Back to Converter Circuits
University of Colorado Boulder

Converter Circuits

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.

Status: Simulation and Simulation Software
Status: Electrical Engineering
IntermediateCourse19 hours

Featured reviews

MQ

5.0Reviewed Jan 30, 2021

A real Hard Course designed for professional people. If you are good in Circuits, do come, but if you are weak... You may Get in TROUBLE!!!!

AR

5.0Reviewed Jan 13, 2017

Very helpful course. This course has helped me in getting a good insight into Power Electronics. Thanks alot Dr. Robert Erickson.

AG

5.0Reviewed 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.

SK

5.0Reviewed Jul 14, 2018

The course has intensified my interest towards the field of Power Electronics. One won't find such systematic and lucid teaching anywhere else. I am grateful to the instructors of the course.

AK

5.0Reviewed 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!

I

5.0Reviewed Jul 16, 2020

Good and straight forward. This is what education should be like. A more rigorous way of teaching does not necessary convey valuable information. Thank you and please keep it up

TS

5.0Reviewed Apr 5, 2019

This is very awesome course which had cleared my concept and it's assignment had helped me out to implement theory while design related problems. Thank you so much Coursera and Prof.

BM

5.0Reviewed Jan 12, 2020

Amazing course in designing converters that will work in the real world with an approach that is organized, efficient and systematic. Excited to start the next course.

AH

4.0Reviewed Jan 17, 2023

The course is a good one . It helps me know different types of converter circuits . Also I have known different power electronics circuits .

LM

5.0Reviewed Jul 28, 2018

Course materials are clearly explained. While the quizzes are really tough, they help you consolidate all the learning you have done.

JK

5.0Reviewed Aug 27, 2023

Great follow on to the Introduction to Power Electronics. Provides a great logical deepening of understanding and practical impacts that can help to understand real-world behaviour and problems.

RS

5.0Reviewed Dec 9, 2019

I love the course but difficult in understanding. so need to review again and again for deep understanding by managing the time.

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