation commands.
6. What is LTspice switch modeling?
LTspice allows for the modeling of both mechanical and semiconductor switches, useful in power electronics simulations.
Conclusion
LTspice remains one of the best free circuit simulation tools available today, offering extensive capabilities for engineers and designers. Whether you're performing AC analysis, parameter stepping, or working with switches, LTspice provides a robust platform to analyze and optimize your circuits.
By following this tutorial and exploring the advanced features, you can enhance your circuit design skills and leverage LTspice to its fullest potential.
Written by Icey Ye from AIChipLink.
AIChipLink, one of the fastest-growing global independent electronic component distributors in the world, offers millions of products from thousands of manufacturers. Whether you need assistance finding the right part or electronic components manufacturers for your design, you can contact us via phone, chat or e-mail. Our support team will answer your inquiries within 24 hours.
