Components by Category
This chapter lists the blocks of the Component library by category.
System
Provide subsystem with exchangeable implementations |
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Display signal values in the schematic |
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Select or reorder elements from vectorized signal depending on control signal |
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Control execution of an atomic subsystem |
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Read time and signal values from file |
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Reference a subsystem or netlist from the same or another model |
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Pause or stop the simulation |
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Extend the input signal to the width of the reference |
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Display simulation results versus time |
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Split vectorized signal |
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Reference signal from Signal Goto block by name |
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Make signal available by name |
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Add signal input connector to subsystem |
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Combine several signals into vectorized signal |
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Add signal output connector to subsystem |
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Select or reorder elements from vectorized signal |
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Create functional entity in hierarchical simulation model |
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Calculate the average sum of the switch losses of all probed components over the specified averaging period |
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Associate the enclosed components with a task in a multi-tasking environment |
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Transfer data between tasks using a double buffer |
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Write time and signal values to file |
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Control execution of an atomic subsystem |
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Display correlation between two signals |
Assertions
Check whether a signal stays above another signal |
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Check whether a signal stays between two other signals |
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Check whether a signal stays below another signal |
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Check whether a condition is true |
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Check whether a signal stays above a constant |
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Check whether a signal stays within a constant range |
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Check whether a signal stays below a constant |
Control
Sources
Provide current simulation time |
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Generate constant signal |
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Output specified initial value in the first simulation step |
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Generate periodic rectangular pulses |
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Generate constantly rising or falling signal |
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Generate uniformly distributed random numbers |
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Generate time-based sine wave with optional bias |
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Generate constant signal with instantaneous step change |
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Generate periodic triangular or sawtooth waveform |
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Generate normally distributed random numbers |
Math
Calculate absolute value of input signal |
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Enforce an algebraic constraint |
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Cast the input signal to the specified data type |
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Multiply input signal by constant |
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Apply specified mathematical function |
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Output input signal with highest resp. lowest value |
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Add constant to input signal |
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Multiply and divide scalar or vectorized input signals |
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Round floating point signal to integer values |
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Provide sign of input signal |
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Add and subtract input signals |
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Apply specified trigonometric function |
Continuous
Implementation of a continuous-time controller (P, I, PI, PD or PID) |
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Integrate input signal with respect to time |
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Implementation of a single phase PLL |
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Implementation of a three phase PLL |
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Implement linear time-invariant system as state-space model |
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Model linear time-invariant system as transfer function |
Delays
Provide input signal from previous major time step |
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Delay discrete-value input signal by fixed time |
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Delay continuous input signal by fixed time |
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Delay rising flank of input pulses by fixed dead time |
Discontinuous
Compare two input signals with minimal hysteresis |
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Output zero while input signal is within dead zone limits |
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Detect when signal reaches or crosses given value |
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Manually select one of two input signals |
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Select one of multiple input signals depending on control signal |
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Apply uniform quantization to input signal |
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Limit rising and falling rate of change |
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Toggle between on- and off-state with configurable threshold |
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Limit input signal to upper and/or lower value |
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Select one of two input signals depending on control signal |
Discrete
Delay input signal by given number of samples |
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Calculate discrete integral of input signal |
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Calculate running mean value of input signal |
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Implementation of a discrete-time controller (P, I, PI, PD or PID) |
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Implement discrete time-invariant system as state-space model |
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Model discrete system as transfer function |
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Sample and hold input signal periodically |
Filters
Perform Fourier transform on input signal |
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Continuously average input signal over specified time period |
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Periodically average input signal over specified time |
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Periodically average Dirac impulses over specified time |
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Calculate root mean square (RMS) value of input signal |
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Calculate total harmonic distortion (THD) of input signal |
Functions & Tables
Compute piece-wise linear function of one input signal |
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Compute piece-wise linear function of two input signals |
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Compute piece-wise linear function of three input signals |
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Execute custom C code |
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Interface with externally generated dynamic-link library |
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Use a model stored in an FMU model |
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Synthesize periodic output signal from Fourier coefficients |
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Apply arbitrary arithmetic expression to scalar or vectorized input signal |
Logical
Use binary input signals to select one row from truth table |
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Compare input signal to constant threshold |
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Implement edge-triggered flip-flop |
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Detect edges of pulse signal in given direction |
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Implement edge-triggered JK flip-flop |
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Combine input signals logically |
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Generate pulse of specified width when triggered |
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Compare two input signals |
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Implement set-reset flip-flop |
Modulators
Generate firing pulses for H-bridge thyristor rectifier |
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Generate the modulation index for a three-phase reference voltage |
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Extend linear range of modulation index for 3-phase inverters |
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Generate firing pulses for 3-phase thyristor rectifier |
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Generate commutation delay for 2-level inverter bridges |
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Generate commutation delay for 3-level inverter bridges |
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Implement peak current mode control |
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Generate PWM signal using sawtooth carrier |
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Generate 3-level PWM signal using sawtooth carriers |
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Generate PWM signals for 3-phase inverter using space-vector modulation |
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Generate PWM signals for 3-phase NPC inverter using space-vector modulation |
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Generate PWM signal using symmetrical triangular carrier |
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Generate 3-level PWM signal using symmetrical triangular carriers |
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Generate PWM signals with variable frequency |
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Generate PWM signals with variable phase shift |
Transformations
Convert polar coordinates to Cartesian coordinates |
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Convert Cartesian coordinates to polar coordinates |
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Transform 3-phase signal to rotating reference frame |
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Transform 3-phase signal to stationary reference frame |
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Transform vector in rotating reference frame into 3-phase signal |
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Transform vector from rotating to stationary reference frame |
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Transform vector in stationary reference frame into 3-phase signal |
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Transform vector from stationary to rotating reference frame |
State Machine
Model a state machine |
Small Signal Analysis
(PLECS Standalone only)
Measure loop gain of closed control loop using small-signal analysis |
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Generate perturbation signal for small-signal analysis |
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Measure system response for small-signal analysis |
Electrical
Connectivity
Connect to common electrical ground |
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Connect electrical potentials by name |
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Add electrical connector to subsystem |
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Bundle several wires into bus |
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Select or reorder elements from wire bus |
Sources
Generate variable current |
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Generate sinusoidal current |
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Generate constant current |
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Generate variable voltage |
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Generate sinusoidal voltage |
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Generate 3-phase sinusoidal voltage |
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Generate constant voltage |
Meters
Output measured current as signal |
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Measure voltages and currents of 3-phase system |
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Output measured voltage as signal |
Passive Components
Ideal capacitor |
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Enforce an algebraic constraint in terms of voltage and current |
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Ideal inductor |
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Ideal mutual inductor |
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Single-phase pi-section transmission line |
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Resistance defined by voltage-current pairs |
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Ideal resistor |
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Capacitor with piece-wise linear saturation |
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Inductor with piece-wise linear saturation |
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3-phase transmission line |
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Capacitance controlled by signal |
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Inductance controlled by signal |
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Resistance controlled by signal |
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Controlled resistance in parallel with constant capacitance |
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Controlled resistance in series with constant inductance |
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Controlled resistance in parallel with controlled capacitance |
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Controlled resistance in series with controlled inductance |
Power Semiconductors
Ideal diode with optional forward voltage and on-resistance |
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Dynamic diode model with reverse recovery |
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Ideal GTO with optional forward voltage and on-resistance |
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Ideal GTO with ideal anti-parallel diode |
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Ideal IGBT with optional forward voltage and on-resistance |
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Ideal IGBT with ideal anti-parallel diode |
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Dynamic IGBT model with finite current slopes during turn-on and turn-off |
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Ideal IGCT with optional forward voltage and on-resistance |
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Ideal IGCT with ideal anti-parallel diode |
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Ideal MOSFET with optional on-resistance |
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Ideal MOSFET with ideal anti-parallel diode |
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Dynamic MOSFET model with finite current slopes during turn-on and turn-off |
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Ideal thyristor (SCR) with optional forward voltage and on-resistance |
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Dynamic thyristor (SCR) model with reverse recovery |
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Ideal TRIAC with optional forward voltage and on-resistance |
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Zener diode with controlled reverse breakdown voltage |
Power Modules
Power Modules provide compact building blocks for switched-mode power converters and feature a Sub-cycle Averaging implementation.
Single leg of a 3-level active neutral-point clamped half-bridge converter |
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Single leg of a 3-level neutral-point clamped voltage source inverter |
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Single leg of a 3-level T-type half-bridge converter |
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3-phase 2-level current source inverter |
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3-phase 2-level voltage source inverter |
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Single leg of a 5-level active neutral-point clamped half-bridge converter |
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Chopper used in buck converters |
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Chopper used in buck converters |
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Chopper used in boost converters |
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Chopper used in boost converters |
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Diode rectifier module |
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Multi-level inverter half bridge with flying capacitors |
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Series-connected inverter cells for modular multilevel converters |
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Single leg of a 2-level voltage source inverter |
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Series-connected inverter cells for modular multilevel converters |
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Thyristor rectifier/inverter module |
Sub-cycle Averaging
Note
Sub-cycle averaging is available for all components in the Power Modules library section and for selected components in the Nanostep library section.
Sub-cycle averaging is an established modeling approach for power electronic converters that enables an accurate representation of switching behavior while maintaining computational efficiency. This is particularly relevant for C code generation and real-time simulations. Sub-cycle averaging consists of two main ingredients:
An averaged duty-cycle signal with values between \(0\) and \(1\), obtained by averaging the input switching signal over an interval equal to the model discretization step size. In real-time simulations, these average values can be obtained by sampling PWM signals at each FPGA clock cycle of the real-time simulator, which is typically in the range of a few nanoseconds. Even with high switching frequencies and simulation steps much larger than the FPGA clock cycle, the resulting phase current remains accurate because the applied volt-seconds of the averaged signals correspond to the volt-seconds of the original PWM signals.
A converter Power Module consisting of controlled current and voltage sources and a diode pair. The controlled sources are driven by the averaged duty-cycle signal, and the diode pair is required to simulate natural commutation and discontinuous conduction mode. Depending on the direction of the phase current, either the lower or the upper diode conducts, applying the corresponding phase voltage and DC current.
The main limitation of sub-cycle averaging is the inaccuracy caused by zero crossings of the phase current. As the direction of the phase current is determined only once per simulation step, slightly incorrect volt-seconds may be applied during the step in which the current crosses zero or enters DCM.
- References
J. Allmeling and N. Felderer, “Sub-Cycle Average Models with Integrated Diodes for Real-Time Simulation of Power Converters”, IEEE Southern Power Electronics Conference (SPEC), 2017
J. Allmeling, N. Felderer and M. Luo, “High Fidelity Real-Time Simulation of Multi-Level Converters”, International Power Electronics Conference (IPEC-Niigata 2018 - ECCE Asia), 2018
Switches
AC circuit breaker opening at zero current |
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Changeover switch with two positions |
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Manual changeover switch with two positions |
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Manual on-off switch |
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Manual changeover switch with three positions |
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Bistable on-off switch |
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On-off switch |
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Changeover switch with three positions |
Transformers
Ideally coupled windings without inductance |
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Single-phase transformer with winding resistance and optional core loss |
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Single-phase transformer with winding resistance and optional core loss |
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Magnetic coupling between two lossy windings |
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Magnetic coupling between three lossy windings |
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Single-phase transformers with two resp. three windings and core saturation |
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3-phase transformers in Yy, Yd, Yz, Dy, Dd and Dz connection |
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3-phase transformers in Ydy and Ydz connection |
Machines
Detailed model of brushless DC machine excited by permanent magnets |
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Simplified model of brushless DC machine excited by permanent magnets |
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Simple model of DC machine |
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Non-saturable induction machine with squirrel-cage rotor and open stator windings |
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Non-saturable induction machine with slip-ring rotor |
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Non-saturable induction machine with squirrel-cage rotor |
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Induction machine with slip-ring rotor and main-flux saturation |
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Non-excited synchronous machine configurable with lookup tables |
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Synchronous machine excited by permanent magnets |
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Synchronous machine excited by permanent magnets with open stator windings |
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Detailed model of switched reluctance machine with open windings |
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Smooth air-gap synchronous machine with main-flux saturation |
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Salient-pole synchronous machine with main-flux saturation |
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Synchronous reluctance machine configurable with lookup tables |
Converters
3-phase diode rectifier |
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Switch-based 3-phase 3-level converter |
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Switch-based 3-phase converter |
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3-phase 3-level neutral-point clamped IGBT converter |
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3-phase IGBT converter |
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3-phase MOSFET converter |
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3-phase thyristor rectifier/inverter |
Nanostep
↳ Added in PLECS 4.9.
For general information on Nanostep components, see Nanostep Description.
Simple 3-phase dual active bridge converter without magnetizing inductance |
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3-phase neutral-point clamped voltage source inverter with filter inductors |
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3-phase T-type voltage source inverter with filter inductors |
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3-phase voltage source inverter with filter inductors |
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4-phase voltage source inverter with filter inductors |
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Bidirectional phase-shifted full-bridge converter with optional resonant capacitor |
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Boost converter with filter inductance |
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Rectifier with boost converter for power factor correction |
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Rectifier with boost converter and LC input filter for power factor correction |
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Buck converter with filter inductance |
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Dual active bridge or resonant converter with magnetizing inductance |
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Dual active bridge or resonant converter with a primary-side NPC half-bridge |
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Flyback converter with leakage inductance and snubber diode |
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Frequency-doubling LLC converter |
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Full-bridge voltage source inverter with filter inductance |
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Full-bridge voltage source inverter with LCL filter on the AC side |
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Full-bridge LLC resonant converter |
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Full-bridge LLC resonant converter with synchronous rectification |
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Half-bridge voltage source inverter with filter inductance |
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Half-bridge LLC resonant converter |
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Half-bridge LLC resonant converter with synchronous rectification |
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Bidirectional phase-shifted full-bridge converter with 3-phase matrix converter frontend |
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CLLLC converter with 1/2/3/4-phase matrix converter frontend |
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Phase-shifted full-bridge converter with 3-phase matrix converter frontend |
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Phase-shifted full-bridge converter with optional resonant capacitor |
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Dual active bridge converter without magnetizing inductance |
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Simple triple active bridge converter without magnetizing inductance |
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3-phase Vienna rectifier with filter inductors |
Nanostep Description
Nanostep converter modules are primarily intended for real-time simulations on the RT Box. The Nanostep solver incorporates the switching network and energy storage elements of the converter. Gate signal sampling, inductor current integration, and current zero-crossing detection occur at the FPGA clock cycle, typically in the range of a few nanoseconds. This makes the Nanostep solver suitable for converters in which the current direction changes frequently, especially resonant DC/DC converters and high-frequency converter topologies.
Some Nanostep components also provide a Sub-cycle average configuration, as described in Sub-cycle Averaging. In this configuration, generated code for real-time simulation on the RT Box runs on the CPU or FlexArray solver.
Electronics
Ideal operational amplifier with finite gain |
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Ideal operational amplifier with limited output voltage |
Model Settings
Configure settings for an individual electrical circuit |
SPICE Components
↳ Added in PLECS 5.0.
Netlist reader for importing a SPICE netlist defining a subcircuit |
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Variant of the netlist reader for importing a SPICE netlist at runtime from a file |
Thermal
Connectivity
Connect to Heat Sink on which subsystem is placed |
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Connect to common reference temperature |
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Combine several connections into one vector |
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Add thermal connector to subsystem |
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Select or reorder elements from vector connection |
Sources
Generate constant heat flow |
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Provide constant temperature |
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Generate variable heat flow |
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Provide variable temperature |
Meters
Output measured heat flow as signal |
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Output measured temperature as signal |
Components
Isotherm environment for placing components |
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Thermal capacitance of piece of material |
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Thermal impedance implemented as RC chain |
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Model thermal coupling in a semiconductor package |
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Thermal resistance of piece of material |
Model Settings
Configure settings for an individual thermal system |
Magnetic
Connectivity
Combine several connections into one vector |
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Add magnetic connector to subsystem |
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Select or reorder elements from vector connection |
Sources
Generate a constant magneto-motive force |
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Generate a variable magneto-motive force |
Meters
Output the measured rate-of-change of magnetic flux |
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Output the measured magneto-motive force |
Components
Air gap in a magnetic core |
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Magnetic core element with static hysteresis |
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Permeance of linear leakage flux path |
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Linear magnetic core element |
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Linear magnetic permeance |
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Effective magnetic resistance for modeling losses |
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Magnetic core element with saturation |
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Variable permeance controlled by external signal |
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Ideal winding defining an electro-magnetic interface |
Mechanical
Translational
Connectivity
Combine several connections into one vector |
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Add translational connector to subsystem |
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Connect to translational reference frame |
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Select or reorder elements from vector connection |
Sources
Generate constant force |
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Generate variable force |
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Maintain constant linear speed |
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Maintain variable linear speed |
Sensors
Output measured force as signal |
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Output measured absolute or relative position as signal |
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Output measured linear speed as signal |
Components
Model sliding mass with inertia |
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Ideal conversion between translational and rotational motion |
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Define an algebraic constraint in terms of force and speed |
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Ideal translational backlash |
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Ideal translational clutch |
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Ideal viscous translational damper |
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Ideal translational stick/slip friction |
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Generate variable translational friction |
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Ideal translational single- or double-sided hard stop |
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Ideal translational spring |
Model Settings
Configure settings for an individual mechanical system |
Rotational
Connectivity
Combine several connections into one vector |
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Add rotational connector to subsystem |
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Connect to rotational reference frame |
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Select or reorder elements from vector connection |
Sources
Maintain constant angular speed |
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Maintain variable angular speed |
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Generate constant torque |
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Generate variable torque |
Sensors
Output measured absolute or relative angle as signal |
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Output measured angular speed as signal |
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Output measured torque as signal |
Components
Ideal gear |
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Model rotating body with inertia |
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Ideal planetary gear set |
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Ideal conversion between translational and rotational motion |
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Define an algebraic constraint in terms of torque and angular speed |
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Ideal rotational backlash |
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Ideal rotational clutch |
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Ideal viscous rotational damper |
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Ideal rotational stick/slip friction |
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Generate variable rotational friction |
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Ideal rotational single- or double-sided hard stop |
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Ideal torsion spring |
Model Settings
Configure settings for an individual mechanical system |
Additional Simulink Blocks
(PLECS Blockset only)
Perform AC sweep |
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Perform impulse response analysis |
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Determine loop gain of closed control loop |
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Determine loop gain of closed control loop |
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Perform a multitone analysis |
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Determine periodic steady-state operating point |
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Generate piece-wise constant signal |
See also Simulink Blocks.