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Dr. Robert Erickson

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5702, 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 5702, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

This course teaches how to design a feedback system to control a switching converter. The equivalent circuit models derived in the previous courses are extended to model small-signal ac variations. These models are then solved, to find the important transfer functions of the converter and its regulator system. Finally, the feedback loop is modeled, analyzed, and designed to meet requirements such as output regulation, bandwidth and transient response, and rejection of disturbances.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to design and analyze the feedback systems of switching regulators.

This course assumes prior completion of courses Introduction to Power Electronics and Converter Circuits.

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Syllabus

Ch 7: AC Equivalent Circuit Modeling
How to extend the converter steady-state equivalent circuits, derived in the previous courses, to obtain small-signal ac equivalent circuits that model the important converter and regulator system dynamics.
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Covers AC modeling of circuits, a foundation for advanced circuit analysis
Introduces techniques for analyzing and designing feedback systems for switching regulators
Taught by Dr. Robert Erickson, a respected researcher and educator in power electronics
Requires prior knowledge of power electronics and converter circuits
Part of CU Boulder's Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree

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Reviews summary

Feedback control design for converters

According to learners who have taken the course, the content is covered with clear explanations and the instructor does an excellent job presenting complex topics. The course successfully builds upon its stated prerequisites, making prior knowledge from the Introduction to Power Electronics and Converter Circuits courses essential for success. However, some students found the assignments are challenging and require a significant time commitment. While leaning positive overall, prospective learners should be prepared for a demanding course focused on theoretical modeling and analysis techniques like Bode plots and transfer functions.
Course focuses on theoretical modeling and analysis.
"Expect a strong focus on the theoretical modeling aspects of converter control."
"The course dives deep into AC equivalent circuits, transfer functions, and Bode plots."
"It's heavy on the math and analytical side, which is great for understanding fundamentals."
Strong prior knowledge is essential for success.
"Make sure you are solid on the prerequisites, especially Introduction to Power Electronics."
"If your background in circuits and power electronics isn't strong, you will struggle with this material."
"This course builds heavily on the previous ones in the series; do not skip them."
Instructor explains complex topics clearly.
"Professor Erickson does a great job explaining the theory and concepts."
"The lecture videos are well-structured and break down complex ideas effectively."
"I found the instructor's explanations very clear and easy to follow."
Assignments are very difficult and time-consuming.
"The homework problems were extremely difficult, much harder than the examples in lectures..."
"Expect to spend a lot of time on the assignments; they are quite challenging."
"I felt the quizzes sometimes required a deeper understanding than the lectures 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 Converter Control with these activities:
Review Power Electronics: Circuits, Devices, and Applications
Review fundamentals of power electronics to enhance understanding of topics presented in the course.
View Power Electronics on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read selected chapters relevant to the course
  • Take notes on important concepts and equations
  • Check understanding by solving end-of-chapter problems
AC Equivalent Circuit Analysis Exercises
Enhance understanding of AC equivalent circuit concepts by solving problems in the exercises.
Browse courses on Circuit Analysis
Show steps
  • Solve AC equivalent circuit analysis exercises provided in the course materials
  • Compare solutions to sample answers and identify areas for improvement
Bode Plot Construction Tutorial
Enhance understanding of Bode plots through a guided tutorial, enabling effective analysis of frequency response.
Show steps
  • Follow the guided tutorial on Bode plot construction provided in the course materials
  • Apply the learned techniques to analyze converter transfer functions
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Controller Design Study Group
Enhance understanding and problem-solving skills through collaborative discussions and peer support on controller design concepts.
Browse courses on Controller design
Show steps
  • Form study group with peers who have similar interests and backgrounds in the course
  • Schedule regular meetings to discuss course materials, solve problems, and share insights
  • Take turns facilitating discussions and presenting solutions to the group
Transfer Function Analysis Exercises
Develop proficiency in analyzing and understanding transfer functions through solving practice problems.
Browse courses on Transfer Functions
Show steps
  • Solve exercises involving transfer function analysis provided in the course materials
  • Check solutions to sample answers and address any discrepancies
Resource Compilation for Controller Design
Facilitate future reference and understanding by compiling relevant resources and materials on controller design for switching converters.
Show steps
  • Gather and review technical articles, application notes, and online resources on controller design
  • Organize and document the compiled resources in a digital or physical format
Feedback Loop Design Project
Showcase understanding of feedback loop design by developing and analyzing a custom feedback system for a switching converter.
Browse courses on Control Systems
Show steps
  • Select a switching converter topology and design its feedback loop using the concepts learned in the course
  • Simulate the designed feedback loop using appropriate software to analyze its performance
  • Write a report summarizing the design and simulation results
Contribute to Converter Modeling Project
Enhance your understanding of switching converter modeling by contributing to an open-source project.
Browse courses on Power Electronics
Show steps
  • Identify an open-source project focused on converter modeling.
  • Review the project documentation and codebase.
  • Identify an area where you can contribute, such as adding support for a new type of converter or improving the documentation.
  • Implement your changes and submit a pull request.
  • Collaborate with other contributors to refine your contribution and ensure it meets the project's standards.
Control System Simulation Project
Apply knowledge of switching converter control to a practical project by simulating a feedback system using MATLAB or Simulink.
Show steps
  • Develop a MATLAB or Simulink model of a switching converter with a feedback loop
  • Simulate the model to analyze the converter's performance under different operating conditions
  • Write a report discussing the simulation results and how they relate to theoretical concepts

Career center

Learners who complete Converter Control will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Power Electronics Engineer
Power Electronics Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of power electronic systems. They work in a variety of industries, including power generation, transmission, and distribution. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the feedback systems used in switching regulators, which are commonly used in power electronic systems.
Control Systems Engineer
Control Systems Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of control systems. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, and defense. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the feedback systems used in switching regulators, which are commonly used in control systems.
Robotics Engineer
Robotics Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of robots. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and defense. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the feedback systems used in switching regulators, which are commonly used in robots.
Mechatronics Engineer
Mechatronics Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of mechatronic systems. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, robotics, and automotive. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the feedback systems used in switching regulators, which are commonly used in mechatronic systems.
Avionics Engineer
Avionics Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of avionics systems. They work in the aerospace industry. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the feedback systems used in switching regulators, which are commonly used in avionics systems.
Automotive Engineer
Automotive Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of automotive systems. They work in the automotive industry. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the feedback systems used in switching regulators, which are commonly used in automotive systems.
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of electrical systems and components. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, energy, and telecommunications. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the feedback systems used in switching regulators, which are commonly used in electronic devices such as computers and cell phones.
Electronics Engineer
Electronics Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of electronic devices and systems. They work in a variety of industries, including computers, telecommunications, and medical equipment. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the feedback systems used in switching regulators, which are commonly used in electronic devices.
Biomedical Engineer
Biomedical Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of biomedical systems. They work in the healthcare industry. This course helps build a foundation for understanding the feedback systems used in switching regulators, which are commonly used in biomedical systems.
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of chemical processes. They work in a variety of industries, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food. This course may be useful for understanding the feedback systems used in switching regulators, which are commonly used in chemical processes.
Civil Engineer
Civil Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of civil infrastructure. They work in a variety of industries, including construction, transportation, and water resources. This course may be useful for understanding the feedback systems used in switching regulators, which are commonly used in civil infrastructure.
Computer Engineer
Computer Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of computer systems. They work in a variety of industries, including computers, telecommunications, and healthcare. This course may be useful for understanding the feedback systems used in switching regulators, which are commonly used in computer systems.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of environmental systems. They work in a variety of industries, including environmental protection, waste management, and water resources. This course may be useful for understanding the feedback systems used in switching regulators, which are commonly used in environmental systems.
Industrial Engineer
Industrial Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of industrial systems. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare. This course may be useful for understanding the feedback systems used in switching regulators, which are commonly used in industrial systems.
Materials Engineer
Materials Engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the installation of materials. They work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, and aerospace. This course may be useful for understanding the feedback systems used in switching regulators, which are commonly used in materials processing.

Reading list

We've selected 12 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 Control.
Provides a comprehensive overview of power electronics, including switching converters. It valuable reference for understanding the fundamentals of converter design and analysis.
Provides a comprehensive overview of electric motors and drives. It valuable reference for understanding the fundamentals of motor control and design.
Provides a comprehensive overview of power electronics. It valuable reference for understanding the fundamentals of power electronic circuits and devices.
Provides a comprehensive overview of switch-mode power supplies. It valuable reference for understanding the fundamentals of switch-mode power supply design and analysis.
Provides a comprehensive overview of control systems engineering. It valuable reference for understanding the fundamentals of control system design and analysis.
Provides a comprehensive overview of feedback control of dynamic systems. It valuable reference for understanding the fundamentals of feedback control system design and analysis.
Provides a comprehensive overview of modern control systems. It valuable reference for understanding the fundamentals of modern control system design and analysis.
Provides a comprehensive overview of power electronics. It valuable reference for understanding the fundamentals of power electronic circuits and devices.
Provides a comprehensive overview of power semiconductor circuits. It valuable reference for understanding the fundamentals of power semiconductor circuit design and analysis.
Provides a comprehensive overview of electric power systems. It valuable reference for understanding the fundamentals of electric power system design and analysis.
Provides a comprehensive overview of power electronics. It valuable reference for understanding the fundamentals of power electronic circuits and devices.
Provides a comprehensive overview of power electronics. It valuable reference for understanding the fundamentals of power electronic circuits and devices.

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