Generation of electro-thermal models of integrated power electronics modules using a novel synthesis technique

Abstract

In recent years, the development of electronic systems that make use of high-rate power circuitry is increasingly frequent also for markets going beyond the typical industrial sector. So, the implementation of efficient electronic modules aimed at converting power, in ambits such as renewable energy equipment or hybrid-electric vehicle motor drives, represents a new challenge for designers. Often, the amount of power to be managed is very significant and no rarely it exceeds tens of kW. In this context, new concepts for manufacturing power converters are emerging and Integrated Power Electronics Modules (IPEM) represent a solution which guarantees better performances. The design of applications exploiting IPEM concept requires multi-domains simulation models able to predict the thermal behaviour of the module according to its electrical performances. In this work, a new methodology aimed at automatizing the synthesis of PSpice-like models able to reproduce both electrical and thermal dynamics is discussed. The model, generated by starting with a series of data retrieved by FEM simulations, exploits a mapping between electrical and thermal quantities and allows reproducing the characteristics of the module in a pure PSpice simulation environment. After a description of the electro-thermal model and the related developed EDA synthesis environment, a series of simulation issues are discussed.