Modeling power semiconductor devices for realistic simulation

Abstract

Power electronics is an expanding industry. Applications include: power conversion; power conditioning; and motion control. Power semiconductor characteristics include: efficient drive; fast switching; and high current. Technologies being developed include the integration of power devices and logic circuits. Here, the author describes the power semiconductor models needed in circuit simulators for CAD which include: physics-based models for power semiconductors; models implemented into circuit simulators; extraction sequences to determine model parameters; and characterization procedures to verify model quality.<>