Abstract: A phacoemulsification system is provided, including an ultrasonic phacoemulsification handpiece and a handpiece driver. A handpiece simulator is provided to analyze the performance characteristics of the handpiece driver. The simulator is selectively coupled in a feedback loop with the driver so as to receive drive signals from the driver and return a feedback signal to the driver in the same manner as a handpiece. The simulator detects the frequency and voltage characteristics of the signal provided by the handpiece driver and on the basis thereof generates a feedback signal for return to the handpiece driver. The simulator can exercise the response of the driver dynamically by controllably varying the frequency of the feedback signal. The simulator may be constructed in either analog or microprocessor-based form. In the latter case, the microprocessor can determine whether the drive signals are within acceptable limits, and displays to the user the nature of unacceptable performance.