EE 413 (was EE 423) – Power Electronics

Designation:

Senior/Grad-level technical elective for Electrical Engineering students

Catalog Data:

Switch-mode electrical power converters. Electrical characteristics and thermal limits of semiconductor switches. Prerequisite: EE 310 and EE 350.

Prerequisites by topic:

  1. Understanding and the ability to use differential equations, linear algebra, and complex variables in the modeling and analysis of linear circuits.
  2. Understanding and the ability to apply Fourier analysis to periodic signals.
  3. Understanding and the ability to analyze circuits containing semiconductor devices.
  4. Proficiency in the use of PSPICE for circuit analysis; familiarity with the use of MATLAB for signal analysis.
  5. Proficiency in the use of basic test equipment (oscilloscope, function generator, power supply).

Course Objectives:

This course provides an introduction to the modeling and analysis of switch-mode power converters. Through lecture, laboratory, and out-of-class assignments, students are provided learning experiences that enable them to:

  1. Analyze and design ac-to-dc circuits.
  2. Analyze and design dc-to-dc converters.
  3. Understand the behavior of semiconductor devices operated as power switches.
  4. Become proficient with computer skills (e.g., PSPICE or Saber and MATLAB) for the analysis and design of circuits.

Topics:

  1. Overview of power electronics (2 classes)
  2. dc-to-dc converters (15 classes)
  3. ac-to-dc converters (12 classes)
  4. Semiconductor devices (10 classes)
  5. Power supply design (4 classes)

Class Schedule:

Three 50-minute lectures per week.

Computer Usage:

  1. PSPICE or Saber is used to facilitate analysis and design of circuits in the laboratory.
  2. MATLAB to produce steady-state characteristics for dc-to-dc and ac-to-dc converters.

Laboratory projects and/or assignements:

  1. Experiments are performed to validate models of circuits and devices.
  2. Laboratory experiments involve the use of basic test equipment (digital oscilloscope, function generator, power supply) and a personal computer that are part of each laboratory workstation.

Contribution to meeting the professional component:

This course provides a design emphasis in the area of power electronic circuits. Topics pertaining to economics and manufacturability are considered in the context of electronic circuit design and construction.

Relationship to program outcomes:

  1. Graduates will understand how to analyze and design simple electrical/electronic circuits. [Ref: Outcome O.2.1.]
  2. Graduates will have attained computer proficiency. [Ref: Outcome O.1.3.]
  3. Graduates will possess oral and written communication skills. [Ref: Outcome O.5.2.]