New ThermaSim™ is First On-Line Simulation Tool to Use Finite Element Analysis Models for Increased Accuracy
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A web-based tool that gives designers a detailed simulation of how Vishay Siliconix MOSFETs will perform thermally and be affected by adjacent components in a wide range of applications is now available on the web site of Vishay Intertechnology, Inc. (NYSE:VSH).
Vishay’s new ThermaSim™ (available from http://www.vishay.com/thermal-modelling) is a free tool that helps designers speed time to market by allowing detailed thermal simulations to be performed before prototyping. ThermaSim is powered by Rebecca 3D software from Epsilon Ingenierie. Applicable to any power MOSFET application, ThermaSim will be especially useful in high-current, high-temperature applications such as automotive, fixed telecom, desktop and laptop computers, and industrial systems.
In a first for on-line MOSFET simulation, ThermaSim uses structurally detailed models of Vishay Siliconix power MOSFETs created using finite element analysis (FEA) techniques to increase the simulation’s accuracy. Designers may also define other heat-dissipating components and simulate their effect on the MOSFET’s thermal operation. Simulating these components ensures optimum device selection for application specifications and eliminates fallouts during line testing covering thermal performance.
The tool is rich in features and the set-up is comprehensive. The designer constructs PCB size, layers, material, and copper spreading; sets pad size and solder quality; defines the heat sink size, material, and attachment methodology; selects the power dissipation profile, system temperature, air flow, and assembly orientation with respect to gravity to correctly account for the effect of convection. Designers also have a choice between steady-state and transient simulation.
Simulation results are emailed directly to the designer and can be downloaded into Excel. Multiple results with varying product, package, or other input data can be merged within Excel to compare and examine trends. Thermal images are provided, and an MPEG video clip of the thermal image with transient simulation is also available. Simulations can be saved for modifications at a later date.
Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., a Fortune 1,000 Company listed on the NYSE (VSH), is one of the world's largest manufacturers of discrete semiconductors (diodes, rectifiers, transistors, and optoelectronics and selected ICs) and passive electronic components (resistors, capacitors, inductors, sensors, and transducers). Vishay's components can be found in products manufactured in a very broad range of industries worldwide. Vishay is headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, and has operations in 17 countries employing over 26,000 people. Vishay can be found on the Internet at http://www.vishay.com.