Import & Export #

Breadpad supports various import and export options to integrate with your workflow, share circuits, and use existing SPICE models.

File Formats #

Breadpad Document (.breadpad) #

The native Breadpad format is a package that includes:

Circuit layout and connections
Component parameters and values
Probe placements
Simulation settings
Visual styling and annotations

Features:

Full fidelity between devices
Automatic iCloud sync
Version history
Compact file size
Forward/backward compatibility

SPICE Netlist (.spice, .cir, .net) #

Industry-standard text format for circuit description.

Import Capabilities:

Read standard SPICE syntax
Convert to visual breadboard layout
Preserve component values
Support for subcircuits
Model definitions

Export Capabilities:

Generate clean SPICE netlists
Include component models
Add helpful comments
Compatible with other simulators

Import Features #

SPICE Netlist Import #

Import existing SPICE files from:

LTspice
PSpice
ngspice
Most SPICE3-compatible formats

How to Import:

Open Breadpad
Tap + for new document
Choose “Import SPICE”
Select your .spice file
Breadpad converts to visual layout

Supported Elements:

Basic components (R, L, C)
Semiconductors (D, Q, M, J)
Voltage/current sources
Subcircuits (.SUBCKT)
Model definitions (.MODEL)
Comments preserved

Automatic Layout:

Smart component placement
Minimized wire crossings
Grouped by function
Power rails positioned

Custom IC Import (Premium) #

Load manufacturer SPICE models:

Supported Formats:

.SUBCKT definitions
.MODEL parameters
Encrypted models (some)
IBIS to SPICE converted

Common Sources:

Texas Instruments
Analog Devices
ON Semiconductor
STMicroelectronics
LTspice library

Import Process:

Download model from manufacturer
Create Chip component
Tap “Import SPICE Model”
Paste or select file
Map pins to package

Import Tips #

Model Compatibility:

Check SPICE version (SPICE3 preferred)
Remove unsupported commands
Verify pin mappings
Test with simple circuit first

Large Models:

May impact simulation speed
Consider simplified versions
Use only needed sections

Export Features #

SPICE Netlist Export #

Generate standard SPICE files:

Netlist Contents:

* Breadpad Circuit Export
* Date: 2024-01-10
* 
* Components
R1 1 2 10k
C1 2 0 100n
V1 1 0 DC 5
*
* Analysis Commands
.TRAN 1u 10m
.PROBE
.END

Export Options:

Include component models
Add probe commands
Include analysis setup
Human-readable formatting

Bill of Materials (CSV) - Premium #

Export component lists for purchasing:

CSV Format:

Reference,Type,Value,Part Number,Quantity
R1,Resistor,10kΩ,RC0805JR-0710KL,1
R2,Resistor,1kΩ,RC0805JR-071KL,1
C1,Capacitor,100nF,CL21B104KBCNNNC,1
U1,Chip,NE555,,1

Includes:

Component references
Types and values
Part numbers (if specified)
Quantity summary
Total component count

Uses:

Order components
Cost estimation
Documentation
Assembly preparation

Analysis Data Export (CSV) - Premium #

Export simulation results:

Data Format:

Time-based data (transient)
Frequency-based (AC analysis)
Multi-probe synchronized
High precision values

Example Output:

Time(s),V(n1),V(n2),I(R1)
0.000000,0.000000,0.000000,0.000000
0.000001,0.126532,0.063245,0.000063
0.000002,0.251234,0.125617,0.000126

Applications:

Further analysis in Excel/MATLAB
Custom plotting
Report generation
Data archival

Screenshot Export #

Capture and annotate circuits:

Features:

Full circuit capture
Selected area export
Annotation tools (iPad)
Multiple formats (PNG, PDF)

Annotation Tools (iPad with Apple Pencil):

Draw directly on circuit
Add text labels
Highlight important areas
Multiple colors
Save with annotations

Share circuits via:

AirDrop
Messages
Mail
Files app
Third-party apps

Sharing Options:

Breadpad document (.breadpad)
SPICE netlist (.spice)
Screenshot (PNG)
PDF (coming soon)

Collaborative Workflows #

Version Control:

Store .breadpad files in Git
Track netlist changes
Merge compatible changes
Document revisions

Team Sharing:

iCloud shared folders
Export for review
Import modifications
Maintain master copies

Integration Examples #

LTspice Integration #

From LTspice to Breadpad:

Save as .asc (ASCII)
Export netlist (.net)
Import into Breadpad
Verify and simulate

From Breadpad to LTspice:

Export SPICE netlist
Open in LTspice
May need minor syntax adjustments
Run comparative analysis

Documentation Workflow #

Design in Breadpad
Export screenshot
Annotate on iPad
Export BOM
Create documentation package

Educational Use #

Instructor:

Create example circuits
Share .breadpad files
Students modify and learn
Export results for grading

Student:

Complete assignment
Export netlist for submission
Include screenshot
Add analysis data

Best Practices #

File Management #

Use descriptive names
Organize in folders
Regular backups
Version numbering

Model Libraries #

Create reusable subcircuits
Document custom models
Share within team
Maintain compatibility

Data Workflow #

Export at key milestones
Preserve raw data
Document export settings
Automate where possible

Troubleshooting #

Import Issues #

“Unsupported syntax”:

Check SPICE version
Remove exotic commands
Simplify if needed

“Component not recognized”:

Verify component format
Check model definitions
May need manual entry

Export Problems #

“File too large”:

Reduce data points
Export sections separately
Compress if needed

“Format not compatible”:

Check target software requirements
Adjust export options
Convert if necessary

Coming Soon #

PDF export with layouts
Gerber file generation
3D model export (Vision Pro)
API for automation
Cloud collaboration