1. A method for simulating a physical instrument or function of the instrument, comprising: providing a set of electronic components, at least one of which is selectively configurable; creating a software model for configuring the electronic components to simulate the instrument or instrument function; and applying the software model to the electronic components to cause the electronic components to be configured when simulation of the instrument or instrument function is desired so that the electronic components will provide a response corresponding to the simulated instrument or instrument function.