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ROHM has made its ROHM PLECS Simulator available on its website, giving power electronics engineers a browser-based way to assess ROHM power devices during early circuit design. The tool is based on PLECS simulation software and focuses on fast loss and thermal calculations.

For eeNews Europe readers, the update is relevant because early-stage device selection can strongly affect converter efficiency, thermal design and prototype cycles. It also shows how suppliers are expanding online engineering tools around power semiconductors.

Faster loss and thermal simulation

The ROHM PLECS Simulator allows users to select a power electronics topology from the ROHM website and combine it with ROHM power devices for simulation. According to the company, designers can calculate power loss and temperature rise in seconds to minutes.

This positions the tool as an early-stage design aid rather than a replacement for detailed verification. ROHM said 20 circuit topologies are already available, with further expansion planned across device models and topologies, including SiC devices, IGBTs and power modules.

The simulator is available free of charge after user registration on ROHM’s website. The dedicated page also includes supporting material such as a user manual and application notes explaining circuit operation.

Complementing ROHM Solution Simulator

ROHM launched its ROHM Solution Simulator in 2020 to support simultaneous verification of power devices and IC products. That platform uses high-precision SPICE models and is intended for detailed waveform checking closer to hardware behaviour.

The ROHM PLECS Simulator addresses a different point in the development flow. By focusing on loss and thermal calculations, it can potentially help engineers narrow down device choices before moving into more detailed simulation or hardware prototyping.

Used alongside the ROHM Solution Simulator, the PLECS-based tool gives designers a staged simulation workflow, from initial power loss and thermal checks through to higher-precision waveform verification.

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