The ROHM Solution Simulator, which runs on the ROHM website, allows you to perform a range of simulations free of charge, from component selection to the verification of individual devices and even at the system level. This enables easy and accurate verification of ROHM products, such as SiC devices in power semiconductors, integrated circuits for controllers/power supplies, and passive components (i.e., shunt resistors) in solution circuits under near-real-world application conditions.
ROHM launched its ROHM Solution Simulator in 2020, in line with the company's overall goal: to develop and support application circuits that maximize the characteristics of integrated circuits for power controllers and devices designed to deliver high power in the automotive and industrial equipment markets. In this context, the ROHM Solution Simulator enables comprehensive verification of power semiconductor circuits and analog integrated circuits. The tool is free and the software has been well-received for its applicability and high accuracy.
The new thermal analysis feature can be implemented in solution circuits for devices and applications where heat can pose a challenge in electronic circuit design. Examples include PTC heaters (specifically designed for electric vehicles without internal combustion engines) equipped with IGBTs and shunt resistors, as well as DC/DC converter integrated circuits and LED drivers, to meet the growing demand for simulating temperature during circuit operation. It is the only simulator in the industry that enables web-based electrical and thermal analysis not only of semiconductor chip (junction) temperature during operation, but also of pin temperatures and thermal interference from board components in solution circuits that include both power semiconductors and ICs alongside passive components. As a result, thermal analysis that previously took up to a day can now be performed in about ten minutes (100 times faster than conventional methods). This allows users to quickly and easily check the temperature of various parts of the device before prototyping (instead of after, as is currently the case), reducing the need for adjustments. At the same time, it decreases the amount of development resources required for applications where heat is a concern.
The ROHM Solution Simulator can be used free of charge simply by registering on the ROHM website. In addition to the simulator, the dedicated website provides access to the videos and documents necessary for its use.
In the future, ROHM will continue to implement thermal analysis functions in ROHM Solution Simulator-compatible solution circuits, focusing on the latest SiC devices, to further reduce the number of resources needed for application development and avoid problems.
List of compatible solution circuits (current at the time of press release publication)
ROHM Solution Simulator page 
