ROHM Releases LTspice Models for High-Voltage Devices
By adding models for its silicon carbide and IGBT devices, ROHM has expanded its library of LTspice models to more than 3,500, expanding circuit simulation options for power system designers.
ROHM Semiconductor has added new models to its LTspice library for its high-voltage silicon carbide (SiC) and IGBT (insulated-gate bipolar transistor) devices, bringing the total number of discrete component simulation models available to designers to more than 3,500.
SiC and IGBTs are used in solar inverters and other high-voltage applications. Image used courtesy of U.S. Department of Energy
The additions will join an already extensive library of models for bipolar transistors, diodes, and MOSFETs and bring the company’s LTspice model coverage to 80% of all products.
Circuit simulations enabled by platforms like LTspice continue to be an important part of the circuit design process, improving the quality of designs while reducing development timelines.
LTspice Origins
LTspice is a high-performance Spice III simulator with schematic capture and waveform viewing capabilities. The software originated as an in-house simulation tool for Linear Technology engineers in 1994. A version was then released to the company’s field applications engineers in 1999, who began sharing it with customers.
In June 2001, with the growth of the Internet, the simulation tool became broadly available as a web-based download, and its popularity continued to grow from there.
In 2017, Linear Technology was acquired by Analog Devices, which continues to support LTspice.
Circuit Design
Simulating circuits with tools like LTspice can be an important element of the design process. A design concept might first develop as a thought or idea, then migrate to pen and paper for further expansion.
Power circuit simulation with LTspice. Image used courtesy of Analog Devices
Simulation tools allow designers to develop and functionally test their circuit concepts in software before committing resources to hardware development. From functional circuit simulations, designers can create and test real work prototypes and test circuits in the lab, potentially across multiple iterations to refine circuit performance.
With a functional circuit, the design layout can be optimized, and the circuit further refined to support manufacturability, cost targets, and other platform goals.
Fast-Growing Power Markets
According to International Data Corporation, the worldwide semiconductor market is projected to grow by more than 20% in 2024 to over $600 billion.
Within the larger semiconductor market, we can expect growth for high-voltage devices like IGBTs and wide bandgap SiC to potentially exceed baseline market growth due to megatrends in e-mobility, renewable energy, and electrification.
Along with the growth, the high-voltage device market continues to be highly competitive, so anything manufacturers can do to make it easier for customers to work with their products, such as device simulation models, is a smart strategic move.
Facilitating Circuit Simulations
ROHM also recently released a Design Models page on its website where customers can download various circuit and device simulation models directly.
Web-based ROHM Solution Simulator. Image used courtesy of ROHM
ROHM will also expand device model availability for other circuit simulation platforms, including the ROHM Solution Simulator.
