Side by side
ngspice vs OpenFOAM
Both stand on physics simulation software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
ngspice provides circuit simulation and model integration through netlist-based input, with no schematic capture. Download options differ by platform, so Linux and macOS users should note the stated release guidance.
Visit ngspice
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1
OpenFOAM brings simulation, mesh and post-processing tools together in a free toolbox, with ParaView support and several deployment platforms. Support and code customisation are separate services with limited annual hours.
Visit OpenFOAMThe facts
| ngspice | OpenFOAM | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | OpenFOAM |
| Website | ngspice.sourceforge.io | openfoam.com |
| On physics simulation software | #3 of 89 | #1 of 89 |
ngspice: what it does well
- Simulates analog, digital, and mixed-signal circuits.
- Supports PSPICE and LTSPICE models and netlists.
- Offers Verilog and VHDL co-simulation options.
- Can be compiled as a shared library or DLL.
- Free and open-source.
What to know first
- Does not provide schematic entry.
- Input is command-line or file-based.
- The project's macOS release is unavailable on its stable download page.
OpenFOAM: what it does well
- Free and open source under the GNU General Public Licence.
- Includes mesh generation, solvers and post-processing tools.
- Supports ParaView visualization and VTK workflows.
- Available for Linux, macOS, Windows and self-hosted use.
- v2606 adds GPU offloading as a compile-time option.
What to know first
- Support queries require a prior support package.
- Support package service hours are limited per year.
- GPU work remains on a separate development track.
Alternatives to ngspice Alternatives to OpenFOAM The whole list