10 Must Learn Electrical Engineering Software

The job of an Electrical Engineer involves the design, development, simulation, prototyping, and testing of electrical equipment and systems. Electrical Engineering is based heavily on the use of various simulation software and programming skills. Here’s given a list of electrical engineering software every Electrical graduate must learn. These softwares help build a strong career path in electrical engineering, whether working in research & academia building components and systems as a field engineer. The mentioned softwares are used extensively in designing electrical engineering projects.

10 Must Learn Electrical Engineering Software for EE Graduates

10 Electrical Engineering Software
10 Electrical Engineering Software

1. MATLAB (Software for Numerical Computing)

MATLAB (MATrix LABarotary) is the most popular electrical engineering software among Electrical Engineering students. It was launched in 1983 by Mathworks Inc. and was one of the first commercial packages for linear algebra. It has evolved over time and has become the most comprehensive software for Numerical Computing, Dyanimc System Simulations, Algebraic Solutions, Symbolic Mathematics etc. It contains add-on packages (called Toolboxes) for various functionalities. Toolboxes provide built-in functions to perform numerical computations including but not limited to Ordinary & Partial Differential Equations, Optimization, Linear System Implementation, Linear Algebra, Control System Design, System Identification, Curve Fitting.

The programing language used in MATLAB (The software package) is also called Matlab. Matlab is a high-level programming language, it contains a good number of built-in functions to efficiently deal with matrices, numerical computations, symbolic mathematics etc.

Simulink the graphical Electrical Engineering Software
SimPowerSystems for Power Engineers

Simulink is the GUI based companion software for Matlab. It is powered by Matlab programming language. Many electrical engineers find Simulink much easier to use than MATLAB. When you use MATLAB® and Simulink® together, you combine textual and graphical programming to design your system in a simulation environment. Directly using the thousands of algorithms that are already in MATLAB. Use MATLAB to create input data sets to drive simulation. Run thousands of simulations in parallel. Then analyze and visualize the data in MATLAB.

Though Simulink is general-purpose software for implementing graphical simulation, it has a specialized toolbox for simulating Power Systems. It can be used to simulate, analyze renewable energy resources, transmission lines, electrical transients, standby switching of power supply.

3. Pspice (Electrical Schematic Software)

OrCAD EE PSpice is a SPICE circuit simulator application for simulation and verification of analog and mixed-signal circuits. PSpice is an acronym for Personal Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis.

OrCAD EE typically runs simulations for circuits defined in OrCAD Capture, and can optionally integrate with the MATLAB/Simulink, using the Simulink to PSpice Interface (SLPS). OrCAD Capture and PSpice Designer together provide a complete circuit simulation and verification solution with schematic entry, native analog, mixed-signal, and analysis engines.

PSpice was a modified version of the academically developed SPICE, and was commercialized by MicroSim in 1984. MicroSim was purchased by OrCAD a decade later in 1998.

The PSpice Advanced Analysis simulation capabilities cover various analyses- Sensitivity, Monte Carlo, Smoke (Stress), Optimizer, and Parametric Plotter providing in-depth understanding of circuit performance beyond basic validation. The OrCAD PSpice Simulink- PSpice Integration(SLPS) provides co-simulation and helps verify system-level behavior.

4. Multisim (Circuit Simulation & PCB Design Software)

Multisim integrates industry-standard SPICE simulation with an interactive schematic environment to instantly visualize and analyze electronic circuit behavior. Its intuitive interface helps educators reinforce circuit theory and improve retention of theory throughout engineering curriculum. By adding powerful circuit simulation and analyses to the design flow, Multisim helps researchers and designers reduce printed circuit board (PCB) prototype iterations and save development costs.

5. ETAP (An Electrical Engineering Software for Power Systems)

ETAP Electrical Engineering Software
ETAP Features Overview

Being an industry-standard software, ETAP (Electrical Transient Analyzer Program) is a full spectrum analytical electrical engineering software company specializing in the analysis, simulation, monitoring, control, optimization, and automation of electrical power systems. The ETAP software offers the best and most comprehensive suite of integrated power system enterprise solution that spans from modeling to operation.

Various toolbars in ETAP provide functionality provide almost all the analyses needed to design, regulation and operation of a power system. ETAP can be used to perform Power Flow Analysis, Relay Coordination & Protection design, control system design, optimal power flow.

6. Power World Simulator (Visual Electrical Engineering Software software)

Power World simulator circuit diagram
Power World simulator

PowerWorld Simulator is an interactive power system simulation package designed to simulate high voltage power system operation on a time frame ranging from several minutes to several days. The software contains a highly effective power flow analysis package capable of efficiently solving systems of up to 250,000 buses.

The functionality of PowerWorld Simulator can be increased by adding serveral additional add-on to the base simulator package. The add-ons can be used for Distributed Computing, adding the effect of Geomagnetically Induced Currents (GIC), Integrated topology processing, optimal power flow, transient stability, voltage stability (PVQV) and many more.

7. PSCAD (Electromagnetic Transient Analysis Software)

PSCAD is an electrical engineering software package for electromagnetic transient analysis in power systems. It is developed by Manitoba Hydro Int. Ltd. based on the slogan “If you can dream it, you can simulate it

As power systems evolve, the need for accurate, intuitive simulation tools becomes more and more important. With PSCAD™/EMTDC™ you can build, simulate, and model your systems with ease, providing limitless possibilities in power system simulation. Included is a comprehensive library of system models ranging from simple passive elements and control functions to electric machines and other complex devices.

PSCAD has benefited from over 30 years of continuous research and development. We are inspired by the ideas and feedback from our global user base. This philosophy has helped establish PSCAD as the most popular power system transient simulation package available today.

8. PSS/E (An Electrical Engineering Software for Power System Simulations)

PSSE is used by planning and operations engineers, consultants, universities, and research labs around the world. PSSE allows you to perform a wide variety of analysis functions, including power flow, dynamics, short circuit, contingency analysis, optimal power flow, voltage stability, transient stability simulation, and much more.

Power System Simulator for Engineers

9. LabVIEW (Designing Interfacing and HMIs)

LabVIEW (Laborartory Virtual Instruments Engineering Workbench) is a systems engineering software for applications that require test, measurement, and control with rapid access to hardware and data insights.

The LabVIEW software offers a graphical programming approach that helps you visualize every aspect of your application, including hardware configuration, measurement data, and debugging. This visualization makes it simple to integrate measurement hardware from any vendor, represent complex logic on the diagram, develop data analysis algorithms, and design custom engineering user interfaces.

For real-time control, LabVIEW is the best tool available in the market. It can connect with multiple devices to acquire data from sensors and control actuators based on processed data.

10. Keil uVision

For designing and testing embedded systems, microcontrollers are used extensively for control electrical instruments. Keil uVision provides an all-in-one solution for programming embedded devices.

The µVision IDE combines project management, run-time environment, build facilities, source code editing, and program debugging in a single powerful environment. µVision is easy-to-use and accelerates your embedded software development. µVision supports multiple screens and allows you to create individual window layouts anywhere on the visual surface. The µVision Debugger provides a single environment in which you may test, verify, and optimize your application code. The debugger includes traditional features like simple and complex breakpoints, watch windows, and execution control and provides full visibility to device peripherals.

Final Words

You may also want to read a case study of real-tim digital controller design using Matlab/Simulink and LabVIEW.

If you liked this article, please subscribe to our YouTube Channel for video tutorials and project descriptions. You can also find us on Facebook. Give us your feedback in the comments section.

You got some more ideas for electrical engineering software, mention them in comments and let us know what have you got.

Subscribe to the blog to receive latest articles in your inbox.

Similar Articles

69 Comments

  1. Great list! I’m especially interested in learning more about MATLAB and its applications in circuit analysis. The insights you provided are really helpful for anyone looking to enhance their skills in electrical engineering. Thanks for sharing!

  2. Great list! I’m especially interested in learning more about MATLAB and its applications in circuit design. Thanks for sharing these insights!

  3. Great insights! I found the selection of software tools really helpful, especially for someone just starting out in electrical engineering. I appreciate the detailed descriptions and use cases for each software. Looking forward to applying these in my projects!

  4. Great post! I found the list of must-learn software for electrical engineering really helpful. I especially appreciate the insights into the practical applications of each tool. Looking forward to diving deeper into some of these programs!

  5. Great list! I had no idea about some of these tools. I’m particularly interested in learning more about MATLAB and its applications in circuit design. Thanks for sharing!

  6. Great list! I’ve been exploring some of these software tools for my projects, and I found your insights really helpful. I especially appreciate how you highlighted the unique features of each software. Looking forward to trying out the recommendations!

  7. Great list! I’ve been looking to expand my software skills in electrical engineering, and this post gave me some valuable insights. Can’t wait to try out some of these tools!

  8. Great post! I found the list really helpful, especially the recommendations for simulation software. It’s crucial for us students to familiarize ourselves with these tools early on. Keep up the good work!

  9. Great list! I had no idea about some of these tools. I’m especially interested in learning more about MATLAB and how it can enhance my projects. Thanks for sharing!

  10. Great list! I found the insights on MATLAB and PSpice especially helpful for my projects. I’m excited to explore the other software mentioned. Thanks for sharing!

  11. This list is incredibly helpful! I’ve been looking to expand my skills in electrical engineering software, and your insights on each tool make it easier to choose where to start. Thanks for sharing!

  12. I wish I had found your article sooner, but now I’m here. I like your fresh points in this content. That’s just so very refreshing. Ready and Easy Electric is committed to providing comprehensive electrical services that meet the unique needs of their clients. The company has a team of highly skilled Licensed electrician in markham who are trained to handle various electrical issues, from minor repairs to complex installations. The company’s electricians are certified, licensed, and insured, ensuring that clients receive the highest quality services possible.

  13. Hello! I would like you to read the following message please, it is very important, that is why I am putting it here, I hope it is a blessing for you:
    Jesus Christ will return very soon, this time he will come to establish his kingdom, where there will be no sadness or evil or pain, and that kingdom will last forever. Sadly, we were separated from God and his kingdom and condemned to hell for our sins, every day we commit some sin or have bad behavior and that makes us evil for God. But in the bible it says: “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” Jesus died in order to give us the opportunity to enter his kingdom, (or go to heaven when we die) and save us from hell. He suffered terrible torture and death, something that we should have suffered but he did it for us, for love to us. The bible also says: “Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit”. What we have to do to have eternal life is to believe in Jesus according to the Bible, and trust him like someone who trusts a parachute in a free fall, because if the parachute were not there, there would be nothing that could save him from death. We must also repent of our sins, because it is by faith that we are saved, but we must prove that faith with a good behavior and a total change of life, to born again, only Jesus does that in our lives and not ourselves, that result is from having believed in him. And finally, please look for Jesus in a christian congregation, wherever, but asking God for direction first, because when you are alone it is easy to fail, sin and forget all about this, but in a group people support each other and everyone learn about Jesus and the way of life that god wants from us. Please think and reflect on this, we don’t know when it will be too late, blessings to everyone!
    ❤️

  14. IPSA is predominantly used by most companies and universities in the UK, almost 60% cheaper than ETAP and is the best power system analysis software out there in terms of user interface and Python scripting. It is also completely free to use for all students, researchers and universities and comes packaged with all the advanced functionalities as well.

    Funny how a little bit of marketing by certain companies and people start focussing on the most expensive software whereas there are better softwares at much lower costs. Also remember that ETAP and PSSE are not independant anymore and their functionalities are now influenced by manufacturers who have bought stake in them like Schneider and Siemens

  15. Am an Electrical and Electronics Engineering student and I really love this blog .

  16. As a graduate (power/machine) which software should I learn to boost my career.But I have knowledge in introductory part of MATLAB.
    Thanks

  17. I’m B.tech(EEE) working on Mining ,Construction & Genset applications as a Electrical and mechanical engineer. SO Which software is best to learn?

  18. Hi ,I want to learn NEC code of US

    Also want to learn software related to design and project management

  19. I AM ELECTRICAL ENGINEER IN CONSTRUCTION FIELD , IF I STUDY NEW SOFTWARE COURSE MEANS WHICH ONE IS BEST RELATED MY FIELD

  20. I am an Electrical engineer in india and i want a job in america in electrical field so, what type of electrical engineers are very high in demand in america and where i can apply for jobs in america .please guide me.

    thank you

    1. Hey, thanks for visiting.
      You can start taking online courses for websites. Most of them are free. You can look at EdX, Courseera, Udacity. These sites have hundreds of course from where you can start learning just about any topic.

    1. Hi Emma,
      You can take short courses for software related to Power System. Udemy might be a useful source for you. You can also look EdX, Coursera but these mostly offers courses for the theory of renewable energy and from a policy perspective.

  21. These electrical software are most trending across the globe. Some of the top companies like Siemens, Honeywell is also looking for some base level of knowledge in some of these software. For all the Electrical engineering students having good knowledge on the same can add good value to your profile.

  22. hello,
    i have four year of exp in thermal power plant operation, i would like to change my profile to electrical software side suggest me. which is the best in job oriented and good scope in future in india .

  23. Simply want to say your article is as amazing.

    The clarity on your put up is just excellent and that
    i could assume you are an expert in this subject.
    Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed to stay
    up to date with impending post. Thanks 1,000,
    000 and please carry on the rewarding work.

  24. Hi, my name is Corneille Zamilus and I have a degree in Electrical Engineering, (power concentration). I’m very interesting in learning different software, however, I really like know which is the most use and popular software out there for power plant design, power distribution, Hydro power plant design, Solar and Windmill power plant design?

  25. Hi i have 6 year of experience in power sector in state government electricity board. Now i want switch my profile to design in private sector. Please suggest me which software have 100% job assurance.

  26. Hello sir,
    I just go through all this and i find it useful for anyone using it.As i had used most of them i want to add another software Maxwell for High Voltage Engineering so that someone could benefited.
    Thanks

    1. Hi i have 6 year of experience in power sector specially in Transmission line and substation. Now i want switch my profile to design. Please suggest me which software have 100% job assurance. Becoz i have no time . Actually i choose ETAP ,is this good or not. Please reply me as soon as possible. And tell me in which institute in India has provide better training and placement also.

  27. I am a student,studying BE of EEE department,after completing of engineering which software is better to learn…

    Thank you

  28. Hi I am working as Electromechanical control supervisor .I want to further go in building line so which software is best for me .I have done btech in EEE
    THANKS

  29. Assalamualikum

    I Abdul Shoeb Age 27 & I’m Govt Electrical Contractor & I Want To Work Smart.
    I Want To Learn Some Software Which Help Me In My Field, I Request You Sir Plz Help Me By Giving Some Softwares Names.

    Thank You

  30. HI Muhammad Sarwar,

    Great Blog.

    I would like to know any open source graphical only simulation tool used for very large Power generation & distribution companies available.Even if code is involved easier to code.

    I have some requirement and I am not a coder/programmer.

    Regards
    Rizwan s

  31. Dear Muhammad Sarwar,

    I am an Electrical Engineer (Power) and I have keen interest in power software learning.Please suggest me best software and plateform from where I can get tutorials online to best software expert.

    Thanks.

    1. Hey Qaisar,
      You can start learning ETAP (Electrical Transient Analyzer Program). It is GUI based industry standard software for Electrical Power Engineering. And you can find ETAP tutorials on this blog.
      Subscribe to the blog, we’ll keep uploading the tutorials.
      Regards,

    2. By power i asume you are elektrical power engineer which evolves power elektronics,
      İf thats true then Matlab simulation is one of the greatest program to draw and analyse your power elektronic circuits such as AC/DC-AC/DC converters, power factor analysis, analyses of all system harmonics etc…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *