Thermal Macro-Modeling and Safe Operating Area Analysis of MOSFETs
Keywords:
Thermal Modeling, Power Electronics Circuits, Ltspice, Safe Operating Area, MosfetsAbstract
Thermal dissipation in electronic circuits is always an important design constraint. Excessive heat can degrade component performance, reduce lifespan, and in severe cases, cause permanent failure. This paper uses the thermal modeling approach at the circuit level and focuses on the Safe Operating Area (SOA) of MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors). The SOA defines the operational limits of MOSFETs by considering the power dissipation to prevent thermal runaway and device failure. In the area of power electronics, it is important to ensure the reliability and efficiency of circuits under different thermal conditions. In this paper, the thermal behavior of MOSFETs is modeled considering factors such as ambient temperature, gate capacitance, PCB (printed circuit board) thermal dissipation, and heatsink addition. This research highlights the importance of thermal design principles in predicting the junction and case temperatures of MOSFETs under various operating conditions. This systematic approach to thermal macro-modeling is crucial for optimizing the performance and reliability of electronic circuits, particularly in high-power applications where thermal management is a critical concern.
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