CAE-tool for optimizing development of switched mode power supplies

A novel methodology and its implementation into a computer based development tool for switched mode power supplies is described. The tool consists of a number of modules for topology and component selection, circuit, controller, magnetic component and thermal design, embedded into the multi domain simulator SIMPLORER. Core of the tool is the expert system shell CLIPS, which in conjunction with a knowledge base generates choice tables for comparisons and parameterized simulation worksheets. In addition to the modules integrated into the shell, offline tools for analysis of power electronic topologies and controller design based on MATHEMATICA supplement the tool CAE-WPS. A model based design optimizer for magnetic components with solenoidal or planar windings is accessible through SIMPLORER simulation sheets offering considerable improvements in respect to selected cost functions.