Converter Circuits

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Converter Circuits

This course is part of Power Electronics Specialization

Instructor: Dr. Robert Erickson

53,036 already enrolled

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4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

4.8

(1,383 reviews)

Intermediate level

Some related experience required

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

94%

Most learners liked this course

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

4.8

(1,383 reviews)

Intermediate level

Some related experience required

Flexible schedule

2 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

94%

Most learners liked this course

What you'll learn

Understand how to implement the power semiconductor devices in a switching converter
Understand the origins of the discontinuous conduction mode and be able to solve converters operating in DCM
Understand the basic dc-dc converter and dc-ac inverter circuits
Understand how to implement transformer isolation in a dc-dc converter, including the popular forward and flyback converter topologies

Skills you'll gain

Details to know

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Assessments

4 assignments

Taught in English

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Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Power Electronics Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

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There are 4 modules in this course

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5701, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree.

This course introduces more advanced concepts of switched-mode converter circuits. Realization of the power semiconductors in inverters or in converters having bidirectional power flow is explained. Power diodes, power MOSFETs, and IGBTs are explained, along with the origins of their switching times. Equivalent circuit models are refined to include the effects of switching loss. The discontinuous conduction mode is described and analyzed. A number of well-known converter circuit topologies are explored, including those with transformer isolation. The homework assignments include a boost converter and an H-bridge inverter used in a grid-interfaced solar inverter system, as well as transformer-isolated forward and flyback converters. After completing this course, you will: ● Understand how to implement the power semiconductor devices in a switching converter ● Understand the origins of the discontinuous conduction mode and be able to solve converters operating in DCM ● Understand the basic dc-dc converter and dc-ac inverter circuits ● Understand how to implement transformer isolation in a dc-dc converter, including the popular forward and flyback converter topologies Completion of the first course Introduction to Power Electronics is the assumed prerequisite for this course.

How to implement the switches using transistors and diodes, including applications having bidirectional power flow or ac outputs.

What's included

3 videos2 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts

3 videosTotal 51 minutes

Sect. 4.1.1 Single-Quadrant Switches21 minutesPreview module
Sect. 4.1.2 Current-Bidirectional Switches13 minutes
Sects. 4.1.3-5 Two- and Four-Quadrant Switches, Synchronous Rectifiers16 minutes

2 readingsTotal 20 minutes

If you have problems with the Coursera system10 minutes
Homework Assignment 1: hard copy10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 180 minutes

Homework Assignment 1: Switch Realization180 minutes

2 discussion promptsTotal 20 minutes

Introduce Yourself10 minutes
Homework Discussion: Switch Realization10 minutes

Basics of power semiconductor switches, including the origins of switching times and switching loss. How to incorporate switching loss into equivalent circuit models. MOSFETs, IGBTs, and gate driver considerations.

What's included

11 videos2 readings1 assignment2 discussion prompts

11 videosTotal 201 minutes

Sect. 4.2.0 Introduction to Power Semiconductors27 minutesPreview module
Sect. 4.2.1.1 Diode Rectifiers20 minutes
Sect. 4.2.1.2 Equivalent Circuit Modeling of Switching Loss16 minutes
Sect. 4.2.1.3 Boost Converter Example11 minutes
Sect. 4.2.1.4 More About Rectifiers20 minutes
Sect. 4.2.2.1 Power MOSFETs18 minutes
Sect. 4.2.2.2 MOSFET Gate Drivers27 minutes
Sect. 4.2.3 BJTs and IGBTs25 minutes
Sect. 4.3 More About Switching Loss6 minutes
Wide Bandgap Power Semiconductors14 minutes
Simulation of a Synchronous Boost Converter13 minutes

2 readingsTotal 2 minutes

LTspice File: Synchronous Boost Converter1 minute
Hard copy and zip file for simulation assignment1 minute

1 assignmentTotal 90 minutes

Homework Assignment #2: Simulation90 minutes

2 discussion promptsTotal 20 minutes

Homework Discussion: Simulation Assignment10 minutes
Optional Forum: Followup Questions10 minutes

The discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) arising from unidirectional switch realization. Analysis of mode boundaries and output voltage.

What's included

3 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt

3 videosTotal 50 minutes

Sect. 5.1 Origin of DCM and Mode Boundary14 minutesPreview module
Sect. 5.2 Analysis of the Conversion Ratio M(D,K)16 minutes
Sect. 5.3 Boost Converter Example19 minutes

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

Homework Assignment 3: Hard Copy10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 180 minutes

Homework Assignment #3180 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Homework Discussion: Switching Loss and DCM10 minutes

Some well-known converter circuits and their origins. How to incorporate transformer isolation into a dc-dc converter. Analysis and equivalent circuit modeling of transformer-isolated converters.

What's included

6 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt

6 videosTotal 90 minutes

Sect. 6.1.1-2 DC-DC Converter Topologies14 minutesPreview module
Sect. 6.1.4 How to Synthesize an Inverter10 minutes
Sect. 6.2 A Short List of Nonisolated Converters8 minutes
Sect. 6.3 Transformers13 minutes
Sect. 6.3.2 The Forward Converter29 minutes
Sect. 6.3.4 The Flyback Converter14 minutes

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

Homework Assignment #4: Hard Copy10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 180 minutes

Homework Assignment #4: Chapter 6180 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 10 minutes

Homework Discussion: Transformer Isolation10 minutes

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This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹

Instructor

Instructor ratings

4.7 (209 ratings)

Dr. Robert Erickson

University of Colorado Boulder

11 Courses153,640 learners

Offered by

University of Colorado Boulder

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4.8

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Reviewed on May 22, 2020

A really good course on converter circuits. The way Dr. Erickson synthesized inverters from buck converters was eye opening. Many lectures overlook such basic aspects of power electronics synthesis.

Reviewed on May 7, 2019

The 2nd course in the specialization is more detailed and explained thoroughly. Tough quizzes, great assignments! And Dr. Robert Erickson is amazing as usual!

Reviewed on Nov 25, 2016

Aim to complete this specialization course. My interest and work both aligns perfectly with this course, and its immensely helping me out.

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