Developer(s)Powersim
Initial releaseJune 1994 (1994-06)
Stable release
2021a / 16 March 2021 (2021-03-16)[1]
Operating systemMicrosoft Windows
TypeSimulation software
LicenseProprietary, Trialware
Websitewww.powersimtech.com

PSIM is an Electronic circuit simulation software package, designed specifically for use in power electronics and motor drive simulations but can be used to simulate any electronic circuit. Developed by Powersim, PSIM uses nodal analysis and the trapezoidal rule integration[2] as the basis of its simulation algorithm. PSIM provides a schematic capture interface and a waveform viewer Simview. PSIM has several modules that extend its functionality into specific areas of circuit simulation and design including: control theory,[3] electric motors,[4] photovoltaics[5] and wind turbines[6] PSIM is used by industry for research and product development and it is used by educational institutions for research and teaching[7] and was acquired by Altair Engineering in March 2022.[8]

Modules

PSIM has various add on modules, the full list and their descriptions can be found on the Powersim website. There are modules that enable motor drive simulation, digital control, and the calculation of thermal losses due to switching and conduction.[9] There is a renewable energy module which allows for the simulation of photovoltaics (including temperature effects), batteries, supercapacitor, and wind turbines. Additionally there are several modules which allow co-simulation with other platforms to verify VHDL or Verilog code or to co simulate with an FEA program. The programs that PSIM currently co-simulates with are: Simulink, JMAG, and ModelSim.

PSIM currently supports automatic c-code generation with the SimCoder Module and will output c-code for use with Texas Instruments F2833x and F2803x floating and fixed point digital signal processors from the C2000 series. With PSIM version 10.0.4, PSIM has support for Freescale Semiconductor Kinetis V series MCU.

In addition, PSIM's Processor-In-Loop simulation or PIL Module was to control a PSIM simulation with code that is executing on a TI DSP or MCU.

Comparison with SPICE

PSIM has a much faster simulation speed than SPICE based simulators based on its usage of the ideal switch. With the additional Digital and SimCoupler Modules almost any kind of logic algorithm can be simulated. Since PSIM uses ideal switches the simulated waveforms will reflect this, making PSIM more suited for system level studies rather than switching transition studies. Additionally, PSIM has a simplified interface compared to other simulators and as a result has a more intuitive interface.[10][11]

MOSFET and Diode Level 2 models were added in the version 10 release. These models allow the simulation of the switch transition, reverse recovery effects, and gate drive circuitry.[12] A comparison with a PSIM & SPICE model of the same device showed similar resulting waveforms with a comparable simulation speed given identical operating conditions.[13] PowerSim recently partnered with CoolCAD Electronics to add CoolSPICE, a SPICE based integrated circuit modeling and design tool, as a bundle option for the PSIM software package.[14] The advantage being that PSIM would then have the flexibility to be able to run SPICE based models and net-lists.

Licensing

There are various licensing options available for PSIM. There is a free demo version which does not expire but is limited in component count and allowed circuit complexity. The standard/student version allows for the simulation of less complex circuits for a reduced cost. PowerSim does have educational licensing options, some are free, for institutions to address simulation requirements for research and for teaching.

References

  1. ↑ "Version History | Powersim, Inc". powersimtech.com. Retrieved 2021-04-26.
  2. ↑ "Frequently Asked Questions". Powersim Inc. Retrieved Nov 26, 2013.
  3. ↑ Pahlevaninezhad, Majid; Pritam Das; Gerry Moschopoulos; Praveen Jain (March 17, 2013). "SENSORLESS CONTROL OF A BOOST PFC AC/DC CONVERTER WITH A VERY FAST TRANSIENT RESPONSE". Twenty-Eighth Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition. Long Beach, CA: IEEE. pp. 356–360.
  4. ↑ Sukesh, Nikhil; Majid Pahlevaninezhad; Praveen Jain (March 17, 2013). "Novel Torque Predictive Control for a Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor with Minimum Torque Ripple and Fast Dynamics". Twenty-Eighth Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition. Long Beach, CA: IEEE. pp. 2253–2258.
  5. ↑ Nélio N. Lima; Luiz C. de Freitas; Gustavo M. Buiatti; João B. Vieira Jr.; Luiz C. G. Freitas; Ernane A. A. Coelho (March 17, 2013). "Low Complexity System for Real-time Determination of Current-Voltage Characteristic of PV Modules and Strings". Twenty-Eighth Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition. Long Beach, CA: IEEE. pp. 2817–2813.
  6. ↑ Mohamed Hilmy; Mohamed Orabi; Mahrous Ahmed; Mohamed El-Nemr; Mohamed Youssef (March 6, 2011). "A Less Sensor Control Method for Standalone Small Wind Energy Using Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator". Twenty-sixth Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition. Fort Worth, TX: IEEE. pp. 1968–1974.
  7. ↑ "UBC Power Group useful links". University of British Columbia, department of Electrical Engineering. UBC. 18 July 2016. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  8. ↑ "Altair Acquires Powersim to Boost Its Electronic System Design Capabilities". Engineering.com. Retrieved 2022-08-24.
  9. ↑ Martinez, C.; A. Lazaro; C. Lucena; I. Quesada; P. Zumel; A. Barrado (March 17, 2013). "Improved Modulator for Losses Reduction in Auxiliary Railway Power Supplies". Twenty-Eighth Annual IEEE Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition. Long Beach, CA: IEEE. pp. 2324–2331.
  10. ↑ Raghuwanshi, Santosh; Ankita Singh; Yamini mokhariwale (March 2012). "A Comparison & Performance of Simulation Tools MATLAB/SIMULINK, PSIM & PSPICE for Power Electronics Circuits" (PDF). International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science and Software Engineering. IJARCSSE. 2 (3): 187–191. ISSN 2277-128X.
  11. ↑ Ben-yaakov, Sam (October 2006). Control Design of PWM Converters: The User friendly Approach (PDF). Long Beach, CA: Power Electronics Technologies Conference.
  12. ↑ "PSIM Version History". Powersim Inc. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  13. ↑ "Intro to PSIM level 2 MOSFET & Comparison with SPICE". Powersim Inc. Retrieved September 2, 2015.
  14. ↑ Ferreira, B. (2016). Expanding Power Electronics Activities Across the Globe [President's Message]. IEEE Power Electronics Magazine, 3(1), 6-8.
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