F2 Installing and Using Logisim

Logisim is a graphical digital circuit design software that allows the user to design and simulate digital circuits by dragging and dropping the appropriate circuit components. We will use Logisim-evolution, which is an updated version of Logisim with a wider range of components. However, for simplicity of description, we will use Logisim to refer to this upgrade in the following.

Benefits of Software Simulation

The use of simulation software like Logisim to design circuits offers the following advantages:

• Free: No need to purchase real equipment and components.
• Flexible: Provides an unlimited number of components, and circuit design is not constrained by the size of a breadboard.
• No Component Aging: If you've used a breadboard, you may have experienced the frustration of debugging for hours due to damaged components.
• Safe: No need to worry about risks such as short circuits or other hazardous events that could lead to accidents.

Environmental Requirements

Logisim-evolution is a Java-based application capable of operating on any operating system that supports the Java Runtime Environment (JRE).
While it is compatible with mainstream systems such as Windows, Mac OS, and Linux, the current curriculum does not mandate the use of the Linux operating system.
If you possess prior experience with Linux-based systems and are proficient in resolving environment configuration issues, you may opt to utilize the Linux version of the software.

Logisim-evolution requires Java version 16 or higher, and we recommend using Java version 17 for optimal compatibility and performance.
If you wish to experiment with newer versions such as Java 21 or Java 22, you may download the corresponding versions using the same method.

You can access the Download on Oracle Website and select the appropriate version based on your operating system.
For Windows users, three distinct download options are typically available: x64 Compressed Archive、x64 Installer、x64 MSI Installer. We recommend utilizing the x64 Installer for its simplicity, as it eliminates the need for manual user configuration and allows for direct directory specification during the installation process. This method ensures a streamlined setup with minimal user intervention, making it ideal for users seeking a straightforward installation experience.

Download and Installation

Logisim-evolution supports two installation methods: package manager and source code compilation. Here, we recommend utilizing the package manager approach for its simplicity and efficiency.

If you have access to GitHub, you can navigate to the release page of the Logisim-evolution project. If you are unable to access this page, you may utilize the alternative download link provided later in this guide.
If you can access the page, locate the latest release version, V3.8.0, and under the Assets section, select the installation package compatible with your operating system. Click the corresponding file to initiate the download. For users running x86-based Windows systems, please select logisim-evolution-3.8.0-x86.msi; For Mac OS users, please choose logisim-evolution-3.8.0.dmg.

If you can't access Github, then you can download it through the web-based method we provide. We provide installers for both x86 Windows and Mac OS environments.

If you are using Windows, download the zip via the following web link：

Link: https://pan.baidu.com/s/1sZDZ3EWgtzVfCelfl0OJ2Q?pwd=q4aq
Passcode: q4aq

After unpacking you will see two files jdk-17_windows-x64_bin.exe and logisim-evolution-3.8.0-x86.msi. Please run jdk-17_windows-x64_bin.exe first to configure the Java environment (you just need to adjust the download path and then next step). Then run logisim-evolution-3.8.0-x86.msi to install it.

If you are using Mac OS, download the zip via the following web link：

Link: https://pan.baidu.com/s/19tOKo1FD-zAyiIquhIKh1A?pwd=l5j2
Passcode: l5j2

After unpacking you will see two files jdk-17_macos-x64_bin.dmg and logisim-evolution-3.8.0.dmg. Please run jdk-17_macos-x64_bin.dmg to configure the Java environment first. Then run logisim-evolution-3.8.0.dmg to install it.

Install Logisim

Install Logisim according to the above steps. After installation, try to open Logisim and check if the software works correctly.

Explore Logisim

Switch Language

If you can read English well, we still recommend you to keep using English. If you want to switch to Chinese or other languages, you can do it by clicking File->Preferences in the menu, > and selecting International tab in the popup dialogue box. Select the International tab in the pop-up dialogue box, and set Language to Chinese or others.

However, some translations use non-standard terminology. Therefore, the subsequent handouts on Logisim will mainly give the English terminology.

Design Your First Digital Circuit in Logisim

Your first task is RTFM. Click on Help->Tutorual in the menu, and it will bring up the beginner's tutorial from the official Logisim documentation. The tutorial is divided into 6 parts, you need to read the tutorial, > while working in Logisim. You will need to read the tutorials while completing the operations in Logisim to become familiar with the use of Logisim.

If necessary, you can switch back to English and read the original tutorials to understand exactly what they mean.

Explore Graphical Interfaces of Logisim

Read the The graphical interfaces section and the Menu reference section of the official Logisim documentation to learn about some of the features and basic operations. section and the Menu reference section of the official Logisim documentation, to get a feel for some of the features and basic operations.

Inputs and outputs are very important for a circuit module. Outputs allow the user to directly observe the results of the circuit's operation, while changing inputs allows the user to check that the circuit behaves as expected in various states. After a brief exploration of Logisim, here are some common input and output components.

• Inputs: Button, Dip Switch
• Outputs: LED, 7-Segment Display

RTFM to Understand the Function of the Components

Find Library Reference -> Input/Output library in the directory of the official documentation, > read the functions of the above input and output components. Read about the functions of the above input/output components.

Use Logisim to Design Circuits You Are Interested In.

Once you have mastered the basics of Logisim through the tutorials, try to explore the other components and functions in Logisim. Then use your imagination to design a digital circuit that you find interesting, and try to run a simulation to check that the results meet your expectations.