PLECS 3.5 Online Help

Components by Category

System

Configurable Subsystem Provide subsystem with exchangeable implementations
Display Display signal values in the schematic
Electrical Ground Connect to common electrical ground
Electrical Label Connect electrical potentials by name
Electrical Port Add electrical connector to subsystem
Enable Control execution of an atomic subsystem
Scope Display simulation results versus time
Signal Demultiplexer Split vectorized signal
Signal From Reference signal from Signal Goto block by name
Signal Goto Make signal available by name
Signal Inport Add signal input connector to subsystem
Signal Multiplexer Combine several signals into vectorized signal
Signal Outport Add signal output connector to subsystem
Signal Selector Select or reorder elements from vectorized signal
Signal Switch Select one of two input signals depending on control signal
Subsystem Create functional entity in hierarchical simulation model
To File Write time and signal values to file
Trigger Control execution of an atomic subsystem
Wire Multiplexer Bundle several wires into bus
Wire Selector Select or reorder elements from wire bus
XY Plot Display correlation between two signals

Control

Sources

Clock Provide current simulation time
Constant Generate constant signal
Pulse Generator Generate periodic rectangular pulses
Ramp Generate constantly rising or falling signal
Sine Wave Generate time-based sine wave with optional bias
Step Generate constant signal with instantaneous step change
Triangular Wave Generator Generate periodic triangular or sawtooth waveform
White Noise Generate normally distributed random numbers
Random Numbers Generate uniformly distributed random numbers

Math

Abs Calculate absolute value of input signal
Gain Multiply input signal by constant
Math Function Apply specified mathematical function
Minimum / Maximum Output input signal with highest resp. lowest value
Product Multiply and divide scalar or vectorized input signals
Rounding Round floating point signal to integer values
Signum Provide sign of input signal
Sum Add and subtract input signals
Trigonometric Function Apply specified trigonometric function

Continuous

Integrator Integrate input signal with respect to time
State Space Implement linear time-invariant system as state-space model
Transfer Function Model linear time-invariant system as transfer function

Delays

Memory Provide input signal from previous major time step
Pulse Delay Delay discrete-value input signal by fixed time
Transport Delay Delay continuous input signal by fixed time
Turn-on Delay Delay rising flank of input pulses by fixed dead time

Discontinuous

Comparator Compare two input signals with minimal hysteresis
Dead Zone Output zero while input signal is within dead zone limits
Hit Crossing Detect when signal reaches or crosses given value
Quantizer Apply uniform quantization to input signal
Rate Limiter Limit rising and falling rate of change
Relay Toggle between on- and off-state with configurable threshold
Saturation Limit input signal to upper and/or lower value

Discrete

Delay Delay input signal by given number of samples
Discrete Fourier Transform Perform discrete Fourier transform on input signal
Discrete Mean Value Calculate running mean value of input signal
Discrete RMS Value Calculate root mean square (RMS) value of input signal
Discrete State Space Implement discrete time-invariant system as state-space model
Discrete Total Harmonic Distortion Calculate total harmonic distortion (THD) of input signal
Discrete Transfer Function Model discrete system as transfer function
Zero-Order Hold Sample and hold input signal periodically

Filters

Moving Average Continuously average input signal over specified time period
Periodic Average Periodically average input signal over specified time
Periodic Impulse Average Periodically average Dirac impulses over specified time

Functions & Tables

1D Look-Up Table Compute piece-wise linear function of one input signal
2D Look-Up Table Compute piece-wise linear function of two input signals
3D Look-Up Table Compute piece-wise linear function of three input signals
C-Script Execute custom C code
DLL Interface with externally generated dynamic-link library
Fourier Series Synthesize periodic output signal from Fourier coefficients
Function Apply arbitrary arithmetic expression to scalar or vectorized input signal

Logical

Combinatorial Logic Use binary input signals to select one row from truth table
D Flip-flop Implement edge-triggered flip-flop
Edge Detection Detect edges of pulse signal in given direction
JK Flip-flop Implement edge-triggered JK flip-flop
Logical Operator Combine input signals logically
Monoflop Generate pulse of specified width when triggered
Relational Operator Compare two input signals
SR Flip-flop Implement set-reset flip-flop

Modulators

2-Pulse Generator Generate firing pulses for H-bridge thyristor rectifier
3-Phase Overmodulation Extend linear range of modulation index for 3-phase inverters
6-Pulse Generator Generate firing pulses for 3-phase thyristor rectifier
Blanking Time Generate commutation delay for 2-level inverter bridges
Blanking Time (3-Level) Generate commutation delay for 3-level inverter bridges
Peak Current Controller Implement peak current mode control
Sawtooth PWM Generate PWM signal using sawtooth carrier
Sawtooth PWM (3-Level) Generate 3-level PWM signal using sawtooth carriers
Space Vector PWM Generate PWM signals for 3-phase inverter using space-vector modulation
Space Vector PWM (3-Level) Generate PWM signals for 3-phase NPC inverter using space-vector modulation
Symmetrical PWM Generate PWM signal using symmetrical triangular carrier
Symmetrical PWM (3-Level) Generate 3-level PWM signal using symmetrical triangular carriers

Transformations

Polar to Rectangular Convert polar coordinates to Cartesian coordinates
Rectangular to Polar Convert Cartesian coordinates to polar coordinates
Transformation 3ph->RRF Transform 3-phase signal to rotating reference frame
Transformation 3ph->SRF Transform 3-phase signal to stationary reference frame
Transformation RRF->3ph Transform vector in rotating reference frame into 3-phase signal
Transformation RRF->SRF Transform vector from rotating to stationary reference frame
Transformation SRF->3ph Transform vector in stationary reference frame into 3-phase signal
Transformation SRF->RRF Transform vector from stationary to rotating reference frame

Small Signal Analysis

(PLECS Standalone only)

Small Signal Gain Measure loop gain of closed control loop using small-signal analysis
Small Signal Perturbation Generate perturbation signal for small-signal analysis
Small Signal Response Measure system response for small-signal analysis

Electrical

Sources

Current Source (Controlled) Generate variable current
Current Source AC Generate sinusoidal current
Current Source DC Generate constant current
Voltage Source (Controlled) Generate variable voltage
Voltage Source AC Generate sinusoidal voltage
Voltage Source AC (3-Phase) Generate 3-phase sinusoidal voltage
Voltage Source DC Generate constant voltage

Meters

Ammeter Output measured current as signal
Meter (3-Phase) Measure voltages and currents of 3-phase system
Voltmeter Output measured voltage as signal

Passive Components

Capacitor Ideal capacitor
Inductor Ideal inductor
Mutual Inductor Ideal mutual inductor
Mutual Inductance (2 Windings) Magnetic coupling between two lossy windings
Mutual Inductance (3 Windings) Magnetic coupling between three lossy windings
Pi-Section Line Single-phase pi-section transmission line
Piece-wise Linear Resistor Resistance defined by voltage-current pairs
Resistor Ideal resistor
Saturable Capacitor Capacitor with piece-wise linear saturation
Saturable Inductor Inductor with piece-wise linear saturation
Transmission Line (3ph) 3-phase transmission line
Variable Capacitor Capacitance controlled by signal
Variable Inductor Inductance controlled by signal
Variable Resistor with Constant Capacitor Controlled resistance in parallel with constant capacitance
Variable Resistor with Constant Inductor Controlled resistance in series with constant inductance
Variable Resistor with Variable Capacitor Controlled resistance in parallel with controlled capacitance
Variable Resistor with Variable Inductor Controlled resistance in series with controlled inductance

Power Semiconductors

Diode Ideal diode with optional forward voltage and on-resistance
Diode with Reverse Recovery Dynamic diode model with reverse recovery
GTO Ideal GTO with optional forward voltage and on-resistance
GTO (Reverse Conducting) Ideal GTO with ideal anti-parallel diode
IGBT Ideal IGBT with optional forward voltage and on-resistance
IGBT with Diode Ideal IGBT with ideal anti-parallel diode
IGBT with Limited di/dt Dynamic IGBT model with finite current slopes during turn-on and turn-off
IGCT (Reverse Blocking) Ideal IGCT with optional forward voltage and on-resistance
IGCT (Reverse Conducting) Ideal IGCT with ideal anti-parallel diode
MOSFET Ideal MOSFET with optional on-resistance
MOSFET with Diode Ideal MOSFET with ideal anti-parallel diode
MOSFET with Limited di/dt Dynamic MOSFET model with finite current slopes during turn-on and turn-off
Thyristor Ideal thyristor (SCR) with optional forward voltage and on-resistance
Thyristor with Reverse Recovery Dynamic thyristor (SCR) model with reverse recovery
TRIAC Ideal TRIAC with optional forward voltage and on-resistance
Zener Diode Zener diode with controlled reverse breakdown voltage

Switches

Breaker AC circuit breaker opening at zero current
Double Switch Changeover switch with two positions
Set/Reset Switch Bistable on-off switch
Switch On-off switch
Triple Switch Changeover switch with three positions

Transformers

Ideal Transformer Ideally coupled windings without inductance
Linear Transformer (2 Windings) Single-phase transformer with winding resistance and optional core loss
Linear Transformer (3 Windings) Single-phase transformer with winding resistance and optional core loss
Saturable Transformers Single-phase transformers with two resp. three windings and core saturation
Transformers (3ph, 2 Windings) 3-phase transformers in Yy, Yd, Yz, Dy, Dd and Dz connection
Transformers (3ph, 3 Windings) 3-phase transformers in Ydy and Ydz connection

Machines

Brushless DC Machine Detailed model of brushless DC machine excited by permanent magnets
Brushless DC Machine (Simple) Simplified model of brushless DC machine excited by permanent magnets
DC Machine Simple model of DC machine
Induction Machine (Slip Ring) Non-saturable induction machine with slip-ring rotor
Induction Machine (Open Stator Windings) Non-saturable induction machine with squirrel-cage rotor and open stator windings
Induction Machine (Squirrel Cage) Non-saturable induction machine with squirrel-cage rotor
Induction Machine with Saturation Induction machine with slip-ring rotor and main-flux saturation
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machine Synchronous machine excited by permanent magnets
Switched Reluctance Machine Detailed model of switched reluctance machine with open windings
Synchronous Machine (Round Rotor) Smooth air-gap synchronous machine with main-flux saturation
Synchronous Machine (Salient Pole) Salient-pole synchronous machine with main-flux saturation

Converters

Diode Rectifier (3ph) 3-phase diode rectifier
Ideal 3-Level Converter (3ph) Switch-based 3-phase 3-level converter
Ideal Converter (3ph) Switch-based 3-phase converter
IGBT 3-Level Converter (3ph) 3-phase 3-level neutral-point clamped IGBT converter
IGBT Converter (3ph) 3-phase IGBT converter
MOSFET Converter (3ph) 3-phase MOSFET converter
Thyristor Rectifier/Inverter 3-phase thyristor rectifier/inverter

Electronics

Op-Amp Ideal operational amplifier with finite gain
Op-Amp with Limited Output Ideal operational amplifier with limited output voltage

Thermal

Ambient Temperature Connect to Heat Sink on which component is placed
Constant Heat Flow Generate constant heat flow
Constant Temperature Provide constant temperature
Controlled Heat Flow Generate variable heat flow
Controlled Temperature Provide variable temperature
Heat Flow Meter Output measured heat flow as signal
Heat Sink Isotherm environment for placing components
Thermal Capacitor Thermal capacitance of piece of material
Thermal Chain Thermal impedance implemented as RC chain
Thermal Ground Connect to common reference temperature
Thermal Port Add thermal connector to subsystem
Thermal Resistor Thermal resistance of piece of material
Thermometer Output measured temperature as signal

Magnetic

Winding Ideal winding defining an electro-magnetic interface
Magnetic Permeance Linear magnetic permeance
Linear Core Linear magnetic core element
Air Gap Air gap in a magnetic core
Leakage Flux Path Permeance of linear leakage flux path
Saturable Core Magnetic core element with saturation
Hysteretic Core Magnetic core element with static hysteresis
Variable Magnetic Permeance Variable permeance controlled by external signal
Magnetic Resistance Effective magnetic resistance for modeling losses
MMF Meter Output the measured magneto-motive force
Flux Rate Meter Output the measured rate-of-change of magnetic flux
MMF Source (Constant) Generate a constant magneto-motive force
MMF Source (Controlled) Generate a variable magneto-motive force
Magnetic Port Add magnetic connector to subsystem

Mechanical

Translational

Sources
Force (Constant) Generate constant force
Force (Controlled) Generate variable force
Translational Speed (Constant) Maintain constant linear speed
Translational Speed (Controlled) Maintain variable linear speed

Sensors
Force Sensor Output measured force as signal
Translational Speed Sensor Output measured linear speed as signal
Position Sensor Output measured absolute or relative position as signal

Components
Translational Reference Connect to translational reference frame
Translational Port Add translational flange to subsystem
Mass Model sliding mass with inertia
Translational Spring Ideal translational spring
Translational Damper Ideal viscous translational damper
Translational Clutch Ideal translational clutch
Translational Backlash Ideal translational backlash
Translational Hard Stop Ideal translational single- or double-sided hard stop
Translational Friction Ideal translational stick/slip friction
Rack and Pinion Ideal conversion between translational and rotational motion

Rotational

Sources
Torque (Constant) Generate constant torque
Torque (Controlled) Generate variable torque
Rotational Speed (Constant) Maintain constant angular speed
Rotational Speed (Controlled) Maintain variable angular speed

Sensors
Torque Sensor Output measured torque as signal
Rotational Speed Sensor Output measured angular speed as signal
Angle Sensor Output measured absolute or relative angle as signal

Components
Rotational Reference Connect to rotational reference frame
Rotational Port Add rotational flange to subsystem
Inertia Model rotating body with inertia
Torsion Spring Ideal torsion spring
Rotational Damper Ideal viscous rotational damper
Rotational Clutch Ideal rotational clutch
Rotational Backlash Ideal rotational backlash
Rotational Hard Stop Ideal rotational single- or double-sided hard stop
Rotational Friction Ideal rotational stick/slip friction
Gear Ideal gear
Rack and Pinion Ideal conversion between translational and rotational motion

Additional Simulink Blocks

(PLECS Blockset only)

AC Sweep Perform AC sweep
Impulse Response Analysis Perform impulse response analysis
Loop Gain Analysis Determine loop gain of closed control loop
Steady-State Analysis Determine periodic steady-state operating point
Timer Generate piece-wise constant signal