Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is PSIM Version 9.0 compatible with the previous versions?
A: PSIM Version 9.0 is backward compatible. That is, Version 9.0 can read the previous version files. But previous versions (such as Version 8.0, 7.1, 7.0, or 6.1) can not read Version 9.0 files. Version 9.0 has the option to save files in the Version 8.0 or 7.1 format.
Q: What numerical algorithm does PSIM use?
A: PSIM uses the nodal analysis with the trapezoidal rule integration algorithm.
Q: Can PSIM read SPICE files or import SPICE models, or vice versa?
A: No. Even though PSIM netlist files are similar to SPICE netlist, the way that a circuit is set up is different. For example, only logic signal (0 or 1) is needed to drive a switch in PSIM. In SPICE, however, the gating signal must be sufficiently large to turn the switch fully on.
Q: What are the main differences between PSIM and SPICE-based simulation programs?
A: PSIM is designed specifically for power electronics and motor control, whereas SPICE-based programs are designed for general electronic circuits. The main differences are on the simulation speed and the convergency issue. PSIM is much faster and has nearly no convergency problem.
Besides, PSIM includes many building blocks unique to power electronics and motor drives. This makes it very easy to set up a circuit for simulation.
In addition, PSIM is more than a circuit simulator. It is also for system-level simulation and studies. It provides the Motor Drive Module for the motor control systems, the Digital Control Module for discrete system analysis, SimCoupler Module for co-simulation with Matlab/Simulink, and MagCoupler Module for dynamic link to the finite element analysis software JMAG. Also, PSIM provides the function to link to one's own C/C++ code. With SimCoder, it provides the capability to generate C code automatically from the PSIM schematic.
Q: How are the devices modelled in PSIM?
A: Models in PSIM are mainly in behavior or ideal nature. For example, a comparator output is one when the positive input is greater than the negative input. Otherwise it's 0. No power supply is needed and there is no slew rate limitation. Another example is switch devices. A switch is modelled as a very small resistor when on and a very large resistor when off. Switch turn-on/turn-off transients are not considered. Also, switch conduction voltage drop and on-resistance are not included.
This type of models is ideally suited for system-level simulation. One can, nevertheless, build a more complex and realistic model based on the basic model. For example, an external dc voltage source and resistor can be connected in series with a switch to model the conduction voltage drop and on-resistance.
Q: Can PSIM simulate saturation or other nonlinear functions?
A: Yes. A saturable inductor is provided as a standard element. Besides, nonlinear elements are provided in Version 6.0 so that nonlinearity can be easily modelled and implemented.
PSIM provides lookup table function blocks which can also be used to implement a nonlinear function.
Q: Can PSIM simulate digital control scheme?
A: Yes. The Digital Control Module in PSIM provides a number of function blocks, such as zero-order hold, unit delay, z-domain transfer function blocks, digital FIR and IIR filters, circular buffer, quantization block, and other blocks, which can be used to implement a digital control scheme. It can, for example, study the effect of different sampling rates, investigate the quantization effect of the A/D conversion with different number of bits, and evaluate the performance of a digital filter.
Q: What's the difference between the stand-alone version and the network version? How does the network version work?
A: The stand-alone version works on a stand-alone PC, or on a local network PC where the software is installed and the hardware protection key is plugged. However, one can not run the software from other PC's on the network.
On the other hand, the network version works both on a stand-alone PC and on a network. For the network, once the software is installed on one PC (it does not have to be the file server), one can run the software from anywhere on the network.
Q: Is PSIM Windows 7 compatible? Does PSIM run in a 64-bit environment?
A: Yes, PSIM Versions 9.0, 8.0, and 7.1.2 are all tested and fully functional in Windows 7.
Yes, PSIM Versions 9.0, 8.0, and 7.1.2 are all tested and running on 64-bit machines. In addition, PSIM Version 9 is available as both 32- and 64-bit.