This page contains answers to some common electronics simulation questions.
Q. How can I change the ratings of components, e.g. to simulate a high-power circuit?
A. In Yenka you can now change certain components' maximum ratings – these can be found by double clicking on the component, and selecting the 'Max Ratings' tab from the Properties panel.
Q. Why do electronic components drag on in 3D instead of as 2D symbols?
A. This can happen when your workspace (the white area) is smaller than the window size so that you see a grey border around it (typically when using a large resolution monitor). In this situation, dragging electronic components through the grey area causes them to be added as 3D components.
In order to avoid this problem, move the object pane so that it is over the white workspace area. Alternatively, you can increase the workspace size (from the "Space Properties" pane).
Q. Why does my integrated circuit explode with the error: "The pin voltage was taken above the positive supply voltage..."?
A. This warning message is presented when the voltage on an individual pin of an integrated circuit (IC) is higher than the positive supply voltage by more than the rated value (normally 1V). This will occur when you use a higher voltage (such as 9V) in your circuit without changing the supply voltage (such as with a power connector) from the default 5V supply.
To solve this problem, use a power connector to make sure the supply voltage for your IC is higher than or equal to the voltage applied on any individual pin. In most cases, connect the power connector in parallel with the battery or voltage source you are using to drive your input if this would also be connected to your IC.
Q. How do I stop components exploding?
A. You can simulate higher-powered circuits by preventing objects from exploding. To do this, double-click on an empty area of the scene to open the Space properties pane. Click 'Electronics' > 'Simulation' and tick the box next to 'Make objects indestructible'.
While this will prevent objects from exploding, it will not prevent simulation of circuits which are then impractical or unrealistic, as a result of this. You should exercise caution when using this mode.
Q. How do I change the supply voltage for logic and microcontroller objects?
A. You can use a power connector (located under Lab Equipment > Power Supplies) to connect power supplies to integrated circuits (ICs), such as microcontrollers and logic objects.
Q. How do I use a power connector?
A. A power connector (located under Lab Equipment > Power Supplies) allows you to override the default supply voltage provide through the Space properties in Yenka.
To provide supply using a power connector, wire the power connector in parallel with the supply you wish to connect to your ICs (as in the example below). Yenka will automatically connect all logic objects and microcontrollers in the scene to your selected power source.
If you wish to provide different power supplies to different types of object, you can change which object types a power connector will supply by double clicking on the power connector and changing the options in its Properties pane.
Q. Can I make my own custom electronics objects?
A. You cannot currently make your own electronics objects. We include a large range of real life electronics components in our electronics product and you can select from a range of transistor and diode models, etc. If you would like a specific electronics object included in Yenka, then please contact us at support@yenka.com with your suggestion.
Q. Where can I get a copy of Crocodile Clips Elementary?
A. Crocodile Clips Elementary was our free basic electronics simulator, but it is no longer available. It has now been replaced by Yenka Basic Circuits, which is also free for use in schools. For details, please see Yenka Basic Circuits.
Note: To use it at home, simply download Yenka - all of our Yenka products are free to use at home.
If you need more information or you cannot find an answer to your question here, please email your query to support@yenka.com.