Evaluation of losses in a switching cell using the finite element method. Comparison between silicon and silicon carbide components

Mixed mode simulations of a buck power converter are performed with ISE TCAD tools in order to predict the conduction and the switching losses of the switching cell power devices. Then an averaged model of the converter is built to simulate its electrical and thermal behaviors using either silicon or silicon carbide power components. The proposed method enables to foresee the characteristics of any converter using new components, or new design.