Rtds Technologies

What Rtds Technologies does

RTDS Technologies Inc., headquartered in Winnipeg, Canada and operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of AMETEK (NYSE: AME), develops the RTDS Simulator — the world's first fully digital real-time power system simulator, in continuous development since the early 1990s. The system runs electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations in real time on custom-built NovaCor hardware (NovaCor 2.0 powered by IBM POWER9, plus the entry-level NovaCor Light), enabling hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing where physical protection, control, and power electronics equipment is connected in closed loop with the simulated network. The proprietary RSCAD FX software suite provides circuit construction, automation, runtime HMI, and a fully bundled site-licensed modeling library; auxiliary modules (GTSOC V2 for black-box control integration, GTNETx2 for IEC 61850 and other Ethernet protocols, GTIO analogue/digital cards, GTNET Playback, GTSYNC) extend the platform's protocol and signal coverage.

The company sells to three primary segments: electric utilities and TSOs (100+ customers including RTE France, Red Eléctrica de España, Manitoba Hydro, National HVDC Centre UK), protection and control equipment manufacturers (100+ including Siemens, ABB, GE Vernova, Hitachi Energy), and universities/research institutions (260+). Revenue is generated through hardware sales with site-licensed software included, annual extended warranty and hardware exchange subscriptions, and paid advanced/introductory training courses delivered at the Winnipeg headquarters and globally. Go-to-market is enterprise field sales direct from Winnipeg, supported by an exclusive distributor network spanning 35+ countries.

The company's commercial momentum is anchored by major reference wins in multi-vendor HVDC interoperability (Johan Sverdrup, RTE France preferred-provider agreement, GE Vernova eLumina integration on GTSOC), standards leadership (IEEE 2004-2025 HIL Testing Recommended Practice), and recent product cadence across NovaCor 2.0, NovaCor Light, GTSOC V2, and successive RSCAD FX releases. RTDS Simulator installations span 50+ countries.

Name

Rtds Technologies

Legal name

RTDS Technologies Inc.

Website

https://rtds.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

RTDS Technologies, an AMETEK subsidiary based in Winnipeg, Canada, develops the RTDS Simulator — a real-time digital power system simulator used by utilities, equipment manufacturers, and research institutions in over 50 countries for hardware-in-the-loop testing of protection, control, and power electronics systems.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Real-Time Power System Simulation Hardware & Software

NAICS

Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515), Relay and Industrial Control Manufacturing (335314), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)

SIC

Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825), Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Testing, Commissioning, Maintenance & Retrofit/Modernization (Substations/Switchgear) (EUADACAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Protection, control & substation automation engineering (relay/RTU/IEC 61850) (EUADAKAD), Digital Substations (IEC 61850, Process Bus, Merging Units) (EUADACAD), Substation Automation Systems (SAS), RTUs & HMI (EUADACAF), Industrial I/O, Signal Conditioning & Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) (IMAGABAD)

Keywords

• Real-time power simulation
• Hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Electromagnetic transient simulation
• Digital power system simulator
• Protection and control testing

Headquarters

HQ city

Winnipeg

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. RTDS Simulator Hardware Sales: Sale of custom-built simulation hardware including NovaCor 2.0 and NovaCor Light platforms. Hardware sold directly with core licensing model allowing scalable configuration from 1-10 cores. Includes I/O cards (GTAO, GTAI, GTDO, GTDI, GTFPI, GTNETx2, GTSOC).
2. RSCAD FX Software Licensing: Site license for proprietary simulation software. All-in-one package including all modeling libraries, features, and modules. Provided at no additional cost beyond hardware purchase with ongoing updates.
3. Extended Warranty and Maintenance: Annual fee hardware extended warranty program covering repair or replacement of faulty parts with zero deductible. Eligible customers participate in hardware exchange program for discounts on new hardware purchases. Software maintenance provided free to non-commercial users; annual fee for commercial users.
4. Training Services: On-site training courses included with each simulator purchase (one week, two RTDS Technologies personnel). Additional Introductory and Advanced Applications training courses offered at headquarters in Winnipeg ($1,050 CAD full registration, $262.50 CAD student). Global training events also conducted.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

RTDS Technologies designs, manufactures, and sells the RTDS Simulator, an integrated real-time digital power system simulator built on proprietary NovaCor hardware and RSCAD FX software. The system enables electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing of protection, control, and power electronics equipment for electric utilities, equipment manufacturers, and research institutions worldwide. The offering is sold as a high-value bundled solution including hardware, site-licensed software, I/O cards, on-site training, and optional extended warranty/maintenance.

Product overview

RTDS Technologies offers the RTDS Simulator as a unified core product for real-time electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing of power systems. The system is built on two foundational components: the NovaCor hardware platform (comprising NovaCor 2.0 as the flagship generation and NovaCor Light as the entry-level alternative) and the RSCAD FX software suite. These are augmented by a family of add-on I/O and interface modules — including the GTSOC V2 for black box control integration, GTNETx2 Network Interface Card supporting multiple Ethernet-based communication protocols, GTIO cards (GTAO, GTAI, GTDO, GTDI, GTFPI) for analogue and digital signal connectivity, the GTSYNC Card for time synchronization, and GTNET Playback for recorded data injection. Comprehensive in-person training courses (Introductory and Advanced Applications) round out the portfolio.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• RTDS Simulator: The company's flagship real-time digital power system simulator for hardware-in-the-loop testing
• RSCAD FX
• NovaCor
• NovaCor 2.0
• NovaCor Light
• GTSOC
• RSCAD
• Universal Converter Model (UCM)

Products and services

• RTDS Simulator Real-time digital power system simulator enabling electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation of electrical grids in real time, with closed-loop hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing of protection, control, and power electronics equipment. The world's industry-standard tool for de-risking power system integration, sold to electric utilities, equipment manufacturers, and research institutions.
• NovaCor 2.0 Flagship central processing hardware platform for the RTDS Simulator, based on the IBM POWER9 processor with custom integration. Supports scalable core licensing (1–10 cores), multi-chassis interconnection via GBH and IRC ports, and provides 20% more Component Load Units and 25% more nodes than the prior generation. Enables Large Non-Real-Time (LNRT) simulation mode for networks 10x larger than real-time mode.
• NovaCor Light Lightweight central processing hardware option for the RTDS Simulator, aimed at entry-level projects with options for expansion. Based on a multicore processor with core licensing for 1–4 cores per chassis. Includes built-in internal I/O (32 digital I/O, 12 analogue I/O, Aurora protocol ports, RJ45 UDP port) and integrates with RSCAD FX software via site license. Up to four units can be interconnected.
• RSCAD FX All-in-one proprietary real-time simulation software for the RTDS Simulator. Runs on the user's PC and provides circuit construction, simulation execution, operator control (Runtime FX HMI module), scripting and test automation, transmission line/cable parameter generation, and a Component Builder for user-defined models. Distributed via site license with all libraries and features included.
• GTSOC V2 Rack-mountable auxiliary hardware component featuring an FPGA board with multi-processor system-on-a-chip technology for integrating black box (proprietary) vendor control models into real-time power system simulation. Combines the capabilities of the GTSOC V1 and the GTFPGA Unit. Supports black box control simulation, Sampled Values streaming, MMC simulation, and co-simulation. Four ARM cores distribute control code tasks.
• GTNETx2 Network Interface Card Network interface card providing real-time communication between the RTDS Simulator and external hardware or software over Ethernet-based protocols. Each card has two processors running simultaneously, supporting two different protocols per card. Supports GTNET-SKT, GTNET-MODBUS, GTNET-SV, GTNET-GSE, GTNET-PMU, GTNET-DNP, GTNET-104, and GTNET-PB firmware options.
• GTIO Cards (GTAO, GTAI, GTDO, GTDI, GTFPI) Family of I/O cards connecting external devices to the NovaCor hardware. GTAO and GTAI provide analogue input/output at ±10 Vpeak (or via power amplifiers for secondary-level signals). GTDO provides source-driven digital output (5–30 V); GTDI operates over 0–50 V input range. GTFPI provides dry operation input/output for relay contacts and breaker status output up to 250 Vdc.
• GTSYNC Card Synchronization card enabling external time source synchronization (1PPS, IRIG-B, or IEEE 1588 signals) for the GTNET-PMU synchrophasor output data streams, ensuring accurate time alignment of phasor measurement data.
• Introductory RTDS Simulator Training Course 5-day in-person training course at RTDS Technologies headquarters in Winnipeg, Canada, covering the basics of the RTDS Simulator's hardware and software. Curriculum includes RTDS Simulator principles, electromagnetic transients algorithm, RSCAD Software Suite modules, power system simulation case building, I/O card usage, relay interface development for HIL testing, CBuilder module for user-defined models, script automation, and sub-step/UCM capabilities for power electronic circuit modelling.
• Advanced Applications Training Course 5-day in-person training course at RTDS Technologies headquarters focusing on system automation applications of the RTDS Simulator in power system protection, automation, and control. Covers IEC 61850 standard series (Sampled Values, GOOSE, MMS protocols), synchrophasors and SCADA systems (PMU, Modbus, DNP3/IEC 60870-5-104), cyber-security, and socket communication via TCP/UDP.

Quantifiable outcome

• NovaCor 2.0 provides 20% more nodes and 20% more load units in Mainstep environment compared to previous generation
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• RTE FrancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 May 2026Strategic collaboration agreement naming RTDS Technologies as the preferred provider of real-time simulation technology for testing new HVDC & FACTS projects at RTE. RTE is the French transmission system operator and Europe's largest TSO with the largest grid in Europe and over fifty interconnections with neighboring countries. Partnership reflects shared commitment to innovation and continuous improvement of critical energy infrastructure.
• GE VernovacoreTechnology or IntegrationCollaborative project to implement GE Vernova's eLumina HVDC control and protection solution on the RTDS Simulator's GTSOC platform for black-box control testing. The GTSOC addresses the need for a deterministic, convenient platform for integrating vendor controls into real-time power system simulation while protecting manufacturer intellectual property.
• National HVDC Centre (UK)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGreat Britain's National HVDC Centre, owned and operated by SSEN Transmission, uses RTDS Simulator laboratory for real-time power system simulation and HIL testing. Houses multiple HVDC control replicas and is planning major expansion to quadruple laboratory capacity and create a digital twin of the GB system.
• RTE InternationalminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerRTE International provides consulting and engineering services using RTDS Simulator for multi-vendor HVDC projects. Performed HIL testing for Johan Sverdrup project to ensure interoperability between Hitachi Energy and Siemens HVDC links while protecting vendor IP.
• ABBcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerABB has been an RTDS Technologies customer since the mid-1990s. Their Distribution Solutions laboratory in Vaasa, Finland acquired a Simulator in 2019 and has expanded multiple times. Used RTDS Simulator for validating SSC600 centralized protection and control system for digital substations.
• EquinorminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerOwner and operator of the Johan Sverdrup project, the world's first multi-vendor HVDC scheme. RTE International performed HIL testing using RTDS Simulator to de-risk the multi-vendor HVDC installation.
• AMETEKcoreOthersRTDS Technologies is a subsidiary of AMETEK. The company is part of AMETK's portfolio of specialized instrumentation and electronic devices. Footer mentions '© 2025 RTDS Technologies Inc AMETEK'.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• OPAL-RT Technologies: Montreal-based developer of real-time digital simulators (HYPERSIM, eFPGASIM, OP5707) used for HIL testing of power systems, HVDC, and power electronics. The closest direct competitor to RTDS in real-time EMT simulation, serving overlapping utility, OEM, and research customers globally.
• Typhoon HIL: Provider of hardware-in-the-loop testing platforms specifically optimized for power electronics and converter-based resources. Competes with RTDS in the HIL segment serving OEMs and renewable integration labs, with growing presence in grid-forming inverter and microgrid testing.
• Speedgoat: Switzerland-based provider of real-time simulation hardware tightly integrated with MATLAB/Simulink. Targets control engineers and researchers with HIL testbeds for power systems, power electronics, and mechatronics, making it a comparable specialized competitor.

Broad incumbents

• dSPACE: Established German provider of HIL simulation and prototyping systems, primarily for automotive and industrial automation. Offers scalable HIL platforms that overlap with RTDS in power electronics HIL, though dSPACE is broader and not power-system specialized.
• National Instruments (NI, now part of Emerson): Major test, measurement, and PXI-based HIL platform vendor serving power systems, aerospace, and industrial markets. Competes with RTDS for HIL infrastructure budgets at OEMs and utilities, though NI is a broad instrumentation incumbent rather than a power-system specialist.
• MathWorks (Simscape Electrical / Simulink): Provider of Simulink and Simscape Electrical, the dominant offline simulation environment for power systems and power electronics engineers. Serves as a complementary front-end model development tool that often feeds into RTDS, OPAL-RT, and Speedgoat real-time simulators.
• ETAP: Power system modeling, simulation, and digital twin platform used by utilities and industrial customers for protection, coordination, and grid studies. Complements and partially overlaps with RTDS by addressing planning, operation, and now real-time digital-twin use cases for the same utility buyer base.
• Siemens (PSS SINCAL / PSS®E): Major OEM of HVDC, FACTS, and grid automation equipment that also sells its own power-system simulation software (PSS portfolio). While not a pure-play simulator vendor, Siemens competes at the system level with RTDS by offering bundled simulation within its own HVDC and protection-and-control offerings.

Emerging players

• Plexim (PLECS): Developer of PLECS simulation software for power electronics and electrical drives, with hardware-in-the-loop support. Overlaps with RTDS at the power-electronics-modeling layer and increasingly in HIL workflows for converter and inverter testing.
• PSCAD (Manitoba Hydro International): Industry-standard offline EMT simulation software widely used by utilities and researchers for power system studies. Targets overlapping customer workflows as RTDS — many PSCAD users build models that are later deployed on the RTDS Simulator for real-time HIL testing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCCPD8f4jKs3sNzTfDi8uNVg
• Facebookfacebook.com/RTDSTechnologies
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rtds-technologies-inc-
• Xx.com/rtds_simulator

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rtds Technologies