Rtds Technologies
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.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1990
- HeadquartersWinnipeg, Canada
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
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.
Rtds Technologies firmographics
Firmographics- 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
Rtds Technologies industry classification
Industry- 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
Where Rtds Technologies is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Winnipeg
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Rtds Technologies business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | One time | Introductory RTDS Simulator Training Course - 5-day in-person course covering basics of RTDS Simulator hardware and software, RSCAD Software Suite, I/O cards, relay interface, CBuilder module, and automation scripts. |
| One time/ perpetual license | One time | Advanced Applications Training Course - 5-day in-person course focusing on System Automation, IEC 61850 protocols (Sampled Values, GOOSE, MMS), synchrophasors, SCADA systems, cyber-security, and socket communication. |
| Subscription | Annual | Hardware Extended Warranty Program - Annual maintenance contract covering repair or replacement of any faulty part with zero deductible, plus eligibility for hardware exchange program. |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels8 records
Rtds Technologies product offering
Product offeringCore 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
Companies that use Rtds Technologies
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Rtds Technologies technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature9 records
Rtds Technologies partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- RTE FrancecoreStrategic 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 VernovacoreCollaborative 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)coreGreat 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 InternationalminorRTE 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.
- ABBcoreABB 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.
- EquinorminorOwner 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.
- AMETEKcoreRTDS 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
Rtds Technologies competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect 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
Rtds Technologies social profiles
Digital presenceRtds Technologies financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Rtds Technologies leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Rtds Technologies funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Rtds Technologies M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Rtds Technologies
What does Rtds Technologies do?
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.
Is Rtds Technologies a public or private company?
Rtds Technologies is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Rtds Technologies founded?
Rtds Technologies was founded in 1990. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Rtds Technologies based?
Rtds Technologies is headquartered in Winnipeg, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Rtds Technologies make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. RTDS Simulator Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are RSCAD FX Software Licensing, extended Warranty and Maintenance and training Services.
Who are Rtds Technologies's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are OPAL-RT Technologies, Typhoon HIL and Speedgoat. Broad incumbents are dSPACE, National Instruments (NI, now part of Emerson), MathWorks (Simscape Electrical / Simulink), ETAP and Siemens (PSS SINCAL / PSS®E). Emerging players are Plexim (PLECS) and PSCAD (Manitoba Hydro International).
Does Rtds Technologies have an API?
No public API is recorded for Rtds Technologies.
What industry is Rtds Technologies in?
Rtds Technologies's product category is Real-Time Power System Simulation Hardware & Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUADACAL, Testing, Commissioning, Maintenance & Retrofit/Modernization (Substations/Switchgear), with a secondary code of EUADAKAD, Protection, control & substation automation engineering (relay/RTU/IEC 61850). Its NAICS code is 334515 and its SIC code is 3825.