Related links

Libraries

This section contains libraries of components that can be imported into Logisim. If you have your own library of components that you think would be useful to others, I'll be happy to post a link here to a hosting Web site or to the library itself.

7400 series Logisim library (ZIP, uncompressed)

A set of Logisim circuits corresponding to a large number of 7400-series chips, produced by Technological Services Company. (Copyright 2005, released under the GPL).

Increment example (JAR)

The JAR library described in the Logisim User's Guide. Compatible with versions Logisim 2.0 Beta 20 and later. The class name is com.cburch.incr.Components.

Free graphical tools

My hope is that some day some other software developers out there will create something that in my view renders Logisim irrelevant. So I occasionally browse the competition to see whether that day has come. Here's a list of links, and you can judge for yourself.

• Digital Works 2.0 is Windows freeware. It is a fairly complete package, but it is no longer under development. 18 Jul 2007.
• HADES is a Java-based tool, which is available at no cost but does not appear to be open-source. The simulation and library functionality is quite extensive, but the interface is on the awkward side. 18 Jul 2007
• JLS is a Java-based tool that is available at no cost from the author but is not open-source or freeware. It doesn't simulate circuits as you build them, but its simulation capabilities are more extensive than Logisim's. 18 Jul 2007
• Logisim is an open source Java tool. Of course, I think it's the best choice. 18 Jul 2007
• MultiMedia Logic is open source Windows software; It doesn't seem to support hierarchical circuits or wire bundling, so it's quite limited as far as designing CPU-scale circuits, but it does provide a fun set of I/O components. 18 Jul 2007
• TkGate is open source software. It's probably the most legitimate no-cost competitor to Logisim: It's simulation facilities seem quite sound, though the interface strikes me as rather awkward. It requires tcl/tk to run; it can run on Windows if you have Cygwin installed. 18 Jul 2007
• xLogicCircuits is my favorite among the bare-bones Java applets. It has some utility if you're spending one or two weeks introducing students to the subject. 18 Jul 2007
• Other alternatives I have investigated, but which don't yet seem have much to recommend them:
  • KLogic, open source Linux
  • LogicSim, open source Java
  • Digital Simulator, closed source shareware, free for education

You might also find my more exhaustive outdated list useful. Maybe.

Commercial graphical tools

• Digital Works 3.0 is a commercial Windows product; I have not tried it, but presumably it is more thorough than Digital Works 2.0, which was already good. It does not seem to be under active development. 18 Jul 2007
• LogicWorks is a Windows-specific commercial product also, but it seems more likely to receive continuing support. I have not tried it, but it seems like a thorough system. It includes some support for incorporating VHDL specifications. 18 Jul 2007
• Others:
  • EasySim, commercial Windows
  • LOCAD, commercial(?) Windows, in German

Text-based tools

• Icarus Verilog, the dominant open-source Verilog compiler
• Others:
  • esim, source available but license unclear, uses custom language
  • Iowa Logic Specification Language, open source, uses custom language
  • VeriWell, open source, uses Verilog