ROHM Adds PLECS Simulator for Power Design Checks

Why It Matters

By providing rapid loss and thermal checks, the simulator accelerates device selection, reduces prototype iterations, and improves overall converter efficiency—key advantages in today’s fast‑paced power‑electronics market.

Key Takeaways

• ROHM PLECS Simulator offers browser‑based loss and thermal analysis.
• Tool supports 20 power topologies, with SiC, IGBT, module expansion planned.
• Free registration grants instant access to simulations and application notes.
• Complements ROHM Solution Simulator for staged design workflow.
• Early‑stage checks can cut prototype cycles and improve efficiency.

Pulse Analysis

Early‑stage simulation has become a critical differentiator for power‑electronics manufacturers. Designers need to assess loss and thermal performance before committing to costly silicon prototypes, as these factors directly influence converter efficiency, cooling requirements, and overall system cost. Traditional SPICE‑based tools deliver high fidelity but often require extensive setup and longer runtimes, making them less suitable for rapid concept validation. A lightweight, web‑hosted environment that delivers results in seconds enables engineers to iterate quickly, narrowing the component pool early in the development cycle.

ROHM’s new PLECS Simulator addresses this gap by leveraging the established PLECS platform within a cloud interface. Users select from a library of pre‑configured topologies, pair them with ROHM’s SiC, IGBT or power‑module devices, and obtain loss and temperature estimates in minutes. The free‑to‑use model, coupled with downloadable manuals and application notes, lowers the barrier to entry for both seasoned designers and smaller firms lacking in‑house simulation licenses. By positioning the tool as a complement to the more detailed ROHM Solution Simulator, the company creates a staged workflow: quick thermal checks first, followed by high‑precision waveform analysis when designs mature.

The launch reflects a broader industry shift toward integrated, SaaS‑style engineering tools. As automotive electrification, renewable‑energy converters, and data‑center power supplies demand higher efficiency and tighter thermal budgets, vendors that bundle device libraries with accessible simulation environments gain a competitive edge. ROHM’s approach not only shortens prototype timelines but also fosters stronger brand loyalty, as engineers become accustomed to its ecosystem from the earliest design decisions. In the long run, such tools can drive faster time‑to‑market and lower total development costs across the power‑electronics value chain.