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Converter Circuits

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5701, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

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.

After completing this course, you will:

● 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

Completion of the first course Introduction to Power Electronics is the assumed prerequisite for this course.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Ch 4.1: Switch Realization

How to implement the switches using transistors and diodes, including applications having bidirectional power flow or ac outputs.

Ch 4.2: Power Semiconductor Switches

Basics of power semiconductor switches, including the origins of switching times and switching loss. How to incorporate switching loss into equivalent circuit models. MOSFETs, IGBTs, and gate driver considerations.

Ch 5: Discontinuous Conduction Mode

The discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) arising from unidirectional switch realization. Analysis of mode boundaries and output voltage.

Ch 6: Converter Circuits

Some well-known converter circuits and their origins. How to incorporate transformer isolation into a dc-dc converter. Analysis and equivalent circuit modeling of transformer-isolated converters.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores power semiconductor devices and their implementation in switching converters, making it valuable for hardware engineering students

Taught by Dr. Robert Erickson, an authority on power electronics research and teaching

Examines transformer isolation in dc-dc converters, including the forward and flyback topologies, making it highly relevant to modern power electronics systems

Assumes prior knowledge in power electronics, which learners may need to acquire through additional study

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Reviews summary

Converter circuits: key concepts

Learners say this challenging course is well-received and engaging. Students have largely positive opinions about the practical assignments, knowledgeable instructor, and detailed, well-structured course content. However, some students complain about the difficult nature of the quizzes and homework. Overall, this course is a well-paced, informative exploration of converter circuits.

Many students appreciate the learning experience and increased knowledge they gained from this course.

"I learned to analyze losses in semiconductors using more detailed analytical methods."

"I learnt a new converter topology "forward converter", the quizzes were of nice level I enjoyed learning !Thanks professor !"

"Learnt a lot about converter circuits including power losses."

"I have learned to analyse the steady state behavior of various converter circuits."

The homework and quizzes are engaging and help students to apply what they have learned.

"Assignments were insightful and helped in improving the understanding concepts."

"I would have liked the switch realization section to be shorter; but other than that, it was really useful."

"The lectures were decent. Assignments were good and interesting to solve."

"The assignments encourage the student to keep in practice."

The course material is thorough and covers a wide range of topics, providing students with a deep understanding of converter circuits.

"The course was very informative and with Hands On experience of Simulation of Converters."

"This course along with the first one is perfectly sculpted for a noob like me as well as a professional candidate alike."

"I had to invest significantly more time then shown in the Course time estimates. If you plan to take all courses in the specialisation, investing in the Dr Erickson's text book is not a bad idea"

"In principle, this is a really good course."

Professor Erickson is commended by students for his clear explanations and expertise.

"This course is challenging and is everything that I expected, I really like how Dr. Erickson lays out the subjects, I definitely recommend it."

"The way Dr. Erickson synthesized inverters from buck converters was eye opening."

"I have learned to analyse the steady state behavior of various converter circuits. The professor has explained the converter circuits extraordinary ."

"The course is excellent and the Professor has given nice explanations of each topic in the lecture video."

Some students complain about the poor video quality which makes learning more difficult.

"Videos are useless as far as completing the assignments is concerned."

"This course was very interesting because it explained many topologies of DC/DC converters, analyzing not only the operation, but also how the internal switching devices are made, and how switching losses can be calculated. The videos have very poor quality, unfortunately, but the PDF material is also available, which is very good."

Some students found the difficulty of the course and the complex homework assignments to be a challenge.

"Frustrated throughout the course with the homework system."

"some of the equations which needs to be answered in Homework is very complex, almost impossible to find the mistakes"

"The course is a great way to brush up on all the basics and add a few design tricks up your sleeve."

"Teaching was great! Assignments were insightful and helped in improving the understanding concepts."

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 Converter Circuits with these activities:

Review the book Power Electronics by Mohan, Undeland, and Robbins

Show steps

Build a strong foundation in power electronics by reviewing the classic textbook by Mohan, Undeland, and Robbins.

View Power Electronics on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book
Take notes and highlight important concepts
Review your notes and the book regularly

Practice solving discontinuous conduction mode problems

Show steps

Gain proficiency in solving discontinuous conduction mode problems by completing a set of practice problems.

Show steps

Find practice problems on discontinuous conduction mode
Solve the problems and check your answers
Review your solutions to identify and correct errors

Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Converter Circuits will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Power Electronics Engineer

A Power Electronics Engineer designs, develops, and tests power electronic systems and components. This course teaches the principles of switched-mode converter circuits, which are used in power electronic systems to convert one type of electrical power to another. Understanding these principles is essential for a Power Electronics Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Power Electronics Engineer

Control Systems Engineer

A Control Systems Engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems, which are systems that control and monitor processes. This course may be useful for learning about the principles of switched-mode converter circuits, which are used in control systems to convert electricity from one voltage to another. Understanding these principles can help a Control Systems Engineer to design and develop more efficient and reliable systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Control Systems Engineer

Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer designs, develops, tests, and supervises the installation of electrical systems and components. This course may be useful for learning about the principles of switched-mode converter circuits, which are used in a wide range of electrical systems. Understanding these principles can help an Electrical Engineer to design and develop more efficient and reliable systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Robotics Engineer

A Robotics Engineer designs, develops, and maintains robots, which are machines that can perform tasks autonomously. This course may be useful for learning about the principles of switched-mode converter circuits, which are used in robots to convert electricity from one voltage to another. Understanding these principles can help a Robotics Engineer to design and develop more efficient and reliable robots.

See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer

Mechatronics Engineer

A Mechatronics Engineer designs, develops, and maintains mechatronic systems, which are systems that combine mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. This course may be useful for learning about the principles of switched-mode converter circuits, which are used in mechatronic systems to control and monitor processes. Understanding these principles can help a Mechatronics Engineer to design and develop more efficient and reliable systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechatronics Engineer

Telecommunications Engineer

A Telecommunications Engineer designs, develops, and maintains telecommunications systems. This course may be useful for learning about the principles of switched-mode converter circuits, which are used in telecommunications systems to convert electricity from one frequency to another. Understanding these principles can help a Telecommunications Engineer to design and develop more efficient and reliable systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Telecommunications Engineer

Electronics Engineer

An Electronics Engineer designs, develops, and tests electronic systems and components. This course may be useful for learning about the principles of switched-mode converter circuits, which are used in a wide range of electronic devices. Understanding these principles can help an Electronics Engineer to design and develop more efficient and reliable devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electronics Engineer

Power Systems Engineer

A Power Systems Engineer designs, develops, and maintains power systems for industries, utilities, and other organizations. This course may be useful for understanding the inner workings of power systems, as it teaches the principles of switched-mode converter circuits, which are used in power systems to convert one type of electrical power to another. Understanding these principles can be beneficial for a Power Systems Engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Power Systems Engineer

Wind Energy Engineer

A Wind Energy Engineer designs, develops, and installs wind energy systems. This course may be useful for learning about the principles of switched-mode converter circuits, which are used in wind energy systems to convert mechanical energy into electricity. Understanding these principles can help a Wind Energy Engineer to design and develop more efficient and reliable systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Wind Energy Engineer

Solar Energy Engineer

A Solar Energy Engineer designs, develops, and installs solar energy systems. This course may be useful for learning about the principles of switched-mode converter circuits, which are used in solar energy systems to convert sunlight into electricity. Understanding these principles can help a Solar Energy Engineer to design and develop more efficient and reliable systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Solar Energy Engineer

Electric Vehicle Engineer

An Electric Vehicle Engineer designs, develops, and tests electric vehicles. This course may be useful for learning about the principles of switched-mode converter circuits, which are used in electric vehicles to convert electricity into mechanical energy. Understanding these principles can help an Electric Vehicle Engineer to design and develop more efficient and reliable vehicles.

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Power Distribution Engineer

A Power Distribution Engineer designs, develops, and maintains power distribution systems. This course may be useful for learning about the principles of switched-mode converter circuits, which are used in power distribution systems to convert electricity from one voltage to another. Understanding these principles can help a Power Distribution Engineer to design and develop more efficient and reliable systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Power Distribution Engineer

Battery Systems Engineer

A Battery Systems Engineer designs, develops, and tests battery systems. This course may be useful for learning about the principles of switched-mode converter circuits, which are used in battery systems to charge and discharge batteries. Understanding these principles can help a Battery Systems Engineer to design and develop more efficient and reliable systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Battery Systems Engineer

Biomedical Engineer

A Biomedical Engineer designs, develops, and maintains biomedical equipment, which is equipment used in the medical field to diagnose and treat patients. This course may be useful for learning about the principles of switched-mode converter circuits, which are used in biomedical equipment to convert electricity from one voltage to another. Understanding these principles can help a Biomedical Engineer to design and develop more efficient and reliable equipment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biomedical Engineer

Industrial Electronics Engineer

An Industrial Electronics Engineer designs, develops, and maintains industrial electronic systems. This course may be useful for learning about the principles of switched-mode converter circuits, which are used in industrial electronic systems to control and monitor processes. Understanding these principles can help an Industrial Electronics Engineer to design and develop more efficient and reliable systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Electronics Engineer

Reading list

We've selected 24 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 Converter Circuits.

Solar Photovoltaic System Modelling and Analysis

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Comprehensive reference on power electronics. It covers a wide range of topics, including the basics of power electronics, the design and analysis of converters, and the application of power electronics in various industries.

Converter Circuits

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Converter circuits: key concepts

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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