VHDL-AMS simulation of integrated power systems: a unified solution for multi-domain multi-level abstraction analysis

Abstract:
Simulation is a well established support tool in the design, development and characterisation of power components and systems. However, technological advances are resulting in increasingly integrated devices, whose accurate virtual analysis is calling for novel approaches, offering enhanced flexibility. In this work, some interesting features of VHDL-AMS are explored. Basing on a case-study of real application interest, the paper proposes the development of a comprehensive electro-thermal model of a power device, coupling compact, distributed and logic level description in a unified environment. Simulation results are compared with experimental data to demonstrate the validity of the proposed solution, highlighting present limits and discussing future improvements.