Co-Simulation Interfacing Capabilities in Device-Level Power Electronic Circuit Simulation Tools: An Overview

Power electronic circuit simulation today has become increasingly more demanding in both the speed and accuracy. Whilst almost every simulator has its own advantages and disadvantages, co-simulations are becoming more prevalent. This paper provides an overview of the co-simulation capabilities of device-level circuit simulators. More specifically, a listing of device-level simulators with their salient features are compared and contrasted. The co-simulation interfaces between several simulation tools are discussed. A case study is presented to demonstrate the co-simulation between a device-level simulator (PSIM) interfacing a system-level simulator (Simulink), and a finite element simulation tool (FLUX). Results demonstrate the necessity and convenience as well as the drawbacks of such a comprehensive simulation.