Evaluating power supply designs with CAE models

Advanced simulation tools and analog computer-aided engineering (CAE) modeling are considered. Techniques for evaluating CAE models are presented and the advantages of using CAE models over breadboard models are explained. To demonstrate the power and advantages of the modeling approach a 1 kW, half-bridge, off-line converter is described. The design of the secondary, the input filter, and the transistor drives is traced, the control circuit evaluation steps for these critical sections are outlined, and simulation results for a few key items are shown and discussed. During this process, state-space models for the control, drive and transformer sections are also used to help study transient responses and compensation networks