Week 1: Introduction to the Modeling of Complex Systems

As complex systems often consist of numerous interconnected parts, they can be difficult to model. However, mathematical models provide insight into how these systems function. In this week, we will introduce students to system-level modeling using Simulink and Simscape, which allow engineers to develop physical models, control systems, and evaluate performance.

This week will cover:

• The importance of mathematical modeling in engineering
• The block diagram approach & model-based design for complex systems
• Basics of the Simulink environment and its functionality
• Creating a simple model in Simulink
• Obtaining simulation results and interpreting outputs
• Overview of essential Simulink toolboxes

Week 2: Simulation Configuration and Simscape

Simscape is a powerful tool within the Simulink environment that helps to model physical systems and assess their performance at a system level. In this week, we’ll dive into the configurations required to run simulations in Simulink and learn how to properly set up models for accurate results.

This week will cover:

• How Simulink models run and the importance of model configuration
• Types of solvers and their impact on simulation accuracy
• Continuous vs discrete-time systems
• Setting the correct timestep for simulation
• Solving ordinary differential equations (ODEs) in simulation
• Physical modeling with Simscape and its specific features

Week 3: Simulink with Script and Workspace

Simulink integrates closely with MATLAB, allowing engineers to use script files to control the execution of models. During this week, learners will explore how MATLAB scripts can be used to interact with Simulink models, modify parameters, and run simulations efficiently.

This week will cover:

• Using MATLAB script files with Simulink models
• Creating and using subsystems in Simulink
• Working with variant subsystems for model flexibility
• Managing projects and templates in Simulink
• Implementing and using lookup tables in simulations
• Running simulations step-by-step for debugging and analysis

Week 4: Stateflow for Control Logic

Stateflow enables the design of control logic for engineering systems by utilizing finite state machines (FSMs). In this week, learners will gain the skills to model control logic and implement time-based logic in simulations, critical for engineering applications like embedded systems or control systems.

This week will cover:

• Designing control logic for engineering systems
• Understanding and using finite state machines (FSMs) in Stateflow
• Developing logic diagrams for system control
• Implementing state-based transitions and events
• Modeling complex control systems using Stateflow

Week 5: Advanced Physical Modeling Techniques

In this week, students will dive deeper into more advanced physical modeling using Simscape. Topics will include simulating mechanical, electrical, thermal, and hydraulic systems, as well as combining multiple subsystems for large-scale models.

This week will cover:

• Advanced modeling techniques for mechanical, electrical, and thermal systems
• Integrating multiple domains into a single simulation
• Using custom blocks and libraries in Simscape
• Troubleshooting and optimizing models for performance

Week 6: Final Project and Model Testing

In the final week of the program, learners will apply all the skills they have gained to a comprehensive project. This hands-on project will involve modeling, simulating, and testing a complex system using Simulink and Simscape. The focus will be on applying best practices in model configuration, testing, and results interpretation.

This week will cover:

• Final project: Modeling a complex system from start to finish
• Configuring the simulation for accuracy and performance
• Testing the model under various conditions
• Interpreting simulation results and optimizing the model
• Presenting findings and recommendations based on model outputs

Week 1: Introduction to Switched Mode Power Converters, Performance and Analysis of Buck DC/DC Converter

In this week, learners will be introduced to switched-mode power converters (SMPCs), their necessity, and how they are used in everyday applications. We will focus on the buck DC-DC converter, a fundamental power converter in SMPCs, and analyze its performance.

This week will cover:

• Introduction to switched-mode power converters and their role in power electronics
• Understanding the need for efficient power conversion in various applications
• Performance and analysis of buck DC-DC converters
• Key design considerations for a buck converter

Week 2: Simulation of Boost DC/DC Converter

In this week, we will dive into the simulation of a boost DC-DC converter, focusing on simulation tools and techniques used in high-level converter design.

This week will cover:

• Overview of simulation tools and software packages (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink, PSpice)
• How to simulate a boost DC-DC converter
• Performing high-level design and analyzing simulation results
• Understanding key parameters for designing efficient boost converters

Week 3: Boost DC/DC Converter, Gate Driver Design

This week will focus on the boost DC-DC converter and the critical role of gate driver design. The performance analysis and simulation of boost converters will also be explored.

This week will cover:

• Performance and analysis of boost DC-DC converters
• Design considerations for gate driver circuits for boost converters
• Using simulation tools to perform high-level designs for gate driver and boost converter
• Techniques for optimizing converter efficiency and reliability

Week 4: UP/Down DC/DC Converters

This week will explore the performance and design of up/down DC-DC converters, which can either step up or step down voltage as needed by the application.

This week will cover:

• Performance and analysis of various up/down DC-DC converters (buck-boost, Cuk, etc.)
• Implementing design techniques for up/down converters using simulation tools
• Key considerations in choosing the right converter for different applications

Week 5: Discontinuous Conduction Mode (DCM)

In this week, learners will focus on DC-DC converters that operate in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM), a common mode of operation for low-load conditions.

This week will cover:

• Understanding the principles and characteristics of discontinuous conduction mode (DCM)
• Performance analysis and simulation of DCM for DC-DC converters
• Identifying operational advantages and limitations of DCM
• Practical examples of converters operating in DCM

Week 6: Modeling of DC-DC Converters

In this week, we’ll discuss the development of small signal models for various DC-DC converters and how to validate those models using simulations.

This week will cover:

• Development of small-signal models for different types of DC-DC converters
• Using simulation tools to validate and test the accuracy of modeled systems
• Practical techniques for improving model accuracy and simulation fidelity

Week 7: Feedback Control of DC-DC Converters

This week will introduce learners to the design of feedback control systems for DC-DC converters using analog circuits, and will also focus on simulating a fully designed closed-loop converter system.

This week will cover:

• Feedback control techniques for maintaining stable output in DC-DC converters
• Designing feedback control systems using analog circuits
• Simulating and analyzing a closed-loop DC-DC converter
• Troubleshooting and tuning feedback systems for optimal performance

Week 8: Isolated DC-DC Converters

This week will explore the design, performance, and simulation of isolated DC-DC converters, which provide galvanic isolation between input and output.

This week will cover:

• Performance and analysis of various isolated DC-DC converters (e.g., flyback, forward converters)
• AC-DC rectifiers and their role in isolated converters
• Simulating isolated DC-DC converters and evaluating performance in various conditions

Week 9: AC-DC Rectifiers Performance and Simulations

In this week, we will focus on AC-DC rectifiers, which are critical for converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) in power systems.

This week will cover:

• Performance and analysis of AC-DC rectifiers
• Key simulation techniques for AC-DC rectifiers
• Applications of rectifiers in power supply systems and their challenges

Week 10: DC-AC Inverters Performance and Simulations

This week will focus on DC-AC inverters, which convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). These are essential for many power conversion systems, including renewable energy setups and electric vehicles.

This week will cover:

• Performance and analysis of DC-AC inverters
• Simulation techniques for modeling and analyzing DC-AC inverters
• Design considerations for optimizing inverter performance

Week 11: AC-DC Rectifiers Design, DC-AC Inverters Design

This week, learners will combine the knowledge from previous weeks to explore the design of AC-DC rectifiers and DC-AC inverters, with a focus on practical applications.

This week will cover:

• Design principles for AC-DC rectifiers and DC-AC inverters
• Performance analysis and optimization strategies for both systems
• Applications in power systems, electric vehicles, and renewable energy
• Case studies to demonstrate real-world implementation and design considerations

Week 12: Modern Applications of Power Electronic Converters

In the final week, we’ll explore the modern applications of power electronic converters, particularly in emerging fields like electric vehicles, renewable energy, and data centers.

This week will cover:

• Overview of modern applications of power electronic converters
• Role of power converters in electric vehicles and renewable energy systems
• Power converter requirements for data centers and energy-efficient computing
• Future trends and challenges in power electronics

Week 01: Power Electronics and their Industrial Applications

In this introductory week, students will learn the fundamentals of Power Electronics, the different types of power converters, and their applications in various industries.

This week will cover:

• Basics of Power Electronics
• Overview of power conversion: DC/DC, AC/DC, DC/AC, AC/AC converters
• Industrial applications of each type of power converter
• Real-world examples of power electronics in action

Week 02: Power Converter Components and Design Standards

Successful design and operation of power converters rely on the correct selection of components and adherence to industry standards. This week focuses on the components used in power electronics and the importance of meeting industry standards.

This week will cover:

• Introduction to essential Power Components (diodes, capacitors, inductors, transformers)
• Overview of industry standards (e.g., IEC, UL, IEEE)
• How to select components based on performance, cost, and application requirements

Week 03: Power Switching Devices

Switching devices are at the heart of every power converter. This week focuses on the types of switching devices used in various power electronics topologies, and the factors influencing their selection.

This week will cover:

• Types of Power Switching Devices: MOSFETs, IGBTs, SCRs, and Thyristors
• Selection of Switching Devices based on application needs
• IGBT and MOSFET Datasheet Overview and Analysis: Key parameters to consider

Week 04: Wide Band Gap Devices

With advancements in semiconductor technology, Wide Bandgap (WBG) Devices have become essential for high-performance applications. This week will explore the properties and applications of SiC (Silicon Carbide) and GaN (Gallium Nitride) devices.

This week will cover:

• Introduction to Wide Bandgap Devices and their advantages
• Overview of SiC and GaN MOSFETs
• Design and Processing of WBG power devices
• Selection Criteria for choosing WBG devices in power converter design

Week 05: Switching Methods for Power Electronics Devices

Switching methods are critical for the efficient operation of DC/DC and DC/AC converters. This week covers the different switching strategies used to control power converters.

This week will cover:

• Switching Methods and Theoretical Overview: Hard switching vs soft switching
• Deep dive into Sinusoidal PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) and Space Vector PWM strategies
• Understanding the pros and cons of each method for different converter applications

Week 06: Control Theory and Modeling of Closed-Loop Buck Converter

This week introduces students to the fundamentals of control systems and how they apply to the modeling and operation of power electronics converters, specifically the Buck Converter.

This week will cover:

• Basics of Control Systems and their role in power electronics
• Laplace Transforms and their application to modeling
• Derivation of Transfer Functions for power converters
• Transfer Function Analysis of a Buck Converter (DC/DC step-down converter)

Week 07: Introduction to Magnetics

Magnetic components like inductors and transformers are crucial in power converter designs. This week focuses on the theory and practice of magnetic design for power electronics.

This week will cover:

• Basics of Magnetic Design: Inductors, transformers, and their importance in power converters
• Inductor Design principles for various applications
• Designing Gate Driver Transformers and other magnetic components

Week 08: Power Electronic Topologies

Understanding the right converter topology for a given application is key to the successful design of power electronics systems. This week covers the most commonly used inverter topologies in the industry.

This week will cover:

• Overview of Single-level Inverter, Multi-level Inverter, and Neutral Point Clamped Inverter
• Introduction to Matrix Converters and Cyclo Converters
• Applications and benefits of each topology in real-world systems

Week 09: Single Phase Inverters

Inverters are integral in power conversion for various applications like uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), renewable energy systems, and electric vehicles. This week focuses on the design and analysis of Single-phase Inverters.

This week will cover:

• Basics of Inverters and their operation
• Design of Single-phase and Three-phase Inverters
• Modeling of 3-Phase Inverter for real-world applications

Week 10: Introduction to Electric Drives

Electric motors are used in a variety of applications, including electric vehicles (EVs) and industrial machinery. This week introduces the fundamentals of electric drives and their operation in DC and AC machines.

This week will cover:

• Fundamentals of Electromagnetics and their role in electric drives
• Types of Electric Machines: DC motors, Induction Motors (IM), and Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors (PMSM)
• Understanding losses in electric machines and their impact on efficiency

Week 11: Cooling System Design

Power electronics devices generate heat during operation, and effective cooling systems are essential for maintaining reliability and efficiency. This week covers the principles of cooling design in power electronics.

This week will cover:

• Switching and Conduction Losses in power devices
• Understanding the power losses from the IGBT Datasheet
• Calculation of Power Loss for a Three-phase Inverter
• Design and Selection of cooling systems for high-power applications

Week 12: Snubbers & DC Link Capacitor

The final week explores the challenges of suppressing switching transients and protecting switching devices. Students will learn about Snubbers and DC Link Capacitors, which are essential in managing voltage spikes and ensuring stable operation.

This week will cover:

• Theory of Snubbers and their role in protecting devices
• Types of Snubber Topologies and their applications
• Calculating Snubber Parameters for effective design
• DC Link Capacitors: Their function in power converter systems

Week 01: Introduction to Altium PCB Design

In this introductory week, learners will become familiar with Altium ECAD software, the foundational tool for PCB design. This session will cover the basics of setting up projects and the layout environment in Altium.

This week will cover:

• Introduction to Altium ECAD software: Key features and interface overview
• Project Templates: Setting up a new project in Altium
• Library Files: Understanding the role of libraries in PCB design
• Schematic Sheet: Creating and organizing schematic sheets in Altium
• Layout Design: Introduction to PCB layout concepts
• Fiducials and Mounting Holes: Their role in the design
• PCB Design Concepts: Key terminology and principles
• PCB Grid Settings: Configuring grid and alignment for design
• PCB Revision Control: Managing design versions and revisions in Altium

Week 02: Understanding Datasheets

Datasheets are critical in identifying key design parameters for components in a PCB. This week focuses on how to read and extract relevant information from datasheets.

This week will cover:

• What is a Datasheet and its role in PCB design
• Identifying Parts: How to find components in datasheets
• Key Points for PCB Design: Understanding important datasheet sections like package type, pinout, and footprint
• Manufacturer Part Numbers: How to interpret part numbers
• Package Type and Pinout Descriptions
• Footprint and PCB Routing Techniques: Key details to focus on when designing
• CAD Information: Understanding CAD library components and their use

Week 03: Creating Schematic Symbols

A schematic symbol is essential for representing components in your design. This week will cover how to create custom schematic symbols.

This week will cover:

• What is a Schematic Symbol in PCB design?
• Creating Schematic Symbols from Scratch: Step-by-step guide
• Adding Designators, Descriptions, and Attributes to symbols
• Adding Schematic Nets: Connecting components and defining electrical connections
• Placing Components in Schematic: Organizing and positioning components
• Finalizing the Schematic: Tips for clean, readable schematics

Week 04: Creating PCB Footprints

Footprints represent the physical layout of a component on a PCB. This week focuses on how to create and modify PCB footprints.

This week will cover:

• What is a Footprint in PCB design?
• How to Create a Footprint in Altium Designer
• Altium Layers: Understanding layers in PCB design
• PCB Components: An overview of PCB components and their role
• Importing Components from Altium Vault: How to use pre-built components
• Board Outline: Defining the physical limits of your PCB
• Via Definition: Creating vias and their impact on design

Week 05: PCB Layout

In this week, students will focus on the layout phase of the PCB design process, learning about clearance, placement, and routing.

This week will cover:

• Setting Clearance Rules: Defining clearance between components and traces
• Layer Stack-up: Organizing PCB layers for optimal performance
• Importing Components into a Layout: Positioning components on the PCB
• Component Placement: Best practices for efficient layout
• PCB Variant: Creating different versions of a PCB design
• PCB Routing Definition: Defining trace width, spacing, and other routing parameters
• PCB Routing Topology: Choosing the optimal routing strategy for signal integrity

Week 06: Adding Polygon Pour and Thermal Relief

This week focuses on two critical aspects of PCB design: polygon pours for power distribution and thermal relief for heat management.

This week will cover:

• Polygon Pour: Using copper pours for power planes
• Thermal Relief: Managing heat dissipation with thermal vias and copper pours
• Stitching Via: Creating connections between ground planes
• Via Shielding: Preventing interference in high-speed circuits
• Keepout Areas: Defining restricted zones for components and traces
• Adding Text: Labeling components, nets, and other designators on the PCB
• DRC Check: Performing a Design Rule Check to ensure the design meets all physical and electrical constraints

Week 07: EMC and EMI Consideration

Understanding EMC (Electromagnetic Compatibility) and EMI (Electromagnetic Interference) is critical for designing PCBs that perform well in real-world applications.

This week will cover:

• What is EMC and EMI? Understanding their importance in PCB design
• PCB Copper Planes: How to use copper planes to reduce EMI
• PCB Traces: Strategies for minimizing noise and interference
• Faraday’s Cage: How to shield sensitive areas of the PCB from electromagnetic fields

Week 08: PCB Design Using Saturn PCB Tool

Saturn PCB is a powerful tool for simulating and analyzing PCB designs. This week will explore how to use Saturn for various PCB design tasks.

This week will cover:

• Introduction to Saturn PCB Design Tool
• Via Properties: Understanding different via types and their impact on design
• Conductor Properties: Defining trace width, spacing, and material properties
• Differential Pair Routing: Best practices for routing differential signals
• Crosstalk Calculator: Analyzing and minimizing crosstalk between traces

Week 09: High-Speed Design Routing

High-speed design is a specialized skill. This week focuses on routing techniques for high-speed circuits, including signal integrity and impedance matching.

This week will cover:

• Signal Integrity: Understanding how to preserve signal quality in high-speed circuits
• High-speed Design Definition: Key considerations for high-speed PCB routing
• Stack-up for High-speed Design: Optimizing layer stack-up for signal integrity
• Accordion Effect: Understanding and mitigating the accordion effect in high-speed designs
• Impedance Matching: Ensuring proper impedance for high-speed signals
• Differential Pair Routing: Techniques for routing differential signals
• Crosstalk Definition: How to minimize crosstalk in high-speed designs
• Eliminating Crosstalk: Practical methods for reducing noise in high-speed circuits

Week 10: Double-Sided PCB

This week focuses on designing double-sided PCBs, which are more compact and cost-effective than single-sided boards.

This week will cover:

• Single-Sided vs Double-Sided PCBs: Key differences and advantages
• Double-Sided PCB Advantages: Reducing board size and increasing component density
• Double-Sided PCB Disadvantages: Managing complexity and cost
• Fan-out Concept: Techniques for routing components on both sides of the PCB
• BGA Component Fan-out: Special considerations for Ball Grid Array (BGA) components

Week 11: PCB Panelization and Generating Gerber Data

Panelization is essential for mass manufacturing of PCBs. This week covers how to prepare your design for production, including generating Gerber files.

This week will cover:

• PCB Panelization: Preparing multiple PCBs on a single panel for efficient manufacturing
• Gerber Definition: What are Gerber files and how are they used in PCB fabrication?
• Generating Gerber Data: How to export Gerber files from Altium

Week 12: Output File Generation

The final week focuses on generating all the necessary output files required for PCB manufacturing and assembly.

This week will cover:

• Generate 3D View: Viewing your PCB in 3D to check for design errors
• Generate BOM: Bill of Materials for procurement and assembly
• Generate X Y Data: Information for automated pick-and-place machines
• Altium Draftsman: Using Altium’s drafting tools for documentation
• Generate Output Data: Final steps for preparing your design for production

Week 01: Overview of Power Electronic Devices

In this week, students will gain a foundational understanding of key power electronic devices, particularly those used in AC-DC converters, and learn the basics of selecting the right devices for power conversion applications.

This week will cover:

• Importance of AC-DC Converters in power electronics and their role in various applications
• Advantages of AC-DC converters over other converter types
• Applications of AC-DC converters in residential, industrial, and commercial sectors
• Device Characteristics:
  • Diodes, Thyristors, MOSFETs, and IGBTs: Basic working principles and relevance to AC-DC conversion
  • Wide-bandgap devices (SiC and GaN): Introduction to the next-generation devices for high-efficiency conversion
• Criteria for Device Selection in power converter applications

Week 02: Introduction to Simulation Tools and Classification of AC-DC Converters

This week focuses on the simulation tools necessary to analyze and design AC-DC converters, with an emphasis on MATLAB and LTspice. Students will learn how to simulate power circuits and gain an understanding of AC-DC converter types.

This week will cover:

• Introduction to simulation platforms:
  • MATLAB and LTspice: Setting up and using these tools for circuit simulation
  • Device Installation in LTspice: Installation and configuration of necessary components
  • Practical use cases for MATLAB and LTspice in power electronics
• Classification of AC-DC Converters:
  • Overview and circuit diagrams for:
    • Half-wave Rectifier (HWR)
    • Full-wave Rectifier (FWR)
    • Boost Rectifiers
    • Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) Rectifiers
  • Applications of each converter type in different scenarios

Week 03: Uncontrolled AC-DC Converters: Diode-Based Circuits and Simulations (Single-Phase)

This week delves into uncontrolled AC-DC converters, focusing on diode-based circuits for single-phase systems. Students will simulate various configurations and analyze their performance.

This week will cover:

• Half-Wave Rectifier (HWR) operation with different loads:
  • R, RL, RLE, and RC loads
  • Simulations and analysis of HWR operation
• Full-Wave Rectifier (FWR) operation with R, RL, and RC loads
• Effect of Source Inductance and its impact on commutation
• Power Computations and the study of harmonic issues
• Power Quality Parameters and their significance in AC-DC converters

Week 04: Three-Phase Uncontrolled AC-DC Converters

This week expands on three-phase systems, covering both half-wave and full-wave rectifiers, and exploring the effects of transformers in these systems.

This week will cover:

• Half-Wave Rectifier (HWR) operation with R loads and transformer effects
• Full-Bridge Three-Phase Rectifier operation and transformer influence
• Case study: Large capacitive filters and their impact on system performance

Week 05: Phase-Controlled AC-DC Converters: Thyristor-Based Circuits and Simulations (Single-Phase)

In this module, students will learn about phase-controlled rectifiers and their application in single-phase systems, with a focus on Thyristor-based circuits.

This week will cover:

• Need for Thyristor-Controlled Rectifiers and their role in power conversion
• Design guidelines and considerations for using Thyristors
• Thyristor-Based Half-Wave Rectifier (HWR) operation with R, RL, and RLE loads
• Solving typical design issues in RL load cases and solutions
• Full-Wave Rectifier (FWR) operation with R, RL loads
• The Effect of Source Inductance on performance
• Different Semi-Controlled Rectifier Configurations and their applications
• Simulations and analysis of single-phase controlled rectifiers

Week 06: Phase-Controlled AC-DC Converters: Thyristor-Based Circuits and Simulations (Three-Phase)

Building on the previous module, this week covers three-phase thyristor-based rectifiers. Students will explore various configurations and firing angles to optimize performance.

This week will cover:

• Three-Phase Fully Controlled Rectifier operation
• Simple techniques for analyzing and understanding three-phase rectifiers
• Case Studies with various firing angles and load scenarios
• The impact of transformer on three-phase rectifier operation
• Simulations and analysis of three-phase thyristor-controlled rectifiers

Week 07: Inverter Mode Operation of AC-DC Converters and Notion of Power Quality in Rectifiers

This week introduces inverter-mode operation for AC-DC converters and explores the concept of power quality in rectifiers, including power factor correction and harmonics.

This week will cover:

• Full-Bridge Rectifier in Inverter Mode operation and applications
• Dual Converter Case Study: How AC-DC converters operate in both rectifier and inverter modes
• Power Quality issues in rectifiers:
  • Active and reactive power considerations
  • Power factor and its importance in system efficiency
  • Basics of Power Factor Correction (PFC) techniques

Week 08: Harmonics and Input Power Factor Correction in Rectifiers

In this week, students will explore the critical issue of harmonics in power systems and the techniques used to correct power factor in AC-DC rectifiers.

This week will cover:

• Methods to Improve Input Power Factor in rectifiers
• Classification of Power Factor Correction (PFC) Rectifiers:
  • Active and passive PFC methods
  • Examples of PFC rectifiers and their operation
• Concept of Active Filtering: Role in reducing harmonics
• PWM Rectifiers: Regenerative and non-regenerative operation
• Control Techniques for PWM and PFC rectifiers

Week 09: Design and Analysis of PWM Rectifiers and Study of AC-DC Converters in Real-World Applications

This week focuses on the design and analysis of PWM rectifiers, with case studies highlighting their applications in real-world power electronics scenarios.

This week will cover:

• PWM Rectifier Design and closed-loop operation
• Simulation and Analysis of PWM rectifiers
• Industrial Applications:
  • Induction Heating: Using resonant converters and integral cycle converters
  • AC-DC Converters in Industry: Applications in electric vehicles and power supplies

Week 10: Study of AC-DC Converters in Real-World Applications

This module covers the real-world applications of AC-DC converters in industrial and utility scenarios, such as DC motor drives and high-voltage DC (HVDC) transmission systems.

This week will cover:

• DC Motor Drive Applications:
  • Speed control and operation modes of DC motor drives
• Utility Applications:
  • HVDC Transmission Systems: Rectifier and inverter modes, harmonic compensation, and control strategies
  • Real-world use cases and simulations for HVDC systems

Week 11: Harmonic Compensation and Study of IEEE/IEC Standards

This week focuses on the importance of harmonic compensation in AC-DC converters and relevant international standards.

This week will cover:

• Principles of Harmonic Compensation in AC-DC circuits
  • Passive vs Active compensation methods
  • Static VAR Compensators (SVC): TCR, TSC, and STATCOM
• Comparison of different harmonic compensators and their performance
• Study of IEEE/IEC Standards:
  • IEEE 519, IEC 61000-4-7, and others
  • Terminologies and design considerations for compliance with these standards

Week 12: Design Methodology for Industrial AC-DC Converters

The final week will focus on the practical aspects of designing AC-DC converters for industrial applications, covering challenges, best practices, and the future of AC-DC converter technology.

This week will cover:

• System Overview and objectives of AC-DC converters
• Design Procedure: Step-by-step guide for designing AC-DC converters
• Nameplate Study of AC-DC converters for industrial applications
• Challenges in AC-DC Converter Design: Common design issues and how to overcome them
• State-of-the-Art Converters and research topics
• Future Applications of AC-DC converters in emerging technologies
• Course Conclusion: Key takeaways and wrap-up of the learning journey

Week 01: DC-DC Buck Converter

This week introduces the fundamental concepts of the Buck Converter, one of the most widely used DC-DC converter topologies. Students will learn the basic operation, analysis, and design of the converter.

This week will cover:

• Introduction to Buck Converter: Operation and principles
• Modes of Operation: Continuous and Discontinuous Conduction Modes (CCM and DCM)
• Equations for Buck Converter: Derivation of key equations for output voltage and current
• Average Output Voltage, Ripple Current, and Ripple Voltage
• Modeling and Design: Practical design considerations for the Buck converter
• Conditions for Continuous Conduction: Understanding the conditions for CCM and their impact on design and performance
• Applications: Common applications in power supplies and voltage regulation
• Simulation: Using tools like MATLAB/Simulink for simulation of Buck converter

Week 02: DC-DC Boost Converter

This week focuses on the Boost Converter, a topology used for step-up voltage conversion. Students will explore its operation and design.

This week will cover:

• Introduction to Boost Converter: How it works and where it’s used
• Modes of Operation: CCM and DCM
• Equations for Boost Converter: Derivation of output voltage, current, and other key parameters
• Average Output Voltage, Ripple Current, and Ripple Voltage
• Modeling and Design: Understanding design considerations for efficient Boost conversion
• Conditions for Continuous Conduction: Analyzing the operating conditions for Boost converter
• Applications: Use cases in renewable energy systems, power regulation, and more
• Simulation: Implementing the Boost converter model in MATLAB and other simulation tools

Week 03: DC-DC Buck-Boost Converter

In this module, students will learn about the Buck-Boost Converter, which can either step up or step down the input voltage.

This week will cover:

• Introduction to Buck-Boost Converter: How it combines Buck and Boost operation in a single topology
• Modes of Operation: CCM vs DCM in Buck-Boost converters
• Equations for Buck-Boost Converter: Deriving equations for both output voltage and current
• Average Output Voltage, Ripple Current, and Ripple Voltage
• Modeling and Design: Design considerations for efficient performance
• Conditions for Continuous Conduction: CCM conditions for Buck-Boost converters
• Applications: Use in scenarios where the output voltage needs to be both higher and lower than the input
• Simulation: Running simulations in MATLAB/Simulink

Week 04: DC-DC Cuk Converter

This week covers the Cuk Converter, known for its ability to invert the polarity of the input voltage while providing regulated output.

This week will cover:

• Introduction to Cuk Converter: Key features and operation
• Modes of Operation: CCM and DCM analysis
• Equations for Cuk Converter: Derivation of key voltage and current equations
• Average Output Voltage, Ripple Current, and Ripple Voltage
• Modeling and Design: Key considerations for designing a Cuk converter
• Conditions for Continuous Conduction: Exploring CCM conditions and the impact on converter performance
• Applications: Applications in solar inverters, power factor correction, and more
• Simulation: Using tools like MATLAB for system simulation

Week 05: Interleaved Operation and Other Non-Isolated Converters

This week explores interleaved operation and other non-isolated converter topologies such as SEPIC, ZETA, and Luo converters.

This week will cover:

• Interleaved DC-DC Converter: Benefits, operation, and design of interleaved topologies
• SEPIC Converter: Characteristics, design, and applications
• ZETA Converter: Functionality, advantages, and design approach
• Luo Converter: Basic operation and design considerations
• Applications: Where these non-isolated converters are used (e.g., fuel cells, automotive power supplies)
• Simulation: Running simulations for these converters in MATLAB/Simulink

Week 06: Bode Plot Fundamentals

This week introduces the Bode Plot, a fundamental tool for analyzing the frequency response and stability of control systems, particularly for power converters.

This week will cover:

• Transfer Function of Electrical Circuits: How to derive and understand transfer functions in DC-DC converters
• Introduction to Bode Plot: The role of Bode plots in system analysis
• Procedure to Draw Bode Plots: Step-by-step guide for generating and interpreting Bode plots
• Simple Example: Practical examples to demonstrate Bode plot creation
• MATLAB Demonstration: Hands-on experience using MATLAB to generate Bode plots for converters

Week 07: Buck Converter Design and Modeling

This week provides an in-depth look at the design of the Buck Converter, focusing on selecting components and modeling for optimal performance.

This week will cover:

• Designing a Buck Converter: Key design steps for specifying components like inductors and capacitors
• Specifying the Inductor Value: How to choose the correct inductor for efficiency and performance
• Modeling the Buck Converter: Developing the state-space model for the Buck converter
• Simulations: Using MATLAB and other tools for verifying the design

Week 08: Boost Converter Design and Modeling

Focusing on the Boost Converter, students will learn to design it for applications like DC drives and renewable energy systems.

This week will cover:

• Designing a Boost Converter for DC Drive: Specific design considerations for DC drive applications
• Calculating Ripple Voltage and Ripple Current: Methods for minimizing ripple in boost converters
• Obtaining the Average State-Space Model: Using state-space modeling for performance analysis
• Checking Controllability and Observability: Techniques for ensuring that the system can be controlled and observed effectively

Week 09: Buck-Boost Converter Design and Modeling

This week focuses on designing the Buck-Boost Converter for applications such as Photovoltaic (PV) Systems, where voltage needs to be both stepped up and stepped down.

This week will cover:

• Designing a Buck-Boost Converter for a PV System: Key considerations for integrating a buck-boost converter in renewable energy systems
• Calculating Ripple Voltage and Ripple Current
• Obtaining the Average State-Space Model: Developing a state-space model for the Buck-Boost converter
• Checking Controllability and Observability: Ensuring the system behaves as expected in all operating conditions

Week 10: Cuk Converter Design and Modeling

This week dives deeper into the Cuk Converter, focusing on its design parameters and modeling for applications like DC-DC power supplies.

This week will cover:

• Designing a Cuk Converter: Design methodology for selecting duty cycle, switching frequency, and inductor sizes
• Selection of Duty Ratio: How to calculate the optimal duty cycle for efficient operation
• Modeling and Simulation: State-space modeling for accurate system prediction and design
• Applications: Use of Cuk converter in real-world systems like motor drives and power conversion

Week 11: Interleaved Operation and Other Non-Isolated Converters

In this week, we return to Interleaved DC-DC Converters and explore Luo Converters in detail, including their design and real-world applications.

This week will cover:

• Designing a Luo Converter for Fuel Cells: How to design Luo converters to optimize efficiency for fuel cell systems
• Ripple Voltage and Ripple Current Calculation
• Obtaining the Average State-Space Model for Luo converter systems
• Checking Controllability and Observability: Verifying system performance through control theory

Week 12: Bode Plot Fundamentals – Stability Analysis

The final week involves applying Bode Plot analysis to evaluate the stability of converters and determine the system’s gain margin and phase margin.

This week will cover:

• Obtaining the Transfer Function of a Buck Converter using the state-space model
• Bode Plot Specific Values: Gain margin, phase margin, and how to interpret them for stability
• Stability Analysis: Understanding how Bode plots are used to ensure the stability of power electronic systems