Introduction to Power Semiconductor Switches from Coursera

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5721, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering.

This course is primarily aimed at first year graduate students interested in engineering or science, along with professionals with an interest in power electronics and semiconductor devices .

It is the first course in the "Semiconductor Power Device" specialization that focusses on diodes, MOSFETs, IGBT but also covers legacy devices (BJTs, Thyristors and TRIACS) as well as state-of-the-art devices such as silicon carbide (SiC) Schottky diodes and MOSFETs as well as Gallium Nitride (GaN) HEMTs. The specialization provides an overview of devices, the physics background needed to understand the device operation, the construction of a device circuit model from a physical device model and a description of the device fabrication technology including packaging.

This first course provides an introduction to semiconductor power switches, including a classification based on power switch properties, a description of key power switches, an overview of device data sheets, and the identification of on-state and power losses of diodes and MOSFET individually and in a power convertor circuit. It provides the link between power converter applications and individual devices, through analysis and simulation and prepares learners for the in-depth device analysis of the other courses in the specialization.

What's inside

Syllabus

Power Semiconductor Device Basics

This module explains 1) the need for power conversion using a grid-connected solar system with storage and an electric vehicle as examples, 2) lists common power conversion circuits and their device requirements, and 3) provides an overview of different power device characteristics.

Key Power Semiconductor Devices

This module introduces key power switches: Diodes, MOSFETs and IGBTs as well as a brief introduction to other power devices including a first comparison.

Power Device Data Sheets

This module covers typical device data sheet characteristics including 1) DC nominal and maximum values, 2) Switching parameters and 3) Temperature dependence and maximum allowed temperatures

Power Device Losses in Switching Circuits

This modules shows how to identify power dissipation in 1) individual diodes and MOSFETs and 2) in a boost convertor circuit containing both a diode and MOSFET

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines power conversion devices and circuits, including types and applications, providing a solid foundation for power electronics engineering

Led by Bart Van Zeghbroeck, an experienced instructor in power electronics at the University of Colorado Boulder

It can also be taken for academic credit through CU Boulder's Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, adding to its credibility

Focuses on essential devices like diodes, MOSFETs, and IGBTs, making it suitable for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of power electronics devices

Provides an in-depth analysis of device data sheets, enabling learners to interpret and apply technical specifications in their projects

Teaches how to identify and calculate power dissipation in individual devices and power converter circuits, equipping learners with practical insights for efficient system design

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 Semiconductor Switches with these activities:

Review of Power Electronics by Mohan, Undeland, and Robbins

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of power electronics, complementing the course by delving deeper into the theoretical and practical aspects of the subject.

View Power Electronics on Amazon

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Read selected chapters relevant to the course topics.
Review key concepts, equations, and diagrams.

Review Basic Electrical Circuits

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This course assumes basic knowledge of electrical circuits. Reviewing this topic will help you fill in any gaps and ensure a smoother learning experience throughout the course.

Browse courses on Electrical Circuits

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Review your lecture notes or textbook chapters on basic electrical circuits.
Solve practice problems or take online quizzes to test your understanding.

Explore Device Data Sheets and Datasheet Basics

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Understanding device data sheets is crucial for analyzing and selecting power devices. This activity will provide you with hands-on experience in navigating and interpreting these essential documents.

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Visit the websites of power device manufacturers (e.g., Infineon, ON Semiconductor).
Locate and download data sheets for diodes, MOSFETs, and IGBTs.
Identify key specifications and parameters in the data sheets.

Four other activities

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Study Group Discussions

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Engaging in discussions with peers will help you clarify concepts, share perspectives, and reinforce your understanding of the course material.

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Form a study group with classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss course topics, solve problems, and review assignments.

Analyze Power Device Losses in Switching Circuits

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Calculating power dissipation in power devices is essential for designing efficient power converters. This activity will provide you with the opportunity to apply the concepts learned in the course to real-world scenarios.

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Work through practice problems on power device losses.
Use simulation software (e.g., LTspice, PSIM) to analyze losses in switching circuits.

Build a Simple Power Converter Circuit

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Hands-on experience in building a simple power converter circuit will reinforce your understanding of power device operation.

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Design a circuit schematic using a power device of your choice (e.g., diode, MOSFET).
Purchase or gather the necessary components.
Assemble the circuit on a breadboard or PCB.
Test and troubleshoot the circuit to ensure proper operation.

Participate in Power Electronics Design Competitions

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Participating in competitions will challenge your problem-solving skills, foster creativity, and provide an opportunity to showcase your knowledge.

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Research and identify relevant power electronics design competitions.
Form a team and develop a competitive design.
Present and defend your design at the competition.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Power Semiconductor Switches will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Power Electronics Engineer

A Power Electronics Engineer designs, develops, and tests power electronic circuits and systems. This course can help you build a foundation for this role by providing an overview of power semiconductor devices, including diodes, MOSFETs, and IGBTs. This knowledge is essential for understanding the operation of power electronic circuits and systems and for designing and testing power electronic equipment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Power Electronics Engineer

Semiconductor Device Engineer

A Semiconductor Device Engineer designs, develops, and tests semiconductor devices. This course can help you build a foundation for this role by providing an overview of power semiconductor devices, including diodes, MOSFETs, and IGBTs. This knowledge is essential for understanding the operation of semiconductor devices and for designing and testing semiconductor devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Semiconductor Device Engineer

Electrical Engineer

An Electrical Engineer designs, develops, and tests electrical equipment such as power systems, telecommunications systems, and control systems. This course can help you build a foundation for this role by providing an overview of power semiconductor devices, including diodes, MOSFETs, and IGBTs. This knowledge is essential for understanding the operation of power systems and for designing and testing electrical equipment.

See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer

Materials Scientist

A Materials Scientist researches, develops, and tests new materials. This course can help you build a foundation for this role by providing an overview of the materials used in power semiconductor devices, such as silicon, gallium nitride, and silicon carbide. This knowledge is essential for understanding the properties of these materials and for developing new materials for power semiconductor devices.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Product Development Engineer

A Product Development Engineer designs, develops, and tests new products. This course can help you build a foundation for this role by providing an overview of the design and development of power semiconductor devices. This knowledge is essential for understanding the process of developing new products and for bringing new products to market.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Development Engineer

Quality Control Engineer

A Quality Control Engineer ensures that products meet quality standards. This course can help you build a foundation for this role by providing an overview of power semiconductor devices. This knowledge is essential for understanding the products that you will be testing and for ensuring that products meet quality standards.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Control Engineer

Applications Engineer

An Applications Engineer provides technical support to customers. This course can help you build a foundation for this role by providing an overview of power semiconductor devices. This knowledge is essential for understanding the products and services that you will be supporting and for providing technical support to customers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Applications Engineer

Field Service Engineer

A Field Service Engineer installs, maintains, and repairs equipment. This course can help you build a foundation for this role by providing an overview of power semiconductor devices. This knowledge is essential for understanding the equipment that you will be working on and for installing, maintaining, and repairing equipment.

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Manufacturing Engineer

A Manufacturing Engineer designs, develops, and improves manufacturing processes. This course can help you build a foundation for this role by providing an overview of the manufacturing of power semiconductor devices. This knowledge is essential for understanding the manufacturing process and for designing, developing, and improving manufacturing processes.

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Technical Sales Engineer

A Technical Sales Engineer sells technical products and services. This course can help you build a foundation for this role by providing an overview of power semiconductor devices. This knowledge is essential for understanding the products and services that you will be selling and for providing technical support to customers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Sales Engineer

Energy Consultant

An Energy Consultant advises clients on energy efficiency and renewable energy. This course can help you build a foundation for this role by providing an overview of power semiconductor devices. This knowledge is essential for understanding the energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies that you will be recommending to clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Consultant

Management Consultant

A Management Consultant advises clients on business and management issues. This course may be useful for this role by providing an overview of the power semiconductor industry. This knowledge is helpful for understanding the business and management issues that you will be advising clients on.

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Patent Attorney

A Patent Attorney prepares and files patent applications. This course may be useful for this role by providing an overview of the technology that is used in power semiconductor devices. This knowledge is helpful for understanding the patent applications that you will be preparing and filing.

See salaries and explore the career path for Patent Attorney

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst analyzes financial data and makes investment recommendations. This course may be useful for this role by providing an overview of the power semiconductor industry. This knowledge is helpful for understanding the financial data that you will be analyzing and for making investment recommendations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager develops and implements marketing campaigns. This course may be useful for this role by providing an overview of the power semiconductor industry. This knowledge is helpful for understanding the market for power semiconductor devices and for developing and implementing marketing campaigns.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager