2nd course in the Power Electronics Specialization

Instructor: Robert Erickson, Ph.D., Professor

This course introduces more advanced concepts of switched-mode converter circuits. Realization of the power semiconductors in inverters or in converters having bidirectional power flow is explained. Power diodes, power MOSFETs, and IGBTs are explained, along with the origins of their switching times. Equivalent circuit models are refined to include the effects of switching loss. The discontinuous conduction mode is described and analyzed. A number of well-known converter circuit topologies are explored, including those with transformer isolation. The homework assignments include a boost converter and an H-bridge inverter used in a grid-interfaced solar inverter system, as well as transformer-isolated forward and flyback converters.

Prior knowledge needed: Introduction to Circuits and Electronics (Basic Electronics), Linear Circuits, Microelectronics, Circuits as Systems and Introduction to Power Electronics

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand how to implement the power semiconductor devices in a switching converter.
  • Understand the origins of the discontinuous conduction mode and be able to solve converters operating in DCM.
  • Understand the basic dc-dc converter and dc-ac inverter circuits.
  • Understand how to implement transformer isolation in a dc-dc converter, including the popular forward and flyback converter topologies.

Syllabus

Duration: 4 hours

In this module, we learn how to implement the switches using transistors and diodes, including applications having bidirectional power flow or ac outputs.

Duration: 5 hours

This module covers the basics of power semiconductor switches, including the origins of switching times and switching loss, how to incorporate switching loss into equivalent circuit models, and MOSFETs, IGBTs, and gate driver considerations.

Duration: 4 hours

In this module, we cover the discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) arising from unidirectional switch realization and analysis of mode boundaries and output voltage.

Duration: 5 hours

In this module we study about some well-known converter circuits and their origins, how to incorporate transformer isolation into a dc-dc converter and analysis and equivalent circuit modeling of transformer-isolated converters.

Duration: 2 hours

The course examination covers the material of all homework assignments. It counts for 45% of the course letter grade. Practice exam: a sample exam is included in Module 4, which is intended to approximate the conditions of the final exam. This item counts 10% of your overall grade. You are encouraged to try this practice exam under timed (2 hour) conditions before attempting the proctored course examination.

To learn about ProctorU's exam proctoring, system test links, and privacy policy, visit www.colorado.edu/ecee/online-masters/current-students/proctoru.

Grading

Assignment
Percentage of Grade

Week 1: Homework Assignment 1: Ch 4.1: Switch Realization

10%

Week 2: Homework Assignment 2: Ch 4.2: Power Semiconductor Switches

10%

Week 3: Homework Assignment 3: Ch 5: Discontinuous Conduction Mode

15%

Week 4: Homework Assignment 4: Ch 6: Converter Circuits

10%

Week 4: Practice Exam

10%

W​eek 4: Final Exam

45%

Letter Grade Rubric

Letter Grade 
Minimum Percentage

A

92%

A-

90%

B+

88%

B

82%

B-

80%

C+

78%

C

72%

C-

70%

D+

68%

D

56%

F

0%