Computer Simulation of Power Electronics and Motor Drives

This chapter shows how power electronics, electric motors, and drives can be simulated with modern spice based software simulation tools. The focus will be on LTspice, which is widely used and available for free download for all contemporary (2016) Windows 7, 8, and 10 PCs. The LTspice examples have been developed for the current LTspice IV version of the software [1]. LTspice lends itself especially well to simulations of switch-mode power electronics circuits since it was designed to support Linear Technologies’ family of products. This product line includes a large number of switch-mode power conversion parts. This manifests itself in the stability of the simulator during switching transitions. The author found the use of these examples is very beneficial in an educational environment, since the examples can be shared with students to enhance their understanding of the lecture material. The concepts and examples presented here can also be used for serious professional work. In fact