PSIM

Users Guide

Powersim Inc.

-7

PSIM Users Guide

Version 6.0

June 2003

Copyright 2001-2003 Powersim Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this manual may be photocopied or reproduced in any form or by any
means without the written permission of Powersim Inc.

Disclaimer
Powersim Inc. (Powersim) makes no representation or warranty with respect to the adequacy or
accuracy of this documentation or the software which it describes. In no event will Powersim or its
direct or indirect suppliers be liable for any damages whatsoever including, but not limited to, direct,
indirect, incidental, or consequential damages of any character including, without limitation, loss of
business profits, data, business information, or any and all other commercial damages or losses, or for
any damages in excess of the list price for the licence to the software and documentation.

Powersim Inc.

email: [email protected]
http://www.powersimtech.com

-6

Contents
1

General Information
1.1

Introduction 1

1.2

Circuit Structure 2

1.3

Software/Hardware Requirement 2

1.4

Installing the Program 2

1.5

Simulating a Circuit 3

1.6

Component Parameter Specification and Format 3

Power Circuit Components

2.1

Resistor-Inductor-Capacitor Branches 7
2.1.1 Resistors, Inductors, and Capacitors 7
2.1.2 Rheostat 8
2.1.3 Saturable Inductor 8
2.1.4 Nonlinear Elements 9

2.2

Switches 11
2.2.1 Diode, DIAC, and Zener Diode 12
2.2.2 Thyristor and TRIAC 14
2.2.3 GTO, Transistors, and Bi-Directional Switch 15
2.2.4 Linear Switches 18
2.2.5 Switch Gating Block 19
2.2.6 Single-Phase Switch Modules 21
2.2.7 Three-Phase Switch Modules 22

2.3

Coupled Inductors 24

2.4

Transformers 26
2.4.1 Ideal Transformer 26

i -5

2.4.2 Single-Phase Transformers 26

2.4.3 Three-Phase Transformers 29
2.5

Other Elements 31
2.5.1 Operational Amplifier 31
2.5.2 dv/dt Block 32

2.6

Motor Drive Module 33

2.6.1 Electric Machines 33
2.6.1.1 DC Machine 33
2.6.1.2 Induction Machine 37
2.6.1.3 Induction Machine with Saturation 41
2.6.1.4 Brushless DC Machine 42
2.6.1.5 Synchronous Machine with External Excitation 48
2.6.1.6 Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine 50
2.6.1.7 Switched Reluctance Machine 54
2.6.2 Mechanical Loads 56
2.6.2.1 Constant-Torque Load 56
2.6.2.2 Constant-Power Load 57
2.6.2.3 Constant-Speed Load 58
2.6.2.4 General-Type Load 59
2.6.3 Gear Box 59
2.6.4 Mechanical-Electrical Interface Block 60
2.6.5 Speed/Torque Sensors 62

Control Circuit Components

3.1

Transfer Function Blocks 65

3.1.1 Proportional Controller 66
3.1.2 Integrator 67
3.1.3 Differentiator 68
3.1.4 Proportional-Integral Controller 69
3.1.5 Built-in Filter Blocks 69

3.2

-4
ii

Computational Function Blocks 70

3.2.1 Summer 70
3.2.2 Multiplier and Divider 71
3.2.3 Square-Root Block 72
3.2.4 Exponential/Power/Logarithmic Function Blocks 72
3.2.5 Root-Mean-Square Block 73
3.2.6 Absolute and Sign Function Blocks 73
3.2.7 Trigonometric Functions 73
3.2.8 Fast Fourier Transform Block 74
3.3

Other Function Blocks 75

3.3.1 Comparator 75
3.3.2 Limiter 76
3.3.3 Gradient (dv/dt) Limiter 76
3.3.4 Look-up Table 76
3.3.5 Trapezoidal and Square Blocks 78
3.3.6 Sampling/Hold Block 79
3.3.7 Round-Off Block 80
3.3.8 Time Delay Block 81
3.3.9 Multiplexer 82
3.3.10 THD Block 83

3.4

Logic Components 85
3.4.1 Logic Gates 85
3.4.2 Set-Reset Flip-Flop 85
3.4.3 J-K Flip-Flop 86
3.4.4 D Flip-Flop 87
3.4.5 Monostable Multivibrator 87
3.4.6 Pulse Width Counter 88
3.4.7 A/D and D/A Converters 88

3.5

Digital Control Module 89

3.5.1 Zero-Order Hold 89
3.5.2 z-Domain Transfer Function Block 90
3.5.2.1 Integrator 91
3.5.2.2 Differentiator 93
3.5.2.3 Digital Filters 93

iii-3

3.5.3 Unit Delay 97

3.5.4 Quantization Block 97
3.5.5 Circular Buffer 98
3.5.6 Convolution Block 99
3.5.7 Memory Read Block 100
3.5.8 Data Array 100
3.5.9 Stack 101
3.5.10 Multi-Rate Sampling System 102
3.6

SimCoupler Module 103

3.6.1 Set-up in PSIM and Simulink 103
3.6.2 Solver Type and Time Step Selection in Simulink 106

Other Components
4.1

Parameter File 109

4.2

Sources 110
4.2.1 Time 110
4.2.2 DC Source 110
4.2.3 Sinusoidal Source 111
4.2.4 Square-Wave Source 112
4.2.5 Triangular Source 1
4.2.6 Step Sources 114
4.2.7 Piecewise Linear Source 115
4.2.8 Random Source 117
4.2.9 Math Function Source 1
4.2.10 Voltage/Current-Controlled Sources 118
4.2.11 Nonlinear Voltage-Controlled Sources 120

4.3

Voltage/Current Sensors 121

4.4

Probes and Meters 122

4.5

Switch Controllers 124

4.5.1 On-Off Switch Controller 124
4.5.2 Alpha Controller 125

-2
iv

4.5.3 PWM Lookup Table Controller 126

4.6

Function Blocks 128

4.6.1 Control-Power Interface Block 128
4.6.2 ABC-DQO Transformation Block 130
4.6.3 Math Function Blocks 131
4.6.4 External DLL Blocks 132

Analysis Specification
5.1

Transient Analysis 135

5.2

AC Analysis 136

5.3

Parameter Sweep 140

Circuit Schematic Design

6.1

Creating a Circuit 144

6.2

Editing a Circuit 144

6.3

Subcircuit 145
6.3.1 Creating Subcircuit - In the Main Circuit 146
6.3.2 Creating Subcircuit - Inside the Subcircuit 147
6.3.3 Connecting Subcircuit - In the Main Circuit 148
6.3.4 Other Features of the Subcircuit 149
6.3.4.1 Passing Variables from the Main Circuit to Subcircuit 149
6.3.4.2 Customizing the Subcircuit Image 150
6.3.4.3 Including Subcircuits in the PSIM Element List 151

6.4

Other Options 152

6.4.1 Running the Simulation 152
6.4.2 Generate and View the Netlist File 152
6.4.3 Define Runtime Display 152
6.4.4 Settings 152
6.4.5 Printing the Circuit Schematic 153

v -1

6.5

Editing PSIM Library 153

Waveform Processing
7.1

File Menu 156

7.2

Edit Menu 156

7.3

Axis Menu 157

7.4

Screen Menu 158

7.5

View Menu 159

7.6

Option Menu 161

7.7

Label Menu 162

7.8

Exporting Data 162

Error/Warning Messages and Other Simulation Issues

8.1

Simulation Issues 165

8.1.1 Time Step Selection 165
8.1.2 Propagation Delays in Logic Circuits 165
8.1.3 Interface Between Power and Control Circuits 166
8.1.4 FFT Analysis 166

0vi

8.2

Error/Warning Messages 167

8.3

Debugging 168

1
General Information
1.1

Introduction
PSIM is a simulation package specifically designed for power electronics and motor
control. With fast simulation and friendly user interface, PSIM provides a powerful
simulation environment for power electronics, analog and digital control, and motor
drive system studies.
This manual covers both PSIM1 and its three add-on Modules: Motor Drive Module,
Digital Control Module, and SimCoupler Module. The Motor Drive Module has built-in
machine models and mechanical load models for drive system studies. The Digital
Control Module provides discrete elements such as zero-order hold, z-domain transfer
function blocks, quantization blocks, digital filters, for digital control analysis. The
SimCoupler Module provides interface between PSIM and Matlab/Simulink2 for cosimulation.
The PSIM simulation package consists of three programs: circuit schematic program
PSIM, PSIM simulator, and waveform processing program SIMVIEW 1. The simulation
environment is illustrated as follows.
PSIM Schematic

Circuit Schematic Editor (input: *.sch)

PSIM Simulator

PSIM Simulator (input: *.cct; output: *.txt)

SIMVIEW

Waveform Processor (input: *.txt)

Chapter 1 of this manual describes the circuit structure, software/hardware requirement,

and parameter specification format. Chapter 2 through 4 describe the power and control

1. PSIM and SIMVIEW are copyright by Powersim Inc., 2001-2003

2. Matlab and Simulink are registered trademarks of the MathWorks, Inc.

Introduction

circuit components. Chapter 5 describes the specifications of the transient analysis and
ac analysis. The use of the PSIM schematic program and SIMVIEW is discussed in
Chapter 6 and 7. Finally, error/warning messages are discussed in Chapter 8.

1.2

Circuit Structure
A circuit is represented in PSIM in four blocks: power circuit, control circuit, sensors,
and switch controllers. The figure below shows the relationship between these blocks.

Power Circuit

Switch
Controllers

Sensors

Control Circuit

The power circuit consists of switching devices, RLC branches, transformers, and
coupled inductors. The control circuit is represented in block diagram. Components in s
domain and z domain, logic components (such as logic gates and flip flops), and
nonlinear components (such as multipliers and dividers) are used in the control circuit.
Sensors measure power circuit voltages and currents and pass the values to the control
circuit. Gating signals are then generated from the control circuit and sent back to the
power circuit through switch controllers to control switches.

1.3

Software/Hardware Requiremen
PSIM runs in Microsoft Windows environment 98/NT/2000/XP on personal computers.
The minimum RAM memory requirement is 32 MB.

1.4

Installing the Program

A quick installation guide is provided in the flier PSIM - Quick Guide and on the CDROM.
Some of the files in the PSIM directory are shown in the table below.

General Information

Files

Description

psim.dll

PSIM simulator

psim.exe

PSIM circuit schematic editor

simview.exe

Waveform processor SIMVIEW

psim.lib, psimimage.lib

PSIM libraries

*.hlp

Help files

*.sch

Schematic files

File extensions used in PSIM are:

1.5

*.sch

PSIM schematic file (binary

*.cct

PSIM netlist file (text)

*.txt

PSIM simulation output file (text)

*.fra

PSIM ac analysis output file (text)

*.smv

SIMVIEW waveform file (binary)

Simulating a Circuit
To simulate the sample one-quadrant chopper circuit chop.sch:
- Start PSIM. Choose Open from the File menu to load the file chop.sch.
- From the Simulate menu, choose Run PSIM to start the simulation. The
simulation results will be saved to File chop.txt. Any warning messages
occurred in the simulation will be saved to File message.doc.
- If the option Auto-run SIMVIEW is not selected in the Options menu, from
the Simulate menu, choose Run SIMVIEW to start SIMVIEW. If the option
Auto-run SIMVIEW is selected, SIMVIEW will be launched automatically.
In SIMVIEW, select curves for display.

1.6

Component Parameter Specification and Format

The parameter dialog window of each component in PSIM has three tabs: Parameters,
Other Info, and Color, as shown below.

Simulating a Circuit

The parameters in the Parameters tab are used in the simulation. The information in the
Other Info tab, on the other hand, is not used in the simulation. It is for reporting
purposes only and will appear in the parts list in View | Element List in PSIM.
Information such as device rating, manufacturer, and part number can be stored under
the Other Info tab.
The component color can be set in the Color tab.
Parameters under the Parameters tab can be a numerical value or a mathematical
expression. A resistance, for example, can be specified in one of the following ways:
12.5
12.5k
12.5Ohm
12.5kOhm
25./2.Oh
R1+R2
R1*0.5+(Vo+0.7)/Io
where R1, R2, Vo, and Io are symbols defined either in a parameter file (see Section
4.1), or in a main circuit if this resistor is in a subcircuit (see Section 6.3.4.1).
Power-of-ten suffix letters are allowed in PSIM. The following suffix letters are
supported:

109

106

k or K

103

10-3

10-6

10-9

10-12

General Information

A mathematical expression can contain brackets and is not case sensitive. The following
mathematical functions are allowed:
+
*
/
^
SQRT
SIN
COS
TAN
ATAN

addition
subtraction
multiplication
division
to the power of [Example: 2^3 = 2*2*2]
square-root function
sine function
cosine function
tangent function
inverse tangent function

EXP
LOG
LOG10
ABS
SIGN

exponential (base e) [Example: EXP(x) = e x]

logarithmic function (base e) [Example: LOG(x) = ln (x)]
logarithmic function (base 10)
absolute function
sign function [Example: SIGN(1.2) = 1; SIGN(-1.2)=-1]

Component Parameter Specification and Format

General Information

2
Power Circuit Components
2.1

Resistor-Inductor-Capacitor Branches

2.1.1 Resistors, Inductors, and Capacitors

Both individual resistor, inductor, capacitor branches and lumped RLC branches are
provided in PSIM. Initial conditions of inductor currents and capacitor voltages can be
defined.
To facilitate the setup of three-phase circuits, symmetrical three-phase RLC branches,
R3, RL3, RC3, RLC3, are provided. Initial inductor currents and capacitor
voltages of the three-phase branches are all zero.
Images:
R

R3

RC

RL

RL3

RC3

LC

RLC3

RLC

The names above the element images are the netlist names of the elements. For
example, a resistor appears as Resistor in the library menu, and the netlist name is
R.
For three-phase branches, the phase with a dot is Phase A.
Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Resistance

Resistance, in Ohm

Inductance

Inductance, in H

Capacitance

Capacitance, in F

Resistor-Inductor-Capacitor Branches

Parameters

Description

Initial Current

Initial inductor current, in A

Initial Cap.Voltage

Initial capacitor voltage, in

Current Flag

Flag for branch current output. If the flag is zero, there is

no current output. If the flag is 1, the current will be saved
to the output file for display in SIMVIEW. The current is
positive when it flows into the dotted terminal of the
branch.

Current Flag_A;
Current Flag_B;
Current Flag_C

Flags for Phase A, B, and C of three-phase branches,

respectively.

The resistance, inductance, or capacitance of a branch can not be all zero. At least one of
the parameters has to be a non-zero value.

2.1.2 Rheostat
A rheostat is a resistor with a tap.
Image:
RHEOSTAT
t
k

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Total Resistance

Total resistance of the rheostat R (between Node k and m),

in Ohm

Tap Position (0 to 1)

The tap position Tap. The resistance between Node k and t

is: R*Tap.

Current Flag

Flag for the current that flows into Node k.

2.1.3 Saturable Inductor

A saturable inductor takes into account the saturation effect of the inductor magnetic

Power Circuit Components

core.
Image:
L_SAT

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Current v.s. Inductance

Characteristics of the current versus the inductance (i1,

L1), (i2, L2), etc.

Current Flag

Flag for the current display

The nonlinear B-H curve is represented by piecewise linear approximation. Since the
flux density B is proportional to the flux linkage and the magnetizing force H is
proportional to the current i, the B-H curve can be represented by the -i curve instead,
as shown below.

3
2
1

(B)
Inductance L = / i

i1

i2

i3

i (H)

The inductance is defined as: L = / i, which is the slope of the -i curve at different
points. The saturation characteristics can then be expressed by pairs of data points as:
(i1, L1), (i2, L2), (i3, L3), etc.

2.1.4 Nonlinear Elements

Four elements with nonlinear voltage-current relationship are provided:
- Resistance-type (NONV) [v = f(i)]
- Resistance-type with additional input x (NONV_1) [v = f(i,x)]
- Conductance-type (NONI i = f(v)]

Resistor-Inductor-Capacitor Branches

- Conductance-type with additional input x (NONI_1) [i = f(v,x)]

The additional input x must be a voltage signal.
Images:
NONV / NONI

NONV_1 / NONI_1

Input x

Attributes:
For resistance-type elements:
Parameters

Description

Expression f(i) or f(i,x)

Expression v = f(i) for NONV and v = f(i,x) for NONV_1

Expression df/di

The derivative of the voltage v versus current i, i.e. df(i)/di

Initial Value io

The initial value of the current i

Lower Limit of i

The lower limit of the current i

Upper Limit of i

The upper limit of the current i

For conductance-type elements:

Parameters

Description

Expression f(v) or
f(v,x)

Expression i = f(v) for NONI and i = f(v,x) for NONI_1

Expression df/dv

The derivative of the current i versus voltage v, i.e. df(v)/dv

Initial Value vo

The initial value of the voltage v

Lower Limit of v

The lower limit of the voltage v

Upper Limit of v

The upper limit of the voltage v

A good initial value and lower/upper limits will help the convergence of the solution.

10

Power Circuit Components

Example: Nonlinear Diode

The nonlinear element (NONI) in the circuit above models a nonlinear diode. The diode
current is expressed as a function of the voltage as: i = 10-14 * (e 40*v-1). In PSIM, the
specifications of the nonlinear element will be:

2.2

Expression f(v)

1e-14*(EXP(40*v)-1)

Expression df/dv

40e-14*EXP(40*v)

Initial Value vo

Lower Limit of v

-1e3

Upper Limit of v

Switches
There are two basic types of switches in PSIM. One is switchmode. It operates either in
the cut-off region (off state) or saturation region (on state). The other is linear. It can
operates in either cut-off, linear, or saturation region.
Switches in switchmode include the following:
- Diode (DIODE) and DIAC (DIAC)
- Thyristor (THY) and TRIAC (TRIAC)
- Self-commutated switches, specifically:
- Gate-Turn-Off switch (GTO)
- npn bipolar junction transistor (NPN
- pnp bipolar junction transistor (PNP)
- Insulated-Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT
- n-channel Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor
(MOSFET) and p-channel MOSFET (MOSFET_P)

Switches

11

- Bi-directional switch (SSWI)

The names inside the bracket are the netlist names used in PSIM.
Switch models in PSIM are ideal. That is, both turn-on and turn-off transients are
neglected. A switch has an on-resistance of 10 and an off-resistance of 1M .
Snubber circuits are not required for switches.
Linear switches include the following:
- npn bipolar junction transistor (NPN_1)
- pnp bipolar junction transistor (PNP_1)

2.2.1 Diode, DIAC, and Zener Diode

The conduction of a diode is determined by circuit operating conditions. A diode is
turned on when it is positively biased, and is turned off when the current drops to zero.
Image:
DIODE

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Diode Voltage Drop

Diode conduction voltage drop, in V

Initial Position

Flag for the initial diode position. If the flag is 0, the diode
is open. If it is 1, the diode is closed.

Current Flag

Flag for the diode current output. If the flag is 0, there is

no current output. If the flag is 1, the diode current will be
saved to the output file for display in SIMVIEW.

A DIAC is a bi-directional diode. A DIAC does not conduct until the breakover voltage
is reached. After that, the DIAC goes into avalanche conduction, and the conduction
voltage drop is the breakback voltage.
Image:
DIAC

12

Power Circuit Components

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Breakover Voltage

Voltage at which breakover occurs and the DIAC begins to

conduct, in V

Breakback Voltage

Conduction voltage drop, in V

Current Flag

Current flag

A zener diode is modelled by a circuit as shown below.

Images:
K

ZENER
Circuit Model

VB
A

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Breakdown Voltage

Breakdown voltage VB of the zener diode, in V

Forward Voltage Drop

Voltage drop of the forward conduction (diode voltage

drop from anode to cathode)

Current Flag

Flag for zener current output (from anode to cathode)

If the zener diode is positively biased, it behaviors as a regular diode. When it is reverse
biased, it will block the conduction as long as the cathode-anode voltage VKA is less than
the breakdown voltage VB. When VKA exceeds VB, the voltage VKA will be clamped to
VB. [Note: when the zener is clamped, since the diode is modelled with an on-resistance
of 10, the cathode-anode voltage will in fact be equal to: VKA = VB + 10 * IKA.
Therefore, depending on the value of IKA, VKA will be slightly higher than VB. If IKA is
very large, VKA can be substantially higher than VB].

Switches

13

2.2.2 Thyristor and TRIAC

A thyristor is controlled at turn-on. The turn-off is determined by circuit conditions.
A TRIAC is a device that can conduct current in both directions. It behaviors in the
same way as two thyristors in the opposite direction connected in parallel.
Images:
TRIAC

THY
A

K
Gate
Gate

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Voltage Drop

Thyristor conduction voltage drop, in

Holding Current

Minimum conduction current below which the device stops

conducting and returns to the OFF state (for THY only)

Latching Current

Minimum ON state current required to keep the device in the

ON state after the triggering pulse is removed (for THY only)

Initial Position

Flag for the initial switch position (for THY only)

Current Flag

Flag for switch current output

TRIAC holding current and latching current are set to zero.

There are two ways to control a thyristor or TRIAC. One is to use a gating block
(GATING), and the other is to use a switch controller. The gate node of a thyristor or
TRIAC, therefore, must be connected to either a gating block or a switch controller.
The following examples illustrate the control of a thyristor switch.

14

Power Circuit Components

Examples: Control of a Thyristor Switch

Gating Block

Alpha
Controller

This circuit on the left uses a switching gating block (see Section 2.2.5). The switching
gating pattern and the frequency are pre-defined, and will remain unchanged throughout
the simulation. The circuit on the right uses an alpha controller (see Section 4.5.2). The
delay angle alpha, in deg., is specified through the dc source in the circuit.

2.2.3 GTO, Transistors, and Bi-Directional Switch

Self-commutated switches in the switchmode, except pnp bipolar junction transistor
(BJT) and p-channel MOSFET, are turned on when the gating is high (when a voltage of
1V or higher is applied to the gate node) and the switch is positively biased (collectoremitter or drain-source voltage is positive). It is turned off whenever the gating is low or
the current drops to zero. For pnp BJT and p-channel MOSFET, switches are turned on
when the gating is low and switches are negatively biased (collector-emitter or drainsource voltage is negative).
A GTO switch is a symmetrical device with both forward-blocking and reverseblocking capabilities. An IGBT or MOSFET switch consist of an active switch with an
anti-parallel diode.
A bi-directional switch (SSWI) conducts currents in both directions. It is on when the
gating is high and is off when the gating is low, regardless of the voltage bias conditions.
Note that a limitation of the BJT switch model in PSIM, in contrary to the device
behavior in the real life, is that a BJT switch in PSIM can block reverse voltage (in this
sense, it behaviors like a GTO). Also, it is controlled by a voltage signal at the gate
node, not a current.

Switches

15

Images:
GTO

NPN

PNP

MOSFET

MOSFET_P

IGBT

SSWI

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Initial Position

Initial switch position flag. For MOSFET and IGBT, this

flag is for the active switch, not for the anti-parallel diode.

Current Flag

Switch current flag. For MOSFET and IGBT, the current

through the whole module (the active switch plus the diode)
will be displayed.

A switch can be controlled by either a gating block (GATING) or a switch controller.

They must be connected to the gate (base) node of the switch. The following examples
illustrate the control of a MOSFET switch.
Examples: Control of a MOSFET Switch

On-off Controller

The circuit on the left uses a gating block, and the one on the right uses an on-off switch
controller (see Section 4.5.1). The gating signal is determined by the comparator output.
Example: Control of a npn Bipolar Junction Transistor
The circuit on the left uses a gating block, and the one on the right uses an on-off switch
controller

16

Power Circuit Components

The following shows another example of controlling the BJT switch. The circuit on the
left shows how a BJT switch is controlled in the real life. In this case, the gating voltage
VB is applied to the transistor base drive circuit through a transformer, and the base
current determines the conduction state of the transistor.
This circuit can be modelled and implemented in PSIM as shown on the right. A diode,
Dbe, with a conduction voltage drop of 0.7V, is used to model the pn junction between
the base and the emitter. When the base current exceeds 0 (or a certain threshold value,
in which case the base current will be compared to a dc source), the comparator output
will be 1, applying the turn-on pulse to the transistor through the on-off switch
controller

Switches

17

2.2.4 Linear Switches

Linear switches include npn bipolar junction transistor (NPN_1) and pnp bipolar
junction transistor (PNP_1). They can operate in either cut-off, linear, or saturation
region.
Images:
PNP_1

NPN_1

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Current Gain beta

Transistor current gain , defined as: =Ic/Ib

Bias Voltage r

Forward bias voltage between base and emitter for

NPN_1, or between emitter and base for PNP_1

Vce,sat [or Vec,sat for

PNP_1]

Saturation voltage between collector and emitter for

NPN_1, and between emitter and collector for PNP_1

A linear BJT switch is controlled by the base current I b. It can operate in either one of
the three regions: cut-off (off state), linear, and saturation region (on state). The
properties of these regions for NPN_1 are:
- Cut-off region:

be

< Vr; Ib = 0;

- Linear region:

be

= Vr; Ic = Ib; Vce > Vce,sat

Ic = 0

- Saturation region: Vbe = Vr; Ic < Ib; Vce = Vce,sat

where Vbe is the base-emitter voltage, ce is the collector-emitter voltage, and c is the
collector current.
Note that for NPN_1 and PNP_1, the gate node (base node) is a power node, and must
be connected to a power circuit component (such as a resistor or a source). It can not be
connected to a gating block or a switch controller.
WARNING: It has been found that the linear model for NPN_1 and PNP_1 works
well in simple circuits, but may not work when circuits are complex. Please use
this model with caution.

18

Power Circuit Components

Examples: Circuits Using the Linear BJT Switch

Examples below illustrate the use of the linear switch. The circuit on the left is a linear
voltage regulator circuit, and the transistor operates in the linear mode. The circuit on
the right is a simple test circuit.
NPN_1

NPN_1

2.2.5 Switch Gating Block

A switch gating block defines the gating pattern of a switch or a switch module. The
gating pattern can be specified either directly (with the gating block GATING) or in a
text file (with the gating block GATING_1).
Note that a switch gating block can be connected to the gate node of a switch ONLY. It
can not be connected to any other elements.
Image:
GATING / GATING_1

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Frequency

Operating frequency of the switch or switch module

connected to the gating block, in Hz

No. of Points

Number of switching points (for GATING only)

Switching Points

Switching points, in deg. If the frequency is zero, the

switching points is in second. (for GATING only)

File for Gating Table

Name of the file that stores the gating table (for

GATING_1 only)

Switches

19

The number of switching points is defined as the total number of switching actions in
one period. Each turn-on or turn-off action is counted as one switching point. For
example, if a switch is turned on and off once in one cycle, the number of switching
points will be 2.
For GATING_1, the file for the gating table must be in the same directory as the
schematic file. The gating table file has the following format:
n
G1
G2
... ...
Gn
where G1, G2, ..., Gn are the switching points.
Example:
Assume that a switch operates at 2000 Hz and has the following gating pattern in one
period:
35

92

175

187

180

345

357

360

(deg.)

The specification of the gating block GATING for this switch will be:
Frequency

2000.

No. of Points

Switching Points

35. 92. 175. 187. 345. 357.

The gating pattern has 6 switching points (3 pulses). The corresponding switching
angles are 35o, 92o, 175o, 187o, 345o, and 357o, respectively.
If the gating block GATING_1 is used instead, the specification will be:
Frequency

2000.

File for Gating Table

test.tbl

The file test.tbl will contain the following:

20

Power Circuit Components

6
35.
92.
175.
187.
345.
357.

2.2.6 Single-Phase Switch Modules

Built-in single-phase diode bridge module (BDIODE1) and thyristor bridge module
(BTHY1) are provided in PSIM. The images and internal connections of the modules
are shown below.
Images:
BDIODE1
A+

BTHY1
DC+

DC+

DC+

A+

A+
A-

A-

DC-

Ct

DC+

A+
A4

A-

2
DC-

DC-

DC-

Ct

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Diode Voltage Drop or

Voltage Drop

Forward voltage drop of each diode or thyristor, in V

Init. Position_i

Initial position for Switch i

Current Flag_i

Current flag for Switch i

Node Ct at the bottom of the thyristor module BTHY1 is the gating control node for
Switch 1. For the thyristor module, only the gatings for Switch 1 need to be specified.
The gatings for other switches will be derived internally in PSIM.
Similar to the single thyristor switch, a thyristor bridge can also be controlled by either a
gating block or an alpha controller, as shown in the following examples.

Switches

21

Examples: Control of a Thyristor Bridge

The gatings for the circuit on the left are specified through a gating block, and on the
right are controlled through an alpha controller. A major advantage of the alpha
controller is that the delay angle alpha of the thyristor bridge, in deg., can be directly
controlled.

2.2.7 Three-Phase Switch Modules

The following figure shows three-phase switch modules and the internal circuit
connections. The three-phase voltage source inverter module VSI3 consists of
MOSFET-type switches, and the module VSI3_1 consists of IGBT-type switches. The
current source inverter module CSI3 consists of GTO-type switches, or equivalently
IGBT in series with diodes.
Images:
BDIODE3
A

DC+

DC-

N
B

A1

DC-

BTHY6H
A

Ct

BTHY3H
A

DC-

DC-

Ct

A
B
C

C
Ct

A6
Ct

Power Circuit Components

Ct

22

Ct
DC+

A
B
C

DC+

BTHY3
DC+

VSI3

VSI3 / VSI3_1
DC+
DC+

Ct
B
DC-

A
B
C

Ct
DC-

CSI3

CSI3
DC+
DC+

A
B

DC-

Ct

A
B
C

DC-

Ct

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

On-Resistance

On resistance of the MOSFET switch during the on state,

in Ohm (for VSI3 only)

Saturation Voltage

Conduction voltage drop of the IGBT switch, in V (for

VSI3_1 only)

Voltage Drop

Conduction voltage drop of the switch, in V (for CSI3

only)

Diode Voltage Drop

Conduction voltage drop of the anti-parallel diode, in V

(for VSI3 and VSI3_1 only)

Init. Position_i

Initial position for Switch i

Current Flag_i

Current flag for Switch i

Similar to single-phase modules, only the gatings for Switch 1 need to be specified for
three-phase modules. Gatings for other switches will be automatically derived. For the
half-wave thyristor bridge (BTHY3H), the phase shift between two consecutive
switches is 120o. For all other bridges, the phase shift is 60o.
Thyristor bridges (BTHY3 / BTHY3H / BTHY6H) can be controlled by an alpha

Switches

23

controller. Similarly, voltage/current source inverters can be controlled by a PWM

lookup table controller (PATTCTRL).
The following examples illustrate the control of three-phase thyristor and voltage source
inverter modules.
Example: Control of Three-Phase Thyristor and VSI Modules

Vac

PWM Controller

The thyristor circuit on the left uses an alpha controller. For a three-phase circuit, the
zero-crossing of the voltage Vac corresponds to the moment when the delay angle alpha
is equal to zero. This signal is, therefore, used to provide synchronization to the
controller
The circuit on the right uses a PWM lookup table controller. The PWM patterns are
stored in a lookup table in a text file. The gating pattern is selected based on the
modulation index. Other input of the PWM lookup table controller includes the delay
angle, the synchronization, and the enable/disable signal. A detailed description of the
PWM lookup table controller is given in Section 4.5.3.

2.3

Coupled Inductors
Coupled inductors with two, three, and four branches are provided. The following
shows coupled inductors with two branches.
i1 +

v1

i2

v2

Let L11 and L22 be the self-inductances of Branch 1 and 2, and L12 and L21 the mutual

24

Power Circuit Components

inductances, the branch voltages and currents have the following relationship:
v1
v2

d i
= L11 L12 ----- 1
L21 L22 dt i 2

The mutual inductances between two windings are assumed to be always equal, i.e.,
L12=L21.
Images:
MUT2

MUT3

MUT4

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Lii (self)

Self inductance of the inductor i, in H

Lij (mutual)

Mutual inductance between Inducto i and j, in H

ii_initial

Initial current in Inductor i

Iflag_i

Flag for the current printout in Inductor i

In the images, the circle, square, triangle, and plus refer to Inductor 1, 2, 3, and 4,
respectively.
Example:
Two mutually coupled inductors have the following self inductances and mutual
inductance: L11 = 1 mH, L22 = 1.1 mH, and L12 = L21 = 0.9 mH. The specification of
the element MUT2 will be:
L11 (self)

1m

L12 (mutual)

0.9m

L22 (self)

1.1m

Coupled Inductors

25

2.4

Transformers

2.4.1 Ideal Transformer

An ideal transformer has no losses and no leakage flux.
Images:
TF_IDEAL
Np

Ns

TF_IDEAL_1

Np

Ns

The winding with the larger dot is the primary and the other winding is the secondary.
Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Np (primary)

No. of turns of the primary winding

Ns (secondary)

No. of turns of the secondary winding

Since the turns ratio is equal to the ratio of the rated voltages, the number of turns can be
replaced by the rated voltage at each side.

2.4.2 Single-Phase Transformers

The following single-phase transformer modules are provided in PSIM:
- Transformer with 1 primary and 1 secondary windings (TF_1F / TF_1F_1)
- Transformer with 1 primary and 2 secondary windings (TF_1F_3W)
- Transformer with 2 primary and 2 secondary windings (TF_1F_4W)
- Transformer with 1 primary and 4 secondary windings (TF_1F_5W /
TF_1F_5W_1)
- Transformer with 1 primary and 6 secondary windings (TF_1F_7W)
- Transformer with 2 primary and 6 secondary windings (TF_1F_8W)
A single-phase two-winding transformer is modelled as:

26

Power Circuit Components

Rp Lp

Rs Ls

Primary

Np:Ns

Secondary

Lm
Ideal

where Rp and Rs are the primary and secondary winding resistances; Lp and Ls are the
primary and secondary winding leakage inductances; and Lm is the magnetizing
inductance. All the values are referred to the primary winding side. If there are multiple
primary windings, all the values are referred to the first primary winding.
Images:
TF_1F_5W

TF_1F_3W

TF_1F

s_1

s
p

TF_1F_7W

s_1

s_1

TF_1F_8W

s_2

s_2

p_1

s_4

p
p_2

TF_1F_4W

TF_1F_1

TF_1F_5W _1

p_1

s_1

p_2

s_2 p_1

s_1

s_6

s_6

s
p_2

s_3

In the images, p refers to primary, s refers to secondary, and t refers to tertiar .

The winding with the largest dot is the primary winding or first primary winding. For
the multiple winding transformers, the sequence of the windings is from the top to the
bottom.
For the transformers with 2 or 3 windings, the attributes are as follows.

Transformers

27

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Rp (primary);
Rs (secondary);
Rt (tertiary)

Resistance of the primary/secondary/tertiary winding, in

Ohm

Lp (pri. leakage);
Ls (sec. leakage);
Lt (ter. leakage)

Leakage inductance of the primary/secondary/tertiary

winding, in H (seen from the primary)

Lm (magnetizing)

Magnetizing inductance, in H

Np (primary);
Ns (secondary);
Nt (tertiary)

No. of turns of the primary/secondary/tertiary winding

All the resistances and inductances are referred to the primary side.
For the transformers with more than 1 primary winding or more than 3 secondary
windings, the attributes are as follows.
Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Rp_i (primary i);

Rs_i (secondary i)

Resistance of the ith primary/secondary/tertiary winding,

in Ohm

Lp_i (pri. i leakage);

Ls_i (sec. i leakage)

Leakage inductance of the ith primary/secondary/tertiary

winding, in H (referred to the first primary winding)

Lm (magnetizing)

Magnetizing inductance, in H (seen from the first primary

winding)

Np_i (primary i);

Ns_i (secondary i)

No. of turns of the ith primary/secondary/tertiary winding

All the resistances and inductances are referred to the first primary winding side.
Example:
A single-phase two-winding transformer has a winding resistance of 0.002 Ohm and
leakage inductance of 1 mH at both the primary and the secondary side (all the values
are referred to the primary). The magnetizing inductance is 100 mH, and the turns ratio

28

Power Circuit Components

is Np:Ns = 220:440. In PSIM, the transformer will be TF_1F with the specifications as:
Rp (primary)

2m

Rs (secondary)

2m

Lp (primary)

1m

Ls (secondary)

1m

Lm (magnetizing)

100m

Np (primary)

220

Ns (secondary)

440

2.4.3 Three-Phase Transformers

PSIM provides two-winding and three-winding transformer modules as shown below.
They all have 3-leg cores.
- 3-phase transformer (windings unconnected) (TF_3F)
- 3-phase Y/Y and Y/ connected transformer (TF_3YY / TF_3YD)
- 3-phase 3-winding transformer (windings unconnected) (TF_3F_3W)
- 3-phase 3-winding Y/Y/ and Y// connected transformer (TF_3YYD /
TF_3YDD)
- 3-phase 4-winding transformer (windings unconnected) (TF_3F_4W)
Images:
TF_3YY

TF_3DD

TF_3YD

TF_3F

A+
AB+
BC+
C-

TF_3YDD

TF_3YYD

TF_3F_3W

TF_3F_4W

n
A
B
C

a
b
c

aa
bb
cc

a A+
b Ac B+
Baa C+
bb Ccc

a+
ab+
bc+
caa+ bb+ cc+
aa- bb- cc-

a+
ab+
bc+
c-

A+
AB+
BC+
CAA+
AABB+
BBCC+
CC-

a+
ab+
bc+
caa+
aabb+
bbcc+
cc-

Transformers

29

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Rp (primary);
Rs (secondary);
Rt (tertiary)

Resistance of the primary/secondary/tertiary winding, in

Ohm

Lp (pri. leakage);
Ls (sec. leakage);
Lt (ter. leakage)

Leakage inductance of the primary/secondary/tertiary

winding, in H

Lm (magnetizing)

Magnetizing inductance, in H (seen from the primary side)

Np (primary);
Ns (secondary);
Nt (tertiary)

No. of turns of the primary/secondary/tertiary winding

In the images, P refers to primary, S refers to secondary, and T refers to tertiary

All resistances and inductances are referred to the primary or the first primary winding
side.
Three-phase transformers are modelled in the same way as single-phase transformers.

30

Power Circuit Components

2.5

Other Elements

2.5.1 Operational Amplifier

An ideal operational amplifier (op. amp.) is modelled using power circuit elements, as
shown below.
Images:
OP_AMP

OP_AMP_1

VV+

V+

V-

Vo

OP_AMP_2
Vo

V+

Vo
Vgnd

gnd

Circuit Model of the Op. Amp.

Vo

V+

Ro

V-

A*(V+ - V-)

Vs-

Vs+
gnd

where
V+; V-

- noninverting and inverting input voltages

Vo

- output voltage

- op. amp. gain (A is set to 100,000.)

Ro

- output resistance (Ro is set to 80 Ohms)

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Voltage Vs+

Upper voltage source level of the op. amp.

Voltage Vs-

Lower voltage source levels of the op. amp.

The difference between OP_AMP and OP_AMP_1 or OP_AMP_2 is that, for

OP_AMP, the reference ground node of the op. amp. model is connected to the power
ground, whereas in OP_AMP_1 and OP_AMP_2, the reference ground node of the

Other Elements

31

model is accessible and can be floating.

Note that the image of an op. amp. OP_AMP is similar to that of a comparator. For the
op. amp., the inverting input is at the upper left and the noninverting input is at the lower
left. For the comparator, it is the opposite.
Example: A Boost Power Factor Correction Circuit
The figure below shows a boost power factor correction circuit. It has the inner current
loop and the outer voltage loop. The PI regulators of both loops are implemented using
op. amp.

Comparator

2.5.2 dv/dt Block

A dv/dt block has the same function as the differentiator in the control circuit, except
that it can be used in the power circuit. The output of the dv/dt block is equal to the
derivative of the input voltage versus time. It is calculated as:
V in ( t ) V in ( t t )
V o = --------------------------------------------t

where Vin(t) and Vin(t-t) are the input values at the current and previous time step, and
t is the simulation time step.
Image:
DV_DT

32

Power Circuit Components

2.6

Motor Drive Module

The Motor Drive Module is an add-on module to the basic PSIM program. It provides
machine models and mechanical load models for motor drive system studies.

2.6.1 Electric Machines

2.6.1.1 DC Machine
The image and parameters of a dc machine are as follows:
Image:
DCM

+
Armature

Shaft Node

Winding

+
Field
Winding

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Ra (armature)

Armature winding resistance, in Ohm

La (armature)

Armature winding inductance, in H

Rf (field)

Field winding resistance, in Ohm

Lf (field)

Field winding inductance, in H

Moment of Inertia

Moment of inertia of the machine, in kg*m2

Vt (rated)

Rated armature terminal voltage, in V

Ia (rated)

Rated armature current, in A

Motor Drive Module

33

Parameters

Description

n (rated)

Rated mechanical speed, in rpm

If (rated)

Rated field current, in A

Torque Flag

Output flag for internal torque Tem

Master/Slave Flag

Flag for the master/slave mode (1: master; 0: slave)

When the torque flag is set to 1, the internal torque generated by the machine will be
saved to the output file for display.
A machine is set to either the master or slave mode. When there is only one machine in
a mechanical system, this machine must be set to the master mode. When there are two
or more machines in a system, only one must be set to the master mode and the rest to
the slave mode. The same applies to a mechanical-electrical interface block, as
explained later
The machine in the master mode is referred to as the master machine, and it defines the
reference direction of the mechanical system. The reference direction is defined as the
direction from the shaft node of the master machine along the shaft to the rest of the
mechanical system, as illustrated below:
Master

Reference direction of the mechanical system

Load 1

TL1

Slave

Speed
Torque Load 2 Speed Torque
Sensor 1 Sensor 1 TL2
Sensor 2 Sensor 2

In this mechanical system, the machine on the left is the master and the one on the right
is the slave. The reference direction of the mechanical system is, therefore, from left to
the right along the mechanical shaft. Furthermore, if the reference direction enters an
element at the dotted side, this element is along the reference direction. Otherwise it is
opposite to the reference direction. For example, Load 1, Speed Sensor 1, and Torque
Sensor 1, are along the reference direction, and Load 2, Speed Sensor 2, and Torque
Sensor 2 are opposite to the reference direction.
It is further assumed the mechanical speed is positive when both the armature and the

34

Power Circuit Components

field currents of the master machine are positive.

Based on this notation, if the speed sensor is along the reference direction of the
mechanical system, a positive speed produced by the master machine will give a
positive speed sensor output. Otherwise, the speed sensor output will be negative. For
example, if the speed of the master machine in the example above is positive, Speed
Sensor 1 reading will be positive, and Speed Sensor 2 reading will be negative.
The reference direction also determines how a mechanical load interacts with the
machine. In this system, there are two constant-torque mechanical loads with the
amplitudes of TL1 and TL2, respectively. Load 1 is along the reference direction, and
Load 2 is opposite to the reference direction. Therefore, the loading torque of Load 1 to
the master machine is TL1, whereas the loading torque of Load 2 to the master machine
is -TL2.
The operation of a dc machine is described by the following equations:
di a
v t = E a + i a R a + L a ------dt
di f
v f = i f R f + L f -----dt
Ea = k m
T em = k i a
d m
J ---------- = T em T L
dt

where vt, vf, ia, and if are the armature and field winding voltage and current,
respectively; Ea is the back emf, m is the mechanical speed in rad./sec., Tem is the
internal developed torque, and TL is the load torque. The back emf and the internal
torque can also be expressed as:
E a = L af i f m
T em = L af i f i a

where Laf is the mutual inductance between the armature and the field windings. It can
be calculated based on the rated operating conditions as:

Motor Drive Module

35

( Vt Ia R a )
L af = ----------------------------If m

Note that the dc machine model assumes magnetic linearity. Saturation is not
considered.
Example: A DC Motor with a Constant-Torque Load
The circuit below shows a shunt-excited dc motor with a constant-torque load TL. Since
the load is along the reference direction of the mechanical system, the loading torque to
the machine is TL. Also, the speed sensor is along the reference direction. It will give a
positive output for a positive speed.
The simulation waveforms of the armature current and the speed are shown on the right.
Speed
Sensor

Armature current

ConstantTorque
Load

Speed (in rpm)

Example: A DC Motor-Generator Set

The circuit below shows a dc motor-generator set. The motor on the left is set to the
master mode and the generator on the right is set to the slave mode. The simulation
waveforms of the motor armature current and the generator voltage show the start-up
transient.
Motor

Generator
Motor armature current

Generator voltage

36

Power Circuit Components

2.6.1.2 Induction Machine

Two types of models are provided for both squirrel-cage and wound-rotor induction
machines: linear and nonlinear model. The linear model is further divided into general
type and symmetrical type. This section describes the linear models.
Four linear models are provided:
- Symmetrical 3-phase squirrel-cage induction machine (INDM_3S /
INDM_3SN)
- General 3-phase squirrel-cage induction machine (INDM3_S_LIN)
- Symmetrical 3-phase wound-rotor induction machine (INDM3_WR)
- General 3-phase wound-rotor induction machine (INDM3_WR_LIN)
The images and parameters are shown as follows.
Images:
INDM_3S

INDM3_S_LIN

INDM_3SN

as

as

bs

bs

cs

cs
ns

as+
asbs+
bscs+
csINDM3_WR_LIN

INDM3_WR

as+
asbs+
bscs+
cs-

as
bs
cs
ns
ar

br

cr nr

ar+

a r- br- crbr+ cr+

Motor Drive Module

37

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Rs (stator)

Stator winding resistance, in Ohm

Ls (stator)

Stator winding leakage inductance, in H

Rr (rotor)

Rotor winding resistance, in Ohm

Lr (rotor)

Rotor winding leakage inductance, in H

Lm (magnetizing)

Magnetizing inductance, in H

Ns/Nr Turns Ratio

Stator and rotor winding turns ratio (for wound-rotor machine

only)

No. of Poles

Number of poles P of the machine (an even integer)

Moment of Inertia

Moment of inertia J of the machine, in kg*m2

Torque Flag

Flag for internal torque (Tem) output. When the flag is set to 1,
the output of the internal torque is requested.

Master/Slave Flag

Flag for the master/slave mode (1: master; 0: slave)

All the parameters are referred to the stator side.

Again, the master/slave flag defines the mode of operation for the machine. Refer to
Section 2.6.1.1 for detailed explanation. It is assumed the mechanical speed is positive
when the input source sequence is positive.
The model INDM_3SN is the same as INDM_3S, except that the stator neutral point is
accessible.
The operation of a 3-phase induction machine is described by the following equations:
d
d
v abc, s = R s i abc, s + L s ----- i abc, s + M sr ----- i abc, r
dt
dt
d
v abc, r = R r i abc, r + L r ----- i abc, r + M sr
dt

where

38

Power Circuit Components

d
----- i abc, s
dt

v a, s

v a, r

i a, s

i a, r

v abc, s = v b, s

v abc, r = v b, r

i abc, s = i b, s

i abc, r = i b, r

v c, s

v c, r

i c, s

i c, r

For squirrel-cage machines, va,r = vb,r = vc,r= 0. The parameter matrices are defined as:
Rs 0 0
Rs

Rr 0 0
Rr =

0 Rs 0
0 0 Rs

L s + M sr
Ls =

M sr
-------2
M sr
-------2

M sr
-------2
L s + M sr
M sr
-------2

0 Rr 0
0 0 Rr

M sr
-------2
M sr
-------2

M sr
-------2

L r + M sr
Lr =

L s + M sr

M
-------sr2
M
-------sr2

L r + M sr
M sr
-------2

M
-------sr2
M
-------sr2
L r + M sr

2
2
cos + ------ cos ------

3
3

cos
2
M sr = M sr cos ------

cos

2
2
cos + ------ cos ------

3
3

2
cos + ------

3
cos

where Msr is the mutual inductance between the stator and rotor windings, and is the
mechanical angle. The mutual inductance is related to the magnetizing inductance as:
3
L m = --- M sr
2

The mechanical equation is expressed as:

d m
J ---------- = T em T L
dt

where the developed torque Tem is defined as:

Motor Drive Module

39

T em = P i abc, s

d
------ M sr i abc, r
d

For a symmetrical squirrel-cage induction machine, the steady state equivalent circuit is
shown below. In the figure, s is the slip.
Rs

Ls

Rr

Lr

Lm

Rr(1-s)/s

Example: A VSI Induction Motor Drive System

The figure below shows an open-loop induction motor drive system. The motor has 6
poles and is fed by a voltage source inverter with sinusoidal PWM. The dc bus is fed
through a diode bridge.
The simulation waveforms of the mechanical speed (in rpm), developed torque Tem and
load torque Tload, and 3-phase input currents show the start-up transient.
VSI
Induction
Motor

Diode
Bridge

Speed
Senso

Torque
Sensor

Speed

SPWM

Tem
Tload
3-phase currents

40

Power Circuit Components

2.6.1.3 Induction Machine with Saturation

Two models of induction machines with saturation are provided:
- 3-phase squirrel-cage induction machine (INDM3_S_NON)
- 3-phase wound-rotor induction machine (INDM3_WR_NON)
Images:
INDM3_WR_LIN

INDM3_S_LIN

as+
asbs+
bscs+
cs-

as+
asbs+
bscs+
cs-

ar+

a r- br- crbr+ cr+

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Rs (stator)

Stator winding resistance, in Ohm

Ls (stator)

Stator winding leakage inductance, in H

Rr (rotor)

Rotor winding resistance, in Ohm

Lr (rotor)

Rotor winding leakage inductance, in H

Ns/Nr Turns Ratio

Stator and rotor winding turns ratio (for wound-rotor

machine only)

No. of Poles

Number of poles P of the machine (an even integer)

Moment of Inertia

Moment of inertia J of the machine, in kg*m2

Torque Flag

Flag for internal torque (Tem) output. When the flag is set
to 1, the output of the internal torque is requested.

Master/Slave Flag

Flag for the master/slave mode (1: master; 0: slave)

Im v.s. Lm (Im1,Lm1) ...

Characteristics of the magnetizing current Im versus the

magnetizing inductance [(Im1,Lm1) (Im2,Lm2) ...

Motor Drive Module

41

All the parameters are referred to the stator side.

The operation of a 3-phase induction machine with saturation is described by the
following equations:
d
d
v abc, s = R s i abc, s + L s ----- i abc, s + ----- abc, s
dt
dt
d
d
v abc, r = R r i abc, r + L r ----- i abc, r + ----- abc, r
dt
dt

where

abc, s

1
1 --2
= M sr 1--- 1
2
1 1
--- --2 2

2
2
1
cos
cos + ------ cos ------
--

3
3
2
1
2
2
--- i abc, s + M sr cos ------
cos
cos + ------ i abc, r

2
3
3
2
2
cos + ------ cos ------

3
3

cos

2
2
cos ------ cos + ------

3
3

2
abc, s = M sr cos + ------
3

cos

2
2
cos ------ cos + ------

3
3

2
cos ------ i abc, s

3
cos

cos

1
1 --2
+ M sr 1
--- 1
2
1 1
--- --2 2

1
--2
1
--- i abc, r
2
1

In this case, the inductance Msr is no longer constant, but a function of the magnetizing
current Im.

2.6.1.4 Brushless DC Machine

A 3-phase brushless dc machine is a type of permanent magnet synchronous machine
with trapezoidal waveform back emf. It has 3-phase windings on the stator, and
permanent magnet on the rotor.
The image and parameters of the 3-phase brushless dc machine are shown as follows.

42

Power Circuit Components

Image:
BDCM3

a
b

Shaft Node

c
n

sa sb sc

6-pulse Hall Effect Position Sensor

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

R (stator resistance)

Stator phase resistance R, in Ohm

L (stator self ind.)

Stator phase self inductance L, in H

M (stator mutual ind.)

Stator mutual inductance M, in H

The mutual inductance M is a negative value. Depending on
the winding structure, the ratio between M and the stator
self inductance L is normally between -1/3 and -1/2. If M is
unknown, a reasonable value o M equal to -0.4*L can be
used as the default value.

Vpk / krpm

Peak line-to-line back emf constant, in V/krpm (mechanical

speed)

Vrms / krpm

RMS line-to-line back emf constant, in V/krpm (mechanical

speed).
The values of Vpk/krpm and Vrms/krpm should be
available from the machine data sheet. If these values are
not available, they can be obtained through experiments by
operating the machine as a generator at 1000 rpm and
measuring the peak and rms values of the line-to-line
voltage.

No. of Poles P

Number of poles P

Moment of Inertia

Moment of inertia J of the machine, in kg*m2

Mech. Time Constant

Mechanical time constant mech

Motor Drive Module

43

Parameters

Description

theta_0 (deg.)

Initial rotor angle r, in electrical deg.

The initial rotor angle is the rotor angle at t=0. The zero
rotor angle position is defined as the position where Phase
A back emf crosses zero (from negative to positive) under a
positive rotation speed.

theta_advance (deg.)

Position sensor advance angle advance, in electrical deg.

The advance angle is defined as the angle difference
between the turn-on angle of Phase A upper switch and 30o
in an 120o conduction mode. For example, if Phase A is
turned on at 25o, the advance angle will be 5o (i.e. 30 - 25 =
5).

Conduction Pulse
Width

Position sensor conduction pulse width, in electrical deg.

Torque Flag

Output flag for internal developed torque Tem (1: output; 0:

no output)

Master/Slave Flag

Flag for the master/slave mode (1: master; 0: slave).

Positive conduction pulse can turn on the upper switch and

negative pulse can turn on the lower switch in a full bridge
inverter. The conduction pulse width is 120 electrical deg.
for 120o conduction mode.

The flag defines the mode of operation for the machine.

Refer to Section 2.6.1.1 for detailed explanation.
The node assignments of the image are: Nodes a, b, and c are the stator winding
terminals for Phase A, B, and C, respectively. The stator windings are Y connected, and
Node n is the neutral point. The shaft node is the connecting terminal for the mechanical
shaft. They are all power nodes and should be connected to the power circuit.
Node sa, sb, and sc are the outputs of the built-in 6-pulse hall effect position sensors for
Phase A, B, and C, respectively. The sensor output is a bipolar commutation pulse (1, 0,
and -1). The sensor output nodes are all control nodes and should be connected to the
control circuit.
The equations of the 3-phase brushless dc machine are:
di
v a = R i a + ( L M ) ------a- + E a
dt

44

Power Circuit Components

di
v b = R i b + ( L M ) ------b- + E b
dt
di
v c = R i c + ( L M ) -------c + E c
dt

where va, vb, and vc are the phase voltages, ia, ib, and ic are the phase currents, R, L, and
M are the stator phase resistance, self inductance, and mutual inductance, and Ea, Eb,
and Ec are the back emf of Phase A, B, and C, respectively.
The back emf voltages are a function of the rotor mechanical speed m and the rotor
electrical angle r, that is:
E a = k e_a m
E b = k e_b m
E c = k e_c m

The coefficients ke_a, ke_b, and ke_c are dependent on the rotor angle r. In this model, an
ideal trapezoidal waveform profile is assumed, as shown below for Phase A. Also shown
is the Phase A current.
ke_a
ia

Kpk

180

o
360

-Kpk

where Kpk is the peak trapezoidal value, in V/(rad./sec.), which is defined as:
V pk krpm
1
K pk = ------------------------- --------------------------------- . Given the values of Vpk/krpm and Vrms/krpm, the
2
1000 60
angle is determined automatically in PSIM.
The developed torque of the machine is:
T em = ( E a i a + E b i b + E c i c ) m

The mechanical equations are:

Motor Drive Module

45

d m
J ---------- = T em B m T load
dt
d
P
--------r = --- m
2
dt

where B is a coefficient, Tload is the load torque, and P is the no. of poles. The
coefficient B is calculated from the moment of inertia J and the mechanical time
constant mech as below:
J
B = ----------- mech

More Explanation on the Hall Effect Sensor:

A hall effect position sensor consists of a set of hall switches and a set of trigger
magnets.
The hall switch is a semiconductor switch (e.g. MOSFET or BJT) that opens or closes
when the magnetic field is higher or lower than a certain threshold value. It is based on
the hall effect, which generates an emf proportional to the flux-density when the switch
is carrying a current supplied by an external source. It is common to detect the emf
using a signal conditioning circuit integrated with the hall switch or mounted very
closely to it. This provides a TTL-compatible pulse with sharp edges and high noise
immunity for connection to the controller via a screened cable. For a three-phase
brushless dc motor, three hall switches are spaced 120 electrical deg. apart and are
mounted on the stator frame.
The set of trigger magnets can be a separate set of magnets, or it can use the rotor
magnets of the brushless motor. If the trigger magnets are separate, they should have the
matched pole spacing (with respect to the rotor magnets), and should be mounted on the
shaft in close proximity to the hall switches. If the trigger magnets use the rotor magnets
of the machine, the hall switches must be mounted close enough to the rotor magnets,
where they can be energized by the leakage flux at the appropriate rotor positions.
Example: Start-Up of an Open-Loop Brushless DC Moto
The figure below shows an open-loop brushless dc motor drive system. The motor is fed
by a 3-phase voltage source inverter. The outputs of the motor hall effect position
sensors are used as the gatings signals for the inverter, resulting a 6-pulse operation.
The simulation waveforms show the start-up transient of the mechanical speed (in rpm),
developed torque Tem, and 3-phase input currents.

46

Power Circuit Components

Brushless DC Moto

Speed

Tem

3-phase currents

Example: Brushless DC Motor with Speed Feedback

The figure below shows a brushless dc motor drive system with speed feedback. The
speed control is achieved by modulating sensor commutation pulses (Vgs for Phase A in
this case) with another high-frequency pulses (Vgfb for Phase A). The high-frequency
pulse is generated from a dc current feedback loop.
The simulation waveforms show the reference and actual mechanical speed (in rpm),
Phase A current, and signals Vgs and Vgfb. Note that Vgfb is divided by half for display
purpose.
Brushless DC Moto

Speed
Phase A current

Vgfb/2

Vgs

Motor Drive Module

47

2.6.1.5 Synchronous Machine with External Excitation

The structure of a conventional synchronous machine consists of three stator windings,
one field winding on either a salient or cylindrical rotor, and an optional damping
winding on the rotor.
Depending on the way the internal model interfaces with the external stator circuitry,
there are two types of interface: one is the voltage-type interface (model SYNM3), and
the other is the current-type interface (model SYNM3_I). The model for the voltagetype interface consists of controlled voltage sources on the stator side, and this model is
suitable in situations where the machine operates as a generator and/or the stator
external circuit is in series with inductive branches. On the other hand, The model for
the current-type interface consists of controlled current sources on the stator side, and
this model is suitable in situations where the machine operates as a motor and/or the
stator external circuit is in parallel with capacitive branches.
The image and parameters of the machine are shown as follows.
Image:
SYNM3 / SYNM3_I

a
b

Shaft Node

c
n
field+

field-

Attributes:

48

Parameters

Description

Rs (stator)

Stator winding resistance, in Ohm

Ls (stator)

Stator leakage inductance, in H

Ldm (d-axis mag. ind.)

d-axis magnetizing inductance, in

Lqm (q-axis mag. ind.)

q-axis magnetizing inductance, in H.

Rf (field)

Field winding resistance, in Ohm

Lfl (field leakage ind.)

Field winding leakage inductance, in H

Power Circuit Components

Parameters

Description

Rdr (damping cage)

Rotor damping cage d-axis resistance, in Ohm

Ldrl (damping cage)

Rotor damping cage d-axis leakage inductance, in

Rqr (damping cage)

Rotor damping cage q-axis resistance, in Ohm

Lqrl (damping cage)

Rotor damping cage q-axis leakage inductance, in

Ns/Nf (effective)

Stator-field winding effective turns ratio

Number of Poles P

Number of Poles P

Moment of Inertia

Moment of inertia J of the machine, in kg*m2

Torque Flag

Output flag for internal developed torque Tem

Master/Slave Flag

Flag for the master/slave mode (1: master; 0: slave).

All the parameters are referred to the stator side.

The equations of the synchronous machine can be expressed as follows:
d
V = R I + ---dt

where
V = v a vb vc vf 0 0

I = i a i b i c i f i dr i qr
= a b c f dr qr

R = diag R s R s R s R f R dr R qr

and [] = [L]*[I]. The inductance matrix is defined as follows:

L =

L 12

L 11
T

L 12

L 22

and

Motor Drive Module

49

L s + L o + L 2 cos ( 2 r )

L
2
----o- + L 2 cos 2 r ------

2
3

L
2
----o- + L 2 cos 2 r + ------

2
3
L
----o- + L 2 cos ( 2 r )
2

L
2
2
L 11 = ----o- + L 2 cos 2 r ------ L s + L o + L 2 cos 2 r + ------

2
3
3
L
2
----o- + L 2 cos 2 r + ------

2
3
L sf cos ( 2 r )
L 12 =

L
----o- + L 2 cos ( 2 r )
2
L sd cos ( 2 r )

L s + L o + L 2 cos 2 r 2
------

L sq sin ( 2 r )

2
2
L sf cos 2 r 2
------ L sd cos 2 r ------ L sq sin 2 r ------

3
3
3
2
2
L sf cos 2 r + 2
------ L sd cos 2 r + ------ L sq sin 2 r + ------

3
3
3
L f L fdr 0
L 22 = L fdr L dr 0
0

0 L qr

where r is the rotor angle.

The developed torque can be expressed as:
P
d
T = --- I -------- L I
d r
2

The mechanical equations are:

d m
J ---------- = T em T load
dt
d r
P
-------- = --- m
2
dt

2.6.1.6 Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine

A 3-phase permanent magnet synchronous machine has 3-phase windings on the stator,
and permanent magnet on the rotor. The difference between this machine and the
brushless dc machine is that the machine back emf is sinusoidal.
The image and parameters of the machine are shown as follows.

50

Power Circuit Components

Image:
PMSM3

a
Shaft Node

b
c
n

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Rs (stator resistance)

Stator winding resistance, in Ohm

Ld (d-axis ind.)

Stator d-axis inductance, in H

Lq (q-axis ind.)

Stator q-axis inductance, in H.

The d-q coordinate is defined such that the d-axis passes
through the center of the magnet, and the q-axis is in the
middle between two magnets. The q-axis is leading the daxis.

Vpk / krpm

Peak line-to-line back emf constant, in V/krpm (mechanical

speed).
The value of Vpk/krpm should be available from the
machine data sheet. If this data is not available, it can be
obtained through an experiment by operating the machine as
a generator at 1000 rpm and measuring the peak line-to-line
voltage.

No. of Poles P

Number of poles P

Moment of Inertia

Moment of inertia J of the machine, in kg*m 2

Mech. Time Constant

Mechanical time constant mech

Torque Flag

Output flag for internal developed torque Tem (1: output; 0:

no output)

Master/Slave Flag

Flag for the master/slave mode (1: master; 0: slave)

Motor Drive Module

51

The node assignments of the image are: Nodes a, b, and c are the stator winding
terminals for Phase a, b, and c, respectively. The stator windings are Y connected, and
Node n is the neutral point. The shaft node is the connecting terminal for the mechanical
shaft. They are all power nodes and should be connected to the power circuit.
The equations of the permanent-magnet synchronous machine are:
va

a
d
---0 R s 0 i b + dt b
ic
c
0 0 Rs

Rs 0 0

vb =
vc

ia

where va, vb, vc, and ia, ib, and ic, and a, b, c are the stator phase voltages, currents,
and flux linkages, respectively, and Rs is the stator phase resistance. The flux linkages
are further defined as:
a

cos ( r )
L aa L ab L ac

ia

b = L ba L bb L bc i b + pm
c

L ca L cb L cc

ic

2
cos r ------

3
2
cos r + ------

where r is the rotor electrical angle, and pm is a coefficient which is defined as:
60 V pk krpm
pm = -------------------------------------3 P 1000

where P is the number of poles.

The stator self and mutual inductances are rotor position dependent, and are defined as:
L aa = L sl + L o + L 2 cos ( 2 r )
L bb = L sl + L o + L 2 cos 2 r + 2
------

3
L cc = L sl + L o + L 2 cos 2 r 2
------

3
2
L ab = L ba = L o + L 2 cos 2 r ------

52

Power Circuit Components

L ac = L ca = L o + L 2 cos 2 r + 2
------

3
L bc = L cb = L o + L 2 cos ( 2 r )

where Lsl is the stator leakage inductance. The d-axis and q-axis inductances are
associated with the above inductances as follows:
3
3
L d = L sl + --- L o + --- L 2
2
2
3
3
L q = L sl + --- L o --- L 2
2
2

The developed torque can be expressed as:

sin ( 2 r )

2
2
sin 2 r ------ sin 2 r + ------

3
3

P
T em = --- L 2 i a i b i c sin 2 r 2
------ sin 2 r + 2
------

2
3
3
2
sin 2 r + ------

sin ( 2 r )

sin ( 2 r )
2
sin 2 r ------

ia
ib
ic

sin ( r )
2
P
sin r ------

= --- pm i a i b i c
3
2
sin r + 2
------

The mechanical equations are:

d m
J ---------- = T em B m T load
dt
d
P
--------r = --- m
2
dt

where B is a coefficient, Tload is the load torque, and P is the no. of poles. The
coefficient B is calculated from the moment of inertia J and the mechanical time
constant mech as below:

Motor Drive Module

53

J
B = ----------- mech

2.6.1.7 Switched Reluctance Machine

PSIM provides the model of a 3-phase switched reluctance machine with 6 stator teeth
and 4 rotor teeth. The images and parameters are shown as follows.
Image:
SRM3
a+
ab+
b-

Shaft Node

c+
c-

c1 c2 c3 c4 c1
Phase a

c4 c1

Phase b

c4

Phase c

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Resistance

Stator phase resistance R, in Ohm

Inductance Lmin

Minimum phase inductance, in H

Inductance Lmax

Maximum phase inductance, in H

Duration of the interval where the inductance increases, in

deg.

Moment of Inertia

Moment of inertia J of the machine, in kg*m2

Torque Flag

Output flag for internal torque Tem. When the flag is set to
1, the output of the internal torque is requested.

Master/Slave Flag

Flag for the master/slave mode (1: master; 0: slave)

The master/slave flag defines the mode of operation for the machine. See Section
2.6.1.1 for detailed explanation on how to set the master/slave flag.

54

Power Circuit Components

The node assignments are: Nodes a+, a-, b+, b-, and c+, c- are the stator winding
terminals for Phase a, b, and c, respectively. The shaft node is the connecting terminal
for the mechanical shaft. They are all power nodes and should be connected to the
power circuit.
Node c1, c2, c3, and c4 are the control signals for Phase a, b, and c, respectively. The
control signal value is a logic value of either 1 (high) or 0 (low). Node is the
mechanical rotor angle. They are all control nodes and should be connected to the
control circuit.
The equation of the switched reluctance machine for one phase is:
d( L i)
v = i R + ----------------dt

where v is the phase voltage, i is the phase current, R is the phase resistance, and L is the
phase inductance. The phase inductance L is a function of the rotor angle , as shown in
the following figure.
L

Rising Flat-Top Falling Flat-Bottom

Lmax
Lmin

The rotor angle is defined such that, when the stator and the rotor teeth are completely
out of alignment, = 0. The value of the inductance can be in either rising stage, flat-top
stage, falling stage, or flat-bottom stage.
If we define the constant k as:
L max L min
k = -------------------------

we can express the inductance L as a function of the rotor angle :

L = Lmin + k

[rising stage. Control signal c1=1)

L = Lmax

[flat-top stage. Control signal c2=1)

L = Lmax - k

[falling stage. Control signal c 3=1)

Motor Drive Module

55

L = Lmin

[flat-bottom stage. Control signal c4=1)

The selection of the operating state is done through control signals c 1, c2, c3, and c 4
which are applied externally. For example, when c1 in Phase a is high (1), the rising
stage is selected and Phase a inductance will be: L = Lmin + k . Note that only one and
at least one control signal out of c1, c2, c3, and c4 in one phase must be high (1).
The developed torque of the machine per phase is:
1 2 dL
T em = --- i -----d
2

Based on the inductance expression, we have the developed torque in each stage as:
Tem = i2*k / 2

[rising stage]

Tem = 0

[flat-top stage]

Tem = - i2*k / 2

[falling stage]

Tem = 0

[flat-bottom stage]

Note that saturation is not considered in this model.

2.6.2 Mechanical Loads

Several mechanical load models are provided in PSIM: constant-torque, constantpower, constant-speed, and general-type load.

2.6.2.1 Constant-Torque Load

The image of a constant-torque load is:
Image:
MLOAD_T

56

Power Circuit Components

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Constant Torque

Torque constant Tconst, in N*m

Moment of Inertia

Moment of inertia of the load, in kg*m2

If the reference direction of a mechanical system enters the dotted terminal, the load is
along the reference direction, and the loading torque to the master machine is Tconst.
Otherwise the loading torque will be - Tconst. See Section 2.6.1.1 for more detailed
explanation on the reference direction.
A constant-torque load is expressed as:
T L = T const

The torque does not depend on the speed direction.

2.6.2.2 Constant-Power Load

The image of a constant-power load is:
Image:
MLOAD_P

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Maximum Torque

Maximum torque Tmax of the load, in N*m

Base Speed

Base speed nbase of the load, in rpm

Moment of Inertia

Moment of inertia of the load, in kg*m 2

The torque-speed curve of a constant-power load is shown below:

Motor Drive Module

57

Tmax
Torque
(N*m)

nbase

Speed (rpm)

When the mechanical speed is less than the base speed nbase, the load torque is:
T L = T max

When the mechanical speed is above the base speed, the load torque is:
P
T L = ---------m

where P = Tmax*base and base = 2nbase/60. The mechanical speed m is in rad./sec.

2.6.2.3 Constant-Speed Load

The image of a constant-torque load is:
Image:
MLOAD_WM

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Constant Speed (rpm

Speed constant, in rp

Moment of Inertia

Moment of inertia of the load, in kg*m 2

A constant-speed mechanical load defines the speed of a mechanical system, and the

58

Power Circuit Components

speed will remain constant, as defined by the speed constant.

2.6.2.4 General-Type Load

The image of a general-type mechanical load is as follows.
Image:
MLOAD

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Tc

Constant torque term

k1 (coefficient)

Coefficient for the linear term

k2 (coefficient)

Coefficient for the quadratic term

k3 (coefficient)

Coefficient for the cubic term

Moment of Inertia

Moment of inertia of the load, in kg*m2

A general-type load is expressed as:

2

T L = sign ( m ) ( T c + k 1 m + k 2 m + k 3 m )

where m is the mechanical speed in rad./sec.

Note that the torque of the general-type load is dependent on the speed direction.

2.6.3 Gear Box

The image is a gear box is shown below.
Image:
GEARBOX

Motor Drive Module

59

Attribute:
Parameter

Description

Gear Ratio

The gear ratio a

If the numbers of teeth of the first gear and the second gear are n1 and n2, respectively,
the gear ratio a is defined as: a = n1 / n2. Let the radius, torque, and speed of these two
gears be: r1, r2, T1, T2, 1, and 2, we have: T1 / T2 = r1 / r2 = 2 / 1= a.

2.6.4 Mechanical-Electrical Interface Block

This block allows users to access the internal equivalent circuit of the mechanical
system of a machine.
Image:
MECH_ELEC
Mechanical Side

Electrical Side

Attribute:
Parameter

Description

Master/Slave Flag

Flag for the master/slave mode (1: master, 0: slave)

Similar to electric machines, the mechanical-electrical interface block can be used to

define the reference direction of a mechanical system through the master/slave flag.
When the interface block is set to the master mode, the reference direction is along the
mechanical shaft, away from the mechanical node, and towards the rest of the
mechanical elements. In a mechanical system, only one and at least one machine/
interface block must be set to the master mode. Refer to Section 2.6.1.1 for more
explanation on the master/slave flag.
Lets assume that a drive system consists of a motor (with a developed torque of Tem and
a moment of inertia of J1) and a mechanical load (with a load torque of Tload and a
moment of inertia of J2). The equation that describes the mechanical system is:
d m
( J 1 + J 2 ) ---------- = T em T load
dt

where m is the shaft mechanical speed. In PSIM, this equation is modelled by an

60

Power Circuit Components

equivalent circuit as shown below.

m
Tem

J1

speed node
J2

Tload

In this circuit, the two current sources have the values of Tem and Tload, and the
capacitors have the values of J1 and J2. The node-to-ground voltage (speed node
voltage) represents the mechanical speed m. This is analogous to C*dV/dt = i for a
capacitor where C = J1+J2, V = m, and i = Tem-Tload.
In PSIM, mechanical equivalent circuits for motors and mechanical loads all use the
capacitor-based circuit model. The mechanical-electrical interface block provides the
access to the internal mechanical equivalent circuit. If the mechanical side of an
interface block (with the letters MECH) is connected to a mechanical shaft, the
electrical side (with the letters ELEC) will be the speed node of the mechanical
equivalent circuit. One can thus connect any electrical circuits to this node.
With this element, users can connect built-in motors or mechanical loads with userdefined load or motor models.
Example: An induction machine with a custom mechanical load model
The figure below shows an induction machine connected to a user defined mechanical
load model through the mechanical-electrical interface block. As explained above, the
voltage at the electrical side represents the shaft mechanical speed. A current source
flowing out of this node represents a mechanical load, and a capacitor connected to this
node represents the load moment of inertia.

Mechanical load model

Motor Drive Module

61

Example: A custom machine model with a constant-torque load

Similarly, one can build a custom machine model and connect it to the mechanical load
in PSIM. The figure below shows such a circuit. The custom machine model must use
the capacitor analogy to model the mechanical equation. The node representing the
mechanical speed is then made available and is connected to the electrical side of the
mechanical-electrical interface block.
Custom machine model (in subcircuit form)

Wm
Mechanical
speed

2.6.5 Speed/Torque Sensors

A speed sensor (WSEN) or torque sensor (TSEN) is used to measure the mechanical
speed or torque.
Images:
WSEN

TSEN

Attribute:
Parameter

Description

Gain

Gain of the sensor

If the reference direction of a mechanical system enters the dotted side of the sensor, the
sensor is along the reference direction. Refer to Section 2.6.1.1 for more details on the
reference direction. Note that the output of the speed sensor is in rpm.
The torque sensor measures the torque transferred from the dotted side of the sensor to
the other side alone the positive speed direction. To illustrate this, the following
mechanical system is taken as an example:

62

Power Circuit Components

Load 1

Load 2
Sensor 2

Sensor 1

Tem
J

TL1
JL1

TL2
JL2

The system consists of one machine, 2 torque sensors, and 2 mechanical loads. The
torques and moment of inertia for the machine and the loads are as labelled in the
diagram. The reference direction of this mechanical system is from left to right. The
equation for this system can be written as:
d m
( J + J L1 + J L2 ) ---------- = T em T L1 T L2
dt

The equivalent electrical circuit of the equation is shown below:

m

Tem

Sensor 2

Sensor 1

Machine

TL1

JL1
Load 1

JL2

TL2
Load 2

The node voltage in the circuit represents the mechanical speed m. The current probe
on the left represents the reading of the torque sensor No. 1. Similarly, the current probe
on the right represents the reading of the torque sensor No. 2. Note that the second
current probe is from right to left since Sensor 2 is opposite to the reference direction of
the mechanical system.
The equivalent circuit also illustrates how mechanical power is transferred. The
multiplication of the current to the voltage, which is the same as the torque times the
mechanical speed, represents the mechanical power. If the power is positive, it is
transferred in the direction of the speed m.

Motor Drive Module

63

64

Power Circuit Components

3
Control Circuit Components
3.1

Transfer Function Blocks

A transfer function block is expressed in polynomial form as:
n

B n s + .. + B 2 s + B 1 s + B 0
G ( s ) = k -----------------------------------------------------------------------------2
n
A n s + .. + A 2 s + A 1 s + A 0

Two types of transfer function blocks are provided: one with zero initial values
(TFCTN) and the other with initial values as input parameters (TFCTN1).
Images:
TFCTN / TFCTN1

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Order n

Order n of the transfer function

Gain

Gain k of the transfer function

Coeff. Bn...Bo

Coefficients of the nominator (from Bn to Bo)

Coeff. An...Ao

Coefficients of the denominator (from An to Ao)

Initial Values xn..x1

Initial values of the state variables xn to x1 (for TFCTN1

only)

Let Y(s) = G(s)*U(s) where Y(s) is the output and U(s) is the input, we can convert the sdomain expression into the differential equation form as follows:

Transfer Function Blocks

65

x1

0 0 0 .. .

x2
1 0 0 ..
d
----- x = 0 1 0 ..
dt 3
.. ... ... . .
..
xn
0 0 0 ..

0A 0 A n

0A 1 A n

0A 2 A n

..
.....
. 1A n 1 A n

B0 A0 Bn An

x1

B1 A1 Bn An
x2
k
x 3 + -----
u
B2 A2 Bn An
An
...
..
Bn 1 An 1 Bn An
xn

The output equation in the time domain can be expressed as:

Bn
y = x n + k ----- u
An

The initial values of the state variables xn to x1 can be specified at the input in the
element TFCTN1.
Example:
The following is a second-order transfer function:
3

400.e
G ( s ) = 1.5 --------------------------------------------------2
3
s + 1200 s + 400.e

In PSIM, the specification will be:

Order n

Gain

1.5

Coeff. Bn...Bo

0.

Coeff. An...Ao

1. 1200. 400.e3

0.

400.e3

3.1.1 Proportional Controller

The output of a proportional (P) controller is equal to the input multiplied by a gain.
Image:
P

66

Control Circuit Components

Attribute:
Parameter

Description

Gain

Gain k of the transfer function

3.1.2 Integrator
The transfer function of an integrator is:
1
G ( s ) = ----sT

There are two types of integrators. One is the regular integrator (I). The other is the
resettable integrator (RESETI).
Images:
RESETI

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Time Constant

Time constant T of the integrator, in sec.

Initial Output Value

Initial value of the output

Reset Flag

Reset flag (0: edge reset; 1: level reset) (for RESETI only)

The output of the resettable integrator can be reset by an external control signal (at the
bottom of the block). For the edge reset (reset flag = 0), the integrator output is reset to
zero at the rising edge of the control signal. For the level reset (reset flag = 1), the
integrator output is reset to zero as long as the control signal is high (1).
To avoid over saturation, a limiter should be placed at the integrator output.
Example:
The following circuit illustrates the use of the resettable integrator. The input of the
integrator is a dc quantity. The control input of the integrator is a pulse waveform which
resets the integrator output at the end of each cycle. The reset flag is set to 0.

Transfer Function Blocks

67

Vd

vo
vctrl

3.1.3 Differentiator
The transfer function of a differentiator is:
G ( s ) = sT

A differentiator is calculated as follows:

v in ( t ) v in ( t t )
v o ( t ) = T -------------------------------------------t

where t is the simulation time step, vin(t) and vin(t-t) are the input values at the
present and the previous time step.
Image:
DIFF

Attribute:
Parameter

Description

Time Constant

Time constant T of the differentiator, in sec.

Since sudden changes of the input will generate spikes at the output, it is recommended
that a low-pass filter be placed at the input of the differentiator.

68

Control Circuit Components

3.1.4 Proportional-Integral Controller

The transfer function of a proportional-integral (PI) controller is defined as:
1 + sT
G ( s ) = k --------------sT

Image:
PI

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Gain

Gain k of the PI controller

Time Constant

Time constant T of the PI controller

To avoid over saturation, a limiter should be placed at the PI output.

3.1.5 Built-in Filter Blocks

Four second-order filters are provided as built-in modules in PSIM. The transfer
function of these filters are listed below
For a second-order low-pass filter:
2

c
G ( s ) = k -------------------------------------2
2
s + 2 c s + c

For a second-order high-pass filter:

2

s
G ( s ) = k -------------------------------------2
2
s + 2 c s + c

For a second-order band-pass filter:

Bs
G ( s ) = k --------------------------------2
2
s + B s + o

For a second-order band-stop filter:

2

s + o
G ( s ) = k --------------------------------2
2
s + B s + o

Transfer Function Blocks

69

Images:
FILTER_LP2

FILTER_HP2

FILTER_BP2

FILTER_BS2

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Gain

Gain k

Damping Ratio

Damping ratio

Cut-off Frequency

Cut-off frequency fc ( f c = -----c- ) for low-pass and high2

pass filters, in Hz

Center Frequency

Center frequency fo ( f o = -----o- ) for band-pass and band2

stop filter, in Hz

Passing Band;

B
- ) of the passing/stopping
Frequency width fb ( f b = ----2
band for band-pass/band-stop filters, in Hz

Stopping Band

3.2

Computational Function Blocks

3.2.1 Summer
The input of a one-input summer (SIM1) or two-input summer (SUM2 / SUM2P) can be
either a scalar or a vector. The input of a three-input summer (SUM3) can only be a
scalar.
Images:
SUM1

SUM3

SUM2P

SUM2

Input 1
Input 1

Input 1
Input 2
Input 2

70

Control Circuit Components

Input 2

Input 3

Attribute:
Parameter

Description

Gain_i

Gain ki for the ith input

For the three-input summer SUM3, the input with a dot is the first input.
If the inputs are scalar, the output of a summer with n inputs is defined as:
V o = k 1 V 1 + k 2 V 2 + ... + k n V n

If the input is a vector, the output of a two-input summer will also be a vector, which is
defined as:
V1 = [a1 a2 ... an]
V2 = [b1 b2 ... bn]
Vo = V1 + V2 = [a1+b1 a2+b2 ... an+bn]
The output of a one-input summer, however, will still be a scalar which is equal to the
summation of the input vector elements, that is, Vo = a1 + a2 + ... an.

3.2.2 Multiplier and Divider

The output of a multipliers (MULT) or dividers (DIVD) is equal to the multiplication or
division of two inputs.
Images:
DIVD

MULT
Nominator

Denominator

For the divider, the dotted node is for the nominator input.
The input of a multiplier can be either a vector or a scalar. If the two inputs are vectors,
their dimensions must be equal. Let the two inputs be:
V1 = [a1 a2 ... an]
V2 = [b1 b2 ... bn]
The output, which is a scalar, will be:

Computational Function Blocks

71

Vo = V1 * V2T = a1*b1 + a2*b2 + an*bn

3.2.3 Square-Root Block

A square-root function block calculates the square root of the input.
Image:
SQROT

3.2.4 Exponential/Power/Logarithmic Function Blocks

The images and attributes of these function blocks are shown below.
Images:
EXP

POWER

LOG

LOG10

Attributes (for EXP and POWER):

Parameters

Description

Coefficient k1

Coefficient k1

Coefficient k2

Coefficient k2

The output of an exponential function block EXP is defined as:

V o = k 1 k 2V in

For example, if k1 = 1, k2 = 2.718281828, and Vin = 2.5, then Vo = e2.5 where e is the
base of the natural logarithm.
The output of a power function block POWER is defined as:
k2
V o = k 1 V in
The function block LOG gives the natural logarithm (base e) of the input, and the block
LOG10 gives the common logarithm (base 10) of the input.

72

Control Circuit Components

3.2.5 Root-Mean-Square Block

A root-mean-square function block calculates the RMS value of the input over a period
specified by the base frequency fb. The output is defined as:
V rms =

1
--T

0 vin ( t )dt
T 2

where T = 1/fb. The output is only updated at the beginning of each period.
Image:
RMS

Attribute:
Parameter

Description

Base frequency

Base frequency fb, in Hz

3.2.6 Absolute and Sign Function Blocks

An absolute value function block (ABS) gives the absolute value of the input. A sign
function block (SIGN) gives the sign of the input, i.e., the output is 1 if the input is
positive, and the output is -1 if the input is negative.
Images:
ABS

SIGN

3.2.7 Trigonometric Functions

Six trigonometric functions are provided: sine (SIN), arc sine (SIN_1), cosine (COS),
arc cosine (COS_1), tangent (TAN), and arc tangent (TG_1). The output is equal to the
corresponding trigonometric function of the input. For Blocks SIN, COS, and TAN, the
input is in deg., and for Blocks SIN_1, COS_1, and TG_1, the output is in deg.

Computational Function Blocks

73

Images:
SIN

SIN_1

COS_1

COS

TG_1

TAN
Imaginary
Real

The dotted note of the arc tangent block is for the real input and the other node is for the
imaginary input. The output is the arc tangent of the ratio between the imaginary and the
1 V imaginary
real input, i.e. . = tg ---------------------V real

3.2.8 Fast Fourier Transform Block

A Fast Fourier Transform block calculates the fundamental component of the input
signal. The FFT algorithm is based on the radix-2/decimation-in-frequency method. The
number of sampling points within one fundamental period should be 2N (where N is an
integer). The maximum number of sampling points allowed is 1024.
The output gives the amplitude (peak) and the phase angle of the input fundamental
component. The output voltage (in complex form) is defined as:
N
n = ---- 1
2

2
v o = ----
N

n=0

2n

j ----------

N
N
v in ( n ) v in n + ---- e

Image:
FFT
Amplitude
Phase Angle

Attributes:

74

Parameters

Description

No. of Sampling Points

No. of sampling points N

Fundamental Frequency

Fundamental frequency fb, in Hz.

Control Circuit Components

The dotted node of the block refers to the output of the amplitude. Note that the phase
angle output has been internally adjusted such that a sine function Vm*sin(t) will give
a phase angle output of 0.
Example:
In the circuit below, the voltage vin contains a fundamental component v1 (100 V at 60
Hz), a 5th harmonic voltage v5 (25 V at 300 Hz), and a 7th harmonic v7 (25 V at 420
Hz). After one cycle, the FFT block output reaches the steady state with the amplitude of
100 V and the phase angle of 0 o.
v1

vin
v5

v1
vin

vamp
Angle

v7

vamp
Angle

3.3

Other Function Blocks

3.3.1 Comparator
The output of a comparator is high when the positive input is higher than the negative
input. When the positive input is lower, the output is zero. If the two input are equal, the
output is undefined and it will keep the previous value.
Image:
COMP

Note that the comparator image is similar to that of the op. amp. For the comparator, the
noninverting input is at the upper left and the inverting input is at the lower left. For the
op. amp., however, it is the opposite.

Other Function Blocks

75

3.3.2 Limiter
The output of a limiter is clamped to the upper or lower limit whenever the input
exceeds the limiter range. If the input is within the limit, the output is equal to the input.
Image:
LIM

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Lower Limit

Lower limit of the limiter

Upper Limit

Upper limit of the limiter

3.3.3 Gradient (dv/dt) Limiter

A gradient (dv/dt) limiter limits the rate of change of the input. If the rate of change is
within the limit, the output is equal to the input.
Image:
LIMIT_DVDT

Attribute:
Parameter

Description

dv/dt Limit

Limit of the rate of change (dv/dt) of the input

3.3.4 Look-up Table

There are two types of lookup tables: one-dimensional lookup table (LKUP), and 2dimensional lookup table (LKUP2D).

76

Control Circuit Components

Images:
LKUP2D

LKUP

Index j
Index i

Attribute:
Parameter

Description

File Name

Name of the file storing the lookup table

For the 2-dimensional lookup table block, the node at the left is for the row index input,
and the node at the top is for the column index input.
Please note that the one-dimensional lookup table (LKUP) can also be used in the power
circuit.
The one-dimensional lookup table has one input and one output. Two data arrays,
corresponding to the input and the output, are stored in the lookup table in a file. The
format of the table is as follows.
Vin(1), Vo(1)
Vin(2), Vo(2)
...
Vin(n), Vo(n)
The input array Vin must be monotonically increasing. Between two points, linear
interpolation is used to obtain the output. When the value of the input is less than Vin(1)
or greater than Vin(n), the output will be clamped to Vo(1) or Vo(n).
The 2-dimensional lookup table has two input and one output. The output data is stored
in a 2-dimensional matrix. The two input correspond to the row and column indices of
the matrix. For example, if the row index is 3 and the column index is 4, the output will
be A(3,4) where A is the data matrix. The data for the lookup table are stored in a file
and have the following format:
m, n
A(1,1), A(1,2), ..., A(1,n)
A(2,1), A(2,2), ..., A(2,n)
... ... ...
A(m,1), A(m,2), ..., A(m,n)

Other Function Blocks

77

where m and n are the number of rows and columns, respectively. Since the row or the
column index must be an integer, the input value is automatically converted to an
integer. If either the row or the column index is out of the range (for example, the row
index is less than 1 or greater than m), the output will be zero.
Examples:
The following shows a one-dimensional lookup table:
1., 10.
2., 30.
3., 20.
4., 60.
5., 50.
If the input is 0.99, the output will be 10. If the input is 1.5, the output will be
( 1.5 1 ) ( 30 10 )10 + ----------------------------------------------=20.
21
The following shows a 2-dimensional lookup table:
3, 4
1., -2., 4., 1.
2., 3., 5., 8.
3., 8., -2., 9.
If the row index is 2 and the column index is 4, the output will be 8. If the row index is
5, regardless of the column index, the output will be 0.

3.3.5 Trapezoidal and Square Blocks

Trapezoidal waveform blocks (LKUP_TZ) and square waveform blocks (LKUP_SQ)
are specific types of lookup tables: the output and the input relationship is either a
trapezoidal or a square waveform.
Images:
LKUP_TZ

For the trapezoidal waveform block:

78

Control Circuit Components

LKUP_SQ

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Rising Angle theta

Rising angle , in deg.

Peak Value

Peak value Vpk of the waveform

For the square waveform block:

Attribute:
Parameter

Description

Pulse Width (deg.)

Pulse width in half cycle, in deg.

The waveforms of these two blocks are shown below. Note that the input vin is in deg.,
and can be in the range of -360 o to 360 o. Both waveforms are half-wave and quarterwave symmetrical.
vo

vo

LKUP_TZ

LKUP_SQ

Vpk
180

vin
o
360

-Vpk

vin

o
180

360

-1

3.3.6 Sampling/Hold Block

A sampling/hold block samples the input when the control signal changes from low to
high (from 0 to 1), and holds this value until the next point is sampled.
Image:
SAMP
Input
Control

The difference between this block and the zero-order hold block (ZOH) in Digital
Control Module is that this block is treated as a continuous element and sampling
moments can be controlled externally; whereas the zero-order hold block is a discrete

Other Function Blocks

79

element and the sampling moments are fixed and of equal distance.
For a discrete system, the zero-order hold block should be used.
Example:
In this example, a sinusoidal input is sampled. The control signal is a square wave
voltage source with an amplitude of 1.
vin

vo
vctrl

3.3.7 Round-Off Block

The image of a round-off block is shown below:
Image:
ROUNDOFF

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

No. of Digits

No. of digits N after the decimal point

Truncation Flag

Truncation flag (1: truncation; 0: round-off)

Let the input of the round-off block be Vin. The input is first scaled based on the
following expression:
V in, new = V in 10

If the truncation flag is 1, the output will be equal to Vin,new truncated, and then divided

80

Control Circuit Components

by 10N. Otherwise, the output will be equal to Vin,new rounded off to the nearest integer,
and then divided by 10 N.
Examples:
If Vin = 34.5678; N = 0, truncation flag = 0, then we have the output Vout = 35.
Similarly, if Vin = 34.5678; N = 0, truncation flag = 1, the output Vout = 34.
If Vin = 34.5678; N = 1, truncation flag = 1, the output Vout = 34.5.
If Vin = 34.5678; N = -1, truncation flag = 1, the output Vout = 30.

3.3.8 Time Delay Block

A time delay block delays the input waveform by a specified amount of time interval. It,
for example. can be used to model the propagation delay of a logic element.
Image:
TDELAY

Attribute:
Parameter

Description

Time Delay

Time delay, in sec.

Note that the difference between this block and the unit delay block (UDELAY) in
Digital Control Module is that this block is a continuous element and the delay time can
be arbitrarily set; whereas the unit delay block is a discrete element and the delay time is
equal to the sampling period.
For a discrete system, the unit delay block should be used.
Example:
In this circuit, the first time delay block has a delay time of 1 ms, and the second block
has a delay time of 4 ms. This example illustrates that the input of the time delay block
can be either an analog or a digital signal.

Other Function Blocks

81

1 ms

vin1

vo1
vin2

vo2
4 ms

vin2
vo2

3.3.9 Multiplexer
The output of a multiplexer is equal to a selected input depending on the control signal.
Three multiplexers are provided: multiplexers with 2 inputs; 4 inputs; and 8 inputs.
Images:
MUX2

MUX8

MUX4

d0
Y

d1

d0

d0
d1
Y

d2
d3

d7

s0
s1 s0

s2 s1 s0

In the images, d0..d7 are the data inputs; and s0..s2 are the control signals. The truth
tables of the multiplexers are as follows.

82

Control Circuit Components

2-Input MUX
s0
Y
0
d0
1
d1

s1
0
0
1
1

4-Input MUX
s0
Y
0
d0
1
d1
0
d2
1
d3

s2
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
1

8-Input MUX
s1
s0
0
0
0
1
1
0
1
1
0
0
0
1
1
0
1
1

Y
d0
d1
d2
d3
d4
d5
d6
d7

Note that the data input could be either an analog or digital signal.
Example:
The following circuit selects the maximum value out of two inputs. When Va is greater
than Vb, the comparator output will be 1, and Vo = Va. Otherwise Vo = Vb.

3.3.10 THD Block

The total harmonic distortion (THD) of an ac waveform that contains both the
fundamental and harmonic components is defined as:
2
V rms
V
V 12
THD = -----h = -------------------------V1
V1

where V1 is the fundamental component (rms), Vh is the harmonic rms value, and Vrms is
the overall rms value of the waveform. The THD block is modelled as shown below.

Other Function Blocks

83

Image:
Circuit Model of the THD Block

THD
THD

Vrms

vin(t)

vin(t)

Vh

THD

V1

v1(t)

v1(t)

A second-order band-pass filter is used to extract the fundamental component. The

center frequency and the passing band of the band-pass filter need to be specified.
Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Fundamental Frequency

Fundamental frequency of the input, in Hz

Passing Band

Passing band of the band-pass filter, in Hz

Example:
In the single-phase thyristor circuit below, a THD block is used to measure the THD of
the input current. The delay angle of the thyristor bridge is chosen as 30o. For the THD
block, the fundamental frequency is set at 60 Hz and the passing band of the filter is set
at 20 Hz. The simulation results are shown on the right.

vs

alpha=30 deg.

is

THD

is1

One of the THD block output is the input current fundamental component is1. By

84

Control Circuit Components

comparing the phase difference between the input voltage vs and the current is1, one can
calculate the input displacement power factor. This, together with the THD value, can
be used to calculate the input power factor.

3.4

Logic Components

3.4.1 Logic Gates

Basic logic gates are AND, OR, XORGATE (exclusive-OR), NOT, NAND, and NOR
gates.
Images:
ANDGATE

ORGATE

ANDGATE3

ORGATE3

NOTGATE

NANDGATE

XORGATE

NORGATE

3.4.2 Set-Reset Flip-Flop

There are two types of set-reset flip-flops. One is edge-triggered and the other is leveltriggered.
Image:
SRFF

Attribute:
Parameter

Description

Trigger Flag

Trigger flag (0: edge-triggered; 1: level-triggered)

An edge-triggered flip-flop only changes the states at the rising edge of the set/reset

Logic Components

85

input. The truth table of an edge-triggered flip-flop is:

S
0
0

R
0

Q
0
1

Qn
no change
1
0
not used

A level-triggered flip-flop, on the other hand, changes the states based on the input
level. The truth table of a level-triggered set-reset flip-flop is:
S
0
0
1
1

R
0
1
0
1

Q
0
1

Qn
no change
1
0
not used

3.4.3 J-K Flip-Flop

A J-K flip-flop is positive edge-triggered.
Image:
JKFF

The truth table is:

J
0
0
1
1

86

Control Circuit Components

K
0
1
0
1

Q
0
1

Qn
no change
1
0
Toggle

3.4.4 D Flip-Flop
A D flip-flop is positive edge-triggered.
Image:
D_FF

The truth table is:

D
0
1

Clock

Q
0
1

Qn
1
0

3.4.5 Monostable Multivibrator

In a monostable multivibrator, the positive (or negative) edge of the input signal triggers
the monostable. A pulse, with the specified pulse width, will be generated at the output.
The output pulse width can be either fixed or adjusted through another input variable.
The latter type of monostables is referred to as controlled monostables (MONOC). Its
on-time pulse width, in second, is determined by the control input.
Images:
MONO

MONOC

Attribute:
Parameter

Description

Pulse Width

On-time pulse width, in sec.

The input node at the bottom of the controlled monostable block is for the pulse width
input.

Logic Components

87

3.4.6 Pulse Width Counter

A pulse width counter measures the width of a pulse. The rising edge of the input
activates the counter. At the falling edge of the input, the output gives the width of the
pulse (in sec.). During the interval of two falling pulse edges, the pulse width counter
output remains unchanged.
Image:
PWCT

3.4.7 A/D and D/A Converters

A/D and D/A converters perform analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion.
Both 8-bit and 10-bit converters are provided.
Images:
ADC10

ADC8

Vref

Vref

Vin

DAC10

DAC8

Vin

Vo

Vo

Clock

Let N be the number of bits. The output of the A/D converter is calculated as:
N

2
V o = --------- V in
V ref

For example, if Vref = 5 V, Vin = 3.2 V, N = 8 bits, then

Vo = 256/5*3.2 = 163.84 = 10100011 (binary)
The output of the D/A converter is calculated as:

88

Control Circuit Components

V ref
- V in
V o = -------N
2

For example, if Vref = 5 V, Vin = 10100011 (binary) = 163, N = 8 bits, then

Vo = 163/256*5 = 3.1836

3.5

Digital Control Module

The Digital Control Module is an add-on module to the basic PSIM program. It provides
discrete elements, such as zero-order hold, z-domain transfer function blocks, digital
filters, etc., for digital control system simulation.
In contrary to a s-domain circuit which is continuous, a z-domain circuit is discrete, and
the calculation is only performed at the discrete sampling points. There is no calculation
between two sampling points.

3.5.1 Zero-Order Hold

A zero-order hold samples the input at the point of sampling. The output remains
unchanged between two sampling points.
Image:
ZOH

Attribute:
Parameter

Description

Sampling Frequency

Sampling frequency of the zero-order hold, in Hz

Like all other discrete elements, the zero-order hold has a free-running timer which
determines the moment of sampling. The sampling moment is synchronized with the
origin of the simulation time. For example, if the zero-order hold has a sampling
frequency of 1000 Hz, the input will be sampled at 0, 1 msec., 2 msec., 3 msec., and so
on.
Example:
In the following circuit, the zero-order hold sampling frequency is 1000 Hz. The input
and output waveforms are shown on the left.

Digital Control Module

89

Note that in above circuit, a continuous-domain integrator is also connected to the input
sine source. This makes it a mixed continuous-discrete circuit, and a simulation time
step selected for the continuous circuit will be used. With this time step, the familiar
staircase-like waveform can be observed at the zero-order hold output.
Without the integrator, the circuit becomes a discrete circuit. Since only the calculation
at the discrete sampling points is needed, the simulation time step will be equal to the
sampling period, and only the results at the sampling points are available. The
waveforms, as shown below, appear continuous. In fact the waveforms are discrete, and
the connection between two sampling points makes it look like continuous.

3.5.2 z-Domain Transfer Function Block

A z-domain transfer function block is expressed in polynomial form as:
N

N1

b0 z + b1 z
+ .. + b N 1 z + b N
H ( z ) = ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------N
N1
a0 z + a1 z
+ .. + a N 1 z + a N

If a0 = 1, the expression Y(z) = H(z) * U(z) can be expressed in difference equation as:

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Control Circuit Components

y ( n ) = b 0 u ( n ) + b 1 u ( n 1 ) + ... + b N u ( n N )
[ a 1 y ( n 1 ) + a 2 y ( n 2 ) + ... + a N y ( n N ) ]

Image:
TFCTN_D

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Order N

Order N of the transfer function

Coeff. b0...bN

Coefficients of the nominator (from b0 to bN)

Coeff. a0...aN

Coefficients of the nominator (from a0 to aN)

Sampling Frequency

Sampling frequency, in Hz

Example:
The following is a second-order transfer function:
3

400.e
H ( z ) = --------------------------------------------------2
3
z + 1200 z + 400.e

Assuming a sampling frequency of 3 kHz, the specification will be:

Order N

Coeff. b0...bN

0.

Coeff. a0...aN

1. 1200. 400.e3

Sampling Frequency

3000.

0.

400.e3

3.5.2.1 Integrator
There are two types of integrators. One is the regular integrator (I_D). The other is the
resettable integrator (I_RESET_D).

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91

Images:
I_RESET_D

I_D

Attribute:
Parameters

Description

Algorithm Flag

Flag for integration algorithm

0: trapezoidal rule
1: backward Euler
2: forward Euler

Initial Output Value

Initial output value

Reset Flag

Reset flag (0: edge reset; 1: level reset)

Sampling Frequency

Sampling frequency, in Hz

The output of a resettable integrator can be reset by an external control signal (at the
bottom of the block). With the edge reset (reset flag = 0), the integrator output is reset to
zero at the rising edge of the control signal. With the level reset (reset flag = 1), the
integrator output is reset to zero as long as the control signal is high (1).
If we define u(t) as the input, y(t) as the output, T as the sampling period, and H(z) as the
discrete transfer function, the input-output relationship of an integrator can be expressed
under different integration algorithms as follows.
With trapezoidal rule:
T z+1
H ( z ) = --- ----------2 z1
T
y ( n ) = y ( n 1 ) + --- ( u ( n ) + u ( n 1 ) )
2

With backward Euler:

z
H ( z ) = T ----------z1
y(n) = y(n 1) + T u(n)

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Control Circuit Components

With forward Euler:

1
H ( z ) = T ----------z1
y( n ) = y(n 1 ) + T u( n 1)

3.5.2.2 Differentiator
The transfer function of a discrete differentiator is:
1 z1
H ( z ) = --- ----------T
z

where T is the sampling period. The input-output relationship can be expressed in

difference equation as:
1
y ( n ) = --- ( u ( n ) u ( n 1 ) )
T

Image:
D_D

Attribute:
Parameter

Description

Sampling Frequency

Sampling frequency, in Hz

3.5.2.3 Digital Filters

Two types of digital filters are provided: general digital filter (FILTER_D /
FILTER_D1) and finite impulse response (FIR) filter (FILTER_FIR / FILTER_FIR1).
For blocks FILTER_D1 and FILTER_FIR1, filter coefficients are specified through a
file.

Digital Control Module

93

Images:
FILTER_D / FILTER_D1

FILTER_FIR / FILTER_FIR1

Attributes:
For Filter_D and FILTER_FIR:
Parameters

Description

Order N

Order N of the transfer function

Coeff. b0...bN

Coefficients of the nominator (from b0 to bN)

Coeff. a0...aN

Coefficients of the nominator (from a0 to aN)

Sampling Frequency

Sampling frequency, in Hz

For Filter_D1 and FILTER_FIR1:

Parameters

Description

File for Coefficients

Name of the file storing the filter coefficients

Sampling Frequency

Sampling frequency, in Hz

The transfer function of the general digital filter is expressed in polynomial form as:
1

(N 1 )

b 0 + b 1 z + ... + b N 1 z
+ bN z
H ( z ) = ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(N 1 )
N
1
a 0 + a 1 z + ... + a N 1 z
+ aN z

If a0 = 1, the output y and input u can be expressed in difference equation form as:
y ( n ) = b 0 u ( n ) + b 1 u ( n 1 ) + .. + b N u ( n N )
[ a 1 y ( n 1 ) + a 2 y ( n 2 ) + ... + a N y ( n N ) ]

If the denominator coefficients a0..aN are not zero, this type of filter is called infinite
impulse response (IIR) filter.
The transfer function of the FIR filter is expressed in polynomial form as:

94

Control Circuit Components

H ( z ) = b0 + b1 z

+ .. + b N 1 z

( N 1 )

+ bN z

If a0 = 1, the output y and input u can be expressed in difference equation form as:
y ( n ) = b 0 u ( n ) + b 1 u ( n 1 ) + .. + b N u ( n N )
The coefficient file for block FILTER_D1 and FILTER_FIR1 has the following format:
For Filter_FIR1:
N
b0
b1
... ... ...
bN
For Filter_D1, the format can be either one of the following:
N
b0

or

N
b0, a0

b1

b1, a1

... ... ...

bN

... ... ...

bN, aN

a0
a1
... ... ...
aN
Example:
To design a 2nd-order low-pass Butterworth digital filter with the cut-off frequency fc =
1 kHz, assuming the sampling frequency fs = 10 kHz, using MATLAB, we have:
Nyquist frequency fn = fs / 2 = 5 kHz
Normalized cut-off frequency fc* = fc/fn = 1/5 = 0.2
[B,A] = butter (2, fc*)
which will give:
B = [0.0201 0.0402 0.0201 ] = [b0 b1 b2]

Digital Control Module

95

A=[

1 -1.561 0.6414 ] = [a0 a1 a2]

The transfer function is

1

+ 0.0402 z + 0.0201 z
H ( z ) = 0.0201
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------1
2
1 1.561 z + 0.6414 z

The input-output difference equation is:

y ( n ) = 0.0201 u ( n ) + 0.0402 u ( n 1 ) + 1.561 y ( n 1 ) 0.6414 y ( n 2 )

The parameter specification of the filter in PSIM will be:

Order N

Coeff. b0...bN

0.0201

0.0402

0.0201

Coeff. a0...aN

1.

-1.561

0.6414

Sampling Frequency

10000.

If the coefficients are stored in a file, the file content will be:
2
0.0201
0.0402
0.0201
1.
-1.561
0.6414
Or the file can also have the content as follows:
2
0.0201, 1
0.0402, -1.561
0.0201, 0.6414

96

Control Circuit Components

3.5.3 Unit Delay

A unit delay block provides one sampling period delay to the input.
Image:
UDELAY

Attribute:
Parameter

Description

Sampling Frequency

Sampling frequency, in Hz

The difference between a unit delay block and a time delay block (TDELAY) is that the
unit delay block is a discrete element and it delays the sampled points by one sampling
period, whereas TDELAY is a continuous element and it delays the whole waveform by
the delay time specified.

3.5.4 Quantization Block

A quantization block simulates the quantization error during an A/D conversion.
Image:
DIGIT

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

No. of Bits

Number of bits N

Vin_min

Lower limit of the input value Vin,min

Vin_max

Upper limit of the input value Vin,max

Vo_min

Lower limit of the output value Vo,min

Vo_max

Upper limit of the output value Vo,max

Sampling Frequency

Sampling frequency, in Hz

Digital Control Module

97

A quantization block performs two functions: scaling and quantization.

The input value Vin, sampled at the given sampling frequency, is first scaled based on
the following:
V in V in, min
V ox = V in, min + --------------------------------------- ( V o, max V o, min )
V in, max V in, min

The number of bits determines the output resolution V which is defined as:
V o, max V o, min
V = ----------------------------------N
2 1

The output Vo will be equal to the truncated value of Vox based on the resolution V.
Example:
If N = 4, Vin,min = 0, Vin,max = 10, Vo,min = -5, Vo,min = 5, and Vin = 3.2, then:
Vox = -5 + (3.2 - 0) * (5 - (05)) / (10 - 0) = -1.8
V = (5 - (-5)) / (24 - 1) = 0.66667
The value -1.8 is between -2.33332 and -1.66665. Therefore, the lower value is selected,
that is, Vo = -1.66665.

3.5.5 Circular Buffer

A circular buffer is a memory location that can store an array of data.
Image:
C_BUFFER

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Buffer Length

The length of the buffer

Sampling Frequency

Sampling frequency, in Hz

A circular buffer stores data in a buffer. When the pointer reaches the end of the buffer,

98

Control Circuit Components

it will start again from the beginning.

The output of the circular buffer is a vector. To access to each memory location, use the
memory read block MEMREAD.
Example:
If a circular buffer has a buffer length of 4 and a sampling frequency of 10 Hz, we have
the buffer storage at different time as follows:
Value at Memory Location
Time

Input

0.11

0.11

0.1

0.22

0.11

0.22

0.2

0.33

0.11

0.22

0.33

0.3

0.44

0.11

0.22

0.33

0.44

0.4

0.55

0.55

0.22

0.33

0.44

... ... ...

3.5.6 Convolution Block

A convolution block performs the convolution of two input vectors. The output is also a
vector.
Image:
CONV

Let the two input vectors be:

A = [ am am-1 am-2 ... a1]
B = [ bn bn-1 bn-2 ... b1]
We have the convolution of A and B as:
C = AB

= [cm+n-1 cm+n-2 ... c1]

Digital Control Module

99

where
c i = [ ak+1 * bj-k], k=0, ..., m+n-1; j=0, ..., m+n-1; i=1, ..., m+n-1
Example:
If A = [1 2 3] and B = [4 5], we have m = 3; n = 2; and the convolution of A and B is:
C = [4 13 22 15].

3.5.7 Memory Read Block

A memory read block is used to read the value of a memory location of a vector.
Image:
MEMREAD

Attribute:
Parameter

Description

Memory Index Offset

Offset from the starting memory location

A memory read block allows one to access the memory location of elements such as
convolution block, vector array, and circular buffer. The index offset defines the offset
from the starting memory location.
Example:
Let a vector be A = [2 4 6 8]. If index offset is 0, the memory read block output will be
2. If the index offset is 2, the output will be 6.

3.5.8 Data Array

This is a one-dimensional array. The output is a vector. The data are either entered
directly (in ARRAY) or specified in a file (in ARRAY1).
Image:
ARRAY / ARRAY1

100

Control Circuit Components

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Array Length

The length of the data array N (for ARRAY only)

Values

Values of the array (for ARRAY only)

File for Coefficients

Name of the file storing the array (for ARRAY1 only)

If the array is read from a file, the file will have the following format:
N
a1
... ... ...
aN
where N is the length of the array, and a1..aN are the array values.
Example:
To define an array A = [2 4 6 8], we will have: Array Length =4; Values = 2 4 6 8. If the
array is to be read from a file, the file will be:
4
2.
4.
6.
8.

3.5.9 Stack
A stack is a first-in-last-out register.
Image:
STACK
Vin
push
pop

Vo

Digital Control Module

101

Attribute:
Parameter

Description

Stack Depth

The stack depth

The rising edge triggers the push or pop action. When a pop action is performed and the
stack is empty, the output remains unchanged. When a push action is performed and the
stack is already full, the data at the bottom of the stack will be pushed out and will be
lost.

3.5.10 Multi-Rate Sampling System

A discrete system can have more than one sampling rate. The following system is used
to illustrate this.
The system below has 3 sections. The first section has a sampling rate of 10 Hz. The
output, Vo, fed back to the system and is sampled at 4 Hz in the second section. In the
third section, the output is displayed at a sampling rate of 2 Hz.
It should be noted that a zero-order hold must be used between two elements with
different sampling rates.

Vo

102

Control Circuit Components

3.6

SimCoupler Module
The SimCoupler Module is an add-on module to the basic PSIM software. It provides
interface between PSIM and Matlab/Simulink for co-simulation. With the SimCoupler
Module, part of a system can be implemented and simulated in PSIM, and the rest of the
system in Simulink. One can therefore make full use of PSIMs capability in power
simulation and Matlab/Simulinks capability in control simulation in a complementary
way.
The SimCoupler interface consists of two parts: the link nodes in PSIM, and the
SimCoupler model block in Simulink. The images are shown below
Images:
In SimuLink

In PSIM
SLINK_IN

SLINK_OUT

SimCoupler Model Block

In PSIM, the SLINK_IN nodes receive values from Simulink, and the SLINK_OUT
nodes send the values to Simulink. They are all control elements and can be used in the
control circuit only. In Simulink, the SimCoupler model block is connected to the rest of
the system through input/output ports.

3.6.1 Set-up in PSIM and Simulink

The use of the SimCoupler Module is easy and straightforward. As an example, the
following shows a permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drive system with
the power stage implemented in PSIM, and the control in Simulink.

SimCoupler Module

103

Power
in PSIM
File: pmsm_psim.sch

Control
in SimuLink
File: pmsm_simulink.mdl

The following are the steps to set up SimCoupler for PSIM-Matlab/Simulink cosimulation for the example above.
In PSIM:
- After the rest of the power circuit is created, connect three SLINK_OUT nodes
to the low-pass filters of Phase A, B, and C currents, and rename them as Ia,
Ib, and Ic; and connect one SLINK_OUT node to the speed sensor output
and rename it as Wrpm.
- Connect three SLINK_IN nodes to the positive inputs of the comparators, and
rename them as Va, Vb, and Vc.
- Go to the Simulate menu, and select Arrange SLINK Nodes. A dialog
window will appear. Arrange the order of the SLINK_IN nodes and
SLINK_OUT nodes to be the same as how the input/output ports would appear
in the SimCoupler model block in Simulink (the order of the ports is from the
top to the bottom). In this example, the order will be Va, Vb, and Vc for

104

Control Circuit Components

the SLINK_IN nodes, and Ia, Ib, Ic, and Wrpm for the SLINK_OUT
nodes.
- Go to the Simulate menu, and select Generate Netlist File. A netlist file with
the .cct extension will be generated and saved under the same directory as the
schematic file. In this example, we assume that the netlist is located in the
directory C:\PSIM6.0. The netlist file name and path will be
C:\PSIM6.0\pmsm_psim.cct.
In Simulink
- Copy the version of the SimCoupler DLL file to SimCoupler.dll. For
example, for Release 13, copy SimCoupler_R13.dll to SimCoupler.dll.
Note: the default SimCoupler.dll file is for Release 11. It is found that it also
works for higher releases.
- Start Matlab. Change the working directory to the PSIM directory. If PSIM is
installed in the directory C:\PSIM6.0, change the directory to C:\PSIM6.0.
Then launch Simulink and open the existing file or create a new file.
- After the rest of the system is created, open the Simulink file
SimCoupler_Block_R11.mdl (created in Matlab/Simulink Release 11) that
store the SimCoupler model block. Copy and paste the SimCoupler model
block into the PMSM example file.
- In the PMSM example file, double click on the SimCoupler block, and enter
the name and the location of the PSIM netlist name, and click on Apply. In this
example, it will be C:\PSIM6.0\pmsm_psim.cct. The number of input and
output ports for the SimCoupler model block will automatically match those
defined in the PSIM netlist. In this case, there will be 3 input ports and 4 output
ports. If the number of link nodes in the netlist is changed later, go to the Edit
menu and choose Update Diagram. This will update the model block ports.
- Go to the Simulation menu and select Simulation Parameters. Under Solver
Options, set the Type to Fixed-step. Set Fixed step size to be the same as or
close to PSIMs time step. In this case, the time step is set to 0.1ms. More
discussion on the selection of the solver option and the time step is given in the
next section.
- The setup is now complete. Go to Simulink and start the simulation.
The SimCoupler Module supports Matlab/Simulink Release 11, 12.0, 12.1, and 13.
Please note that the SimCoupler file SimCoupler.dll is created in Matlab/Simulink
Release 11. It is found that this file also works with higher releases of Matlab/Simulink.
We also compiled and provided this file for other Matlab/Simulink releases. They are
stored in SimCoupler_Rxx.dll where xx is the release version number. For example, to

SimCoupler Module

105

use SimCoupler.dll compiled for Release 13, first delete SimCoupler.dll, then copy
SimCoupler_R13.dll to another file, and rename that file to SimCoupler.dll.
Please also note that when the SimCoupler model block is used in a feedback system in
Simulink, the SimCoupler model block may be part of an algebraic loop (please refer to
Matlab Help for more information on algebraic loops). Some versions of Matlab/
Simulink can not solve a system containing algebraic loops, and other can solve the
system but with degraded performance. To break an algebraic loop, place a memory
block at each output of the SimCoupler model block. The memory block introduces one
integration time step delay.

3.6.2 Solver Type and Time Step Selection in Simulink

There are certain restrictions on the selection of the solver type and the time step in
Simulink when performing the co-simulation. To illustrate this, we use the following
one-quadrant chopper circuit with average current mode control as an example.
The circuit on the left is all implemented and simulated in PSIM. The circuit on the right
has the power stage implemented in PSIM, and the control implemented in Simulink. In
both circuits, the PSIM simulation time step is 2 us.
Complete circuit in PSIM

Power circuit in PSIM

Time step: 2us

There are different ways of setting up Simulink to perform co-simulation. The

recommend approach is to set the Solve Type to Fixed-step and define the Fixed step
size to be the same or close to PSIMs time step. The figure below shows this option.

106

Control Circuit Components

Control in Simulink

Solver Type: Fixed-step

Time step: 20 us

It is recommended that Simulink use the same time step as PSIM, although we have
found that, even if the Simulink time step is slightly larger than PSIM time step,
satisfactory results are obtained. In this case, for example, the time step is set to 20 us,
10 times larger than the PSIM time step.
If the Simulink Solver type is instead set to Variable-step, the simulation results will
not be correct. The figure below shows this option.
Control in Simulink

Solver Type: Variable-step

When the Simulink Solver type is set to Variable-step, in order to obtain correct results,
a zero-order-hold must be placed at the input of the SimCoupler model block.
Moreover, the zero-order-hold sample time must be the same or close to PSIM time
step. The figure below shows the configuration.

SimCoupler Module

107

Control in Simulink

Solver Type: Variable-step

ZOH Sample Time: 2 us

Therefore, Simulink must be set up to have the Solver Type as Fixed-step with the time
step the same or close to the PSIM time step, or if the Solver Type is Variable-step, a
zero-order-hold must be used with the sample time the same or close to PSIM time step

108

Control Circuit Components

4
Other Components
4.1

Parameter File
The parameter file element .FILE defines the name of the file that stores the component
parameters and limit settings. For example, the resistance of a resistor can be specified
as R1, and the value of R1 is defined in the parameter file.
Image:
.FILE

The parameter file is a text file created by the user. The format is shown below:
<name> = <value>
<name> <value>
LIMIT <name> <lower limit> <upper limit>
% A comment line
The field <value> can be either a numerical number (e.g. R1 = 12.3) or a
mathematical expression (e.g. R3 = R1 + R2/2.). The name and the value can be
separated by either an equation sign (e.g. R1 = 12.3) or a space (e.g. R1 12.3). Text
from the character % to the end of the line is treated as comments (e.g. % R3 is the
load resistance).
For example, a parameter file may look like the following:
R1=12.3

[R1 is defined as 12.3]

R2 23.4Ohm

[Equation sign can be replaced by space]

% R3 is the load resistance

[This line is comments]

R3=R1+R2/2.

[Math expression is allowed]

L1=3m

[power-of-ten suffix is allowed. L1=0.003]

C1=100uF

Parameter File

109

LIMIT R3 5. 25.

4.2

[R3 is limited between 5. and 25.]

Sources
Several types of independent voltage/current sources are available in PSIM. The
notation of a current source direction is: the current flows out of the higher-potential
node, through the external circuit, and back into the lower-potential node of the source.
Note that current sources can be used in the power circuit only.

4.2.1 Time
The Time element is a special case of the piecewise linear voltage source. It is treated as
a grounded voltage source, and the value is equal to the simulation time, in sec.
Image:
Time

4.2.2 DC Source
A dc source has a constant amplitude. The reference of the dc voltage sources
VDC_GND and VDC_GND_1 is the ground.
Images:
VDC

VDC_CELL

VDC_GND

Attribute:

110

Parameter

Description

Amplitude

Amplitude of the source

Other Components

VDC_GND_1

IDC

4.2.3 Sinusoidal Source

A sinusoidal source is defined as:
v o = V m sin ( 2 f t + ) + V offset

The specifications can be illustrated as follows.

Vm

Voffset
t
1/f

Images:
VSIN

ISIN

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Peak Amplitude

Peak amplitude Vm

Frequency

Frequency f, in Hz

Phase Angle

Initial phase angle , in deg.

DC Offset

DC offset Voffset

Tstart

Starting time, in sec. Before this time, the source is 0.

To facilitate the setup of three-phase circuits, a symmetrical three-phase Y-connected

sinusoidal voltage module (VSIN3) is provided. The dotted phase of the module refers
to Phase A.

Sources

111

Image:
VSIN3

a
b
c

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

V (line-line-rms)

Line-to-line rms voltage amplitude

Frequency

Frequency f, in Hz

Init. Angle (phase A)

Initial angle for Phase A

4.2.4 Square-Wave Source

A square-wave voltage source (VSQU) or current source (ISQU) is defined by peak-topeak amplitude, frequency, duty-cycle, and DC offset. The duty cycle is defined as the
ratio between the high-potential interval versus the period.
Images:
VSQU

112

Other Components

ISQU

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Vpeak-peak

Peak-to-peak amplitude Vpp

Frequency

Frequency, in Hz

Duty Cycle

Duty cycle D of the high-potential interval

DC Offset

DC offset Voffset

Phase Delay

Phase delay of the waveform, in deg.

The specifications of a square wave source are illustrated as follows.

Vpp
Voffset

D*T
0

(T=1/f)

When the phase delay is positive, the waveform is shifted to the right along the time
axis.

4.2.5 Triangular Source

A triangular-wave voltage source (VTRI) or current source (ITRI) is defined by peakto-peak amplitude, frequency, duty-cycle, and DC offset. The duty cycle is defined as
the ratio between the rising-slope interval versus the period.
Images:
VTRI

ITRI

Sources

113

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Vpeak-peak

Peak-to-peak amplitude Vpp

Frequency

Frequency, in Hz

Duty Cycle

Duty cycle D of the rising slope interval

DC Offset

DC offset Voffset

Phase Delay

Phase delay of the waveform, in deg.

The specifications of a triangular wave source are illustrated as:

D*T

Vpp

Voffset

(T=1/f)

When the phase delay is positive, the waveform is shifted to the right along the time
axis.

4.2.6 Step Sources

A step voltage/current source changes from one level to another at a given time.
Images:
VSTEP / VSTEP_1

Attributes:

114

Other Components

ISTEP / ISTEP_1

For VSTEP and ISTEP:

Parameters

Description

Vstep

Value Vstep after the step change

Tstep

Time Tstep at which the step change occurs

For VSTEP_1 and ISTEP_1:

Parameters

Description

Vstep1

Value Vstep1 before the step change

Vstep2

Value Vstep2 after the step change

Tstep

Time Tstep at which the step change occurs

T_transition

Transition time Ttransition from Vstep1 to Vstep2

The specifications of the voltage step sources are illustrated as follows:

VSTEP_1

VSTEP

Vstep

Vstep2
Vstep1

Tstep

Ttransition

Tstep

4.2.7 Piecewise Linear Source

The waveform of a piecewise linear source consists of piecewise linear segments. It is
defined by the number of points, the values and the corresponding time (in sec.).
Images:
VGNL / VGNL_1

IGNL / IGNL_1

Sources

115

Attributes:
For VGNL and IGNL:
Parameters

Description

Frequency

Frequency of the waveform, in Hz

No. of Points n

No. of points

Values V1...Vn

Values at each point

Time T1...Tn

Time at each point, in sec.

For VGNL_1 and IGNL_1:

Parameters

Description

Frequency

Frequency of the waveform, in Hz

Times, Values (t1,v1) ...

Time and value at each point

The time and value pair must be enclosed by left and right brackets. The time and value
can be separated by either a comma (such as (1.2m,5.5)) or a space (such as (1.2m 5.5)),
or both (such as (1.2m, 5.5)).
Example:
The following is a non-periodic piecewise linear source. It has 3 segments which can be
defined by four points (marked in the figure).
3
2
1
0

0.1

0.2
Time (sec.)

0.3

The specification for VGNL will be:

116

Frequency

0.

No. of Points n

Values V1...Vn

1. 1.

Times T1...Tn

0. 0.1 0.2 0.3

Other Components

3. 3.

The specification for VGNL_1 will be:

Frequency

0.

Times, Values (t1,v1)...

(0., 1) (0.1, 1) (0.2, 3) (0.3, 3)

4.2.8 Random Source

The amplitude of a random voltage source (VRAND) or current source (IRAND) is
determined randomly at each simulation time step. A random source is defined as:
v o = V m n + V offset

where Vm is the peak-to-peak amplitude of the source, n is a random number in the

range of 0 to 1, and Voffset is the dc offset.
Images:
IRAND

VRAND

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Peak-Peak Amplitude

Peak-to-peak amplitude of the source

DC Offset

DC offset

4.2.9 Math Function Source

A math function source allows one to define the source in a mathematical expression.
Image:
VMATH

Sources

117

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Expression

The mathematical expression of the source

Tstart

Start time of the source

In the expression, T or t represents time. For example, to implement a sinusoidal

source, the expression will be: sin(2*3.14159*60*t+2.09).

4.2.10 Voltage/Current-Controlled Sources

Four types of controlled sources are available:
- Voltage controlled voltage source (VVCVS)
- Current controlled voltage source (VCCVS / VCCVS_1)
- Voltage controlled current source (IVCCS)
- Current controlled current source (ICCCS / ICCCS_1)
- Variable-gain voltage controlled voltage source (VVCVSV)
- Variable-gain voltage controlled current source (IVCCSV)
The controlling current of a current controlled source (VCCVS / ICCCS) must come
from a RLC branch. Also, for a controlled current source, the controlling voltage or
current can not be an independent source.
Note that controlled sources can be used in the power circuit only.
Images:
VVCVS

VCCVS

VCCVS_1

IVCCS

IVCCSV

VVCVSV
vin1

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Other Components

ICCCS

vin2

vin1

vin2

ICCCS_1

Attribute:
Parameter

Description

Gain

Gain of the source

For voltage-controlled sources VVCVS and IVCCS, the controlling voltage is from the
positive node (+) to the negative node (-).
For current-controlled sources VCCVS and ICCCS, the control nodes are connected
across a RLC branch, and the direction of the controlling current is indicated by the
arrow.
For current-controlled sources VCCVS_1 and ICCCS_1, the controlling current flows
into one control node and out of the other. A 10-uOhm resistor is used to sense the
controlling current.
The output of a controlled source, except variable-gain controlled sources, is equal to
the gain multiplied by the controlling voltage or current. For the variable-gain
controlled sources VVCVSV and IVCCSV, the output is equal to the following:
v o = ( k v in2 ) v in 1
i o = ( k v in2 ) v in1

Input 1 is on the side with the multiplication sign, and Input 2 is on the side with the
letter k
The difference between variable-gain controlled sources and nonlinear sources
VNONM and INONM described in the following section is that for VNONM and
INONM, values of both vin1 and vin2 at the current time step are used to calculate the
output and are updated in each iteration. But for variable-gain controlled sources, it is
assumed that the change of vin2 is small from one time step to the next, and the value of
vin2 at the previous time step is used at the current time step. This assumption is valid as
long as vin2 changes at a much slower rate as compared to vin1 and the time step is small
as compared to the change o vin2. The variable-gain controlled sources can be used in
circuits which may otherwise have convergence problem with nonlinear sources
VNONM and INONM.
Example:
The circuits below illustrates the use of current controlled voltage sources VCCVS and
VCCVS_1.
In the circuit on the left, the voltage source VCCVS is controlled by the inductor current

Sources

119

is. With a gain of 1, the waveform of the voltage vis is equal to that of is. In this way, a
current quantity can be converted to a voltage quantity.
The circuit on the right is equivalent to that on the left, except that the source VCCVS_1
is used instead.
Vis

is

Vis

is

4.2.11 Nonlinear Voltage-Controlled Sources

The output of a nonlinear voltage-controlled source is either the multiplication, division,
or square-root of the inputs. They are defined as:
VNONM

- Voltage source where v o = k v in1 v in2

INONM

- Current source where i o = k v in1 v in2

VNOND

v in1
- Voltage source where v o = k -------v in2

INOND

v in1
- Current source where i o = k -------v in2

VNONSQ

- Voltage source where v o = k v in1

INONSQ

- Current source where i o = k v in1

VPOWERS

- Voltage source where v o = sign ( v in ) k ( k 1 v in )

k2

In VPOWERS, the term sign(vin) is 1 if vin is positive, and it is -1 if vin is negative.

Note that these nonlinear sources can be used in the power circuit only.

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Images:
VNONM

VNOND
vin1

vin2

INONSQ

INOND

INONM

VPOWERS

VNONSQ

vin1

vin2

Attributes:
For all the sources except VPOWERS:
Parameter

Description

Gain

Gain k of the source

For VPOWERS:
Parameters

Description

Gain

Gain k of the source

Coefficient k1

Coefficient k1

Coefficient k2

Coefficient k2

For VNOND and INOND, Input 1 is on the side of the division sign.

4.3

Voltage/Current Sensors
Voltage/current sensors measure the voltages/currents of the power circuit and send
them to the control circuit. The current sensor has an internal resistance of 1 .
Images:
VSEN

ISEN

Voltage/Current Sensors

121

Attribute:

4.4

Parameter

Description

Gain

Gain of the sensor

Probes and Meters

Probes and meters are used to measure voltages, currents, power, or other quantities. A
voltage probe (VP) measures a node voltage with respect to ground. A two-terminal
voltage probe (VP2) measures the voltage between two nodes. A current probe (IP)
measures the current through the probe. Note that all the probes and meters, except the
node-to-ground probe VP, are allowed in the power circuit only.
While probes measure a voltage or current quantity in its true form, meters can be used
to measure the dc or ac voltage/current, or the real power and reactive power. These
meters function in the same way as the actual meters.
A small resistor of 1 is used in the current probe internally to measure the current.
Images:
Voltage Probe
VP2

VP

Wattmeter
W

Current Probe
IP

VAR Meter
VAR

VA-Power Factor Meter

VA_PF

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DC Voltmeter
V_DC

AC Voltmeter DC Ammeter
A_DC
V_AC

3-phase Wattmeter
W3

3-phase VAR Meter

VAR3

3-phase VA-Power Factor Meter

VA_PF3

AC Ammeter
A_AC

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Operating Frequency

Operating frequency or fundamental frequency of the ac

meter, in Hz

Cut-off Frequency

Cut-off frequency of the low-pass/high-pass filter, in Hz

VA Display Flag

Display flag for apparent power (0: no display; 1: display)

PF Display Flag

Display flag for power factor (0: no display; 1: display)

DPF Display Flag

Display flag for displacement power factor (0: no display;

1: display)

A low-pass filter is used in the dc meter and wattmeter models to filter out highfrequency components, whereas a high-pass filter is used in the ac meter and VAR meter
models to filter out the dc component. The cut-off frequency determines the transient
response of the filter.
Except the voltage and current probes (VP / VP2 / IP), the readings of all the meters are
meaningful only when the readings reach the steady state.
For the single-phase VA-Power Factor meter, the apparent power (S), total power factor
(PF), and the displacement power factor (DPF) are defined as follows.
Assume both the voltage and current contains harmonics, i.e.
v(t) =

2V 1 sin ( 1 t + 1 ) + 2V 2 sin ( 2 t + 2 ) + ..

i(t) =

2I 1 sin ( 1 t + 1 ) + 2I 2 sin ( 2 t + 2 ) + ..

where 1 is the fundamental frequency and all others are harmonic frequencies. We
have the rms values of the voltage and current as:
2

V rms =

V 1 + V 2 + ..

I rms =

I1 + I 2 + ..

The apparent power is defined as:

S = V rms I rms

The real power (or average power) is defined as:

Probes and Meters

123

1
P = --T

0 ( v ( t ) i ( t ) ) dt

where T is the fundamental period. The total power factor PF and the displacement
power factor DPF are then defined as follow:
P
PF = --S
DPF = cos ( 1 1 )

For the three-phase circuit, the definitions are similar. Note that the meter VA_PF3 is for
the 3-phase 3-wire circuit, and the summation of the three phase voltages or currents
must be equal to zero, that is:
va + vb + v c = 0
ia + ib + ic = 0

4.5

Switch Controllers
A switch controller has the same function as a switch gate/base drive circuit in an actual
circuit. It receives the input from the control circuit, and controls switches in the power
circuit. One switch controller can control multiple switches simultaneously.

4.5.1 On-Off Switch Controller

On-off switch controllers are used as the interface between control gating signals and
power switches. The input, which is a logic signal (either 0 or 1) from the control
circuit, is passed to the power circuit as the gating signal.
Image:
ONCTRL

Example:
The circuit below implements the step change of a load. In the circuit, the on-off switch
controller is used to control the bi-directional switch. The step voltage source, which is
connected to the controller input, changes from 0 to 1 at the time of 12 ms. The closure

124

Other Components

of the switch results in the short-circuit of the resistor across the switch and the increase
of the current.

On-off
Controller

4.5.2 Alpha Controller

An alpha controller is used for delay angle control of thyristor switches or bridges.
There are three input for the controller: the alpha value, the synchronization signal, and
the gating enable/disable signal. The transition of the synchronization signal from low
to high (from 0 to 1) provides the synchronization and this corresponds to the moment
when the delay angle alpha equals zero. A gating with a delay of alpha degrees is
generated and sent to the thyristors. The alpha value is updated instantaneously.
Image:
ACTRL
Enable/Disable

Sync.
Signal

alpha

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Frequency

Operating frequency of the controlled switch/switch

module, in Hz

Pulse Width

On-time pulse width of the switch gating, in deg.

Switch Controllers

125

The input for the delay angle alpha is in deg.

Example:
The figure below shows a thyristor circuit using delay angle control. In the circuit, the
zero-crossing of vs, which corresponds to the moment that the thyristor would start
conducting naturally, is used to provide the synchronization. The delay angle is set at
30o. The gating signal is delayed from the rising edge of the synchronization signal by
30o.
vs

iRL1

vsync

4.5.3 PWM Lookup Table Controller

There are four input signals in a PWM lookup table controller: the modulation index,
the delay angle, the synchronization signal, and the gating enable/disable signal. The
gating pattern is selected based on the modulation index. The synchronization signal
provides the synchronization to the gating pattern. The gating pattern is updated when
the synchronization signal changes from low to high. The delay angle defines the
relative angle between the gating pattern and the synchronization signal. For example, if
the delay angle is 10 deg., the gating pattern will be leading the synchronization signal
by 10 deg.
Image:
PATTCTRL
Enable/Disable

Delay Mod. Sync.

Angle Index Signal

126

Other Components

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Frequency

Switching frequency, in Hz

Update Angle

Update angle, in deg., based on which the gatings are

internally updated. If the angle is 360o, the gatings are
updated at every cycle. If it is 60o, the gatings are updated
at every 60o.

File Name

Name of the file storing the PWM gating pattern

A lookup table, which is stored in a file, contains the gating patterns. It has the
following format:
n, m1, m2, ..., mn
k1
G1,1, G1,2, ..., G1,k1
... ... ...
kn
Gn,1, Gn,2, ..., Gn,kn
where n is the number of gating patterns; mi is the modulation index correspondent to
Pattern i; and ki is the number of switching points in Pattern i. The modulation index
array m1 to mn should be monotonically increasing. The output will select the ith pattern
if the input is smaller than or equal to mi. If the input exceeds mn, the last pattern will be
selected.
The following table shows an example of a PWM pattern file with five modulation
index levels and 14 switching points.
5, 0.901, 0.910253, 0.920214, 1.199442, 1.21
14
7.736627 72.10303 80.79825 99.20176 107.8970
187.7366 252.1030 260.7982 279.2018 287.8970
14
7.821098 72.27710 80.72750 99.27251 107.7229
187.8211 252.2771 260.7275 279.2725 287.7229
14
7.902047 72.44823 80.66083 99.33917 107.5518

172.2634 180.
352.2634 360.
172.1789 180.
352.1789 360.
172.0979 180.

Switch Controllers

127

187.9021 252.4482 260.6608 279.3392 287.5518 352.0980 360.

14
10.186691 87.24225 88.75861 91.24139 92.75775 169.8133 180.
190.1867 267.2422 268.7586 271.2414 272.7578 349.8133 360.
14
10.189426 87.47009 88.97936 91.02065 92.52991 169.8106 180.
190.1894 267.4701 268.9793 271.0207 272.5299 349.8106 360.
In this example, if the modulation index input is 0.8, the controller will select the first
gating pattern. If the modulation index is 0.915, the controller will select the third
pattern.
Example:
This example shows a three-phase voltage source inverter (file: vsi3pwm.sch). The
PWM for the converter uses the selected harmonic elimination. The gating patterns are
described above and are pre-stored in File vsi3pwm.tbl. The gating pattern is selected
based on the modulation index. The waveforms of the line-to-line voltage and the threephase load currents are shown below.

4.6

Function Blocks

4.6.1 Control-Power Interface Block

A control-power interface block passes a control circuit value to the power circuit. It is
used as a buffer between the control and power circuit. The output of the interface block
is treated as a constant voltage source when the power circuit is solved. With this block,

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Other Components

some of the functions that can only be generated in the control circuit can be passed to
the power circuit.
Image:
CTOP

Example: A Constant-Power Load Model

In a constant-power dc load, the voltage V, current I, and power P have the relationship
as P=V*I. Given the voltage and the power, the current can be calculated as I=P/V. This
can be implemented using the circuit as shown below.
The load voltage is measured through a voltage sensor and is fed to a divider. The output
of the divider gives the current value I. Since the voltage could be zero or a low value at
the initial stage, a limiter is used to limit the current amplitude. This value is converted
into the load current quantity through a voltage-controlled current source.
LOAD

k=1

Example:
The following circuit illustrates how a control circuit signal can be passed to the power
circuit. As seen from the power circuit, the CTOP block behaviors as a grounded
voltage source.
Control Circuit

Power Circuit

Function Blocks

129

4.6.2 ABC-DQO Transformation Block

Function blocks ABC2DQO and DQO2ABC perform the abc-dqo transformation. They
convert three voltage quantities from one coordinate to another. These blocks can be
used in either the power circuit or the control circuit.
It should be noted that, in the power circuit, currents must first be converted into voltage
quantities (using current-controlled voltage sources) before they can be transformed.
The transformation equations from abc to dqo are:
2
2
cos cos ------ cos + ------

3
3

vd

va
2
2
2
= --- sin sin ------ sin + ------ v b
3

3
3
vc
1
1
1
------2
2
2

vq
vo

The transformation equations from dqo to abc are:

cos
va
vb

vc

sin

vd
2
2
cos ------ sin ------ 1

vq
3
3
2
2
cos + ------ sin + ------ 1

3
3

vo

Images:
ABC2DQO

DQO2ABC

Example:
In this example, three symmetrical ac waveforms are transformed into dqo quantities.
The angle is defined as = t where = 2*60. Since the angle changes linearly
with time, a piecewise linear voltage which has a ramp waveform is used to represent .
The simulation waveforms show the three-phase ac (top), the angle (middle), and the

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dqo output. In this example, the q component is constant, and both the d and the o
components are zero.

4.6.3 Math Function Blocks

The output of a math function block is expressed as the mathematical function of the
inputs. With this block, one can implement complex and nonlinear relationship easily.
Blocks with 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 inputs are provided.
Images:
FCN_MATH

FCN_MATH2

FCN_MATH3

FCN_MATH5

FCN_MATH10

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Expression
f(x1,x2,...,xn)

Expression of the output versus inputs where n is the

number of inputs

Expression df/dxi

Expression of the derivative of the function f versus the ith

input

Function Blocks

131

The derivative df/dxi can be set to zero.

The variables that are allowed in the expression are: T or t for time, and xi (i from 1 to n)
which represents the ith input. For example, for the 3-input math function block, the
allowed variables are: T, t, x1, x2, and x3. For the 1-input math function block, the
variable x, which refers to the only input, is also allowed.

4.6.4 External DLL Blocks

An external DLL (dynamic link library) block allows users to write code in C/C++ or
Fortran language, compile it into DLL using either Microsoft C/C++, Borland C++, or
Digital Visual Fortran, and link it with PSIM. These blocks can be used in either the
power circuit or the control circuit.
Images:
DLL_EXT1

DLL_EXT3

DLL_EXT6

input

output

Attribute:
Parameter

Description

File Name

Name of the DLL file

The node with a dot is for the first input (in[0]).

The name of the DLL file can be arbitrary. The DLL file, however, must be in the same
directory as the schematic file that uses the DLL file.
A DLL block receives the values from PSIM as the input, performs the calculation, and
sends the output back to PSIM. PSIM calls the DLL routine at each simulation time
step. However, when the inputs of the DLL block are connected to one of these discrete
elements (zero-order hold, unit delay, discrete integrators and differentiators, z-domain
transfer function blocks, and digital filters), the DLL block is called only at the discrete
sampling times.
Sample files are provided for Microsoft C/C++, Borland C++, and Fortran routines.
Users can use these files as the templates to write their own. Procedures on how to

132

Other Components

compile the DLL routine and link with PSIM are provided in these files and in the online help.
Example:
The following shows a power factor correction circuit with the inductor current and the
load voltage feedback. The input voltage is used to generate the current reference. The
control scheme is implemented in a digital environment, with a sampling rate of 30 kHz.
The control scheme is implemented in an external C code and is interfaced to the power
circuit through the DLL block.
The input of the DLL block are the sampled input voltage, inductor current, and output
voltage. One of the DLL block outputs is the modulation wave Vm, which is compared
with the carrier wave to generate the PWM gating signal for the switch. The other
output is the inductor current reference for monitoring purpose.

Part of the source code, which is in the file pfc_vi_dll.c, is shown below. Both the
inner current loop and the outer voltage loop use a PI controller. Trapezoidal rule is used
to discretize the controllers. Discretization using Backward Euler is also implemented
but the codes are commented out.

Function Blocks

133

// This sample program implement the control of the circuit "pfc-vi-dll.sch" in a C routine.
// Input: in[0]=Vin; in[1]=iL; in[2]=Vo
// Output: Vm=out[0]; iref=out[1
// You may change the variable names (say from "t" to "Time").
// But DO NOT change the function name, number of variables, variable type, and sequence.
// Variables:
// t: Time, passed from PSIM by value
// delt: Time step, passed from PSIM by value
// in: input array, passed from PSIM by reference
// out: output array, sent back to PSIM (Note: the values of out[*] can be modified in PSIM)
// The maximum length of the input and output array "in" and "out" is 20.
// Warning: Global variables above the function simuser (t,delt,in,out) are not allowed!!!
#include <math.h>
__declspec(dllexport) void simuser (t, delt, in, out)
// Note that all the variables must be defined as "double"
double t, delt;
double *in, *out;
{
// Place your code here............begin
double Voref=10.5, Va, iref, iL, Vo, Vm, errv, erri, Ts=33.33e-6;
static double yv=0., yi=0., uv=0., ui=0.;
// Input
Va=fabs(in[0]);
iL=in[1];
Vo=in[2];
// Outer Loop
errv=Voref-Vo;
// Trapezoidal Rule
yv=yv+(33.33*errv+uv)*Ts/2.;
iref=(errv+yv)*Va;
// Inner Loop
erri=iref-iL;
// Trapezoidal Rule
yi=yi+(4761.9*erri+ui)*Ts/2.;
Vm=yi+0.4*erri;
// Store old values
uv=33.33*errv;
ui=4761.9*erri;
// Output
out[0]=Vm;
out[1]=iref;
// Place your code here............end
}

134

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5
Analysis Specification
5.1

Transient Analysis
Parameters for the transient analysis are defined by selecting Simulation Control in the
Simulate menu in PSIM, as follows.
Time Step

Simulation time step, in sec.

Total Time

Total simulation time, in sec.

Print Time

Time from which simulation results are saved to the output file.
No output is saved before this time.

Print Step

Print step. If the print step is set to 1, every data point will be
saved to the output file. If it is 10, for example, only one out of
10 data points will be saved. This helps to reduce the output file
size.

Load Flag

Flag for the LOAD function. If the flag is 1, the previous

simulation values will be loaded from a file (with the .ssf
extension) as the initial conditions.

Save Flag

Flag for the SAVE function. If the flag is 1, values at the end of
the current simulation will be saved to a file with the .ssf
extension.

With the SAVE and LOAD functions, the circuit voltages, currents and other quantities
can be saved at the end of a simulation session, and loaded back as the initial conditions
for the next simulation session. This provides the flexibility of running a long
simulation in several shorter stages with different time steps and parameters.
Components values and parameters of the circuit can be changed from one simulation
session to the other. The circuit topology, however, must remain the same.
In PSIM, the simulation time step is fixed throughout the simulation. In order to ensure
accurate simulation results, the time step must be chosen properly. The factors that limit
the time step in a circuit include the switching period, widths of pulses or waveforms,
and intervals of transients. It is recommended that the time step should be at least one
magnitude smaller than the smallest of the above.
In Version 6.0, an interpolation technique is implemented which will calculate the exact
switching instants. With this technique, the error due to the misalignment of switching

Transient Analysis

135

instants and discrete simulation points is significantly reduced. It is possible to simulate

with a large time step while still maintaining accurate results.
The allowable maximum time step is automatically calculated in PSIM. It is compared
with the time step set by the user, and the smaller value of the two will be used in the
simulation. If the selected time step is different from the one set by the user, it will be
saved to the file message.doc.

5.2

AC Analysis
The frequency response of a circuit or a control loop can be obtained with the ac
analysis. A key feature of the ac analysis in PSIM is that, a circuit can be in its original
switchmode form, and no average model is required. Nevertheless, with the average
model, the time it takes to perform the ac analysis will be shorter.
The following are the steps to set up the ac analysis:
- Identify a sinusoidal source (VSIN) as the excitation source for the ac sweep.
- Place ac sweep probes (ACSWEEP_OUT) at the desired output location. To
measure the loop response of a closed control loop, use the node-to-node probe
(ACSWEEP_OUT2).
- Place the .ACSWEEP element on the schematic, and define the parameters of
the ac sweep.
- Run PSIM.
Below are the images of the ac sweep probes and the .ACSWEEP element.
Images:
ACSWEEP_OUT

ACSWEEP_OUT2

.ACSWEEP

Attributes:

136

Parameters

Description

Start Frequency

Start frequency of the ac sweep, in Hz

End Frequency

End frequency of the ac sweep, in Hz

No. of Points

Number of data points

Analysis Specification

Parameters

Description

Flag for Points

Flag to define how the data points is generated.

Flag = 0: Points are distributed linearly in LOG10 scale
Flag = 1: Points are distributed linearly in linear scale

Source Name

Name of the excitation source

Start Amplitude

Excitation source amplitude at the start frequency

End Amplitude

Excitation source amplitude at the end frequency

Freq. for extra Points

Frequencies of additional data points. If the frequencydomain characteristics change rapidly at a certain
frequency range, one can add extra points in this region to
obtain better data resolution.

The principle of the ac analysis is that a small ac excitation signal is injected into the
system as the perturbation, and the signal at the same frequency is extracted at the
output. To obtain accurate ac analysis results, the excitation source amplitude must be
set properly. The amplitude must be small enough so that the perturbation stays in the
linear region. On the other hand, the excitation source amplitude must be large enough
so that the output signal is not affected by numerical errors.
In general, a physical system has low attenuation in the low frequency range and high
attenuation in the high frequency range. A good selection of the excitation source
amplitude would be to have a relatively small amplitude at the low frequency, and a
relatively large amplitude at the high frequency.
Sometimes, after ac analysis is complete, a warning message is displayed as follows:
Warning: The program did not reach the steady state after 60
cycles. See File message.doc for more details.
This message occurs when the software fails to detect the steady state at the ac sweep
output after 60 cycles. To address this problem, one may increase damping in the circuit
(by including parasitic resistances, for example), or adjust the excitation source
amplitude, or reduce simulation time step. The file message.doc gives the information
on the frequency at which this occurs and the relative error. The relative error will
indicate how far the data point is from reaching the steady state.
Example: Impedance of Shunt Filters
The circuit below consists of two shunt filters tuned at the 5th and 7th harmonics (the
fundamental frequency is 60 Hz). By injecting the excitation source as the current and
measuring the voltage, we obtain the impedance characteristics of the filters. The ac

AC Analysis

137

analysis waveform on the right clearly shows two troughs at 300 Hz and 420 Hz.

Example: Open-Loop Response of a Buck Converter

The circuit on the left is an one-quadrant buck converter. An excitation source is
injected to the modulation signal, and the output voltage is measured. The result of the
ac analysis, on the right, shows the open-loop response of the output voltage versus the
modulation signal.

Example: Loop Transfer Function of a Closed-Loop Circuit

The ac analysis can be used to find out the loop response of a closed-loop system. The
circuit below shows a buck converter with average current mode control. By injecting
the excitation signal into the current feedback path, and using the node-to-node ac
sweep probe (ACSWEEP_OUT2), we can obtain the loop transfer function directly.
With the loop transfer function, one can determine the bandwidth of the control loop and

138

Analysis Specification

the phase margin.

Please note that the ac sweep probe should be connected such that the dotted side is
connected to the node after the excitation source injection.

Example: Loop Transfer Function of a Switchmode Power Supply

The loop transfer function of a switchmode power supply controlled by a PWM IC can
also be determined in a similar way. The figure below shows a buck converter
controlled by Unitrode UC3842. The excitation source can be inserted in the feedback
path, before the op. amp. output.

AC Analysis

139

5.3

Parameter Sweep
Parameter sweep can be performed for the following parameters:
- Resistance, inductance, and capacitance of RLC branches
- Gain of proportional blocks (P)
- Time constant of integrators (I)
- Gain and time constant of proportional-integral controllers (PI)
- Gain, cut-off frequency, and damping ratio of 2nd-order low-pass and highpass filters (FILTER_LP2 / FILTER_HP2)
- Gain, center frequency, and passing and stopping band of 2nd-order bandpass
and bandstop filters (FILTER_BP2 / FILTER_BS2)
The image and parameters of the parameter sweep element are shown below.

140

Analysis Specification

Image:
.PARAMSWEEP

Attributes:
Parameters

Description

Start Value

Starting value of the parameter

EndValue

End value of the parameter

Increment Step

Increment step

Parameter to be Swept

Parameter to be swept

For example, let the resistance of a resistor be Ro. To sweep the resistance from 2
Ohm to 10 Ohm, with a step of 2 Ohm, the specification will be:
Start Value

EndValue

10

Increment Step

Parameter to be Swept

Ro

Parameter Sweep

141

142

Analysis Specification

6
Circuit Schematic Design
PSIMs schematic program provides interactive and user-friendly interface for circuit
schematic entry and editing. The following figure shows a rectifier circuit in the PSIM
environment.

In PSIM, all the elements are stored under the menu Elements. The elements are
divided into four groups: Power (for power circuit element), Control (for control
elements), Other (for switch controllers, sensors, probes, interface elements, and
elements that are common to both power and control), and Sources (for voltage and
current sources).

Parameter Sweep

143

6.1

Creating a Circuit
The following functions are provided in PSIM for circuit creation.
Get

To get an element from the element library, click on the Elements

menu. Choose the submenu and highlight the element to be
selected.
For example, to get a dc voltage source, click on Element ,
Sources, and Voltage, then highlight DC.

Place

Once an element is selected from the menu, the image of the

element will appear on the screen and move with the mouse. Click
the left button of the mouse to place the element.

Rotate

Once an element is selected, select Rotate to rotate the element.

Wire

To connect a wire between two nodes, select Wire. An image of a

pen will appear on the screen. To draw a wire, keep the left button
of the mouse pressed and drag the mouse. A wire always starts
from and end at a grid intersection.
For easy inspection, a floating node is displayed as a circle, and a
junction node is displayed as a solid dot.

Label

If two or more nodes are connected to the same label, they ar

connected. It is equivalent as though they were connected by wire.
Using labels will reduce the cross-wiring and improve the
schematic layout.
The text of a label can be moved. To select the text, left click on
the label, then press the Tab key.

Assign

6.2

To assign the parameters of an element, double click on the

element. A dialog box will appear. Specify the values and hit the
<Return> key or click on OK.

Editing a Circuit
The following functions are provided in the Edit menu and View menu for circuit
editing:
Select

To select an element, click on the element. A rectangle will appear

around the element.
To select a block of a circuit, keep the left button of a mouse
pressed and drag the mouse until the rectangle covers the selected
area.

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Circuit Schematic Design

6.3

Copy

To copy an element or a block of the circuit, select the element or

the region, and choose Copy. Then choose Paste place the
element or circuit.

Delete

To delete an element, a block of a circuit, or a wire, select the

item, and choose Cut, or hit the <Delete> key. Note that if Cut is
used, the last deleted item can be pasted back. This is equivalent
to un-do.

Move

To move an element or a circuit block, select the element/circuit

block and drag the mouse while keeping the left button pressed.

Text

To place text on the screen, choose Text. Enter the text in the
dialog box, and click the left button of the mouse to place it.

Disable

To disable an element or part of a circuit. When the element or the

circuit is disabled, it will be grayed out and will be treated as nonexistent as far as the simulation is concerned. This function is
useful if an element or circuit needs to be excluded but not deleted
from the circuit.

Enable

To enable a previously disabled element or circuit.

Zoom

Select Zoom In to zoom in the circuit, or Zoom In Selected to

zoom in to a selected region. Choose Zoom Out to zoom out, or
Fit to Page to zoom out to fit the entire circuit to the screen.

Escape

Quit from any of the above editing modes by choosing Escape.

Subcircuit
The following functions are provided for subcircuit editing and manipulation.
New Subcircuit

To create a new subcircuit

Load Subcircuit

To load an existing subcircuit. The subcircuit will appear on the

screen as a block.

Edit Subcircuit

To edit the size and file name of the subcircuit

Set Size

To set the size of the subcircuit

Place Port

To place the connection port between the main circuit and the
subcircuit

Display Port

To display the connection port of the subcircuit

Edit Default
Variable List

To edit the default variable list of the subcircuit

Subcircuit

145

Edit Image

To edit the subcircuit image

Display Subcircuit To display the subcircuit name

Name
Show Subcircuit
Ports

To display the port names of the subcircuit in the main circuit

Hide Subcircuit
Ports

To hide the port names of the subcircuit in the main circuit

Subcircuit List

To list the file names of the main circuit and the subcircuits

One Page up

To go back to the main circuit. The subcircuit is automatically

saved.

Top Page

To jump from a lower-level subcircuit to the top-level main

circuit. This is useful for circuits with multiple layers of
subcircuits.

The one-quadrant chopper circuit below illustrates the use of the subcircuit.
Subcircuit

File: chop.sch

Inside the subcircuit:

File: chop_sub.sch

6.3.1 Creating Subcircuit - In the Main Circuit

The following are the steps to create the subcircuit chop_sub.sch in the main circuit
chop.sch.
- Open or create the main circuit chop.sch.
- If the file chop_sub.sch does not exist, go to the Subcircuit menu, and select
New Subcircuit. If the file exists, select Load Subcircuit instead.
- A subcircuit block (rectangle) will appear on the screen. Place the subcircuit.

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Circuit Schematic Design

6.3.2 Creating Subcircuit - Inside the Subcircuit

To enter the subcircuit, double click on the subcircuit block.
- Create/edit the content of the subcircuit circuit exactly the same way as in the
main circuit.
- To specify the subcircuit size, select Set Size in the Subcircuit menu. In this
example, the size is set to 4x7 (width of 4 divisions and height of 7 divisions).
Note that the size of the subcircuit should be chosen such that it gives the
proper appearance and allows easy wire connection in the main circuit.
- Once the subcircuit is complete, define ports to connect the subcircuit nodes
with the corresponding nodes in the main circuit. Choosing Place Port in the
Subcircuit menu, and a port image will appear. After the port is placed in the
circuit, a pop-up window (shown on the left below) will appear.

Subcircuit port assignments

The diamonds on the four sides represent the connection nodes and the
positions of the subcircuit. They correspond to the connection nodes of the
subcircuit block on the right. There are no diamonds at the four corners since
connections to the corners are not permitted.
When a diamond is selected, it is colored red. By default, the left diamond at
the top is selected and marked with red color. Click on the desired diamond to
select and to specify the port name.
In this example, in the main circuit chop.sch, there are four linking nodes,
two on the left side and two on the right side of the subcircuit block. The
relative position of the nodes are that the upper two nodes are 1 division below

Subcircuit

147

the top and the lower two nodes are 1 division above the bottom.
To specify the upper left linking node, click on the top diamond of the left side,
and type in+. The text in+ will be within that diamond box and a port
labelled with in+ will appear on the screen. Connect the port to the upper left
node. The same procedure is repeated for the linking nodes in-, out+, and
out-.
- After the four nodes are placed, the node assignment and the subcircuit appear
in PSIM as shown below.

The creation of the subcircuit is now complete. Save the subcircuit, and go back to the
main circuit.

6.3.3 Connecting Subcircuit - In the Main Circuit

Once the subcircuit is created and connection ports are defined, complete the connection
to the subcircuit block in the main circuit.
- In the main circuit, the connection points on the borders of the subcircuit block
appear as hollow circles.
- Select the subcircuit block, and select Show Subcircuit Port in the Subcircuit
menu to display the port names as defined inside the subcircuit.
- Connect the wires to the connection points accordingly.

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Circuit Schematic Design

6.3.4 Other Features of the Subcircuit

This section describes other features of the subcircuit through an example.

File: main.sch
Inside the subcircuit:

File: sub.sch

6.3.4.1 Passing Variables from the Main Circuit to Subcircuit

In this example, the main circuit main.sch uses a subcircuit sub.sch. In the
subcircuit, the inductance value is defined as L and the capacitance is defined as C.
The default values of L and C can be set by selecting Subcircuit | Set Default Variable
List. In this case, L is set to 5mH and C is set to 100uF.
When the subcircuit is loaded into the main circuit the first time, this default variable list
will appear in the tab Subcircuit Variables in Subcircuit | Edit Subcircuit from the
main circuit main.sch. New variables can be added here and variable values can be
changed. In this case, L is changed to 2mH, and C is kept the same as the default value.
Note that the variables and the values are saved to the netlist file and used in simulation.

Subcircuit

149

The default variable list inside the subcircuit is not saved to the netlist and is not used
for simulation.
This feature allows the parameters of a subcircuit to be defined at the main circuit level.
In the case where the same subcircuit is used several times in one main circuit, different
parameters can be assigned to the same variable. For example, if the subcircuit
sub.sch is used two times in above example, in one subcircuit L can be defined as
3mH, and in another subcircuit L can be defined as 1mH.
Note that this example also illustrates the feature that parameters can be defined as a
variable (for example Vin for the input dc voltage source) or a mathematical
expression (for example R1+R2 for the load resistance). The variables Vin, R1,
and R2, are defined in the parameter file para-main.txt. See Section 4.1 for more
details.

6.3.4.2 Customizing the Subcircuit Image

The following are the procedures to customize the subcircuit image of sub.sch:
- In the subcircuit, select Edit Image in the Subcircuit menu. A window will
pop-up, as shown below

In the window, the diamonds marked red are the connection nodes of the
subcircuit block, in exactly the same positions as appearing in the main circuit.
- Use the drawing tool to create/edit the image for the subcircuit block. If the
drawing tool is not already displayed, go to the View menu and check Drawing

150

Circuit Schematic Design

Tools. Click on Zoom In and Zoom Out icons on the toolbar to adjust the size
of the image working area.
After the image is created, the pop-out window will appear as follows.

- Go back to the subcircuit window (sub.sch in this case), and save the
subcircuit. The new subcircuit block image should appear in the main circuit.

6.3.4.3 Including Subcircuits in the PSIM Element List

If you create a directory called User Defined under the PSIM directory, and place
subcircuits inside this directory. subcircuits will appear as items in the Element menu,
under Elements | User Defined, just like any other PSIM elements. You can also create
subdirectories under the directory User Defined, and place subcircuits inside the
subdirectories. For example, the Element menu may look like this:
- Power
- Control
- Other
- Sources
- Symbols
- User Defined
- Subcircuit 1

Subcircuit

151

- Project A
- Subcircuit 2
- Subcircuit 3

- Project B
- Subcircuit 4

In this way, common-used custom-built subcircuits can be grouped together and easily
managed and accessed.

6.4

Other Options

6.4.1 Running the Simulation

To run the simulation, choose Run PSIM from the Simulate menu. This will start the
PSIM simulator.
To view the simulation results, choose Run SIMVIEW from the Simulate menu. Refer
to Chapter 7 for the use of SIMVIEW.

6.4.2 Generate and View the Netlist File

To generate the netlist, choose Generate Netlist File from the Simulate menu. This will
create the netlist file with the .cct extension. The netlist file will be saved to the same
directory as the schematic file.
To view the netlist file, choose View Netlist File from the Simulate menu.

6.4.3 Define Runtime Display

One can view selected waveforms as the simulation runs. This is useful if one wishes to
monitor and abort a simulation if needed. The waveforms that can be displayed in the
runtime will be selected from the list of outputs defined in the circuit.

6.4.4 Settings
Grid display, rubber band feature, text fonts, simulation warning, and colors can be set
in the Settings... in the Option menu.
Before a circuit is printed, its position on the paper can be viewed by selecting Print
Page Border in the Settings... option. If a circuit is split into two pages, it can be moved
into one single page. If the circuit is too big to fit in one page, one can zoom out and
reduce the circuit size by clicking the Zoom Out button.

152

Circuit Schematic Design

Print page legend, such as company name, circuit title, designers name, date, etc., can
be specified by choosing Print Page Setup in the File menu. It can be disabled in the
Settings... option.
Also in the Settings... option, if Disable simulation warning message is checked,
warning messages generated during the simulation will be suppressed. Otherwise,
warning messages will be shown before waveforms are displayed in SIMVIEW.

6.4.5 Printing the Circuit Schematic

The circuit schematic can be printed from a printer by choosing Print in the File menu.
It is also possible to print the selected region of a circuit by choosing Print Select .
The schematic can also be saved to the clipboard which can be imported into a word
processor (such as Microsoft Word). By default, the schematic image is saved in
monochrome in order to save memory space. One can save the image in color by
selecting Edit/Copy to Clipboard/Color.

6.5

Editing PSIM Library

The PSIM library consists of two parts: one is the image library (psimimage.lib) and the
other is the netlist library (psim.lib). The netlist library can not be modified. But users
can modify the image library, or create their own image library.
To create or modify the image library, go to Edit / Edit Library / Edit Library Files,
and follow the instructions on the screen.

Editing PSIM Library

153

154

Circuit Schematic Design

7
Waveform Processing
SIMVIEW is PSIMs waveform display and post-processing program. The following
shows simulation waveforms in the SIMVIEW environment.

SIMVIEW reads data in either ASCII text format or SIMVIEW binary format. The
following shows a sample text data file:
Time I(L1) V(o) V(a) V(pi)
0.1000000E-04 0.000000E+00 -0.144843E-18 0.307811E+00 0.100000E+01
0.2000000E-04 0.000000E+00 -0.289262E-18 0.615618E+00 0.100000E+01
0.3000000E-04 0.000000E+00 -0.576406E-18 0.923416E+00 0.100000E+01
0.4000000E-04 0.000000E+00 -0.860585E-18 0.123120E+01 0.100000E+01
0.5000000E-04 0.000000E+00 -0.114138E-17 0.153897E+01 0.100000E+01
... ... ... ...

Functions in each menu are explained below.

Editing PSIM Library

155

7.1

File Menu
The File Menu has the following functions:
Open

Load text data file

Open Binary

Load SIMVIEW binary file

Merge

Merge another data file with the existing data file for display

Re-Load Data

Re-load data from the same text file

Save

In the time display, save waveforms to a SIMVIEW binary file

with the .smv extension.
In the FFT display, save the FFT results to a text file with the .fft
extension. The data range saved will be the same as shown on the
screen.

Save As

In the time display, save waveforms to a SIMVIEW binary file

specified by the user.
In the FFT display, save the FFT results to a text file specified by
the user.

Print

Print the waveforms

Print Setup

Set up the printer

Print Page Setup

Set up the hardcopy printout size

Print Preview

Preview the printout

Exit

Quit SIMVIEW

When the data of a text file are currently being displayed, after new data of the same file
have become available, by selecting Re-Load Data, waveforms will be re-drawn based
on the new data.
By using the Merge function, data from multiple files can be merged together for
display. For example, if one file contains the curves I1 and I2, and another file
contains the curves V1 and V2, all four curves can be merged and displayed on one
screen. Note that if the second file also contains a curve with the same name I1, it will
be modified to I1_1 automatically.

7.2

Edit Menu
The Edit Menu has the following functions:
Copy to Clipboard Copy the waveforms to the clipboard

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Waveform Processing

Edit Title

7.3

Edit the printout title. By default, the title shows the file name and
path.

Axis Menu
The Axis Menu has the following functions:
X Axis

Change the settings of the X axis

Y Axis

Change the settings of the Y axis

Axis Label Setting Change the settings of the X/Y axis label
Edit Default

If the item is checked, the first column, which is usually Time,

will be

Variable List

used as the X axis

The dialog box of the X/Y axis settings are shown below.

If the Auto-Scale box is checked and the Grid Division is chosen as default, the
maximum data range will be selected and the number of axis divisions will be
automatically determined. Both the data range and grid division, however, can be
manually set.
In the Axis Label Setting, the label font size can be changed, and the display of the
label can be disabled.
By default, the option Default X-Axis: Time is selected. That is, the first column of the
data, which is usually Time, is used as the X axis. If this option is not selected, any other
column of the data can be used as the X axis. For example, the following figure shows a
sine waveform as the X-axis versus a cosine waveform in the Y-axis.

Axis Menu

157

Note that this option can only be selected or de-selected when there are no documents in
the SIMVIEW environment.

7.4

Screen Menu
The Screen Menu has the following functions:
Add/Delete Curves Add or delete curves from the selected screen
Add Screen

Add a new screen

Delete Screen

Delete the selected screen

A screen is selected by clicking the left mouse on top of the screen.

The dialog box of the Add/Delete Curves function is shown below.

Edit Box

All the data variables available for display are in the Variables Available box, and the

158

Waveform Processing

variables currently being displayed are in the Variables for Display box. After a variable
is highlighted in the Variables Available box, it can be added to the Variables for
Display box by clicking on Add ->. Similarly, a variable can be removed from display
by highlighting the variable and clicking on <- Remove.
In the Edit Box, an mathematical expression can be specified.
A mathematical expression can contain brackets and is not case sensitive. The following
math functions are allowed:
+

addition

subtraction

multiplication

division

to the power of [Example: 2^3 = 2*2*2]

SQRT

square-root function

SIN

sine function

COS

cosine function

TAN

tangent function

ATAN

inverse tangent function

EXP

exponential (base e) [Example: EXP(x) = e x]

LOG

logarithmic function (base e) [Example: LOG(x) = ln (x)]

LOG10

logarithmic function (base 10)

ABS

absolute function

SIGN

sign function [Example: SIGN(1.2) = 1; SIGN(-1.2)=-1]

AVG

average function

INT

integration function

Type this expression in the Edit Box, and click on Add ->. Highlight the expression on
the right, click on <- Remove, and the expression will be moved into the Edit Box for
further editing.

7.5

View Menu
The View Menu has the following functions:

View Menu

159

Zoom

To zoom into a selected region

Re-Draw

To re-draw the waveform using the auto-scale

Measure

To measure the values of the waveforms

Escape

To escape from the Zoom or Measure mode

Max

To find the global maximum of a selected curve

Min

To find the global minimum of a selected curve

Next Max

To find the next local maximum of a selected curve

Next Min

To find the next local minimum of a selected curve

Toolbar

To enable/disable toolba

Status Bar

To enable/disable status bar

A region is selected by pressing the left button of the mouse and, at the same time, drag
the mouse.
The Measure function allows the measurement of waveforms. After Measure is
selected, the measurement dialog box will appear. By clicking the left mouse, a line will
appear and the values of the waveforms will be displayed. By clicking the right mouse,
another line will appear and the different between the current position and the previous
position, which is marked by the left mouse, will be measured. A SIMVIEW window
with the measurement boxes in these two modes are shown below.

Left mouse click

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Waveform Processing

Right mouse click

Once Measure is selected, an individual curve can be selected by clicking on the name
of the curve at the left top of the graph, and the four functions, Max, Min, Next Max,
and Next Min can be used to evaluate the curve. Note that these four functions are only
enabled in the Measure mode and after a curve is selected.
In the zoom-in mode, waveforms can be shifted horizontally or vertically. There are left
and right arrows below the x-axis, and up and down arrows in the far right axis. By
clicking on the arrow, the waveforms will be shifted by one division.

7.6

Option Menu
The Option Menu has the following functions:
FFT

Perform the Fast Fourier Transform analysis

Time

Switch from the frequency spectrum display to time domain

display

Set Text Fonts

Change the text font type and size

Set Curves

Change the display of curves

Set Background

Set the screen background to be either Black (default) or White

Grid

Enable or disable the grid display

Color

Set the curves to be either Color (default) or Black and White

By selecting FFT, the harmonic amplitudes of time domain waveforms can be

calculated and displayed. Note that, in order to obtain correct FFT results, the simulation
should reach the steady state, and the simulation data should be restricted (using the
manual range setting in the X Axis function) to have the integer number of the
fundamental period.
The display of a curve can be changed through Set Curves. The data points of a curve
can have either no symbol, or one of the following symbols: Circle, Rectangle, Triangle,
Plus, and Star. Also, data points can be either connected or discrete.
To change the settings of a curve, first select the curve using the left mouse, then choose
the proper settings, and click on Apply. After all the settings are selected, Click on OK.
The dialog box of the Set Curves function is shown below.

Option Menu

161

Once Color is de-selected, the display becomes black-and-white. If the waveform

screen is copied to the clipboard, the bitmap image will be in monochrome. This will
result a much smaller memory size as compared to the image in color display.

7.7

Label Menu
The Label Menu has the following functions:
Text

Place text on the screen

Line

Draw a line

Dotted Line

Draw a dotted line

Arrow

Draw a line with arrow

To draw a line, first select Line from the Label menu. Then click the left mouse at the
position where the line begins, and drag the mouse while keeping the left button
pressed. Dotted lines and lines with arrows are drawn in the same way.
If one is in the Zoom or Measure mode, and wishes to edit a text or a label, one should
first escape from the Zoom/Measure mode by selecting Escape in the View menu.

7.8

Exporting Data
As stated in Section 7.1, FFT results can be saved to a text file. Both simulation results
(*.txt) and FFT results (*.fft) are in text format and can be edited using a text editor
(such as Microsoft NotePad), or exported to other software (such as Microsoft Excel).
For example, to load a simulate result file chop-1q.txt in Microsoft Excel, follow
these steps:
- In Microsoft Excel, select Open from the File menu. Open the file chop-

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Waveform Processing

1q.txt.
- In the dialog window Text Import Wizard - Step 1 of 3, under Original
data type, choose Delimited. Click on Next.
- In the dialog window Text Import Wizard - Step 2 of 3, under Delimiters,
choose Space. Click on Next.
- In the dialog window Text Import Wizard - Step 3 of 3, under Column
data format, choose General. Click on Finish.

Exporting Data

163

164

Waveform Processing

8
Error/Warning Messages and
Other Simulation Issues
8.1

Simulation Issues

8.1.1 Time Step Selection

PSIM uses the fixed time step in the simulation. In order to assure accurate results, the
simulation time step should be properly chosen. The factors that limit the time step in a
circuit include the switching period, widths of pulses or square waveforms, and intervals
of fast transients. It is recommended that the time step should be at least one magnitude
smaller than the smallest of the above.

8.1.2 Propagation Delays in Logic Circuits

The logic elements in PSIM are ideal, i.e. there is no propagation delay. If a logic circuit
uses the propagation delays for its operation, a function block in PSIM, called the Time
Delay block (TDELAY), needs to be added to represent the effect of the propagation
delay.
To illustrate this, take a two-bit counter circuit as an example.
Q0

Q0

Q1

Q1

clock

clock

1V

1V

In the circuit on the left, the initial values of both Q0 and Q1 are assumed to be zero. At
the clock rising edge, Q0 will change to 1. Without delay, the position of Q1, which
should remain at 0, will toggle to 1 at the same time.
To prevent this, a time delay element with the delay period of one time step needs to be

Simulation Issues

165

inserted between Q0 and the input (J) of the second flip-flop.

8.1.3 Interface Between Power and Control Circuits

In PSIM, power circuits are represented in the discrete circuit form, and control circuits
are represented in function block diagram. Power circuit components, such as RLC
branches, switches, transformers, mutual inductors, current sources, floating voltage
sources, and all types of controlled sources are not allowed in the control circuit.
Similarly, control circuit components, such as logic gates, PI controllers, lookup tables,
and other function blocks, are not allowed in the power circuit.
If there is a direct connection between the power circuit and the input of a control circuit
element, a voltage sensor will be automatically inserted by the program. Similarly, if
there is a direct connection between the output of a control circuit element and the
power circuit, a control-power interface block (CTOP) will be automatically inserted.
This is illustrated in the examples below.

Comparator

Comparator

Transfer Function

Transfer Function
op. amp.

op. amp.

It should be noted that, in PSIM, the power circuit and the control circuit are solved
separately. There is one time step delay between the power and the control circuit
solutions.

8.1.4 FFT Analysis

When using FFT for the harmonic analysis, one should make sure that the following
requirements are satisfied:
- The waveforms have reached the steady state;

166

Error/Warning Messages and Other Simulation Issues

- The length of the data selected for FFT should be the multiple integer of the
fundamental period.
For a 60-Hz waveform, for example, the data length should be restricted to 16.67 msec.
(or multiples of 16.67 msec.). Otherwise, the FFT results will be incorrect. The data is
selected by clicking on X Axis in SIMVIEW, de-selecting Auto-scale in Range, and
specifying the starting time and the final time. The FFT analysis is only performed on
the data that are displayed on the screen.
Note that the FFT results are discrete. The FFT results are determined by the time
interval between two consecutive data points, t, and the data length Tlength. The data
point interval t is equal to the simulation time step multiplied by the print step. In the
FFT results, the frequency incremental step will be 1/Tlength, and the maximum
frequency will be 1/(2*t).
For example, if you take the FFT of a 1-kHz square waveform with a data length of 1 ms
and a data point interval of 10 us, that is, Tlength = 1 ms, and t = 10 us, the frequency
incremental step will be: f = 1/Tlength = 1 kHz. The maximum frequency will be: fmax
= 1/(2*t) = 50 kHz.

8.2

Error/Warning Messages
The error and warning messages are listed in the following.
E-1

Input format errors occurred in the simulation.

It may be caused by one of the following:

- Incorrect/Incomplete specifications
- Wrong input for integers and character strings
Make sure that the PSIM library is not modified, and the PSIM simulator is upto-date.
In the circuit file, character strings should be included between two apostrophes
(like test). Also, make sure an integer is specified for an integer variable. The
specification of a real number (like 3. instead of 3) for an integer will trigger the
error message.
E-2

Error message: The node of an element is floating.

This can also be caused by a poor connection in PSIM. When drawing a wire
between two nodes, make sure that the wire is connected to the terminal of the
element.

Error/Warning Messages

167

E-3

Error message: No. of an element exceeds the limit.

This error message occurs when the total number of a particular element exceeds
the limit specified by the program. This problem can only be solved by recompiling the PSIM simulator with increased array dimensions. Please contact
Powersim Technologies Inc. for assistance.
W-1

Warning!!! The program failed to converge after 10 iterations when determining switch positions. The computation continues with the following switch
positions: ... ...

This warning occurs when the program fails to converge when determining
switching positions. Since the computation continues based on the switch
positions at the end of the 10th iteration, results could be inaccurate. One should
be cautious when analyzing the results.
There are many factors that cause this problem. The following measures can be
taken to isolate and solve the problem:
- Check the circuit and make sure the circuit is correct.
- Check the switch gating signals.
- Connect small resistors/inductors in series with switches and voltage
sources.
W-2

Warning!!! The program did not reach the steady state after 60 cycles when
performing the ac sweep.

This warning occurs when the program fails to reach the steady state after 60
cycles when performing the ac sweep. The cause of the problem could be that
the system is poorly damped at that particular frequency or the signal amplitude
is too small.
You may try the following to isolate and solve the problem:
- Run the time-domain simulation with the excitation source at that frequency and see if time-domain waveforms are oscillatory.
- Increase the excitation voltage amplitude for larger signal level, or
- Reduce the time step for better accuracy and resolution.

8.3

Debugging
Some of the approaches in debugging a circuit is discussed in the following.

168

Error/Warning Messages and Other Simulation Issues

Symptom:
Simulation results show sudden changes (discontinuity) of inductor currents and
capacitor voltages.
Solution:
This may be caused by the interruption of inductor current path and short-circuit
of capacitor (or capacitor-voltage source) loops. Check the switch gating
signals. If necessary, include overlap or dead time pulses to avoid open-circuit or
shooting-through.
If an initial current is assigned to an inductor, initial switch positions should be
set such that a path is provided for the current flow. Otherwise, the inductor
current will be forced to start from zero.
Symptom:
Simulation waveforms look incorrect or inaccurate, or the waveform resolution
is poor.
Solution:
This may be caused by two reasons. One is the time step. Since PSIM uses the
fixed time step during the entire simulation, one should make sure that the time
step is sufficiently small. As a rule of thumb, the time step should be several tens
times smaller than the switching period.
Another reason is the problem of waveform display. One should make sure that
the print step is not too big. To display all the data points, set the print step to 1.

Debugging

169

170

Error/Warning Messages and Other Simulation Issues