Parameter extraction for a power diode circuit simulator model including temperature dependent effects

Abstract

Power electronics designers need accurate models of power diodes to perform simulations of the systems they are designing. The diode models should be accurate under a wide variety of operating conditions. In particular temperature dependencies should be accurately modeled. Physics-based models appear to be the best choice to meet these requirements. On the other hand, complicated parameter extraction procedures discourage use of these models by practicing engineers. In this work we explore the possibility of using a sophisticated physics-based diode model utilizing at most three parameters obtained directly or estimated from the manufacturer's data sheets. In order to validate the proposed approach, several diodes with different characteristics are tested under different conditions and a wide temperature range from -150 to 150/spl deg/C. Experimental results are compared with simulations.