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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Introduction to Power Electronics by University of Colorado Boulder

4.7
stars
3,399 ratings

About the Course

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5700, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree. This course introduces the basic concepts of switched-mode converter circuits for controlling and converting electrical power with high efficiency. Principles of converter circuit analysis are introduced, and are developed for finding the steady state voltages, current, and efficiency of power converters. Assignments include simulation of a dc-dc converter, analysis of an inverting dc-dc converter, and modeling and efficiency analysis of an electric vehicle system and of a USB power regulator. After completing this course, you will: ● Understand what a switched-mode converter is and its basic operating principles ● Be able to solve for the steady-state voltages and currents of step-down, step-up, inverting, and other power converters ● Know how to derive an averaged equivalent circuit model and solve for the converter efficiency A basic understanding of electrical circuit analysis is an assumed prerequisite for this course....

Top reviews

SA

Jul 31, 2017

This course sets the groundwork for more advanced concepts in Power Electronics. The Professor was very explicit and the homework assignments were of a good strength to help ground the notions learnt.

PK

Jun 18, 2020

Very nice course. Even if you are already familiar with power electronics, it will help you to form a system of knowledge and utilize rational approaches for task solution of any level of complicity.

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51 - 75 of 818 Reviews for Introduction to Power Electronics

By Dhaval P

Jul 1, 2018

I am very happy to write this review, not just because i have completed this introductory course in power electronics, but because I feel this first course has tempted me enough to go for the next course and also to dive deeper into the mathematical analysis of converters. I absolutely recommend this course as a "soft" start into the world of power electronics. Prof. Erikson , thank you very much. I shall be joining the next course in line to this one.

By Gianyacomo Z

Nov 12, 2020

The course developed by the teacher is of excellent quality. The knowledge was transmitted in different stages that helped to better understand the principles associated with the principles of power electronics.

As for the tasks assigned were rhetorical, which is very pleasant.

I would like to improve the support or help in line with the tasks or exercises proposed, through mentors or a forum where you can discuss the doubts that appear

By Mustafa U B

Feb 20, 2016

Great course and a great teacher. The assignments were great and really prompted you to learn. I liked how they weren't too easy and at the same time they weren't insanely difficult. Any effort that you put in learning the course was payed off. Hopefully the other courses in the specialization will be similar.

And of course, the content of the course was very interesting and informative. Looking forward to the future courses.

By Deleted A

Mar 27, 2022

A great course for anyone who is looking to gain knowledge in power electronics. The lectures and example problems are really good, and aid in solving the homework problems. The homework problems are very challenging, and willl test your ability to apply the theory.

I do wish there was more access to help, and I don't necessarily like entering in equations in the coursera portal, but that isn't the courses fault. :)

By Douglas M S

Dec 8, 2021

The Course Introduction to Power Electronics fulfills its promises, introduces the student to the concept of power electronics, covers all the necessary subjects of electrical, algebra and the sense of problem solving that the student must have to successfully complete the course, however it is valid say that it is a Masters level course and there must be some dedication on the part of the student to its completion.

By Dimitrios G

Jan 26, 2020

I am an electrical engineer and decided to take the course as a refresh. But what I found is that this course is more than a simple approach to power electronics. The explanations and the flow of the course are the most helpful. I wish I had a professor like Dr. Erickson at my university.

I like that homework is quite challenging to solve but always you have on guidance the theory from the previous courses.

By Murat O

Feb 17, 2016

Exceptionally useful and very well organized lectures and homework assignments. Even as an industry professional I felt challenged. I am taking away information and fundamental knowledge of DC-DC converters that I will be able to apply in future projects. The lectures are easy to follow and very thorough. I would highly recommend this class to anybody interested in learning more about DC-DC converters.

By SAN V

Apr 11, 2021

I really wanted to learn about the functionality of IGBT-based Voltage regulation (VVVF) used in Electric vehicles. This is the perfect course for me and my speed of learning(which is very slow). I am fortunate to learn this course conducted by one of the pioneers in this field in my comfort from my home. It is possible only because of Coursera. I wish I had found this platform long back. Thanks a ton.

By Arun N

Jun 12, 2020

The course was really informative. The instructor gave a lot of insights along with intuitive explanation for the circuits' working. The assignment problems were also challenging. The only drawback I felt was no official solution is provided for the assignment problems after we submit the assignments. The solutions for those problems will help in having a better grasp of the concepts.

By Jordan K

Aug 28, 2023

Amazing material and lectures - really provided a pathway for greater understanding of converter circuits by analysis using first principles. Previously I had been really struggling at my engineering firm as I couldn't understand the legacy designs or how they were designed. With these fundamental analytic tools I was able to improve and innovate improved new designs and features.

By Alex N

Nov 22, 2017

The homework is the right level of complexity - that is ... I had to think a bit. That's what I'm looking for - not impossible but enough to engage the brain. Now that I've passed second homework assignment I'm going to re-listen to the lectures to see what I missed. My first pass through I don't think I got all the details needed. Thank you for putting this together !

By Milind R

Apr 11, 2021

Well paced and concise but novel techniques (compared to what I learned back in my Bachelor's degree). Paying close attention to every little detail maximises the return of attending this course. One more good choice made here is to start with DC-DC converters, rather than 1-phase and 3-phase rectifiers - the latter are much more cumbersome and sometimes complex.

By Carlos F H P

Feb 26, 2016

It has been one of my favorites MOOCs, I would say a top 3 of the best courses i have taken.

Even though you have to work so hard to deal with the homeworks, you are going to learn a lot. Professor Erickson is a great master in his field and he explains so clear. I really recommend this course to those who love electronics and want to develop their own projects.

By Michael J F

Mar 8, 2021

Review is mostly for how the homework is submitted. When completing the assignments, I have to write out the equations multiple periodically just to check if my answer is correct. This is very time consuming. Please indicate to Coursera to have the answer once submitted saved so I don't have to type in all the answers again before submitting for a final time.

By Taylor M

Jan 16, 2019

Fantastic Course! Material is well developed.

Only thing I would change is being able to submit individual answers to the quizzes instead of having to submit the quiz all at once. Many of the questions rely on calculating based off of previous answers. So to make sure you are on the right track you can burn through your attempts and have to wait an hour.

By Bhushan C P

Jun 19, 2017

Awesome!!! Best way to understand core power electronics concepts with details including mathematics, circuit designing, component selection parameters, practical difficulties involved with circuits ...etc... I am really thankful to Prof.Robert W. Erickson, his team, University of Colorado and Coursera for providing this great knowledge to us!!!

By Vivek S G

Jan 26, 2016

WOOO .. This course is great ,, with the quiz in between the video lectures makes learning fun.

the home work problems are also great to work. More emphasis laid on the simulations results to be read correctly and reflecting those results onto the solution for the home work problems...

still looking forward more to learn and simulate.....

By Dina Č

Feb 7, 2016

I have taken this course live in my university, but the messy way it was taught created so much confusion. Now, it's all being cleared up. I really appreciate the slow pace the course is taking and the way that difficult matter is easily explained by the professor. I am looking forward to taking other courses in the Specialization.

By NARENDRA W

Dec 9, 2023

Understood the following: 1. VOLT-Sec bala for Indutor 2. Amp-Sec bala for Capacitor How these two govern the whole circuit wrt to switching devices present. A great way of learning basic converter circuit to its physical model. I haven't found a better approach than this course and I will be further using this for my projects.

By Henry G

Feb 13, 2016

Professor Erickson explains both the mathematical and physical definitions of all converter equations. His methods enable you to tackle more complicated problems while maintaining a physical insight (not just playing with the math). Very good derivation of how to include losses and calculate the efficiency of a dc-dc converter.

By Marc A

Aug 17, 2022

Brilliant introduction to the switched converters analysis. Prof. Robert Erickson offers deep and clear explanations of the different principles and techniques covered in this course. I strongly recommend it to anyone starting a career in the power electronics field or wanting to improve their circuit analysis skills.

By Simon S

Jan 30, 2021

The lectures are superb, well delivered, and very enjoyable. I found the home work exercises quite challenging though because I'm completely on my own and couldn't ask for help or tutoring, but got through it OK in the end...all the more satisfying! I'm looking forward to the next course. Amazing value for money.

By David J D

Mar 12, 2020

This course allowed me to read widely to fully understand. It was intellectually stimulating. I, however, feel for a course entitled "Introduction to Power Electronics", it was quite advanced. It is part of a masters' course so I guess the definition of "beginner level" is quite different. I give it my full thumbs up

By Joseph V

Jul 18, 2021

Prof. Erickson is one the best professors who ever taught in this medium. His videos and slide decks, explain the topics very well. Homeworks are challenging and are sure to test the knowledge of the learner. I have learned a great deal in this course. Looking forward to the next courses handled by Prof. Erickson!

By Satya P S

Jan 29, 2021

The course is designed very intelligently. The in-video questions are very beneficial for understanding the concept being taught in the lecture videos.

The homework exercises at the end of each week are also brilliant.

This course will help those who are thinking about learning power electronics for the first time.