| PSIM | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer | Powersim |
| Initial release | June 1994; 31 years ago (1994-06) |
| Stable release | |
| Operating system | Microsoft Windows |
| Type | Simulation software |
| License | Proprietary,Trialware |
| Website | www |
PSIM is anElectronic circuit simulation software package, designed specifically for use inpower electronics andmotor drive simulations but can be used to simulate anyelectronic circuit. Developed by Powersim, PSIM usesnodal analysis and thetrapezoidal rule integration[2] as the basis of its simulation algorithm. PSIM provides a schematic capture interface and a waveform viewer Simview. PSIM has several modules that extend its functionality into specific areas of circuit simulation and design including:control theory,[3]electric motors,[4]photovoltaics[5] andwind turbines[6] PSIM is used by industry for research and product development and it is used by educational institutions for research and teaching[7] and was acquired byAltair Engineering in March 2022.[8]
PSIM has various add on modules, the full list and their descriptions can be found on the Powersimwebsite. There are modules that enable motor drive simulation,digital control, and the calculation of thermal losses due to switching and conduction.[9] There is a renewable energy module which allows for the simulation of photovoltaics (including temperature effects), batteries,supercapacitor, and wind turbines. Additionally there are several modules which allow co-simulation with other platforms to verifyVHDL orVerilog code or to co simulate with anFEA program. The programs that PSIM currently co-simulates with are:Simulink,JMAG, andModelSim.
PSIM currently supports automaticc-code generation with the SimCoder Module and will output c-code for use withTexas Instruments F2833x and F2803xfloating andfixed pointdigital signal processors from theC2000 series. With PSIM version 10.0.4, PSIM has support forFreescale Semiconductor Kinetis V series MCU.
In addition, PSIM's Processor-In-Loop simulation or PIL Module was to control a PSIM simulation with code that is executing on a TI DSP or MCU.
PSIM has a much faster simulation speed thanSPICE based simulators based on its usage of the ideal switch. With the additional Digital and SimCoupler Modules almost any kind of logic algorithm can be simulated. Since PSIM uses ideal switches the simulated waveforms will reflect this, making PSIM more suited for system level studies rather than switching transition studies. Additionally, PSIM has a simplified interface compared to other simulators and as a result has a more intuitive interface.[10][11]
MOSFET andDiode Level 2 models were added in the version 10 release. These models allow the simulation of the switch transition, reverse recovery effects, and gate drive circuitry.[12] A comparison with a PSIM & SPICE model of the same device showed similar resulting waveforms with a comparable simulation speed given identical operating conditions.[13] PowerSim recently partnered with CoolCAD Electronics to addCoolSPICE, aSPICE based integrated circuit modeling and design tool, as a bundle option for the PSIM software package.[14] The advantage being that PSIM would then have the flexibility to be able to runSPICE based models and net-lists.
There are various licensing options available for PSIM. There is afree demo version which does not expire but is limited in component count and allowed circuit complexity. Thestandard/student version allows for the simulation of less complex circuits for a reduced cost. PowerSim does have educationallicensing options, some are free, for institutions to address simulation requirements for research and for teaching.