RT-LAB
Fully integrated with MATLAB/Simulink®, RT-LAB brings Simulink® models into real-time interaction with physical systems, enabling a seamless transition from simulation to experimentation. By leveraging the strengths of an advanced RT lab, we support users who require high-performance, model-based design Simulink capabilities. Designed for researchers, educators, and engineers alike, RT-LAB accelerates the development, testing, and validation of complex systems—supporting both academic exploration and industrial innovation. With proven strengths in power systems and power electronics, this multi-domain platform delivers scalable and flexible real-time simulation for a wide range of applications across energy, aerospace, automotive, industrial automation, marine, rail, mining, agriculture, and beyond. RT-LAB is at the core of our ecosystem, delivering reliability and scalability.
Specifications overview
| Application domain | Real-time execution of Simulink® models for control design, rapid prototyping, and validation across multiple engineering domains. |
| Simulation modes | Hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), power hardware-in-the-loop (PHIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), and rapid control prototyping (RCP) |
| Integration | Seamless compatibility with MATLAB/Simulink®, static and dynamic libraries, and third-party software via custom APIs or co-simulation |
| Connectivity | Supports a broad range of standard and timed analog/digital I/Os and industry protocols (CAN, ARINC-429, MIL-STD-1553, EtherCAT, IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus, etc.), and specialized interfaces including Resolver, LVDT, RVDT, SPI, and SFP |
| Scalability | Runs on single workstations to multi-rack simulators—scaling to large models with thousands of I/Os, and capable of interfacing multiple Devices Under Test (DUT) simultaneously |
| Performance | High-speed EMT parallel execution on multicore CPUs (time steps: 5–100 µs); RMS simulation via ePHASORSIM (time steps: 1–10 ms); FPGA-based EMT simulation via eHS (time steps: 90 ns–4 µs). |
| Visualization | Real-time data monitoring, logging, and analysis—without impacting simulation performance. Customizable dashboards with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. |
| Automation | Built-in test scripting & automation with Python, LabVIEW®, TestStand®, C/C++, and Java |
They trust us
Fast-track innovation
Four steps to real-time simulation
RT-LAB handles everything, including code generation, with an easy-to-use interface. With just a few clicks of the mouse, a Simulink® model becomes an interactive real-time simulation application.
Testimonials
Trusted by industry leaders
Explore how leading institutions and organizations leverage RT-LAB to achieve remarkable results.
We decided to use OPAL-RT amongst other choices of HIL systems because of their widespread research and industry use, fast and accurate emulation of the complex power electronics hardware and great customer support.
Akshat Yadav
Power Electronics Engineer
You can run whichever tests you want; you can do hundreds or thousands, and it’s never enough. Issues will absolutely occur and what you must do is to replicate them in a HiL simulator. If you don’t have one, you’re lost—that’s for sure.
Dominik Hofmeyer
Engineering & Technology Manager – Drive Control Development
Toolboxes
Unleash more with compatible toolboxes
Ultra-Fast EMT Simulation and HIL Testing
eHS
Advanced FPGA technology for high-fidelity, low-latency, power systems and power electronics simulation, enabling HIL testing across energy, automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications.
EMT Simulation and HIL Testing for Simulink®
ARTEMiS
Designed for Simulink® and SimPowerSystems, ARTEMiS enables accurate, real-time simulation of power systems and power electronics with advanced decoupling, preserving fidelity in complex grid models.
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.
Communication Network Co-simulation
EXata CPS
High-fidelity and scalable communication network emulation for cyber-physical co-simulation, enabling HIL/SIL integration for cybersecurity testing of critical infrastructure.
Applications
Versatile platform for real-time simulation
The RT-LAB simulation software platform is used to perform simulations of models in real time across diverse industries. RT-LAB’s features allow you to better control, visualize, access and customize your simulation projects.
Energy
Design, test, and optimize HVDC systems, renewables, and microgrids for grid modernization, stability, and protection—while supporting cybersecurity and resilience in increasingly digitalized power grids.
Power Electronics
Design, test, and optimize advanced power converters, motor drives, and control strategies with high-fidelity real-time simulation—ideal for applications in industrial automation and energy-efficient systems.
Automotive
Design, test, and optimize electric vehicle systems—including motor drives, battery management systems (BMS), electronic control units (ECUs), vehicle control units (VCU), and onboard chargers (OBC)
Aerospace
Design, test, and validate flight control systems, onboard power electronics, and more electric aircraft architectures—including eVTOL platforms—using real-time simulation for performance, safety, and system integration.
FAQ
Find the answers to your questions
What communication protocols do you support?
Consult our comprehensive list of supported protocols here.
What is RT-LAB and how does it support model-based design with Simulink®?
RT-LAB is our real-time simulation software that transforms Simulink® models into fully operational real-time systems. By supporting model-based design with Simulink®, we enable users to quickly develop, test, and validate complex control systems across multiple domains.
Who can benefit from using RT-LAB in their development process?
Researchers, educators, and engineers across academia and and various industries can benefit from RT-LAB. We provide a high-performance platform that supports real-time interaction with physical systems, ideal for applications in model-based design Simulink workflows.
What industries does RT-LAB serve with real-time simulation capabilities?
We designed RT-LAB to support a wide range of industries—including energy, automotive, aerospace, industrial automation, marine, rail, mining, and agriculture—providing scalable RT labs for real-time simulation and testing based on Simulink® models.
Why choose OPAL-RT’s RT-LAB for real-time HIL and SIL testing?
We built RT-LAB to offer unmatched performance in HIL and SIL testing. By combining real-time simulation with model-based design in Simulink®, we help teams reduce risk, improve accuracy, and innovate faster in complex system development.
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