May 1, 2024
Updated May 9, 2025
41 minute read
Power electronics is a specialized field of electrical engineering focused on the control and conversion of electrical power using solid-state electronics. Essentially, it deals with processing high voltages and currents to deliver power in a form that is suitable for a wide variety of applications, from the smallest consumer devices to large-scale industrial systems. The core purpose of power electronics is to manage the flow of electrical energy efficiently, precisely, and reliably. This involves changing the characteristics of electrical power, such as its voltage, current, frequency, and whether it's alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).
The impact of power electronics is evident in countless everyday devices and systems. Consider the charger for your smartphone or laptop; it uses power electronics to convert the AC power from your wall outlet into the DC power your device needs. Electric vehicles rely heavily on power electronics for charging their batteries and controlling their motors. Solar panels and wind turbines use power electronic converters to transform the energy they generate into a form that can be fed into the electrical grid or used directly. Even industrial applications like variable speed drives for motors, which improve energy efficiency in factories, are based on power electronics principles. This technology is fundamental to modern life, enabling efficient energy use and underpinning many technological advancements.
What is Power Electronics?
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Reading list
We've selected 24 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
Power Electronics.
A comprehensive handbook that provides a comprehensive overview of power electronics. It covers a wide range of topics, including power semiconductor devices, converters, and applications. It is suitable for researchers and professionals.
Is widely considered a foundational text in power electronics, ideal for gaining a broad understanding of the subject. It covers essential concepts in converter circuits, modeling, and control. It's frequently used as a textbook in undergraduate and graduate programs and serves as a valuable reference for professionals. The third edition includes updated material on wide bandgap semiconductor devices and digital control.
Provides a detailed overview of power electronics, covering topics such as power semiconductor devices, converters, and applications. It includes numerous examples and practical exercises.
A premier textbook from MIT that emphasizes fundamental concepts in power electronics, covering form and function, dynamic models, control, components, and practical considerations. It's suitable for those seeking a deep, conceptual understanding. The latest edition includes new topics like SiC and GaN wide-bandgap materials.
Wide bandgap semiconductors (SiC and GaN) are a contemporary and increasingly important topic in power electronics. provides a comprehensive resource on these devices, explaining why they are superior to silicon and their applications. It's valuable for understanding the latest advancements.
Another key book focusing on wide bandgap devices, this text covers the processing, technology, and applications of GaN and SiC in power electronics. It's a relevant resource for those interested in the material science and device physics aspects of modern power electronics.
Offers a broad coverage of power electronics, including circuits, devices, and applications. It's known for its clear explanations and numerous examples, making it accessible for students. It's often used as a textbook and good resource for gaining a solid understanding of the field.
Offers a detailed analysis of PWM DC-DC converters, a fundamental building block in many power electronics systems. It delves into the principles of operation, synthesis, analysis, and design. It's a useful reference for those focusing on converter topologies and control.
Explores the application of power electronics in key areas like renewable energy, transportation (EVs), and industrial systems. It bridges the gap between fundamental power electronics and its real-world applications, aligning with courses on EVs and solar energy integration.
A textbook that focuses on the design and analysis of switch-mode power supplies. It covers topics such as power semiconductor devices, converters, and control techniques. It is suitable for advanced students and researchers.
A highly practical book focusing specifically on the design of switching power supplies. It's a valuable resource for engineers working on power supply design in industry. While not a broad survey, it provides in-depth knowledge on a crucial power electronics application.
Control vital aspect of power electronics, as highlighted by the course on switching strategies. focuses specifically on the control of power electronic converters, providing essential knowledge for stabilizing and optimizing converter performance.
With the rise of electric vehicles, this book provides a focused look at the power electronics systems used in EVs. It covers topics relevant to the 'Powering the Drive: Unveiling EV Electronics' course and is valuable for those interested in this specific application area.
Specifically addresses the use of power electronic converters in renewable energy systems, including the integration of solar and wind energy. It aligns well with courses on solar energy integration and valuable resource for this growing application area.
Focusing on the practical aspects of working with SiC and GaN devices, this book provides comprehensive methods for their characterization. It's a valuable resource for researchers and engineers dealing with the implementation of these advanced semiconductors.
A textbook that covers the basics of power electronics, including power semiconductor devices, converters, and applications. It is suitable for undergraduate students.
This handbook comprehensive reference covering a wide range of topics in power electronics, from devices and circuits to applications. It's a valuable resource for professionals and researchers needing detailed information across the field.
A textbook that covers the design and control of high-power converters and AC drives. It includes topics such as power semiconductor devices, converters, and control techniques. It is suitable for advanced students and researchers.
Inductive components are crucial in power electronics. provides an overview of important developments, materials, measurement, design, and applications of inductive devices, addressing challenges at higher switching frequencies. It's relevant for those focusing on magnetics and component design.
By Ned Mohan is designed as an introductory text, providing a solid entry point into the field of power electronics. It covers essential concepts and is suitable for undergraduate students or those new to the topic. It lays the groundwork for more advanced study.
Covers the essentials of power electronics with a focus on applications. It's structured to provide both circuit-oriented and design-oriented aspects of the field, making it suitable for gaining a broad understanding and practical knowledge.
A classic and highly regarded book in the broader field of electronics. While not exclusively power electronics, it provides a strong foundation in analog and digital circuits, which is essential prerequisite knowledge for studying power electronics. It's an excellent reference for circuit design in general.
While not solely focused on power electronics, this book offers valuable insights into analog circuit design using intuitive techniques. A strong understanding of analog circuits is beneficial for power electronics engineers, particularly for control and interface circuitry.
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