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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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What's inside

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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Ch 8: Converter Transfer Functions - Part 1
A review of the construction of Bode plots of the magnitude and phase of first-order, second-order, and higher-order transfer functions, with emphasis on techniques needed for design of regulator systems. Design-oriented analysis techniques to make approximations and gain insight into how to design ac systems having significant complexity.
Ch 8: Converter Transfer Functions - Part 2
Design-oriented analysis techniques to make approximations and gain insight into how to design ac systems having significant complexity. Graphical construction techniques.
Ch 9: Controller Design
Application of the material of Chapters 7 and 8 to design closed-loop regulators that employ switching converters. How to design a feedback system that accurately regulates its output while rejecting disturbances.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
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

Engineering converter control

Learners say Converter Control is well received with largely positive reviews. This power electronics course focuses on control loop design, with a design-oriented approach. It starts with the basics and builds up to complex topics, making it appropriate for engineers and students with varying backgrounds. Learners note the practical examples and step-by-step explanations as helpful. Assignments are described as challenging but rewarding. Overall, Converter Control is seen as a valuable resource for those seeking to advance their knowledge in power electronics control.
Assignments are challenging but rewarding
"If you want to get something out of this course, plan to take a lot more time (than advertised) to complete the assignments."
Numerous practical examples to reinforce concepts
"With those knowledge obtained, the design of the feedback control of the power converters is explained. The slides are concise and easy-to-follow, the lecturer has a very good pace of presenting, and most importantly, many practical examples are given and solved step-by-step during the teaching, which are nice supplement for the newbies to get the basic understanding."
In-depth coverage of control loop design for power electronics
"The course covers the fundamentals of small-signal a.c. modeling of dc-dc power converters and illustrates the complete design cycle of designing a control loop."
Step-by-step explanations make concepts accessible
"He highlights that pages long algebraic derivations are prone to errors, which is very true, but he's not gonna teach modern numerical methods using Matlab, Octave, which is standard practice in today's graduate control theory courses. Instead he goes on to pushing his brand mark equivalent circuit modelling, with even more error-prone circuit manipulations, and then finishing it off with a ruler and semilog paper based drawing approach, where each drawing takes 30m+!"

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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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