Course Syllabus
ECE 412 – Power Electronics
Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
1. Course Number and Name:
2. Credit Units/Contact Hours:
3. Course Coordinator:
ECE 412 – Power Electronics
3/3
Bruno Osorno
4. Text, References & Software
Recommended Text:
Text: Power Electronics, third edition, written by Mohan and published by Wiley.
Additional References:
1. “Elements Of Power Electronics” by Phillip T. Krein. Published by Oxford, 1st edition,
1998.
2. “Power Electronics for Technology”, by Ashfaq Ahmed, Published by Prentice-Hall, 1st
Edition, 19999.
3. IEEE power electronics, journal
Software:
PSPICE, by Cadence Corporation, Matlab, Web browser such as explorer or Netscape,
Microsoft Office
Internet Resources:
5. Specific Course Information
a. Course Description
Switching losses in power semiconductor switches are covered in detail. Computer
simulation of power electronic converters is taught using PSPICE and Matlab. Study of linefrequency diode rectifiers (line-frequency ac–to-uncontrolled dc) as well as line-frequency
phase-controlled rectifiers and inverters (line-frequency ac-to-controlled dc). Dc-to-dc switchmode converters and switch-mode dc-to-ac inverters are also discussed. Power electronics
applications in solar energy are studied with emphasis in applications. Application of these
concepts as they apply to energy sustainability is discussed. Several projects are included in
which students design, simulate, build, test, and report on their findings.
b. Prerequisite by Topic
Students should know the basic concepts of electromagnetism, such as inductance,
capacitance and Maxwell’s laws. Also students should know basic DC and AC circuit
analysis as well as vector and complex algebra (ECE240, MATh280). Also, students should
know basic electronics concepts (ECE340). Calculus and differential equations need to be
known and master their application.
c. Elective Course
6. Specific Goals for the Course
a. Specific Outcomes of Instructions – After completing this course the students should be able to:
1. Solve magnetic circuits, three phase and single phase circuits.
2. Analyze switching semiconductors and their losses
3. Analyze and understand line frequency diode rectifiers
4. Analyze and understand line frequency phase controlled rectifiers
5. Analyze and understand switch mode converters
6. Analyze and understand switch mode dc-ac inverters
b. Relationship to Student Outcomes
This supports the achievement of the following student outcomes:
a. An ability to apply knowledge of math, science, and engineering to the analysis of electrical
engineering problems.
b. An ability to design and conduct scientific and engineering experiments, as well as to
analyze and interpret data.
c. An ability to design systems which include hardware and/or software components within
realistic constraints such as cost, manufacturability, safety and environmental concerns.
e. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve electrical engineering problems.
g. An ability to communicate effectively through written reports and oral presentations.
i. A recognition of the need for and an ability to engage in life-long learning.
k. An ability to use modern engineering techniques for analysis and design.
m. An ability to analyze and design complex devices and/or systems containing hardware
and/or software components.
n. Knowledge of math including differential equations, linear algebra, complex variables and
discrete math.
7. Topics Covered/Course Outline
1. Power Semiconductor Switches Switching losses
2. Basic Electrical and Magnetic Circuits (quick review)
3. Line Frequency Diode Rectifiers
4. Line Frequency Phase-Controlled Rectifiers
5. Switch-Mode Converters dc-dc
6. Switch-Mode dc-ac Inverters
Prepared by:
Bruno Osorno, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, November 2011
Ali Amini, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, March 2013