ROHM adds PLECS simulator for power design checks

ROHM has introduced the ROHM PLECS Simulator on its website, providing power electronics engineers with a convenient browser-based tool for evaluating ROHM power devices in the early stages of circuit design. This tool, which is built on PLECS simulation software, emphasizes quick loss and thermal calculations.

For readers of eeNews Europe, this update is significant because the selection of devices in the early stages can greatly impact converter efficiency, thermal design, and prototype development cycles. It also highlights the trend of suppliers expanding their online engineering tools related to power semiconductors.

Faster Loss and Thermal Simulation

The ROHM PLECS Simulator enables users to choose a power electronics topology from the ROHM website and pair it with ROHM power devices for simulation purposes. According to ROHM, designers can swiftly calculate power loss and temperature rise within seconds to minutes.

This tool is designed to assist in the early stages of design rather than serving as a substitute for detailed verification. ROHM has stated that there are currently 20 circuit topologies available, with plans for further expansion covering device models and topologies, including SiC devices, IGBTs, and power modules.

The simulator is accessible at no cost after registering on ROHM’s website. The dedicated page also offers supplementary materials such as a user manual and application notes that explain circuit operation.

Complementing ROHM Solution Simulator

In 2020, ROHM introduced the ROHM Solution Simulator to facilitate the simultaneous verification of power devices and IC products. This platform utilizes high-precision SPICE models and is intended for detailed waveform analysis that closely mimics hardware behavior.

The ROHM PLECS Simulator serves a different purpose in the development process. By concentrating on loss and thermal calculations, it can potentially assist engineers in narrowing down device options before progressing to more intricate simulations or hardware prototyping.

When used in conjunction with the ROHM Solution Simulator, the PLECS-based tool provides designers with a structured simulation workflow, starting from initial power loss and thermal assessments and progressing to more precise waveform verification.