Magnetics for Power Electronic Converters from Coursera

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5703, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

This course covers the analysis and design of magnetic components, including inductors and transformers, used in power electronic converters. The course starts with an introduction to physical principles behind inductors and transformers, including the concepts of inductance, core material saturation, airgap and energy storage in inductors, reluctance and magnetic circuit modeling, transformer equivalent circuits, magnetizing and leakage inductance. Multi-winding transformer models are also developed, including inductance matrix representation, for series and parallel structures. Modeling of losses in magnetic components covers core and winding losses, including skin and proximity effects. Finally, a complete procedure is developed for design optimization of inductors in switched-mode power converters.

After completing this course, you will:

- Understand the fundamentals of magnetic components, including inductors and transformers

- Be able to analyze and model losses in magnetic components, and understand design trade-offs

- Know how to design and optimize inductors and transformers for switched-mode power converters

This course assumes prior completion of courses 1 and 2: Introduction to Power Electronics, and Converter Circuits.

What's inside

Syllabus

Basic Magnetics

Magnetics are an integral part of every switching converter. Often, the design of the magnetic devices cannot be isolated from the converter design. The power electronics engineer must not only model and design the converter, but must model and design the magnetics as well. Modeling and design of magnetics for switching converters is the topic of this course. In this module, basic magnetics theory is reviewed, including magnetic circuits, inductor modeling, and transformer modeling. This provides the technical tools needed in the remainder of the course to understand operation of magnetic devices, model their losses, and design magnetic devices for switching converters.

AC Copper Losses

Eddy currents also cause power losses in winding conductors. This can lead to copper losses significantly in excess of the value predicted by the dc winding resistance. The specific conductor eddy current mechanisms are called the "skin effect" and the "proximity effect". These effects are most pronounced in high-current conductors of multilayer windings, particularly in high-frequency converters. This module explains these physical mechanisms and provides practical methods to compute these losses.

Inductor Design

The goal of this chapter is to design inductors for switching converters. Specifically, magnetic elements such as filter inductors are designed using the Geometric Constant (Kg) method. The maximum flux density Bmax is specified in advance, and the element is designed to attain a given copper loss. Both single-winding inductors and multiple-winding elements such as coupled inductors and flyback transformers are considered.

Transformer Design

In a substantial class of magnetic applications, the operating flux density is limited by core loss rather than saturation. For example, in a conventional high-frequency transformer, usually it is necessary to limit the core loss by operating at a reduced value of the peak ac flux density. Hence, design of core-loss-limited magnetic devices is characterized by finding the ac flux density that minimizes total core plus copper loss.This module considers the design of transformers and ac inductors for switching converters, including minimization of total loss. Design examples include the isolation transformers of a full bridge two-output converter and of an isolated Cuk converter.

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This course is also offered for academic credit as part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree

Taught by Dr. Robert Erickson, a leading researcher in power electronics and magnetic components

Covers advanced topics such as modeling of losses in magnetic components and design optimization of inductors in switched-mode power converters

Requires prior completion of courses 1 and 2: Introduction to Power Electronics, and Converter Circuits

Assumes a strong foundation in electrical engineering and power electronics

May be challenging for beginners or those with limited background in power electronics

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 Magnetics for Power Electronic Converters with these activities:

Review Basic Principles of Electricity

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Reviewing basic principles of electricity will help you refresh prerequisites and be better prepared for the course

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Review Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Laws, and basic circuit analysis techniques
Solve practice problems on basic circuit analysis

Introductory Power Electronics

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Preparing by reading this book should help you learn background materials and familiarize you with the subject

View Power Electronics on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-3
Complete exercises provided at the end of each chapter
Review example problems throughout the chapters

Learn about Inductors and Transformers

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Watching these videos should help you get a good introduction to the role and function of inductors and transformers, and their usage in power electronic converters

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Watch videos provided by MIT OpenCourseWare on Inductors and Transformers
Complete quizzes and exercises provided by the tutorials

Nine other activities

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Practice Magnetic Circuit Calculations

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These practice problems will help you develop a strong understanding of magnetic circuits and their behavior.

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Solve practice problems on magnetic circuit calculations
Utilize online resources and textbooks for additional practice

Discuss Inductor Design Trade-offs

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Engage in discussions with peers to compare different approaches and consider various trade-offs involved in inductor design.

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Prepare by reviewing inductor design materials
Participate in group discussions
Share knowledge and experiences

Follow Tutorials on Transformer Modeling

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Explore tutorials covering transformer modeling techniques to enhance understanding of magnetic circuits and their behavior in transformers.

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Find online tutorials on transformer modeling
Review the principles and equations used for transformer modeling
Apply transformer modeling techniques to analyze real-world scenarios

Design and Simulate a Simple Inductor

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This project will provide you with hands-on experience and help you apply the knowledge of inductor design and simulation

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Design an inductor using appropriate equations and software
Simulate the designed inductor using simulation software
Analyze the simulation results and optimize the inductor design if necessary

Explore Tutorials on Transformer Design Optimization

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Engaging with tutorials on transformer design techniques allows for deeper comprehension of how to optimize transformer performance.

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Identify tutorials on transformer design optimization
Review optimization strategies and algorithms
Apply optimization techniques to real-world transformer design scenarios

Practice Inductor Design Calculations

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Practice design calculations for inductors to solidify understanding of magnetic circuits and their role in power electronics.

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Review basic inductor design principles
Calculate inductance and core loss for a given set of specifications
Analyze the impact of core material and geometry on inductor performance

Write a Summary of Eddy Current Losses

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Summarizing knowledge about eddy current losses in conductors helps solidify understanding and identify areas of uncertainty.

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Review the concept of eddy currents
Explain the mechanisms causing eddy current losses
Describe methods to minimize eddy current losses

Summarize the Course Concepts in Your Own Words

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Creating this summary will help you synthesize and retain a strong understanding of the course's important concepts

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Take notes during the course and review them regularly
Create a concise summary highlighting the key concepts

Explain Course Concepts to Others

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By explaining concepts to others, you can further solidify your understanding and identify areas where you need further study

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Find opportunities to explain course concepts to classmates or friends
Prepare clear and concise explanations using real-life examples

Career center

Learners who complete Magnetics for Power Electronic Converters will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Power Electronics Engineer

Power Electronics Engineers design, develop, and maintain power electronic systems used in a wide range of industries, including transportation, manufacturing, and energy. This online course, Magnetics for Power Electronic Converters, is a valuable resource for aspiring Power Electronics Engineers who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of magnetics as it applies to power electronic converters. The course covers topics such as basic magnetics, AC copper losses, inductor design, and transformer design. This knowledge can provide a solid foundation for working with magnetic components in the design and development of power electronic systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Power Electronics Engineer

Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers work in the research, design, development, and testing of electrical equipment and systems. This online course, Magnetics for Power Electronic Converters, is a valuable resource for aspiring Electrical Engineers who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of magnetics as it applies to power electronic converters. The course covers topics such as basic magnetics, AC copper losses, inductor design, and transformer design. This knowledge can provide a solid foundation for working with magnetic components in the design and development of electrical equipment and systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Mechatronics Engineer

Mechatronics Engineers work in the design, development, and maintenance of mechatronic systems, which combine mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. This online course, Magnetics for Power Electronic Converters, may be useful for aspiring Mechatronics Engineers who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of magnetics as it applies to power electronic converters. The course covers topics such as basic magnetics, AC copper losses, inductor design, and transformer design. This knowledge can provide a solid foundation for working with magnetic components in the design and development of mechatronic systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mechatronics Engineer

Controls Engineer

Controls Engineers design, develop, and maintain control systems used in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, transportation, and energy. This online course, Magnetics for Power Electronic Converters, may be useful for aspiring Controls Engineers who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of magnetics as it applies to power electronic converters. The course covers topics such as basic magnetics, AC copper losses, inductor design, and transformer design. This knowledge can provide a solid foundation for working with magnetic components in the design and development of control systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Controls Engineer

Electronic Hardware Engineer

Electronic Hardware Engineers work in the research, design, development, and testing of electronic devices and systems. They conceptualize, design, develop, test, and maintain electronic systems used in many industries. This online course, Magnetics for Power Electronic Converters, may be useful for aspiring Electronic Hardware Engineers who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of magnetics as it applies to power electronic converters. The course covers topics such as basic magnetics, AC copper losses, inductor design, and transformer design. This knowledge can provide a solid foundation for working with magnetic components in the design and development of electronic systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electronic Hardware Engineer

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design, develop, and maintain complex systems, which can include hardware, software, and human factors. This online course, Magnetics for Power Electronic Converters, may be useful for aspiring Systems Engineers who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of magnetics as it applies to power electronic converters. The course covers topics such as basic magnetics, AC copper losses, inductor design, and transformer design. This knowledge can provide a solid foundation for working with magnetic components in the design and development of complex systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Consultant

Consultants provide advice and expertise to businesses and organizations on a wide range of topics, including technology, management, and operations. This online course, Magnetics for Power Electronic Converters, may be useful for aspiring Consultants who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of magnetics as it applies to power electronic converters. The course covers topics such as basic magnetics, AC copper losses, inductor design, and transformer design. This knowledge can provide a solid foundation for working with magnetic components in the consulting field.

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Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists research and develop new materials and processes for a wide range of industries, including electronics, energy, and manufacturing. This online course, Magnetics for Power Electronic Converters, may be useful for aspiring Materials Scientists who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of magnetics as it applies to power electronic converters. The course covers topics such as basic magnetics, AC copper losses, inductor design, and transformer design. This knowledge can provide a solid foundation for working with magnetic materials in the research and development of new materials and processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Product Designer

Product Designers research, design, and develop new products. This online course, Magnetics for Power Electronic Converters, may be useful for aspiring Product Designers who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of magnetics as it applies to power electronic converters. The course covers topics such as basic magnetics, AC copper losses, inductor design, and transformer design. This knowledge can provide a solid foundation for working with magnetic components in the design and development of new products.

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Educator

Educators teach and educate students at all levels, from kindergarten through graduate school. This online course, Magnetics for Power Electronic Converters, may be useful for aspiring Educators who are interested in teaching about magnetics and power electronics. The course covers topics such as basic magnetics, AC copper losses, inductor design, and transformer design. This knowledge can provide a solid foundation for teaching students about magnetic components and their applications in power electronic converters.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct scientific research to advance knowledge and understanding in a variety of fields, including science, engineering, and medicine. This online course, Magnetics for Power Electronic Converters, may be useful for aspiring Researchers who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of magnetics as it applies to power electronic converters. The course covers topics such as basic magnetics, AC copper losses, inductor design, and transformer design. This knowledge can provide a solid foundation for conducting research on magnetic components.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create and edit technical documentation, such as manuals, reports, and presentations. This online course, Magnetics for Power Electronic Converters, may be useful for aspiring Technical Writers who are interested in gaining a deeper understanding of magnetics as it applies to power electronic converters. The course covers topics such as basic magnetics, AC copper losses, inductor design, and transformer design. This knowledge can provide a solid foundation for writing clear and concise technical documentation on magnetic components.

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Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers work with customers to identify and meet their needs for products and services. This online course, Magnetics for Power Electronic Converters, may be useful for aspiring Sales Engineers who are interested in selling magnetic components or power electronic converters. The course covers topics such as basic magnetics, AC copper losses, inductor design, and transformer design. This knowledge can provide a solid foundation for understanding the technical aspects of magnetic components and power electronic converters.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts ensure that products and services meet quality standards. This online course, Magnetics for Power Electronic Converters, may be useful for aspiring Quality Assurance Analysts who are interested in working with magnetic components or power electronic converters. The course covers topics such as basic magnetics, AC copper losses, inductor design, and transformer design. This knowledge can provide a solid foundation for understanding the quality and reliability of magnetic components and power electronic converters.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Analyst

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects to achieve specific goals. This online course, Magnetics for Power Electronic Converters, may be useful for aspiring Project Managers who are interested in managing projects involving magnetic components or power electronic converters. The course covers topics such as basic magnetics, AC copper losses, inductor design, and transformer design. This knowledge can provide a solid foundation for understanding the technical aspects of magnetic components and power electronic converters.

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Magnetics for Power Electronic Converters

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