PLECS Simulation for Power Electronics

Dear Chris Clearman,

A new version of PLECS is available. It includes Processor-in-the-Loop (PIL) capabilities, Web-Based Simulation (WBS), an assertion framework, new analysis tools and many other features. 

For immediate download, please go to our website.

PLECS 3.6

Introducing These New Features

• Processor-in-the-Loop (PIL) -- Execute control code on actual embedded hardware tied into the virtual loop of a PLECS model to develop and validate control algorithms. High-fidelity peripheral models of TI C2000 ePWM and ADC modules are included with this separately-licensed feature.
   
• Web-Based Simulation (WBS) -- Share a PLECS model via the web.
   
• Analysis Tools

• Multitone Analysis -- Obtain Bode plots faster than the traditional AC Analysis.
• Steady-State Analysis -- Now supports non-periodic systems.
• Small-Signal Analyses -- Now find the transfer function of a non-switched system.
   

• Assertion Framework -- Monitor signals during a simulation and raise a warning or error message, or pause the simulation, when specified conditions are violated. 

• New PLECS Library Blocks -- Pause/Stop, Discrete Integrator, Offset, Compare to Constant, Manual Signal Switch, Manual Double Switch, Manual Triple Switch.
   
• Code Generation Improvements -- Run faster real-time simulations by leveraging the new switching algorithms for naturally commutated devices.

Processor-in-the-Loop (PIL)

PIL simulation is a powerful and cost-effective tool for developing and validating embedded code. The PIL block shown in the circuit below interfaces with your MCU over a communication link and synchronizes the embedded algorithms with the plant simulation. High-fidelity peripheral models produce simulated inputs for the MCU and feed control outputs back into the model.

This separately-licensed feature allows for the detection of software defects such as overflow conditions and casting errors. It further serves to expose and analyze potential problems related to the multi-threaded execution of control algorithms, including jitter and resource corruption. 

Learn more about PIL

Web-Based Simulation (WBS)

PLECS WBS allows the simulation of electrical system models via the web. Models can be viewed, parameterized and simulated from any browser without the need to download additional software. WBS has two main applications:

• Marketing -- Component manufacturers can demonstrate the performance of their products in a target application. Help engineers quickly select components for certain ratings with application-specific models and semiconductor data.
   
• Education -- PLECS WBS is also a powerful teaching tool. Professors can share PLECS circuits online with their students to demonstrate power conversion principles.

Learn more about PLECS WBS

New Demo Models Included in PLECS

Click to learn more about this model.

• Neutral point clamped converter
• Modular cascaded multilevel inverter
• Flying capacitor DC-DC converter
• Flying capacitor single-phase inverter
• Motor drive with failure modes
• Boosted motor drive
• Phase shift DC-DC converter with integrated magnetics
• DC brushed machine

PLECS Training Videos

Become more proficient with PLECS

• Modeling custom components and using subsystems
• Writing simulation scripts in PLECS Standalone

New to PLECS?

Plexim's power electronics and controls simulation and modeling software 

PLECS provides a platform for modeling and simulating power converters and associated controls. The tool includes:

• Electrical domain -- complete component library, including complex 

electric machine models and power semiconductors

• Thermal domain -- calculate temperature, switching and conduction losses
• Magnetic domain -- inductor/transformer design, saturation, hysteresis
• Mechanical domain -- one-dimensional translational and rotational motion
• Controls library -- develop control algorithms

PLECS is available as a Blockset running natively within MATLAB/Simulink, or as an independent Standalone tool.  

Plexim offers a PLECS Coder capable of producing ANSI-C code for real-time controllers and real-time simulators for hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing.  

PLECS can run on Windows, Mac or Linux. 

Evaluate PLECS with a free trial license!  Please contact us for more information.

With best regards,

The Plexim Team