Utilizing method of moments electromagnetic technology to model high speed power converter parasitics

Newer wide-band gap and fast MOSFET devices help enable the fast switching speeds necessary to achieve high efficiency power converter designs [2] [5]. However, these designs introduce more challenges such as voltage switching spikes, noise, EMI, and parasitic failure mechanisms [4] [5] which can become dominant. Traditional design methodologies that utilize schematic only simulations commonly fail to predict parasitics the designer is trying to suppress. Cut and try methods are after the fact, and are limited usefulness. The result is multiple design spins, lower performance, lower reliability and higher product cost. Applying electromagnetics (EM) into a design methodology can help designers determine issues before the design is fabricated, and provide the most predictive simulation results possible. Method of Moments technology described herein is a most efficient way to embed EM into a design process. Method of Moments technology effectively models stray inductance, capacitance, resistance, skin effects, and radiated effects for physical structures. This can be done quickly and efficiently. When combined with circuit simulation (such as SPICE) designers can get valuable insights into the circuit performance up front so issues can get addressed and performance optimized before prototypes are made. This methodology is also effective in troubleshooting when limitations of bench testing fail to isolate issues. This saves time and money, and provides the most predictive simulation results possible. This paper will discuss the underlying technology and provide real world results to illustrate the value of this technology application.