Simulation tools target power electronics

Onsemi recently released new simulation tools for the EliteSiC silicon carbide (SiC) product family, making it easier for designers to develop complex power electronics applications. Claiming industry-first PLECS models and system-level simulation for hard and soft switching applications, the new online Elite Power Simulator and Self-Service PLECS Model Generator provide insights for complex power electronic applications in the early stage of development.

(Source: onsemi)

Thanks to the early-stage system-level simulations, these tools save power electronic engineers time by providing accurate simulation data, which enables them to select the right EliteSiC product for their applications. This eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming hardware fabrication and testing, according to onsemi.

In addition, engineers can create high-fidelity system-level PLECS models when the Elite Power Simulator is used in combination with the self-service PLECS Model Generator. The PLECS models can be uploaded to the Elite Power Simulator or downloaded for direct use. In either case, it offers the optimization and accuracy needed for power electronic simulations, said the company.

Enabling virtual prototyping, the models are based on typical or worst-case conditions, which allows the user to design within the technology boundaries. “The capability to define application-specific parasitics ensures that the generated PLECS models provide highly accurate results for the customer’s system-level simulations,” said onsemi.

What’s significant about these new tools is that they enable accurate simulation of soft switching applications. According to onsemi, system-level simulators and their associated PLECS models have only been valid for hard switching topologies, while simulation results for soft switching applications such as inductor-inductor-capacitor (LLC) or capacitor-inductor-inductor-capacitor (CLLC) have been highly inaccurate.

As a result, designers can understand how onsemi’s SiC devices operate in the application environment, while optimizing the performance within the technology boundaries.