Semiconductor Chip Models are the Key for Enabling Virtual Design and Optimization Workflows of Power Electronic Systems

Abstract:
Virtual optimization of power electronic systems is based on accurate semiconductor models which exactly describe the switching behavior, current sharing and over-voltages of the converter system. A combined static & dynamic characterization and parameter fitting approach is described in this paper which enables semiconductor users to build and improve their models. To benchmark the overall workflow three different IGBTs are characterized and compared with predefined evaluation criteria. The results are promising and enable users to compare different designs but there is still an improvement required for a complete optimization of the entire system.