A high-fidelity SPICE model of an Automotive DC actuator for predicting its performance with temperature

This research paper introduces a precise Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE) model for a DC actuator commonly employed in the automotive industry. In actuator applications, the Permanent Magnet Brushed DC motor (PMBDC) is frequently utilized. Temperature plays a significant role in the actuator's performance. To investigate the characteristics of the DC actuator with respect to temperature, an LTspice model of a DC motor using a PMBDC motor is presented in this paper. The SPICE model includes a representation of the gear train using a DC transformer. To account for the self-heating phenomenon in the actuator, a thermal model of the motor incorporating an RC Cauer network is employed. SPICE model accuracy and usefulness have been validated by comparing the SPICE model results with the Pittman PMBDC motor datasheet. The results demonstrate that the model can reliably predict motor behavior under thermal and mechanical loads while enabling fast transient simulations. Unlike commercial tools such as MATLAB and PSIM, which provide standard DC motor models, the proposed SPICE model uniquely integrates gear train and thermal effects, offering a versatile and efficient tool for automotive actuator design and virtual prototyping. The developed netlist is compatible with other SPICE simulators, extending its applicability across different simulation platforms. • Developed a SPICE model for Permannet Magnet Brushed DC (PMBDC) Motor actuator including gear and thermal effects • Verified model accuracy with manufacturer data of Pittman 14201 DC motor • Incorporated temperature dependence of winding and magnet properties in SPICE • Simulated self-heating to predict thermal runaway under rated torque conditions • Offers cost-effective simulation tool using LTspice for actuator drive design