Securing cyber-physical systems with EXata CPS
EXata CPS is a cutting-edge communication network emulation tool. Developed in partnership with Keysight and integrated with our HYPERSIM or RT-LAB software platforms, this solution enables real-time cyber-physical testing to strengthen power grids and digital substations, safeguarding critical infrastructure against evolving cyberthreats.
The software toolbox enables the creation of models for various communication networks. The models are used to study network performance across different operational conditions to identify potential issues, devise solutions, and assess network resilience against cyber threats. The models consist of nodes that represent a range of network elements and endpoints, such as IEDs, routers, switches, radios, sensors, PCs, servers, firewalls, and other smart grid equipment, interconnected by various types of links including buses, LAN segments, radio transmissions, Wi-Fi signals, LTE connections, 5G, satellite connections, and more, sending and receiving messages via Ethernet-based communication protocols like IEC 61850.
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Demo
Coordinated cyberattacks on an interconnected transmission system and a microgrid
Based on real events at an offshore wind farm in Germany, this demo showcases a coordinated cyberattack on a hybrid EMT-RMS simulation using OPAL-RT’s ePHASORSIM and ARTEMiS. A packet modification attack on the farm’s satellite network triggers an under-frequency relay, islanding the microgrid. Once isolated and reliant on 5G communications, the microgrid is hit by a denial-of-service (DoS) attack, preventing the operator from restoring loads and reconnecting wind turbines. The demo highlights how communication vulnerabilities can destabilize critical power systems.
Progress through partnership
Cyber-physical co-simulation for power systems
As a leader in real-time simulation of power systems and power electronics, OPAL-RT has partnered with Keysight Technologies, experts in real-time simulation of communication network infrastructures, to deliver the best-in-class real-time cyber-physical system simulation toolbox: EXata CPS.
Through a tight integration on the same simulator hardware, EXata CPS ensures minimal latency and a seamless co-simulation workflow, with each simulation tool operating on dedicated CPU cores. The software components are interconnected virtually, maintaining ultra-low latency communication between them.
This powerful solution allows users to:
- Enrich power grid simulations with a high-fidelity communication network emulation (software-in-the-loop).
- Route real-time network traffic to and from external devices (hardware-in-the-loop).
EXata CPS empowers engineers to achieve a comprehensive, real-time, and synchronized view of both the electrical and communication layers of their cyber-physical systems, accelerating development, testing, and validation for today’s increasingly complex grids.
Benefits
Realistic, risk-free testing
EXata CPS delivers critical insights into the performance, security, and resilience of power grids by enabling integrated cyber-physical co-simulation. Whether you’re assessing vulnerabilities, validating new technologies, or optimizing communication networks, EXata CPS gives you the confidence to innovate—safely, efficiently, and at scale.
01
Scalability
Model communication networks as large as you need while respecting timing constraints.
02
“What-if” scenarios
Run “what-if” scenarios of control systems under cyberattack without threatening operations.
03
Effectiveness assessment
Assess the effectiveness of tools, techniques, and architectures to ensure system availability.
04
Risk mitigation
Measure and improve system resiliency, and develop plans to mitigate risks from cyberattacks.
Features
Discover what makes EXata CPS unique
Select the tabs below to navigate and learn more about EXata CPS’ features.
Testimonials
Trusted by industry leaders
Explore how leading institutions and organizations leverage EXata CPS to achieve remarkable results.
Using HYPERSIM and EXata CPS, we’ve been able to simulate real-world cyberattacks on our microgrid controllers, from denial-of-service to man-in-the-middle attacks. This has allowed us to test resilience strategies in a safe environment, ensuring our microgrid can withstand disruptions and operate reliably under attack scenarios.
Mike Mekkanen
Associate Professor & Senior Researcher at the University of Vaasa – School of Technology and Innovations, Information Systems Science
Products
Recommended products compatible with EXata CPS
EMT Simulation and HIL Testing
HYPERSIM
High-fidelity platform for EMT simulation, SIL and HIL testing, ideal for validating control, protection, grid integration and large-scale stability across all stages of power system development.
RMS Simulation and HIL Testing
ePHASORSIM
Simulate large-scale transmission and distribution networks in real time, test WAMPAC schemes, and train operators, using models from various sources such as PSSE, PowerFactory, or CYME.
Brute force computing
OP5033XG
Simulator based on up to 44 cores of the latest Intel® Xeon® CPUs and offers up to 6 PCIe slots for optional I/Os. It’s ideal for modular configurations with FPGA and I/O expansion units.
Multi-Domain, Simulink®-based HIL
RT-LAB
Fully integrated with MATLAB/Simulink® and best combined with our various toolboxes to bring multi-domain Simscape™ Electrical™ and SimPowerSystems models to real time for fast control development.
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