Power electronic design is a key factor in modern engineering, which has a profound impact on the efficiency, reliability, and performance of numerous applications. Developing circuits that meet strict requirements while considering manufacturing process differences and worst-case scenarios requires precise and precise tool support.

The field of power electronic design is rapidly evolving, leading a new era of high-speed and efficient metadevices. During this evolution, onsemi introduced a groundbreaking simulation tool that redefined the way engineers conceptualize, design, and validate power systems. Ansemy's newly launched Elite Power simulation tool and PLECS model self generation tool (SSPMG) enable power electronics engineers to shorten product launch time. When these tools are applied to the EliteSiC series products, they can accurately display the actual operating behavior of the circuit, especially when EliteSiC technology operates under boundary conditions.

The forefront of this innovation lies in the intuitive and comprehensive simulation platform, which gives engineers unprecedented convenience to visualize, simulate, design, and optimize complex power electronic topologies. This tool provides engineers with a unique digital environment to test and refine designs, thereby driving the development of cutting-edge technology. The PLECS model and its accuracy are crucial for the effectiveness of the Elite Power simulation tool. This simulation tool supports engineers to upload custom PLECS models generated by SSPMG.

The core of this simulation tool lies in its ability to accurately simulate various power electronic topologies, including AC-DC, DC-DC, and DC-AC converters. Ansemy offers over 40 topology options, placing it at the forefront of the industry, providing engineers with a rich resource library to explore and optimize their designs. In the field of industrial applications, Ansemy's Elite Power simulation tool supports critical systems such as DC fast charging, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), energy storage systems (ESS), and solar inverters, demonstrating tremendous value. Similarly, this tool is also suitable for on-board charging (OBC) and main drive inverter systems in the automotive industry.

challenge

In the past, the industry mainly used measurement based loss tables based on manufacturer data manuals as a reference to create PLECS models. However, this approach faces several main challenges:

1. Dependent measurement settings: The switch loss data is affected by specific application layouts and circuit parasitic parameters, resulting in changes and inaccuracies in the data.

2. Limited data density: Conduction and switching loss data are usually not dense enough, which hinders accurate interpolation calculations in PLECS and often requires extrapolation, which may affect accuracy.

3. Typical semiconductor conditions: Loss data typically represents the standard

The semiconductor process conditions may overlook various changes and real-life scenarios in practical applications.

4. Only applicable to hard switching situations: The model established based on the double pulse loss data generated from the data manual is only applicable to hard switching topologies. When applied to soft switching topology or synchronous rectification simulation, the accuracy of these models will be greatly reduced.

Ansemy has solved the challenges faced by the traditional method of generating PLECS models based on measurement loss tables by introducing the PLECS model self generation tool (SSPMG). This tool considers the impact of specific passive components on energy loss when optimizing the model, providing more dense and detailed data to achieve accurate simulation. SSPMG incorporates changes in semiconductor process to construct practical models and creates adaptable models suitable for soft switching topologies, ensuring reliability beyond hard switching scenarios. This level of customization ensures that the simulation conducted can truly reflect the actual working conditions of the user, eliminating inaccuracies related to the general data manual model. The PLECS model designed with SSPMG can be seamlessly uploaded to the Elite Power simulation tool or downloaded for use in a standalone PLECS.

Simulation tools

The core advantage of this tool lies in its system level simulation tool PLECS, which runs in the background. PLECS is a system level simulation tool that utilizes component models designed specifically for speed and accuracy, making modeling and simulation of the entire system easier. This tool combines an easy-to-use web-based environment, giving engineers outstanding advantages in the design process.

The significance of this tool is not only reflected in its simulation ability. It is not only a simulation tool, but also a powerful guide for engineers to choose ideal components for their applications. This tool supports Ansemy's rich product line, allowing engineers to seamlessly browse various product lines, balance performance and cost, and make informed decisions.

PLECS is not a SPICE based circuit simulation tool, and its focus is not on the low-level behavior of circuit components. Power transistors are considered simple switches and can be easily configured to demonstrate the losses associated with conduction and switching conversion. The PLECS model, also known as the "thermal model," includes lookup tables for conduction loss and switching loss, as well as a heat chain structure in the form of Cauer or Foster equivalent networks.

The main features of the Elite Power simulation tool

As mentioned earlier, the ability to generate and upload custom PLECS models using SSPMG enables users to accurately simulate their application environment. This ability is ahead of the industry.

This simulation tool has intuitive loss and thermal data plotting capabilities, allowing engineers to visualize the loss performance of selected switches. This multifunctional 3D visualization tool combines data such as device conduction loss, switch loss, and thermal impedance.

This simulation tool has the ability to design custom heat sink models, allowing users to accurately predict node temperatures and optimize cooling solutions for their specific needs.

The simulation phase in this tool can provide detailed information on various parameters such as losses, efficiency, and node temperature under transient and steady-state conditions. In addition, the tool also has a quick mechanism for comparing the operation of different devices, circuit parameters, cooling designs, and loss models.

Figure 5: One of the characteristics of the Elite Power simulation tool - loss plot

One major advantage of this tool is that it can provide data for further analysis. Users can download a comprehensive dataset displayed in CSV format, including transient waveform range data, for in-depth analysis in their own environment. This simulation tool also includes downloadable PLECS models. These features enable engineers to conduct in-depth evaluations and fine tune designs to achieve optimal performance.

This simulation tool and SSPMG can be applied to various semiconductor technologies. Although initially focused on silicon carbide products, these two tools will gradually expand to other power device fields. This widespread application ensures that engineers can utilize these tools for various devices and customize simulation solutions according to their specific needs.

accuracy

The use of simulation tools in virtual prototype design has brought about significant changes in the design process. Nowadays, engineers and designers can understand the performance of these electronic circuits before mass production, thus achieving ideal performance for the first time. Accuracy is a crucial factor in simulating complex electronic circuits. Simulating situations beyond the conditions in the data manual is particularly crucial as it allows for obtaining a large amount of data that is typically difficult to obtain through physical testing. This simulation method helps to optimize and analyze circuit performance in virtual environments. By applying precise simulation techniques, it is possible to avoid underestimating or overestimating system performance. However, in this process, the accuracy of the model plays a decisive role. The classic rule that "poor input will inevitably lead to poor output" also applies to this scenario. Ansemy agrees with this concept and spares no effort in ensuring accurate models are provided at both the SPICE and PLECS levels.

We have a 24/7 global professional team and a vast document library of user guides and application notes, ensuring that users have the necessary resources to succeed. We continue to participate in industry conferences, online seminars, and educational training activities, further highlighting our firm commitment to empowering and imparting knowledge to our users. Videos and webinars are practical resources to guide users in mastering the complex functions of our simulation tools. They not only explain the operating steps, but also teach users the meaning behind each action, ensuring that users gain a comprehensive and in-depth understanding.

About The Author

This is reported by Top Components, a leading supplier of electronic components in the semiconductor industry. They are committed to providing customers around the world with the most necessary, outdated, licensed, and hard-to-find parts.

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Name: John Chen

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