ECEA 5700 Introduction to Power Electronics
1st course in the Power Electronics Specialization
Instructor: Robert Erickson,ÌýPh.D., Professor
This course introduces the basic concepts of switched-mode converter circuits for controlling and converting electrical power with high efficiency. Principles of converter circuit analysis are introduced and are developed for finding the steady-state voltages, current, and efficiency of power converters. Assignments include simulation of a dc-dc converter, analysis of an inverting dc-dc converter, and modeling and efficiency analysis of an electric vehicle system and of a USB power regulator.Ìý
Prior knowledge needed:ÌýA basic understanding of electrical circuit analysis, introduction to Circuits and Electronics (Basic Electronics), Linear Circuits, Microelectronics and Circuits as Systems.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand what a switched-mode converter is and its basic operating principles.
- Be able to solve for the steady-state voltages and currents of step-down, step-up, inverters, and other power converters.
- Know how to derive an averaged equivalent circuit model and solve for the converter efficiency.
Syllabus
Duration: 2 hours
Introduction and administrative matters Achieving high efficiency by switched-mode power conversion Simulation of a buck converter using LTspice Homework assignment #1, Simulation of a boost converter
Duration: 4Ìýhours
The techniques of inductor volt-second balance, capacitor charge balance, and the small ripple approximation, for finding the dc voltages and currents of converters operating in steady state Homework assignment #2, Analysis of a buck-boost converter
Duration: 5 hours
Modeling the ideal power conversion functions using the dc transformer model. Refinement of converter equivalent circuit models by incorporation of elements modeling conduction losses and other losses Homework assignment #3, Equivalent circuit models of two non-ideal converters: a buck-boost USB power supply, and an electric vehicle dc-dc boost converter with bidirectional power flow
Duration: 2Ìýhours
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, visitÌýwww.colorado.edu/ecee/online-masters/current-students/proctoru.
Grading
Assignment | Percentage of Grade |
| Week 1: Homework Assignment 1: Ch. 1 - Buck Converter Simulation | 15% |
| Week 2: Homework Assignment 2: Ch. 2 - Converter Analysis | 15% |
| Week 3: Homework Assignment 3: Ch. 3 - Equivalent Circuit Modeling | 15% |
| Week 4: Practice Exam | 10% |
| W​eek 4: Final Exam | 45% |
Letter Grade Rubric
Letter GradeÌý | Minimum Percentage |
| A | 92% |
| A- | 90% |
| B+ | 88% |
| B | 82% |
| B- | 80% |
| C+ | 78% |
| C | 72% |
| C- | 70% |
| D+ | 68% |
| D | 56% |
| F | 0% |