Current-Mode Control from Coursera

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5708, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

This is Course #4 in the Modeling and Control of Power Electronics course sequence. The course is focused on current-mode control techniques, which are very frequently applied in practical realizations of switched-mode. Practical advantages of peak current mode control are discussed, including built-in overcurrent protection, simpler and more robust dynamic responses, as well as abilities to ensure current sharing in parallel connected converter modules. For peak current-mode controlled converters, slope compensation, and high-frequency effects are discussed in detail. Upon completion of the course, you will be able to understand, analyze, model, and design high-performance current-mode controllers for dc-dc power converters, including peak current-mode controllers and average current-mode controllers.

We strongly recommend students complete the CU Boulder Power Electronics specialization as well as Course #1 (Averaged-Switch Modeling and Simulation) before enrolling in this course (the course numbers provided below are for students in the CU Boulder's MS-EE program):

● Introduction to Power Electronics (ECEA 5700)

● Converter Circuits (ECEA 5701)

● Converter Control (ECEA 5702)

● Averaged-Switch Modeling and Simulation (ECEA 5705)

After completing this course, you will be able to:

● Understand the operating principles and benefits of current-mode control for dc-dc converters

● Model and design peak current-mode controlled dc-dc converters

● Model and design average current-mode controlled dc-dc converters

● Use computer-aided tools and simulations to verify current-mode controlled dc-dc converters

What's inside

Syllabus

Peak Current-Mode Control: Simple Model

Introduction to peak current-mode control, simple model, and the need for slope compensation

Peak Current-Mode Control: More Accurate Model

More accurate averaged model, averaged circuit simulations, and design of control loops

High-Frequency Effects in Peak Current-Mode Control

Introduction to the sampled-data nature of switching converters and high-frequency effects in peak current-mode controlled converters

Average Current-Mode Control

Averaged current-mode control and design of current and voltage control loops

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Intended for graduate students pursuing Master of Science in Electrical Engineering

Taught by Dr. Dragan Maksimovic, an expert in the field

Useful for practicing engineers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of current-mode control techniques

Requires completion of several prerequisite courses

Reviews summary

Current-mode control: well-received

Learners say Current-Mode Control is an amazing course with beautiful content. They mention that instructors are amazing. Overall, the course appears to be well received based on the reviews provided.

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 Current-Mode Control with these activities:

Review Basic Electronics Concepts

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Reinforce your understanding of basic electronics concepts, such as voltage, current, and resistance, to lay a strong foundation for this course.

Browse courses on Electronics Fundamentals

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Review textbooks or online resources on basic electronics fundamentals.
Solve practice problems to test your understanding of electrical circuits.

Analyze Converter Topologies

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Practice analyzing different converter topologies, such as buck, boost, and buck-boost converters, to enhance your comprehension of their operation and design parameters.

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Use online simulation tools or software to analyze converter circuits.
Calculate component values and predict converter performance using equations.
Compare and contrast different topologies based on their efficiency, power density, and cost.

Explore Current-Mode Control Techniques

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Seek out and follow online tutorials, workshops, or webinars that provide in-depth explanations and demonstrations of current-mode control techniques.

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Watch video tutorials on peak current-mode control and average current-mode control.
Attend online workshops or webinars conducted by experts in power electronics.
Read research papers or technical articles on advanced current-mode control methods.

One other activity

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Design and Simulate a Current-Mode Controller

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Apply your knowledge to design and simulate a current-mode controller for a specific DC-DC converter application.

Browse courses on Controller design

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Select a converter topology and specify design parameters.
Design the current-mode controller using mathematical models or simulation tools.
Simulate the converter and controller system to verify performance and stability.

Career center

Learners who complete Current-Mode Control will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Power Electronics Engineer

Power Electronics Engineers design and develop power electronic systems, such as power supplies, inverters, and controllers. The in-depth knowledge of current-mode control for dc-dc converters taught in this course will be directly applicable to your work as a Power Electronics Engineer.

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Control Systems Engineer

Control Systems Engineers design and implement systems that control the behavior of machines, processes, and other systems. The focus of this course on control systems will provide valuable knowledge for your work as a Control Systems Engineer.

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Electronics Engineer

Electronics Engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture electronic equipment, such as power supplies, amplifiers, and control systems. The knowledge of current-mode control techniques taught in this course will be directly applicable to your work as an Electronics Engineer.

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Power Systems Engineer

Power Systems Engineers design, manage, and maintain the electrical power systems that are used to transmit and distribute electricity. The focus of this course on power electronic systems will provide valuable knowledge for your work as a Power Systems Engineer.

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Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers work on a variety of projects related to the design and production of electrical systems, including control systems. The concepts behind control systems form the backbone of this course, so it may be useful in your work as an Electrical Engineer.

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Consultant

Consultants provide expert advice to businesses and organizations on a variety of topics, including electrical engineering and control systems. The knowledge of current-mode control techniques taught in this course may be helpful in your work as a Consultant.

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Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research in a variety of fields, including electrical engineering and computer science. The understanding of control systems gained in this course may be helpful in your work as a Research Scientist.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, execute, and close out projects. The understanding of control systems gained in this course may be helpful in your work as a Project Manager.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems. The understanding of control systems gained in this course may be helpful in your work as a Systems Analyst.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make better decisions. The understanding of control systems gained in this course may be helpful in your work as a Data Scientist.

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Computer Engineer

Computer Engineers design, develop, and test computer hardware and software. The understanding of control systems gained in this course may be helpful in your work as a Computer Engineer.

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Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers sell technical products and services to businesses and organizations. The knowledge of current-mode control techniques taught in this course may be helpful in your work as a Sales Engineer.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts help businesses make financial decisions. The understanding of control systems gained in this course may be helpful in your work as a Financial Analyst.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and test software. The understanding of control systems gained in this course may be helpful in your work as a Software Engineer.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and edit technical documentation, such as manuals, reports, and presentations. The understanding of control systems gained in this course may be helpful in your work as a Technical Writer.

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