Frequency Scan Capability in Hypersim (Similar to ATP/EMTP)

Q&A
, , ,
1

image (1).png
image (1).png1908×917 82.2 KB
image.png
image.png1912×1106 232 KB

Hi Team,

I have a question regarding frequency-domain analysis in Hypersim.

I am familiar with ATP , which is an EMTP-based simulation software. In ATP, there is a Frequency Scan feature that allows analysis of a network’s frequency response by sweeping across a range of frequencies. This is particularly useful for studying resonance points, impedance characteristics, and the behavior of RLC networks.

I would like to perform a similar analysis in Hypersim.

For example, if I have a model consisting of basic R, L, and C components, I would like to analyze the frequency response of the circuit across a specified frequency range.

I have explored the FFT functionality in Hypersim; however, FFT appears to perform spectral analysis on simulated waveforms rather than directly analyzing the frequency characteristics of the electrical network itself.

Could you please clarify:

Does Hypersim provide a feature equivalent to ATP’s Frequency Scan?
If so, what is the recommended workflow for performing frequency-response or impedance-frequency analysis on a circuit?
If there is no direct Frequency Scan feature, what would be the recommended approach to obtain the frequency characteristics of a network in Hypersim?

Any documentation, examples, or best practices would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

2

  1. Does HYPERSIM have a native Frequency Scan equivalent to ATP?
    Not as a single built-in “Frequency Scan” button the way ATP/EMTP does it. HYPERSIM is a time-domain EMT simulator, so it doesn’t natively compute network impedance vs. frequency analytically. However, the equivalent capability exists and is well-established — it’s just implemented through a harmonic injection workflow rather than a dedicated menu item.

  2. Recommended Workflow: Harmonic Injection Method
    This is the standard approach for impedance/frequency-response analysis in HYPERSIM:

Step 1 — Reach steady state
Run your model to steady state at the operating point of interest (fundamental frequency, nominal voltage/current).

Step 2 — Inject a small harmonic disturbance
At the Point of Common Coupling (PCC) or the node of interest, inject a small-amplitude sinusoidal perturbation at a single frequency fh:

Use a voltage source injection for passive networks (RLC, lines, transformers)

Use a current source injection for active networks (grids with sources)

The injection amplitude should be small enough not to disturb the operating point (typically 1–5% of nominal).

Step 3 — Measure V and I at the injection point
Record the voltage V(t) and current I(t) at the PCC during the injection.

Step 4 — Extract the frequency component via FFT
Apply FFT (or DFT) to the recorded signals to extract the phasors V(fh) and I(fh) at the injected frequency. HYPERSIM’s built-in FFT blocks or ScopeView post-processing can be used here.

Step 5 — Compute impedance

Z(fh) = V(fh) / I(fh)
This gives you the complex impedance (magnitude and phase) at frequency fh.

Step 6 — Sweep across the frequency range
Repeat steps 2–5 for each frequency point in your range (e.g., 10 Hz to 2500 Hz in steps of 10 Hz). This can be automated using:

HyWorks API (Python scripting) — HYPERSIM 2026.2 expanded batch operations for exactly this kind of programmatic model control
2026.2 HYPERSIM e-mail

TestView or Orchestra for automated test sequences

Step 7 — Plot the frequency response
Plot |Z(f)| and ∠Z(f) vs. frequency to get your Bode/impedance-frequency curve. Resonance points appear as peaks in |Z(f)|.

  1. Why FFT alone isn’t sufficient (as you correctly identified)
    You’re right that HYPERSIM’s FFT performs spectral analysis on simulated waveforms — it tells you what frequencies are present in a signal, but it doesn’t directly characterize the network’s intrinsic impedance. The harmonic injection method is necessary because it actively probes the network at each frequency, separating the network’s response from the excitation.

  2. Practical Tips for RLC Networks
    For a simple RLC circuit, the harmonic injection approach works very cleanly:

Parameter

Recommended value

Injection amplitude

1–5% of nominal voltage

Settling time per frequency

5–10 cycles at fh

Frequency resolution

10–50 Hz steps (adjust for resonance sharpness)

Time step

Must satisfy Nyquist: Ts < 1/(2 × fmax) — e.g., for 2.5 kHz max, use Ts ≤ 200 µs

For a series RLC, you’ll see a clear impedance minimum at resonance f0 = 1/(2π√LC). For a parallel RLC, you’ll see a maximum.

  1. Is there a dedicated feature on the roadmap?
    Yes — Impedance Scan is listed as a team development item at ORTG, specifically as part of the HIL Boxes/Bundles initiative.
    Team Developments This suggests a more integrated workflow is being developed, but the harmonic injection method above is the current best practice.

Hope it helps, please let us know :slight_smile: !!!