Layout based full bridge circuit simulation : investigations into a circuit simulation that considers the layout

The subject of this scientific work is about the comparison of two different simulation methods. Both methods are used for circuit simulations, although method 1 (Pre-layout simulation) uses only ideal electric components whereas method 2 (Post-layout simulation) takes complex effects into account that occur in reality and are, in part, caused by the layout of the circuit. The difference is also noticeable in terms of the amount of effort that is necessary in order to employ the respective method. The aim of this thesis is to determine the circumstances under which method 2 has obvious benefits compared to method 1. This is achieved by comparing simulation results of both methods, whereby method 2 is taking the circuit layout into account. In addition to the two simulations there is also a prototype of the layout available. Measurements will be taken of the prototype in order to compare them to the simulation results. The evaluation indicates that method 2 brings minor benefit for switching loss simulations, considering the additional effort that has to be made with this method compared to method 1. Although in regard to the difference in waveforms, the use of method 2 shows a drastic improvement. Especially for embedding (integration of components inside the printed circuit board), method 2 has a clear advantage due to the high costs of prototypes and the fact that components can not be changed easily anymore. The advantage lies in the possibility of testing critical circuit areas that could be permanently destroyed by effects like over-voltages in the simulation environment. Although, in order to do this, it is necessary to have precise simulation models and all the informations about rise- & fall times of integrated circuits