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Simulation of magnetics for power electronics using Python

4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 38 ratings
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Shivkumar Iyer

This course covers the theory of transformers by simulating them. The simulation models are built from first principles using fundamental laws of physics. To ease the process of bridging the gap between theory and simulation, we will begin with simple inductors and compare simulation results with theory. The course contain several code along sessions with all simulation models built using Python and with the free and open source circuit simulator Python Power Electronics. The final session contains a case study of a flyback converter where besides the theory of operation of the converter, the simulation also covers the high frequency transformer used.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Basics of magnetic circuits in electrical engineering
  • Solving basic magnetic circuits
  • Creating a custom inductor model with magnetic circuit details
  • Understanding the concept of magnetic coupling
  • Generating a mathematical model for coupled inductors using basic physics
  • Simulating coupled inductors
  • Basics of transformers
  • Generating a mathematical model for a transformer
  • Simulating a transformer
  • Simulating step-up and step-down transformers
  • Understanding dot polarities of transformer windings
  • Simulating multi winding transformer windings
  • Topology and operation of a flyback converter
  • Simulating a flyback converter
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Introduction
Course overview
Expected goals
Course requirements and prerequisites
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Uses Python and a free, open-source circuit simulator, making it accessible for learners without access to expensive proprietary software
Begins with simple inductors and gradually progresses to more complex transformers and a flyback converter case study, scaffolding learning effectively
Focuses on simulating magnetic components from first principles, offering a deeper understanding beyond simply using pre-built models
Requires familiarity with Python and circuit simulation, which may pose a barrier for beginners without prior experience in these areas
Covers the theory and simulation of flyback converters, which are widely used in various power electronic applications
Relies on a specific circuit simulator, so learners may need to invest time in learning the tool's interface and specific functionalities

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Reviews summary

Simulating power electronics magnetics in python

According to learners, this course offers a solid foundation in simulating magnetic components for power electronics using Python and the Python Power Electronics simulator. Students particularly appreciated the practical, hands-on approach, finding the code-along sessions and real-world examples, such as the flyback converter case study, highly beneficial for bridging the gap between theory and simulation. While many found the explanations clear and the link between physics principles and simulation models valuable, some reviews noted potential challenges with simulator installation or minor code discrepancies that required troubleshooting. Overall, the course is seen as a valuable resource for those looking to apply simulation techniques to magnetic circuit analysis in power electronics.
May require some prior knowledge of Python/circuits.
"Assumes a basic familiarity with Python programming and electrical circuit concepts, which was fine for me but might challenge others."
"While prerequisites are listed, a bit more foundational review might benefit those less familiar with the tools used."
"The pace was good for me, but someone completely new to both Python and magnetics might find it fast."
The flyback converter example is very helpful.
"The final section on the flyback converter case study was a fantastic way to see everything come together in a real power electronics context."
"Analyzing the high-frequency transformer in the flyback simulation provided valuable practical insights."
"The flyback example showed the power of the simulation techniques taught throughout the course."
Effectively bridges theory with practical simulation.
"The way the course linked the fundamental physics and magnetic circuit theory directly to the simulation models was incredibly insightful."
"Understanding how to build the simulation models from first principles was a key takeaway that helped solidify my understanding."
"This course is great for seeing exactly how theoretical concepts translate into practical simulation results."
Strong emphasis on hands-on coding & simulation.
"The focus on applying theory through Python simulation was excellent, especially the step-by-step coding."
"I really appreciated the hands-on approach; coding alongside the instructor made the concepts stick better than just watching."
"The practical exercises and simulations using the Python Power Electronics library were the highlight for me, very relevant."
Some users faced difficulties installing or using the simulator.
"Had some trouble getting the Python Power Electronics simulator installed and running correctly initially."
"Encountered a few minor errors in the provided code snippets that needed debugging."
"While the simulator is powerful, the setup process could be smoother for beginners unfamiliar with Python environments."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Simulation of magnetics for power electronics using Python with these activities:
Review Basic Circuit Theory
Reinforce your understanding of fundamental circuit concepts, which are essential for grasping the behavior of inductors, coupled inductors, and transformers in power electronics.
Show steps
  • Review the definitions of voltage, current, and resistance.
  • Practice solving simple series and parallel circuits.
  • Review Kirchhoff's Voltage and Current Laws.
Delve into 'Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineering'
Understand EMC principles to better interpret simulation results and troubleshoot potential noise issues in power electronic circuits.
View Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineering on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on noise coupling and shielding.
  • Identify potential sources of electromagnetic interference in flyback converters.
Simulate a Simple DC-DC Converter
Apply the simulation techniques learned in the course to a different power electronic topology, reinforcing your understanding of the simulation process.
Show steps
  • Choose a DC-DC converter topology (e.g., buck, boost).
  • Develop a simulation model using Python Power Electronics.
  • Analyze the simulation results and compare them to theoretical calculations.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Explore 'Power Magnetic Devices: A Multi-Objective Design Approach'
Learn advanced design techniques for magnetic components to optimize the performance of your simulations and real-world power electronic circuits.
View Power Magnetic Devices on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on transformer and inductor design.
  • Apply the multi-objective design techniques to a flyback transformer simulation.
Document Your Simulation Workflow
Solidify your understanding by creating a detailed guide on how to set up and run simulations using Python Power Electronics, making it easier to replicate and share your work.
Show steps
  • Outline the key steps in the simulation process.
  • Write clear and concise instructions for each step.
  • Include screenshots and code snippets to illustrate the process.
Explore Advanced Simulation Techniques
Expand your simulation skills by following tutorials on advanced topics such as thermal modeling or finite element analysis of magnetic components.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on power electronics simulation using Python.
  • Follow a tutorial on thermal modeling of inductors.
  • Implement the thermal model in your inductor simulation.
Contribute to Python Power Electronics
Deepen your understanding of the simulator by contributing to its development, which will expose you to the underlying code and algorithms.
Show steps
  • Explore the Python Power Electronics repository on GitHub.
  • Identify a bug or feature to work on.
  • Submit a pull request with your changes.

Career center

Learners who complete Simulation of magnetics for power electronics using Python will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Power Electronics Engineer
A Power Electronics Engineer designs and develops electronic systems for power conversion and control. This course, through its simulation of magnetics for power electronics, directly aligns with the skills needed by power electronics engineers. By covering the theory of transformers and building simulation models from first principles using Python, the course helps build a strong foundation for understanding and designing power electronic circuits. This engineer would find particular value in the final session's case study of a flyback converter, including the high frequency transformer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Power Electronics Engineer
Power Supply Design Engineer
Power Supply Design Engineers specialize in the design and development of power supplies for various electronic devices. This course provides the theoretical background and simulation skills necessary for designing efficient and reliable power supplies. The course offers significant value for power supply design engineers by covering transformer theory, inductor modeling, and flyback converter simulation. Hands-on experience with Python and Python Power Electronics helps build practical skills that are directly applicable to power supply design work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Power Supply Design Engineer
Circuit Design Engineer
Circuit Design Engineers are responsible for designing and testing electronic circuits. The Simulation of Magnetics for Power Electronics course provides circuit design engineers with critical skills in simulating magnetic components. The course helps build a strong understanding of inductors, coupled inductors, and transformers, and it also allows circuit design engineers to incorporate magnetic core details into circuit simulations. The code-along sessions using Python and the Python Power Electronics simulator offers a hands-on approach that is directly applicable to circuit design work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Circuit Design Engineer
Power Systems Engineer
Power Systems Engineers work on the design, maintenance, and optimization of electrical power systems. This course, with its focus on simulating magnetics for power electronics, helps enhance their understanding of key components within power systems. The course covers the theory and simulation of transformers, a critical element in power systems. Power Systems Engineers also benefit from the hands-on simulation models built using Python, particularly the case study involving a flyback converter and high frequency transformer.
See salaries and explore the career path for Power Systems Engineer
Research and Development Engineer
Research and Development Engineers conduct research and develop new technologies. This course can be highly beneficial for R and D engineers working on power electronics and magnetics. Through the simulation-based approach to understanding transformer theory and the creation of custom inductor models, an R and D Engineer can gain valuable insights for innovation. The use of Python and Python Power Electronics simulator allows for experimental validation of new designs and concepts.
See salaries and explore the career path for Research and Development Engineer
Simulation Engineer
Simulation Engineers develop and implement simulation models to analyze and predict the behavior of complex systems. This course may be useful to simulation engineers, particularly those focused on electrical and electronic systems. The core of the course involves building simulation models of magnetic components from first principles, helping improve their simulation skills. The use of Python and a dedicated circuit simulator, as covered in this course, helps simulation engineers expand their toolkit and apply these skills to power electronics applications.
See salaries and explore the career path for Simulation Engineer
Control Systems Engineer
Control Systems Engineers design and develop control systems for various applications, including power electronics. This course is directly relevant as it covers the simulation of magnetics, a key aspect of designing robust control systems for power electronics. The systematic approach of the course, starting with simple inductors and progressing to complex transformers and flyback converters, helps build a solid foundation for designing control systems in this field. A control systems engineer would find particular value in the ability to model and simulate these components using Python.
See salaries and explore the career path for Control Systems Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design, develop, and test electrical equipment and systems. This course may be useful for an electrical engineer who seeks to enhance their understanding of magnetics in power electronics using simulation techniques. With coverage of basic magnetic circuits, coupled inductors, and transformers, the course helps expand the knowledge base of electrical engineers, particularly in the domain of power electronics. The simulation models built using fundamental laws of physics and Python serve as a practical tool for electrical engineers, enabling them to design and troubleshoot electrical systems more effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer
Hardware Engineer
Hardware Engineers design, develop, and test computer systems and components. This course may be useful for hardware engineers who focus on the power aspects of hardware design. It would help improve their understanding of how magnetic components behave within a system. The course's coverage of inductors, transformers, and flyback converters, along with the simulation techniques taught using Python, helps hardware engineers optimize the power delivery and efficiency of hardware systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Engineer
System Validation Engineer
System Validation Engineers are responsible for validating that a complete system meets its requirements. This course may be useful for system validation engineers, particularly those working on systems involving power electronics. By the course simulating magnetics, a component that contributes to system behavior and performance, these engineers will have a more complete understanding of the system. The course will help system validation engineers plan effective validation strategies and analyze test results in the context of system-level performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for System Validation Engineer
Product Development Engineer
Product Development Engineers are involved in the design and development of new products. This course may be useful for product development engineers who work on products involving power electronics. The course's focus on simulating magnetic components, such as inductors and transformers, could potentially assist in the design and optimization process. By understanding the behavior of these components through simulation, a product development engineer can improve the performance and reliability of power electronic products.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Development Engineer
Test Engineer
Test Engineers design and implement tests to ensure that products meet required specifications and quality standards. This course may be useful for test engineers who specialize in power electronics. These test engineers may gain a deeper understanding of the behavior of magnetic components through simulation. With the simulation skills, they can design more effective tests and interpret test data more accurately, helping verify the performance and reliability of power electronic devices.
See salaries and explore the career path for Test Engineer
Application Engineer
Application Engineers provide technical support and assistance to customers using a company's products. This course may be useful for application engineers in helping them better understand the theoretical underpinnings of power electronic systems, enabling them to provide better application support. The course's emphasis on simulation and modeling allows application engineers to develop a deeper understanding of the products they support and their capabilities. This is especially true for magnetic components.
See salaries and explore the career path for Application Engineer
Lecturer
A lecturer teaches courses at a college or university. This course may be useful for a lecturer who is teaching electrical engineering or power electronics. This lecturer may use some of the knowledge, techniques, and examples from the course in their own lectures. They may also be seeking to refresh their knowledge of the subject matter. With course material covering simulation models built using Python and Python Power Electronics, the lecturer may find new ways to improve the depth and quality of their curricula.
See salaries and explore the career path for Lecturer
Firmware Engineer
Firmware Engineers develop the software embedded in hardware devices. This course may potentially be useful to firmware engineers who work with power electronics systems, particularly those involving advanced control algorithms. While the course focuses on simulation, the underlying principles of magnetics and power conversion helps inform the design of efficient and reliable firmware. The understanding of flyback converters and high frequency transformers can potentially assist in optimizing the firmware for these systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Firmware Engineer

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Simulation of magnetics for power electronics using Python.
Cover image
Power Magnetic Devices
Save
Provides a detailed approach to the design of magnetic components used in power electronics, including inductors and transformers. It covers multi-objective design optimization techniques, which can be applied to improve the performance of simulated magnetic devices. This book is valuable for those seeking to go beyond basic simulation and optimize their designs. It is often used as a reference by power electronics engineers.
Power Magnetic Devices
Paperback
Check
Power Magnetic Devices
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineering
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) principles. It is helpful for understanding noise coupling mechanisms in power electronic circuits, especially those involving transformers. While not directly focused on simulation, it provides a strong theoretical foundation for interpreting simulation results and troubleshooting EMC issues. This book is commonly used by electrical engineers.
Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineering
Hardcover
$$$$
Electromagnetic Compatibility Engineering
Kindle Edition
$$$$

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Course image
Rating
4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
16.5 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Shivkumar Iyer
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Uses Python and a free, open-source circuit simulator, making it accessible for learners without access to expensive proprietary software
Begins with simple inductors and gradually progresses to more complex transformers and a flyback converter case study, scaffolding learning effectively
Focuses on simulating magnetic components from first principles, offering a deeper understanding beyond simply using pre-built models
Requires familiarity with Python and circuit simulation, which may pose a barrier for beginners without prior experience in these areas
Covers the theory and simulation of flyback converters, which are widely used in various power electronic applications
Relies on a specific circuit simulator, so learners may need to invest time in learning the tool's interface and specific functionalities
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