Searching for Components in NI Multisim Database

Updated Nov 8, 2022

Environment

Software

  • Multisim Base
  • Multisim Full
  • Circuit Design Suite

NI Multisim organizes its large collection of schematic symbols and simulation models in a database structure, these are known as components. This is a guide on the methods for searching for components.
 
The article will walk through how to use the Component Search tool from the program and explains methods for searching by part number and for functionality.

If you already have Multisim (or have downloaded an evaluation version of the software) you can search for components using the following steps:
  1. Open Multisim (All Programs>>National Instruments>>Circuit Design Suite X.X >>Multisim X.X) where X.X is the version number.
  2. Select Place>>Component.
  3. Click on the Search button. The Component Search window opens.
  1. Type in the particular item you are searching for. For example, if you are looking for a specific Model Manufacturer (like Analog Devices), you can type Analog Devices in the Model Manufacturer field.
  2. If you are not aware of the full name of an entity you can use the * wildcard. For example, if I am looking for a device that contains a "75", I can type *75*.
 
Other Methods for Searching for Components:
Searching by Part Number:
When you are searching by part number, it is better to search by the common part number and not the full manufacturer part number. For example, if you are looking for a NE555D Timer, you should search for 555.  In addition, use the asterisk (*) wildcard to give your search a wider range.  If you just enter 555 in the Component search field, only components that start with 555 will appear in the search result.  But by using the asterisk and enter as shown below, you will find all parts with 555 and you won't miss the LM555 which is a good replacement for a NE555D.
 
Searching by Functionality:
Using the example of a red LED.  In the Component Search dialog, enter Red LED in the Function field and Multisim will search for that string in the component Function area as shown below.
 image.png
 

Following the steps for the Component Search tool will result in the following dialog box:

Next Steps