Virtual experiments with power devices using predictive simulation

The continuous progress in power device technology is increasingly supported by power-specific modeling methodologies and dedicated simulation tools. These do not only enable the visualization of fabrication processes and operational principles, but also the detailed analysis of the device and system operation of competing design variants in a very early stage of the development process. Virtual fabrication, virtual experimentation and virtual test by computer simulations have become an integral part of the design methodology for electronic power devices and systems in order to realize cost-efficient and timeeconomizing development cycles. A successful virtual design strategy requires modeling methodologies on different levels of abstraction and computational expense. We discuss the most important aspects to be focussed on, in particular the consistent treatment of electro-thermally coupled fields and coupled domains required for setting up physically-based models for high-fidelity computer simulations. We also demonstrate the reliable vali dation and accurate calibration of the models, which is the indispensable prerequisite for predictive simulation, in particular for "virtual experiments at the rim of the safe-operating area.