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Dr. Robert Erickson

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5700, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

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This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5700, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

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.

After completing this course, you will:

● 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, inverting, and other power converters

● Know how to derive an averaged equivalent circuit model and solve for the converter efficiency

A basic understanding of electrical circuit analysis is an assumed prerequisite for this course.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Ch 1: Introduction
An introduction to power electronics and to the Coursera specialization
Ch 2: Steady-State Converter Analysis
How to find the ideal steady-state voltages and currents of a switched-mode converter
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Ch 3: Steady-State Equivalent Circuit Modeling, Losses, and Efficiency
Equivalent circuit modeling of switching converters, to predict their power conversion functions and efficiency under steady-state conditions

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops skills in power conversion, which are fundamental principles in engineering
Taught by Dr. Robert Erickson, who is recognized for their work in power electronics
Teaches principles of converter circuit analysis, which are essential for understanding power converters
Examines the efficiency of power converters, which is crucial for energy conservation
Requires a basic understanding of electrical circuit analysis, which may be a barrier for some learners
Assignments include simulation and modeling, which provide practical experience

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Reviews summary

Analysis-based power electronics

learners say this course is a largely positive introduction to power electronics for those with some electrical engineering knowledge. Students emphasize the engaging assignments and approachable lectures on topics like circuit analysis, power converters, and semiconductors. The course has a strong focus on analytical techniques for solving complex problems in the field, and students note that the use of industry-relevant software like MATLAB and LTspice is a valuable asset. Overall, learners find the course to be well-structured and informative, providing a solid foundation for further study or practical applications.
Utilizes industry-standard software for practical circuit analysis.
"The course explores the fundamentals of power electronics in a very concise manner."
"Introduction to Spice was also very helpful."
Presents clear and engaging lectures that effectively explain concepts.
"The lectures are superb, well delivered, and very enjoyable."
"Prof. Erickson is one the best professors who ever taught in this medium."
Provides thought-provoking and complex assignments.
"The homework exercises are also brilliant."
"The homeworks are hard, but worth the work."
Emphasizes analytical methods for solving power electronics problems.
"What's great is the emphasis on general methodologies - you are not expeted to memorize the operation of all different power electronics circuits but are rather taught generally applicable tools to analyse any power electronic circuits you are given."
Requires precise answers for homework submissions, leading to potential frustrations.
"This is especially true given that actual implementation is going to be much more hands on once you actually start developing the circuit."
"The simplification of an answer differs from person to person and the extent one simplifies an expression is important and unique for the answer which are assigned correct."
Has limited instructor or TA support for assignment guidance.
"No TA/Professor help."
"unfortunately, I couldn't make interaction with this course except of week 1."
Assumes familiarity with electrical engineering fundamentals.
"I recommend electrical and electronics engineers to specialize this course"
"It is a good course even for those who haven't studied electrical engineering."

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 Introduction to Power Electronics with these activities:
Review Basic Electrical Circuit Analysis
Refreshes foundational knowledge in electrical circuit analysis, which is essential for understanding converter circuit principles.
Show steps
  • Review Ohm's law and Kirchhoff's laws.
  • Practice analyzing simple AC and DC circuits.
Read 'Power Electronics: Converters, Applications, and Design' by Mohan and Undeland
Provides a comprehensive foundation in power electronics and converter circuit design.
View Power Electronics on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the assigned chapters.
  • Summarize the key concepts.
  • Work through the example problems.
Create a Study Guide for Converter Circuit Analysis
Organizes and reinforces key concepts covered in the course.
Show steps
  • Identify the main topics.
  • Summarize the key concepts.
  • Include practice problems.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Study with a Peer Group
Promotes collaboration and facilitates knowledge sharing among students.
Show steps
  • Form a study group with classmates.
  • Meet regularly to discuss course materials.
  • Work together on assignments and projects.
Explore Online Tutorials on Converter Circuit Design
Provides additional insights and practical guidance on converter circuit design.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials on converter circuit design.
  • Choose tutorials that align with your learning objectives.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step.
  • Experiment with different converter circuits.
Practice Solving Converter Circuit Problems
Reinforces the concepts of converter circuit analysis by applying them to solve practical problems.
Show steps
  • Solve problems from the course textbook or online resources.
  • Check your solutions against the provided solutions or consult with the instructor.
Attend a Converter Circuit Design Workshop
Provides an immersive learning experience with hands-on demonstrations and expert guidance.
Show steps
  • Identify relevant workshops.
  • Register and attend the workshop.
  • Engage with industry professionals.
Design and Build a Simple DC-DC Converter
Provides hands-on experience in designing and implementing converter circuits.
Show steps
  • Review the principles of DC-DC converter design.
  • Select appropriate components for your converter.
  • Build and test your converter prototype.
  • Analyze the performance of your converter.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Power Electronics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of electrical systems and equipment. They work in a variety of industries, including power generation, transmission, and distribution; manufacturing; and telecommunications. This course in power electronics should be considered essential for someone working as an Electrical Engineer.
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and build machines and other mechanical systems. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace. This course in power electronics is essential for people working as Mechanical Engineers as it helps build a solid base of knowledge in power systems and the control of electrical energy.
Controls Engineer
Controls Engineers design and implement systems that control the behavior of machines and processes. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace. This power electronics course is an excellent fit for someone in this role as it will contribute to their skillset for controlling and converting electrical power in the design of control systems.
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineers design, build, and operate nuclear power plants. They also work on the development of new nuclear technologies. This course in power electronics is essential for people working as Nuclear Engineers as it provides core knowledge in the analysis of power systems and power conversion functions.
Electronic Engineer
Electronic Engineers design and develop electronic circuits and systems. They work in a variety of industries, including consumer electronics, telecommunications, and aerospace. This course in power electronics provides a nice foundation for an Electronic Engineer to build on as they contribute to the design and development of products and systems that use electrical power.
Materials Engineer
Materials Engineers research, develop, and test new materials. They work in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and electronics. This power electronics course should be considered essential for someone working as a Materials Engineer.
Analog Design Engineer
The intent of this course, “Introduction to Power Electronics,” is to introduce professionals to the basic concepts of switched-mode converter circuits. The course description states that this course will serve as a basis for controlling and converting electrical power with high efficiency. Analog Design Engineers may find this particularly useful, as their work may require converting and controlling electrical power in the design of electronic devices.
Metallurgical Engineer
Metallurgical Engineers research, develop, and produce metals and metal alloys. They work in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and construction. This course in power electronics is an excellent fit for someone working as a Metallurgical Engineer as it introduces principles of power electronics that they could apply to their work.
Acoustical Engineer
Acoustical Engineers study and manage the movement of sound. Their work can include designing sound systems and noise control systems. They also may work on the design of rooms or buildings to achieve a desired acoustic effect. While this course in power electronics may not seem like an obvious fit, it delves into the study of electrical circuits and how they can be applied to control and convert electrical power. Acoustical Engineers may find that having a solid grasp of this field will help contribute to the design of audio control systems and speakers.
Systems Engineer
Systems Engineers design, develop, and integrate complex systems. They work in a variety of industries, including aerospace, defense, and healthcare. This course in power electronics may be helpful for someone working as a Systems Engineer, as it provides a solid foundation for understanding how electrical power systems work.
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum Engineers design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas from the earth. They also work on the development of new technologies for improving the efficiency of oil and gas production. While this course in power electronics may not seem like an obvious fit, the lessons learned regarding power systems and the analysis of electrical circuits could be extrapolated to the petroleum industry.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts provide advice to individuals and organizations on financial matters. They analyze financial data and make recommendations on investments, loans, and other financial products. While this course in power electronics may not seem like an obvious fit, the lessons learned regarding the analysis of electrical power systems and power conversion functions may be extrapolated to the financial field, including the analysis of financial markets and the performance of financial instruments.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design and oversee the construction of infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water treatment facilities. They also work on projects that improve the environment, such as dams and levees. While this course in power electronics may not be in the scope of all Civil Engineers, some Civil Engineers may need to work on electrical power systems and would benefit from expertise in this subject.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software systems. They work in a variety of industries, including technology, finance, and healthcare. While this course in power electronics may not seem like an obvious fit, the lessons learned regarding the analysis of electrical circuits and the study of power conversion functions may be extrapolated to the field of software engineering.
Industrial Engineer
Industrial Engineers design, implement, and improve systems that integrate people, materials, and equipment. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. While the focus of this power electronics course may not be an obvious fit for Industrial Engineers, it does provide skills in analysis and modeling that may contribute to the skill set of someone in the field.

Reading list

We've selected 11 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 Introduction to Power Electronics.
Is commonly used as a textbook for power electronics courses. It provides a comprehensive overview of the field, including both theoretical and practical aspects.
This handbook comprehensive reference for power electronics engineers. It covers a wide range of topics, including converter topologies, control techniques, and applications.
Is another popular textbook for power electronics courses. It covers a wide range of topics, including converter topologies, control techniques, and applications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of power electronics in energy conversion systems. It covers a wide range of topics, including converter topologies, control techniques, and applications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of power electronics for power quality. It covers a wide range of topics, including converter topologies, control techniques, and applications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of power electronics circuits, devices, and applications. It is written in a clear and concise style, and includes a number of solved examples and practice problems.
Provides a comprehensive overview of power electronics principles and applications. It is written in a clear and concise style, and is suitable for both beginners and experienced engineers.
Provides a comprehensive overview of power electronics for grid integration. It covers a wide range of topics, including converter topologies, control techniques, and applications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of power electronics for industrial applications. It covers a wide range of topics, including converter topologies, control techniques, and applications.
Provides a comprehensive overview of power electronics theory and applications. It is written in a clear and concise style, and is suitable for both beginners and experienced engineers.
Provides a basic overview of power electronics. It is written in a clear and concise style, and is suitable for beginners.

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