​PowerExpert Power Electronics Simulation Case Study: Comparative Testing of Transient, DC, AC, and Insulation Sampling Circuits

PowerExpert was evaluated through a series of comparative tests covering transient analysis, DC sweeps, AC sweeps, and insulation sampling circuits using specified test circuits. With standardized component models, analysis settings, and observation nodes, the outputs showed no significant deviations from reference results within the illustrated coordinate scales.

To protect confidentiality, this article omits the identities of project stakeholders, reference tools, proprietary model files, and specific parameters, focusing instead on publicly shareable test methodologies, coverage scopes, and observational findings.

I. Test Overview

• Test Object: PowerExpert

• Comparative Methodology: Standardization of device models, excitation conditions, analysis settings, and observation nodes across both toolchains, followed by side-by-side comparative analysis of output results.

• Fundamental & Application Tests: Transient analysis, DC sweep, AC sweep, and insulation sampling circuit verification.

• Advanced Tests: Monte Carlo analysis and Worst-Case analysis.

• Observational Finding: Under the specified conditions and coordinate scales, PowerExpert outputs exhibited no significant deviations from reference results.

II. Three Categories of Fundamental Analysis

Comparative testing began with fundamental circuits featuring clear topologies and easily observable outputs.

Identical target circuits were built using both PowerExpert and an established reference workflow. Analysis conditions and observation objects were unified prior to output evaluation. The tests covered:

• Transient Analysis: Monitoring how circuit outputs change over time.

• DC Sweep: Inspecting static output behavior under varying input conditions.

• AC Sweep: Observing frequency-dependent circuit responses.

The value of this methodology lies in minimizing discrepancies caused by differing models, setups, or observation techniques, ensuring that results can be strictly cross-checked under identical conditions.

Figure 1: PowerExpert transient analysis test interface. The image displays the PowerExpert side only, omitting project stakeholders and reference tool details.

In the frequency-domain analysis section, an AC sweep was conducted on the specified circuit to observe output variations across a frequency spectrum.

Figure 2: PowerExpert AC sweep test interface. Circuit components and parameters correspond exclusively to this specific test.

III. Transitioning from Basic Circuits to Insulation Sampling Scenarios

Following fundamental analyses, testing progressed to insulation sampling circuits.

These circuits capture sample signals via resistor networks, switching devices, and energy-storage elements. Switching actions, capacitor charging/discharging, and sampling timing collectively dictate the waveforms at critical nodes. Compared to basic RC or RLC networks, these circuits involve more interactive stages, closely mimicking transient processes in real-world applications.

Target circuits were constructed within both workflows, analysis conditions were defined, and critical nodes were observed with results subsequently overlaid for inspection.

Figure 3: PowerExpert insulation sampling circuit test interface. Stakeholders, reference tools, and internal project data remain hidden.

IV. Overlaying the Waveform Sets

Results from the transient, DC, AC, and insulation sampling tests were ultimately mapped into a unified coordinate system for overlaying. This allowed engineers to visually inspect whether waveform trends, inflection points, and critical intervals exhibited notable differences.

Superimposing the two sets of results demonstrated that:

Under the specified circuit configurations, models, analysis settings, and coordinate scales, PowerExpert outputs aligned closely with reference outcomes without obvious divergence.

The takeaway is straightforward: under these specific circuit types and defined parameters, PowerExpert successfully replicates reference waveforms. Naturally, when scaling to more complex models, larger systems, or alternative analysis tasks, ongoing scenario-based validation remains essential.

V. Expanding to Advanced Analyses

Moving beyond single-waveform comparisons, testing extended into Monte Carlo and Worst-Case analyses.

Monte Carlo Analysis: Evaluates the impact of component parameter tolerances on output variation through iterative sampling.

Worst-Case Analysis: Identifies potential boundary conditions under combined parameter shifts.

These analyses primarily support tolerance assessments, fluctuation ranges, and design margin validation. The focus expanded from "can the current settings execute?" to "how does the system behave under parameter deviations?", successfully incorporating component discretization and boundary combinations to pave the way for precise tolerance and margin analysis.

VI. A Reusable Benchmarking Methodology

Beyond the overlaid waveform plots, this testing framework establishes a reusable benchmarking methodology for tool evaluation:

• Select fundamental circuits with clear, easy-to-observe structures.

• Freeze device models, excitation conditions, and analysis settings.

• Standardize targeted observation nodes and coordinate bounds.

• Execute foundational analyses sequentially (transient, DC, AC).

• Progress to real-world application circuits representing actual operational workloads.

• Quantify discrepancies before determining whether to expand the test scope.

Different R&D teams rely on distinct component models, control schemes, and acceptance criteria. Prior to deploying any simulation software into production, validation must be performed using representative circuits tailored to the target engineering group.

If your team is actively evaluating power electronics simulation tools, consider starting with a small subset of models and circuits that best represent your current workflows. Build a localized benchmark checklist, and gradually scale up to full project deployment.

PowerExpert can support customized evaluation testing using authorized models and circuit configurations.