Contents - Index


News in ATPDraw versions 3.5 and above



Web connection to database: From version 5.8 ATPDraw is able to connect to a MYSQL database at www.atpdraw.net for uploads/downloads and discussion forums. The users can directly post their currently active project for sharing with other users. This option is a long sought-after solution for sharing and storing valuable knowledge and could open up a new area of co-operation. Registration is made via the www.atpdraw.net web.page and is required before access to the database is granted for upload/download of projects. 

New file formats: From version 5 ATPDraw is based on a completely new file concept. The project file format now follows the pkzip 2 standard. Support-files no longer follows the project and are used only when initializing components (all their properties are inherited) and retrieving the help files. Some components like Groups and Models based on .mod-files use no support-file at all. External data for components like Models, LCC, BCTRAN, XFMR, User Specified etc. are no longer stored in global files, but are individual for each component and handled internally in memory. No components share data anymore (changes in one component will not affect others) and no conflics occure between simultaneously open projects. The user is allowed to export to and import from a user maintained component library of resource files and a clear distinction is made between this library and the project data. The user can specify individual help text to all components. The results from ATPDraw (ATP-file and $Include files) are stored in an individual Result Directory.

Vector graphics: From version 5 vector graphic icons are supported for standard components, models and groups (default). From version 5.3 ATPDraw includes a preliminary graphical vector icon editor. Vector graphics results in better zooming capabilities and new possibilities for customizing the icon based on user selections. Version 5.4 enhances this editor significantly:
  • The number of points per shapes is extended from 4 to 255
  • Selection and editing of multiple selected elements are supported 
  • Copy/paste via the windows clipboard
  • Bezier curve drawing improved
  • Rotate and flip added

    Output Manager: ATPDraw lists all output requests and gives the user direct access to each of them. Includes also a statistical tabulation option with scaling and grouping.

    Optimization: Multi-variable, constrained optimization with either Gradient Method, Genetic Algorithm, or Simplex Annealing. Automatic execution of ATP and communication with Variables and built in cost function (Models|WriteMaxMin).

    Multi-phase nodes: From version 5 ATPDraw supports up to 26 phase nodes as well as index X[1..26] for models. An enhanced connection is added to allow connection of single phase nodes to a multi-phase node. This will reduce the need of the SPLITTER. From version 5.7 an n-phase connection can have a phase offset.

    Text in circuit: From version 5.3 ATPDraw supports multi-lined circuit text with limited text properties like font and color.

    Text editor : From version 5.7 RichText (1.0, no graphics) is supported for help files and a syntax highlight feature is offered for MODELS.

    XFMR: The advanced Hybrid Transformer model added in version 4.2. This is a topological correct transformer model with an advanced core model. The leakage inductance is modeled the same way as in BCTRAN. An initial attempt to model frequency dependent winding losses is added. The user can base the modelling on design data, test reports, or typical values. Version 5.6 updates the component significantly with new optimizer, final slope added to magnetization curve, type 96. Version 5.7 adds a new Shell-form core (type B), updates the help file, and gives new figures for core dimensions. 

    Windsyn: Gabor Furst's program for fitting an electrical machine model to manufacturers data is directly supported. From version 5.7 an improved and embedded version is available. This includes user-customizable fitter with support of slip and maximum torque, plotting of induction machine torque curve, complete revision of start-up condition, inclusion of exciter for synchronous machine and governor for both induction and synchronous machine.

    Power System Toolbox: This toolbox was introduced in version 5.9 and enhanced in version 6.0. It contains FFT/DFT algorithms for 3-phase calculatinos of phasors, power, impedance etc. It has over-current, distance and differential relays with trajectory plotting and general phasor plotting. 

    Grouping: The user can select a group of components and select Edit|Compress. This result in a single icon replacement of the group with user selectable external data and nodes. Multiple levels of grouping is allowed. A new example file Exa_4b.adp included in the ATPDraw 3.0 distribution. From version 3.1, ATPDraw supports non-linear characteristics and handling of data with equal labels. From version 5 ATPDraw supports Recompress; select a group and click Edit|Compress. This will bring up the Compress dialog and let the user modify the group interface. From version 5 the content of the group is also centred on the screen when Edit|Edit Group is selected. 

    Variables: The user can specify a text variable instead of a data value. The $Parameter cards are specified under ATP|Settings|Variables. The user does not have to think about resolution and the number of digits used in the ATP cards. This is a powerful method if the same data value is used several times in a circuit (the user does not have to click up all involved input windows). ATPDraw 5.9 introduced an internal parser (TbcParser). This uses the same input (except for different logical operators .GT. becomes > etc.) but replaces $PARAMETERS of ATP. This enables parametrization of all data (also those used in internal claculatinos with the Param flag set to zero, except the external data of LCC, BCT and XFMR). 

    Support of Cable ConstantsCable Constants is supported along with Cable Parameters for cable systems. This gives a more flexible grounding scheme and adds support of Semlyen cable models. Multiple PI-segments is supported.* Printed output for line modelling is supported for PI-equivalents. The PI-equivalent is still written as inductances in ohms, while the unit of capacitances is user selectable. Proper handling with $UNITS will be introduced in version 3.1.

    Verify line/cable data: Support of LINE MODEL FREQUENCY SCAN  or a special Power Frequency Calculation to get benchmark data. ATP is executed and ATPDraw reads the generated LIS file and displays the result. This enables the user to compare his line/cable model with an exact PI-equivalent as a function of frequency, or verify the power frequency benchmark data for zero/positve short circuit impedances, reactive open circuit line charging, and mutual zero sequence coupling. The LINE MODEL FREQUENCY SCAN feature of ATP does not work for Noda models.

    Rubber band connections:  The user can select Rubber bands under Edit. A connection with one endpoint inside a selected region and one outside is treated as a rubber band (does not work for short cut single component selection).

    Reload: The last 5 stored projects are found under File|Reload.

    Support files: The support files for all standard components (including TACS) are stored in a single file ATPDraw.scl (standard component library). Three files (ATPDraw.exe, ATPDraw.scl, and ATPDraw.chm) are required for the distribution of ATPDraw 5.6. From version 5 the support-files are used only when initializing components and they do not follow the project.

    Nonlinear components: The characteristic page in the component dialog box is changed to be more flexible. The non-linear characteristic can be plotted and copied to the windows clipboard. New non-linear inductances (type 93, 96 and 98) with built-in initial flux condition and with fluxlinked output option.

    Auto-detect simulation errors: ATPDraw can be requested to automatically examine the LIS-file after a simulation and display  possible problems. The user can select 5 different error/warning flags. This is done under ATP|Settings/Output

    BCTRAN: The BCTRAN transformer component offers direct support of BCTRAN transformer matrix modeling. Automatic generation of external magnetizing inductance(s) is supported as well as manual possibilities. 

    Compatibility:  ATPDraw can read all old ATPDraw for Windows formats (1, 2, 2.4, 3, 4, 5, 5.4, 5.7), but older versions of ATPDraw CAN NOT read new files.


    Bug fixes Other corrections/updates in version 3.5: Other corrections/updates in version 3.7: Other corrections/updates in version 3.8: Other corrections/updates in version 3.9: Other corrections/updates in version 4.0:
    Other corrections/updates in version 4.1: Other corrections/updates in version 4.2: Other corrections/updates in version 5.0:
    Other corrections/updates in version 5.1: Other corrections/updates in version 5.3: Other corrections/updates in version 5.4: Other corrections/updates in version 5.5:
    Other corrections/updates in version 5.6:
    Other corrections/updates in version 5.7:
    Other corrections/updates in version 5.8:
    Other corrections/updates in version 5.9:

    Other corrections/updates in version 6.0:


    Other corrections/updates in version 6.1: