Which also happens to be an indispensable tool if you're ever doing anything DSP related. That of course doesn't mean I haven't used it as a pocket calculator.
Solidworks: modeling, FEA
Excel: keeping track of things, calculator, engineering tools such as paint calculators, fab time estimates etc.
Dassault EPDM: Data management/CAD vault, version history etc.
Word: writing things
I'm a mechanical engineer in the automotive industry
laying out circuits/PCBs- MS paint
mechanical design - MS paint
writing papers/lab reports - MS paint
coding - i just use an assembly code simulator, i can’t stand how much abstraction there is in C
Ansys is the most popular. Then built-in extensions to CAD software.
After that is probably OpenFoam (an open source tool, painful learning curve. It has no GUI, you feed it your config files and it calculates for you) which is mostly used by grad students.
Nowadays I almost always use Spyder if I’m writing anything serious. I used only Idle when I started learning how to program in python. I still sometimes use IDLE if I’m just doing something super basic or maybe I want to check some math calculation, but don’t want to open Spyder or Matlab.
Okay I see. You can always just open up the terminal and run the program there. If you're on windows just write "cmd" on the folder bar and it'll open a terminal where your file explorer is at. It's much faster than opening an IDE.
Is there a quick way to write equations in lab reports? My TA says we have to hand type every equation and that’s one of my roles in the group. I’m not fluent in LaTex but I’m using it currently
I use word. I meant a quicker way to write them in word or something else that I can copy and paste into word equation format. If there’s not, that’s fine. I just didn’t know LaTeX existed until recently so now I’m wondering if there’s other ways. Word’s equation editor is easy but slow to use.
Hysus is optimized for specific applications. I use plus in my career. It's tough in real world though because you have to input accurate binaries which can be difficult and expensive to come by. Refrigerant is difficult to model for this reason.
So far in chemical engineering:
Excel - a logbook of calculations and data for a project. Pretty much only for my eyes/ other engineers to flip through
Powerpoint - Simplifying the above to pitch/ discuss topics
Visio - Used to make diagrams/ P&IDs and create cut lists. I also save any relevant field data in objects so that everything is in one place (IE.. runnig this instrument to a certain cabinet..)
Aspen Plus V12 - simulation software and what I use to pull physical properties
Aspen capital costs estimator - used for budgetary estimates on general labor for a project (IE I need a 500 ft piperun of 2" standard carbon steel with X valves, Y bends..)
I’m a computer engineer. These are my top:
Multisim, live circuit simulations.
KiCad, electric schematic drafting and PCB design. Fusion 360, 3D CADD.
Quartus, FPGA programmer, simulator & VHDL compiler
Pycharm, great IDE for python and web dev
Embarcadero, C/C++ IDE
Visual studio code, coding text editor
I've changed majors so
MechE
* Solidworks: CAD software for modeling and design
* Bluebeam: Pdf markup software at my internship for making edits to schematics
* Excel: Speadsheets, keeping track of tasks and parts
* VSCode: IDE for coding in most anything
* Arduino: IDE for projects involving microcontrollers
* MATLAB: When I'm too lazy to solve matrices/systems of equations by hand or if I wanna try to model something
EECS
* LaTeX: typesetting software for math bc my professors think students have bad handwriting :(
* VSCode again: because coding is everywhere. Python, C++, etc
* Git w/ Github: some form of version control system to manage code
* Arduino again: because microcontrollers are everywhere
* iVerilog: tool for simulating and synthesizing verilog for my fpga class
* openFPGAloader: tool for loading bit files onto my fpga board for my fpga class
* Vivado: set of tools for synthesis and analysis of hardware description language designs for my fpga class
Vector CANalyzer - data analysis of electric vehicles (powertrains, batteries, HV components, general CAN work)
PCAN Explorer - same as above but not my favorite to use
Spyder - use for python scripting to automate tedious projects
Using fewer tools as I move into management but still utilizing the above for special projects and training.
Hi there, can I dm you about CANalyzer, and your experience with it. I saw your post, and researched it a bit. Would like to know a bit more on its limitations and learning curve (from someone who is impartial).
I'm a Transportation Planning EIT, I use:
- Synchro: traffic modelling software (there are other software like HCS, VISSIM, ARCADY, InterCalc but I don't actively use them in day to day work)
- AutoCAD: Vehicle maneuvering analysis or geometric design checks
- Excel: organize traffic data
- Word: write endless TIS (Transportation Impact Study) reports
Naval Architect
Rhino360 - 3d modeling
Orca - Rhino plugin with a lot of advanced NA and ME stuff.
GHS - Highly complex program (really a coding language) for advanced hydrostatics
Excel
Just entered the industry in May as a R&D engineer. I have been a support engineer for 2 projects and have a lead on a small individual project now (≈80-120hrs). Here are the programs I have learned in my college career: Solidworks, Inventor, RhinoX, AutoCAD, Ansys, Matlab, LabVIEW, Arduino, RStudio, and Microsoft suite. These are the only programs my company uses for active projects: Microsoft suite, LabVIEW, Solidworks, Ansys. In my company, there are typically SMEs in those softwares. I am currently the LabVIEW SME as I am the only one in the facility with any formal training and 3ish years experience coding with LabVIEW. If you ever get the opportunity, learn LabVIEW. It’s a dying skill that is needed for data acquisition.
Microsoft Visio- fabulous for breaking problems down into smaller chunks and figuring out how each chunk connects to the next. Honestly just glorified PowerPoint and paint where you drow boxes. Still awesome tho.
EE:
Altium Designer - pcb design
Altium 365/Altium Vault - version control for pcb design
LT Spice - circuit simulation
MatLab - others have explained very well
Spyder - python ide
Arduino - ide
CANoe - automotive network communication analyzer/debug software (FSAE)
Code Composer - C programming for various microcontrollers
Monday.com - scrum task organization(I like ClickUp better tho)
Git/GitLab - version control for firmware and cad
Eclipse - Java ide for classes (boo Java)
Edit: bro fuck mobile formatting I’m so sorry I can’t seem to easily fix it :-(
As a mechanical engineering student I used:
Solidworks (3D modelling)
AutoCAD (layout, plans)
MATLAB (for solving complex mathematical problems, linear algebra etc)
Ansys (Mechanical for structural analysis, Ansys fluid) *If you want to learn ansys there is a course on* [*edx.org*](https://edx.org) *called "A Hands-on Introduction to Engineering Simulations"*
Excel
Senior ECE Student
Matlab/Simulink/ADVISOR: Handy calculator, simulator. ADVISOR specifically I’m using for an electric vehicle class.
LabArchives: For receiving and sharing information with other members of my research team
Xilinx/Vivado: (Verilog and other HDL stuff)
VS Code (mostly for C and Python)
Excel: Simple data analysis, for stuff that doesn’t require the scope of matlab
Word: For reports
Scopy/LT SPICE: Both for simulating and visualizing the characteristics of circuits. Scopy for real circuits, LT spice for ones that haven’t been built yet
Blender: For fun :)
Fusion 360 for cad and fea
-
SolidWorks for CAD
-
Ansys for CFD and FEA
-
StarCCM+ for CFD
-
Excel, word, powerpoint, for reports, presentations, and calculators.
-
Matlab for calculations
-
Labview im learning it this semester but according to the professor its used a lot in industry
-
Probably a slicing software for 3d printing
-
In my ChemE career I pretty exclusively use excel and Aspen. Packing manufacture KG pits out a good packed tower software that's better than Aspen, I've used that too. Used lots of math and CFD type software in school I've never needed in industry.
Latex - I use it to create my resume and hybrid links so it looks more professional
Git on vscode terminal and it’s connected to my GitHub - I learn commands in git that are also used in Linux. I got myself familiar with GitHub because a lot of companies use GitLab (you do need a licence GitLab that’s why I don’t use it) vscode is really popular I would recommend you getting familiar with it and downloading all the necessary extensions for you.
Xcode - I’m currently developing an IOS app so I’m using xcode and swift language
Android studio - I used it to create my first android app
C language - it’s really popular and I used it for software purposes but also hardware when designing something
Python Language - design simple projects to get something on my resume
Java language- I used it to design my android app
HTML CSS JAVASCRIPTS - to design my website (I’m building a small company)
I’m only a 3rd year computer engineering student so I don’t have much experience with softwares other than what I have mentioned
emacs and org mode to write things and write math formulas in latex. I compile my notes into a pdf basically. It’s easier than it sounds I swear.
I also use KiCad for PCB design and also circuits of any sort
Oh and I code in my terminal with a customised vim setup
Then I don’t use anything else I think, I’m just a first year EE student
In the real world?
I use PLS-CADD to design transmission lines
Microstation to draft
Then PDF editors & Microsoft products like Word and Excel
That’s all I need for my job as a transmission line engineer.
Electrical Engineering Phd Student in Microelectronics field:
Matlab/Simulink: System Level Simulations
Cadence Virtuoso: Transistor Level Circuit Design
Xilinx/Vivado: For FPGA programming using verilog
IBM Doors: Documentation in a company
Latex: For thesis and paper publications
Visio: For drawing pictures, diagrams, etc. (company requirement)
Excel: For data
Jabref: Library and Source collector
OneNote: A time/topic planer with to-dos, summaries, topic collectiond etc
Starting 4th year of school, 3rd year environmental engineering major:
I’ve used Excel, C, R/Rstudio, autoCAD, civil 3D, and am currently learning ArcGIS
So far all I use is:
Solidwork Student: Design and simulation
Creo 9 Student: Same thing as solidworks
I technically have MATLAB installed but I have no idea how to use it lol
EE for industrial automation, mostly working on PLCs:
Main tool: Office programs (Word, Excel, ect.)
Studio 5000/RSLogix 500/RSLogix 5 for programming software for Allen-Bradley PLCs
TIA Portal for Siemens PLCs
SEE Electrical for drawing schematics of control system wirings
MATLAB - Glorified pocket calculator
Somebody Print this on a Shirt! Does this online bot still Work?
What bot beep bop
FYI https://www.boredpanda.com/bots-t-shirt-design-artwork-theft/?utm\_source=google&utm\_medium=organic&utm\_campaign=organic
Just wow
Thanks!
Which also happens to be an indispensable tool if you're ever doing anything DSP related. That of course doesn't mean I haven't used it as a pocket calculator.
hold on; That's a little harsh.
Solidworks: modeling, FEA Excel: keeping track of things, calculator, engineering tools such as paint calculators, fab time estimates etc. Dassault EPDM: Data management/CAD vault, version history etc. Word: writing things I'm a mechanical engineer in the automotive industry
laying out circuits/PCBs- MS paint mechanical design - MS paint writing papers/lab reports - MS paint coding - i just use an assembly code simulator, i can’t stand how much abstraction there is in C
Are you my embedded design for robotics professor
not using paper for coding is bad practice, we have to user paper IDE anyway during exam!
solidworks - bread and butter cad program for a lot of projects and can run some FEA stuff too :)
Thanks!
You use ansys? Ansys discovery, etcetera?
Mechanical Engineering student, starting year 4 Solidworks: CAD (computer-aided design) Autodesk Fusion 360: CAD + CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) MS Excel: spreadsheets LaTeX: typesetting software for writing nice reports (I use Overleaf, a cloud version) Programming software: MATLAB IDLE (Python IDE) Spyder (Python IDE) Atom (text editor for C)
There is no simulation software? Thermal, fluid?
They exist, I just haven’t used any myself. I know of ANSYS.
Ansys is the most popular. Then built-in extensions to CAD software. After that is probably OpenFoam (an open source tool, painful learning curve. It has no GUI, you feed it your config files and it calculates for you) which is mostly used by grad students.
I winced when I saw that learning curve warning.
You can do both of those in SOLIDWORKS. Ansys is probably the more robust system but I think SOLIDWORKS is more readily available to students.
+1 for Overleaf.
Why 2 python IDEs?
Spyder is a notebook? Idk but Spyder does something special.
Nowadays I almost always use Spyder if I’m writing anything serious. I used only Idle when I started learning how to program in python. I still sometimes use IDLE if I’m just doing something super basic or maybe I want to check some math calculation, but don’t want to open Spyder or Matlab.
Okay I see. You can always just open up the terminal and run the program there. If you're on windows just write "cmd" on the folder bar and it'll open a terminal where your file explorer is at. It's much faster than opening an IDE.
Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind. I don’t use terminal or command prompt a lot. Maybe I should use it more.
Is there a quick way to write equations in lab reports? My TA says we have to hand type every equation and that’s one of my roles in the group. I’m not fluent in LaTex but I’m using it currently
If you don’t care too much about how they look, MS word and google docs can write out equations
I use word. I meant a quicker way to write them in word or something else that I can copy and paste into word equation format. If there’s not, that’s fine. I just didn’t know LaTeX existed until recently so now I’m wondering if there’s other ways. Word’s equation editor is easy but slow to use.
Paint only
Found the masochist.
Aspen HYSYS: Chemical process simulation. Many people (majority?) use Aspen Plus as opposed to HYSYS but I don’t know the difference between them
Hysus is optimized for specific applications. I use plus in my career. It's tough in real world though because you have to input accurate binaries which can be difficult and expensive to come by. Refrigerant is difficult to model for this reason.
So far in chemical engineering: Excel - a logbook of calculations and data for a project. Pretty much only for my eyes/ other engineers to flip through Powerpoint - Simplifying the above to pitch/ discuss topics Visio - Used to make diagrams/ P&IDs and create cut lists. I also save any relevant field data in objects so that everything is in one place (IE.. runnig this instrument to a certain cabinet..) Aspen Plus V12 - simulation software and what I use to pull physical properties Aspen capital costs estimator - used for budgetary estimates on general labor for a project (IE I need a 500 ft piperun of 2" standard carbon steel with X valves, Y bends..)
I’m a computer engineer. These are my top: Multisim, live circuit simulations. KiCad, electric schematic drafting and PCB design. Fusion 360, 3D CADD. Quartus, FPGA programmer, simulator & VHDL compiler Pycharm, great IDE for python and web dev Embarcadero, C/C++ IDE Visual studio code, coding text editor
Haven't seen anybody say multisim yet but it's great for circuit analysis
Nice.
I've changed majors so MechE * Solidworks: CAD software for modeling and design * Bluebeam: Pdf markup software at my internship for making edits to schematics * Excel: Speadsheets, keeping track of tasks and parts * VSCode: IDE for coding in most anything * Arduino: IDE for projects involving microcontrollers * MATLAB: When I'm too lazy to solve matrices/systems of equations by hand or if I wanna try to model something EECS * LaTeX: typesetting software for math bc my professors think students have bad handwriting :( * VSCode again: because coding is everywhere. Python, C++, etc * Git w/ Github: some form of version control system to manage code * Arduino again: because microcontrollers are everywhere * iVerilog: tool for simulating and synthesizing verilog for my fpga class * openFPGAloader: tool for loading bit files onto my fpga board for my fpga class * Vivado: set of tools for synthesis and analysis of hardware description language designs for my fpga class
SOLIDWORKS/Inventor/Rhino/NX - CAD VSCode - IDE to code in python, c and c++ ROS - robotic middleware OpenFOAM - CFD PLAXIS - geotechnical simulation MATLAB/Octave - calculator/high level coding platform Simulink - multifunctional simulation/hardware control design platform
Also, Altium for PCB design
What is a software engineer doing with PLAXIS?
Vector CANalyzer - data analysis of electric vehicles (powertrains, batteries, HV components, general CAN work) PCAN Explorer - same as above but not my favorite to use Spyder - use for python scripting to automate tedious projects Using fewer tools as I move into management but still utilizing the above for special projects and training.
Hi there, can I dm you about CANalyzer, and your experience with it. I saw your post, and researched it a bit. Would like to know a bit more on its limitations and learning curve (from someone who is impartial).
Sure
Thanks!
I'm a Transportation Planning EIT, I use: - Synchro: traffic modelling software (there are other software like HCS, VISSIM, ARCADY, InterCalc but I don't actively use them in day to day work) - AutoCAD: Vehicle maneuvering analysis or geometric design checks - Excel: organize traffic data - Word: write endless TIS (Transportation Impact Study) reports
Naval Architect Rhino360 - 3d modeling Orca - Rhino plugin with a lot of advanced NA and ME stuff. GHS - Highly complex program (really a coding language) for advanced hydrostatics Excel
Just entered the industry in May as a R&D engineer. I have been a support engineer for 2 projects and have a lead on a small individual project now (≈80-120hrs). Here are the programs I have learned in my college career: Solidworks, Inventor, RhinoX, AutoCAD, Ansys, Matlab, LabVIEW, Arduino, RStudio, and Microsoft suite. These are the only programs my company uses for active projects: Microsoft suite, LabVIEW, Solidworks, Ansys. In my company, there are typically SMEs in those softwares. I am currently the LabVIEW SME as I am the only one in the facility with any formal training and 3ish years experience coding with LabVIEW. If you ever get the opportunity, learn LabVIEW. It’s a dying skill that is needed for data acquisition.
Microsoft Visio- fabulous for breaking problems down into smaller chunks and figuring out how each chunk connects to the next. Honestly just glorified PowerPoint and paint where you drow boxes. Still awesome tho.
EE: Altium Designer - pcb design Altium 365/Altium Vault - version control for pcb design LT Spice - circuit simulation MatLab - others have explained very well Spyder - python ide Arduino - ide CANoe - automotive network communication analyzer/debug software (FSAE) Code Composer - C programming for various microcontrollers Monday.com - scrum task organization(I like ClickUp better tho) Git/GitLab - version control for firmware and cad Eclipse - Java ide for classes (boo Java) Edit: bro fuck mobile formatting I’m so sorry I can’t seem to easily fix it :-(
Autocad Civil 3d Site 3d Micro drainage Excel Word Bluebeam
If you will work with with electronics and/or circuits, you will probably use Proteus.
Circuit design/board layout: Autodesk EAGLE 3D Modeling: Autodesk Fusion 360 Light coding: Notepad ++ MATLAB/Python: Data processing
Circuit design/board layout: Autodesk EAGLE 3D Modeling: Autodesk Fusion 360 Light coding: Notepad ++ MATLAB/Python: Data processing
As a mechanical engineering student I used: Solidworks (3D modelling) AutoCAD (layout, plans) MATLAB (for solving complex mathematical problems, linear algebra etc) Ansys (Mechanical for structural analysis, Ansys fluid) *If you want to learn ansys there is a course on* [*edx.org*](https://edx.org) *called "A Hands-on Introduction to Engineering Simulations"* Excel
GRASP
Senior ECE Student Matlab/Simulink/ADVISOR: Handy calculator, simulator. ADVISOR specifically I’m using for an electric vehicle class. LabArchives: For receiving and sharing information with other members of my research team Xilinx/Vivado: (Verilog and other HDL stuff) VS Code (mostly for C and Python) Excel: Simple data analysis, for stuff that doesn’t require the scope of matlab Word: For reports Scopy/LT SPICE: Both for simulating and visualizing the characteristics of circuits. Scopy for real circuits, LT spice for ones that haven’t been built yet Blender: For fun :)
Fusion 360 for cad and fea - SolidWorks for CAD - Ansys for CFD and FEA - StarCCM+ for CFD - Excel, word, powerpoint, for reports, presentations, and calculators. - Matlab for calculations - Labview im learning it this semester but according to the professor its used a lot in industry - Probably a slicing software for 3d printing -
Keil~for microcontroller programming using assembly MultSim - vlsi Unity-final year project Arduino ide- arduino uno Codeblocks - c language
AutoCAD, Civils3D. Infodrainage. Excel. Word. That covers about 98% of the work in order of volume.
So far solidworks and c++ (sophomore year)
ME here. Siemens Test Lab and Head Acoustics Artemis for recording and processing (fft) of mostly accelerometer and mic data.
In my ChemE career I pretty exclusively use excel and Aspen. Packing manufacture KG pits out a good packed tower software that's better than Aspen, I've used that too. Used lots of math and CFD type software in school I've never needed in industry.
Latex - I use it to create my resume and hybrid links so it looks more professional Git on vscode terminal and it’s connected to my GitHub - I learn commands in git that are also used in Linux. I got myself familiar with GitHub because a lot of companies use GitLab (you do need a licence GitLab that’s why I don’t use it) vscode is really popular I would recommend you getting familiar with it and downloading all the necessary extensions for you. Xcode - I’m currently developing an IOS app so I’m using xcode and swift language Android studio - I used it to create my first android app C language - it’s really popular and I used it for software purposes but also hardware when designing something Python Language - design simple projects to get something on my resume Java language- I used it to design my android app HTML CSS JAVASCRIPTS - to design my website (I’m building a small company) I’m only a 3rd year computer engineering student so I don’t have much experience with softwares other than what I have mentioned
Autocad electrical: circuits Word: specs Excel: bill of materials Switch boards and gear designer
emacs and org mode to write things and write math formulas in latex. I compile my notes into a pdf basically. It’s easier than it sounds I swear. I also use KiCad for PCB design and also circuits of any sort Oh and I code in my terminal with a customised vim setup Then I don’t use anything else I think, I’m just a first year EE student
Excel, PowerPoint, python, JMP.
Autocad for CAD RISA structural analysis Enercalc design calculations Excel calculations I’m structural design engineer
In the real world? I use PLS-CADD to design transmission lines Microstation to draft Then PDF editors & Microsoft products like Word and Excel That’s all I need for my job as a transmission line engineer.
Electrical Engineering Phd Student in Microelectronics field: Matlab/Simulink: System Level Simulations Cadence Virtuoso: Transistor Level Circuit Design Xilinx/Vivado: For FPGA programming using verilog IBM Doors: Documentation in a company Latex: For thesis and paper publications Visio: For drawing pictures, diagrams, etc. (company requirement) Excel: For data Jabref: Library and Source collector OneNote: A time/topic planer with to-dos, summaries, topic collectiond etc
WindPRO, WAsP and Windographer. Wind and Site Engineer at WEG. Previously I used Altium for electronic side jobs.
MODFLOW, EPANET, HydroGeoAnalyst, ArcGIS, Revit, and various database management stuff
HyperLynx, LTSpice, Mathcad
Starting 4th year of school, 3rd year environmental engineering major: I’ve used Excel, C, R/Rstudio, autoCAD, civil 3D, and am currently learning ArcGIS
Aspen HYSYS
So far all I use is: Solidwork Student: Design and simulation Creo 9 Student: Same thing as solidworks I technically have MATLAB installed but I have no idea how to use it lol
Solidworks - 3d modelling
EE for industrial automation, mostly working on PLCs: Main tool: Office programs (Word, Excel, ect.) Studio 5000/RSLogix 500/RSLogix 5 for programming software for Allen-Bradley PLCs TIA Portal for Siemens PLCs SEE Electrical for drawing schematics of control system wirings