PSCAD
PSCAD is a graphical interface to the EMTDC electromagnetic transient simulation engine.
What PSCAD is
PSCAD is a graphical interface to the EMTDC electromagnetic transient simulation engine. It supports circuit construction, simulation runs, results analysis, and data management. Its master library includes passive elements, machines, transmission lines and cables, protection, relaying, and FACTS controllers. Online plots, controls, and meters allow users to adjust system parameters during a simulation and see the effects as it runs. PSCAD V5 embeds Python scripting for automating application and project operations, including simulations and parameter changes. It also provides a C-language Co-Simulation API for linking EMTDC with external applications; users must program the external application interface. In the Enhanced package, PRSIM converts PSS/E or PowerFactory network data to PSCAD. The Free Edition is permanent but limited to 15 electrical nodes, 5 modules, 256 output channels, and 4 simultaneous parallel simulations. It excludes the MATLAB interface, Python Automation UI/library, Blackbox, and Co-Simulation Interface. Setup specifies Windows 10 or Windows 11, 64-bit, and internet access, with certificate licensing through a MyCentre account. PSCAD is developed within Manitoba Hydro International Ltd. and is headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Good
- Master library covers machines, lines, protection, and more.
- Live plotting shows parameter effects during simulations.
- Python scripting automates application and project operations.
- Free Edition license is permanent.
- Professional or Educational trial can be requested.
Watch out
- Free Edition is limited to 15 electrical nodes.
- Free Edition allows four simultaneous parallel simulations.
- Free Edition excludes MATLAB and Python automation interfaces.
- Windows setup requires internet access.
Who it suits
It suits electrical engineers and educational users who need to construct circuits and run electromagnetic transient simulations on Windows. The Free Edition may suit smaller projects within its listed limits.
Verdict
PSCAD combines circuit construction with EMTDC simulation, analysis, and data management. The permanent Free Edition has defined size and feature limits; users needing excluded interfaces or greater scope may need another edition.
Plans and prices
From PSCAD's own pricing page, checked 10 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| PSCAD Free Edition | Free | Limited by network size · 4 simultaneous parallel simulations · 15 electrical nodes · No MATLAB interface or Python automation · Free |
| Educational Edition | Priced on request | Available only to educational facilities · Same features as Professional with limitations · Purchase or lease; contact sales for a quotation |
| Professional Edition | Priced on request | Fully featured edition · Available to commercial users and educational facilities for teaching and research · Purchase or lease; contact sales for a quotation |
The facts
Each one read from PSCAD's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Automation
- PSCAD V5 embeds Python scripting to automate application and project operations, including running simulations and changing parameters.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Co-simulation
- PSCAD V5 provides a C-language Co-Simulation API for linking EMTDC with external applications, with users responsible for programming the external application interface.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Data conversion
- The PRSIM application in the Enhanced package converts PSS/E or PowerFactory network data to PSCAD.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Licensing
- The Free Edition license is permanent; its activated certificate can be retained for a four-week period and refreshed when PSCAD launches with internet access.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Live plotting
- Online plotting, controls, and meters let users alter system parameters during a simulation and view the effects while it runs.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Operating system
- The PSCAD V5 Free Edition setup instructions specify Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11 64-bit and an internet connection.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- PSCAD is a graphical interface to the EMTDC electromagnetic transient simulation engine for constructing circuits, running simulations, analyzing results, and managing data.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Security and access
- The setup documentation says the Free Edition requires internet access for its Windows 10/11 setup and uses certificate licensing through a MyCentre account.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Simulation models
- Its master library includes models such as passive elements, machines, transmission lines and cables, protection, relaying, and FACTS controllers.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Support
- The PSCAD technical team provides consulting, expert advice, in-depth training, and technical support for electromagnetic transient studies.checked 10 Oct 2026
Money
- Free edition exclusions
- The Free Edition does not include the MATLAB interface, Python Automation UI/library, Blackbox, or Co-Simulation Interface.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Free edition scope
- The Free Edition has limits of 15 electrical nodes, 5 modules, 256 output channels, and 4 simultaneous parallel simulations.checked 10 Oct 2026
- Trial
- A temporary trial license for Professional or Educational can be requested from the sales desk to evaluate the software before purchase.checked 10 Oct 2026
The company
- Headquarters
- Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canadachecked 28 Sep 2026
- Maker
- PSCAD is developed by the software development and engineering department within Manitoba Hydro International Ltd., a subsidiary of Manitoba Hydro.checked 10 Oct 2026
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