Behavioral IGBT Modeling for Predicting High Frequency Effects in Motor Drives

A first-order behavioral IGBT/gate drive model is proposed together with a procedure for deriving all model parameters. Despite the simplicity of the proposed model, comparison of model predictions with hardware measurements demonstrate the model to be accurate in predicting turn-on and turn-off transients

Wide-Bandwidth Multi-Resolutional Analysis of a Surface-Mounted PM Synchronous Machine

Advances in power semiconductor devices have led to inverters with unprecedented voltage edge rates. This has decreased inverter switching losses and enabled the use of increasingly higher switching frequencies. However, faster edge rates and higher switching frequencies increase electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) problems, machine insulation stress, bearing currents, and other aspects of system design. Typical computer simulations used to design and evaluate proposed electric drive systems cannot be used to predict these high-frequency effects. A wide-bandwidth multi-resolutional analysis that allows designers to anticipate and quantify high-frequency effects is detailed in this paper. The approach is specifically applied to permanent magnet synchronous machine drives, and is validated experimentally

Spatial representation of organic carbon and active-layer thickness of high latitude soils in CMIP5 earth system models

AbstractSoil properties such as soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and active-layer thickness are used in earth system models (ESMs) to predict anthropogenic and climatic impacts on soil carbon dynamics, future changes in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations, and associated climate changes in the permafrost regions. Accurate representation of spatial and vertical distribution of these soil properties in ESMs is a prerequisite for reducing existing uncertainty in predicting carbon-climate feedbacks. We compared the spatial representation of SOC stocks and active-layer thicknesses predicted by the coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) ESMs with those predicted from geospatial predictions, based on observation data for the state of Alaska, USA. For the geospatial modeling, we used soil profile observations (585 for SOC stocks and 153 for active-layer thickness) and environmental variables (climate, topography, land cover, and surficial geology types) and generated fine-resolution (50-m spatial resolution) predictions of SOC stocks (to 1-m depth) and active-layer thickness across Alaska. We found large inter-quartile range (2.5–5.5m) in predicted active-layer thickness of CMIP5 modeled results and small inter-quartile range (11.5–22kgm−2) in predicted SOC stocks. The spatial coefficient of variability of active-layer thickness and SOC stocks were lower in CMIP5 predictions compared to our geospatial estimates when gridded at similar spatial resolutions (24.7 compared to 30% and 29 compared to 38%, respectively). However, prediction errors, when calculated for independent validation sites, were several times larger in ESM predictions compared to geospatial predictions. Primary factors leading to observed differences were (1) lack of spatial heterogeneity in ESM predictions, (2) differences in assumptions concerning environmental controls, and (3) the absence of pedogenic processes in ESM model structures. Our results suggest that efforts to incorporate these factors in ESMs should reduce current uncertainties associated with ESM predictions of carbon-climate feedbacks

Grounding of Heatpipe/Heatspreader and Heatsink Structures for EMI Mitigation

EMI problems caused by the presence of heatpipe/heatspreader and heatsink structures in a high-speed design are well known in engineering practice. High-frequency noise can be coupled from IC packages to an electrically conductive heatsink or heatspreader attached to the IC, which then is radiated, or the energy coupled to an enclosure cavity mode. This EMI coupling path was modeled with the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, and a mitigation approach was investigated. Good agreement between measurements and FDTD modeling is demonstrated, indicating FDTD is a suitable tool for analysis and design. Then, several grounding schemes suitable for a heatsink or heatspreader were compared using FDTD modeling. The results indicate that sufficiently connecting the heatspreader or heatsink to the top layer of the PCB, even without further electrically connecting to the PCB ground plane, can result in appreciable EMI reduction. Good electrical connection of the heatsink or heatspreader to the PCB ground plane through an SMT-mount approach can achieve a 10-25 dB reduction for EMI attributable to the proposed coupling path

Effects of Gapped Groundplanes and Guard Traces on Radiated EMI

Designers sometimes employ gapped reference planes to isolate analog and digital signals, and separate quiet and noisy ground structures by providing a series impedance. Guard traces are also used to reduce unwanted coupling to adjacent traces, which can lead to signal integrity or EMI problems. This study investigates the impact of gaps and guard traces on radiated EMI. A simple microstrip circuit was constructed to experimentally analyze the effects of groundplane gaps and guard traces

A Methodical Approach for Pcb Pdn Decoupling Minimizing overdesign with Genetic Algorithm Optimization

An optimization routine is applied for the decoupling capacitor placement on Power Distribution Networks to identify the limit beyond which the placement of additional decaps is no longer effective, thus leading to wasting layout area and components, and to a cost increase. A specific test example from a real design is used together with the required target impedance and frequency band of interest for the PDN design. The effectiveness of the decap placement while selecting different layers of the stack-up, and while moving the upper limit of the PDN design band is analyzed. Such analysis leads to helpful insights based on the progression of the input impedance during the optimization process, and to develop useful guidelines for avoiding over-design of the PDN

Electrical Material Property Measurements using a Free-Field, Ultra-Wideband System [Dielectric Measurements]

We present nondestructive measurements of material properties using TEM horn antennas and an ultra-wideband measurement system. Time-domain gating and genetic algorithms are used to process the data and extract the dielectric properties of the material under test