A hybrid circuits-cloud: Development of a low-cost secure cloud-based collaborative platform for A/D circuits in virtual hardware E-lab

Abstract

The development and use of cloud based tools in virtual learning has been increasing in recent years. Electronic Design Automation (EDA) or Electronic Computer-Aided Design (ECAD) is one of the most important tools that are used for electronic circuit design and simulation. There is a number of available cloud based EDA tools that are used in industry and educational institutions. This paper introduces a hybrid-circuits cloud-based platform that enables students to design, simulate, and model both analog and digital electronic systems. Circuits-cloud became one of the top best electronic circuit cloud tools, it is ranked as number one in Google search for the “top list of electronic circuit cloud tools”. It integrates the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud based tools by adding sensors, actuators, and interact with the physical design in the laboratory in the real time. This platform acts as a comprehensive laboratory device to capture components, draw circuits, integrate different components, apply different inputs, simulate, measure, and detect any defect or heated elements. This cloud-based platform introduces an integrated environment for digital, analog and IoT modeling. The platform has a laboratory device that can be integrated into circuits level with the cloud system to test the physical circuits in real-time remotely. This enables in-browser cloud platform for schematic capture, circuit simulation, and emulation. As a testimony of the platform of the modeling and simulation discipline, a list of about 100 types of equipment?s were included and tested. The cloud service is provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS) with high data protection service, AWS also provides encryption, key management, and threat detection that continuously monitors and protects user accounts and workloads. It is estimated to be able to serve approximately 2000 active students and tutors on a monthly average. This platform can be used in distance and blended learning as well.