Power Electronics

by Dr. Nicola Femia | University of Salerno, and Texas Instruments

This manual provides guidance for a comprehensive hands-on learning experience covering the fundamentals of Power Electronics, designed for Electrical and Computer Engineering undergraduate programs. The labs form four groups: DC-DC linear regulators, DC-DC buck regulators, DC-AC inverters, and AC-DC rectifiers. Each group of labs is performed by means of dedicated Multisim Live circuit schematics for simulations, and a dedicated section of the TI Power Electronics Board for experimental measurements.

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LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Given a linear regulator, with specified components characteristics, the student will be able to analyze and predict its behavior, under DC and AC operating conditions, in open-loop and closed-loop operation, by determining the values of voltages and currents of interest to evaluate static and dynamic performances, with specified units and accuracy.
Given a buck regulator, with specified components characteristics, the student will be able to analyze and predict its behavior, under DC and AC operating conditions, in open-loop and closed-loop operation, in continuous and discontinuous mode, by determining the values of voltages and currents of interest to evaluate the static and dynamic performances, with specified units and accuracy.
Given a DC-AC pulse width modulated inverter, with specified components characteristics and modulation signals, the student will be able to analyze and predict its behavior, under different load impedance conditions, by determining the amplitude of output current and voltage AC components, with specified units and accuracy.
Given a high-frequency transformer and a square-wave inverter, with specified components characteristics and modulation signals, the student will be able to analyze and predict its behavior, under different coils configurations, by determining the amplitude of input and output current and voltage AC components, with specified units and accuracy.
Given an AC-DC rectifier, with specified components characteristics, the student will be able to analyze and predict its behavior, under different input inductance and output capacitance conditions, by determining the amplitude of output current and voltage DC and AC components, with specified units and accuracy.
Given a system comprises of a AC-DC rectifier with buck and linear post-regulators, with specified characteristics, the student will be able to analyze and predict the behavior of the system, under different operating conditions, by determining the amplitude of input and output current and voltage DC and AC components of each stage, with specified units and accuracy.

COURSE ALIGNMENT

Level	Undergraduate
Topic	Power Electronics
Style	Laboratory
Prerequisite Skills	Introductory circuits and semiconductor experience Basic proficiency with oscilloscopes

Included Course Labs

LINEAR REGULATOR IN OPEN LOOP DC OPERATION

The goal of this lab is to investigate the properties of a MOSFET in DC operation, when it works as a pass device in linear regulators. First, we review the equations describing the behavior of a MOSFET in DC operation, and discuss the impact of the gate-to-source voltage on the operating point. Next, we predict the MOSFET operating region and calculate the power losses and temperature under different conditions. Then, we simulate the MOSFET using its physical model. Finally, we perform lab experiments to estimate the real value of MOSFET parameters and compare their impact on the accuracy of theoretical and simulation predictions.

LINEAR REGULATOR IN OPEN LOOP AC OPERATION

In this lab, students will investigate the MOSFET in AC operation, which is of interest in linear regulator applications. First, students will review the equations describing the MOSFET behavior in an AC operation, and then students will use a model to analyze and predict the sensitivity of the output voltage from a gate driver voltage at different frequencies. Students will simulate the response using Multisim Live and take measurements. Students will compare the measured result with simulated and theoretical results. Throughout the lab, students will answer short questions to confirm their understanding of the topic.

LINEAR REGULATOR ERROR AMPLIFIER OPERATION

In this lab, students will investigate the properties and response of the error amplifier generated by the MOSFET gate driver in a linear regulator. First, students will review the architecture and the simplified equations describing the error amplifier in DC and AC operation. Students will use the simplified model to analyze and predict the AC gain. Next, students will simulate the response of the error amplifier to the perturbations of the output voltage with respect to the desired nominal value in a regulator. Finally, they will perform experimental tests with a real amplifier to compare the results with simulation. Throughout the lab, students will be answering short questions to verify their understanding.

LINEAR REGULATOR IN CLOSED LOOP OPERATION

The goal of this lab is to analyze the closed loop operation of a linear regulator. We investigate the impact of the loop gain on the ability to reject noise and changes in the output voltage, which is the most important feature of linear regulators. First, we will review the principle of operation and the simplified model of a closed loop linear regulator. Next, we will use the simplified model to predict its response to AC perturbations and its accuracy to the reference signal. Then, we will simulate the linear regulator in DC and AC operation to evaluate the impact of the MOSFET and error amplifier parameters. Finally, we will perform experimental tests with a real linear regulator, and will compare the results of simulations and measurements to verify their consistency.

BUCK REGULATOR HALF-BRIDGE PWM OPERATION

In this lab, students investigate the behavior of MOSFETs when configured as a half-bridge in PWM operation. This circuit element is used in switching power supply applications for high-efficiency DC-DC voltage conversion.

BUCK REGULATOR IN L-C FILTER OPERATION

In this lab, students analyze the behavior of the L-C filter subjected to the square-wave voltage generated by a PWM modulated MOSFETs half-bridge. The L-C filter is an important functional element of a DC-DC voltage regulator that integrates energy transfer and noise filtering features.

BUCK REGULATOR IN DISCONTINUOUS MODE OPERATION

In this lab, students analyze the influence of inductance, load current, and switching frequency on the steady-state behavior of the buck regulator, when the half-bridge uses a MOSFET and a diode.

BUCK REGULATOR IN CLOSED LOOP OPERATION

In this lab, students analyze the closed loop operation of a buck regulator. Through hands-on activities, students will investigate the impact of an error amplifier on output voltage DC regulation, and on the capability of rejecting output voltage AC perturbations caused by load current noise.

DC-AC PWM INVERTER OPERATION

The lab investigates the operation of a MOSFETs full-bridge, driven by a sinusoidal pulsed width modulation, under different load impedance conditions, and the relationships among physical parameters and operating conditions determining the amplitude of output current and voltage AC components.

HIGH-FREQUENCY TRANSFORMER OPERATION

The lab investigates the operation of a high-frequency transformer under square-wave voltage generated by a MOSFET full-bridge DC-AC inverter, and the relationships among physical parameters and operating conditions determining the output current and voltage and the amplitude of magnetizing current, under different coils configurations.

AC-DC RECTIFIER OPERATION

The lab investigates the operation of a single-phase diode full-bridge rectifier, under different input inductance and output capacitance conditions, and the relationships among physical parameters and operating conditions determining the amplitude of output voltage AC component.

POST REGULATORS

The lab investigates the operation of a system comprised of an AC-DC diode rectifier with a cascade of buck and linear post-regulators, and the relationships among physical parameters and operating conditions determining the behavior of the system and the amplitude of input and output current and voltage DC and AC components of each stage.

Requirements

NI ELVIS III

Engineering laboratory solution for project-based learning that combines instrumentation and embedded design with a web-driven experience, delivering a greater understanding of engineering fundamentals and system design. Learn more

TI Power Electronics Board for NI ELVIS III

Application board for NI ELVIS III which provides a hands-on approach to power electronics using functional blocks and TI circuits to understand each component in a power electronics system. Learn more

Multisim Live

Multisim Live is an online, touch-optimized component of Multisim, so students can design and simulate their circuits anywhere, anytime, on any device. Learn more

DETAILED REQUIREMENTS

Required Software

Download Academic Software, Learn About Software Licensing

NI ELVIS III Soft Front Panel Support - Install Instructions
Measurements Live - Access
Multisim Live (Some circuits require premium access) - Access; Learn about Premium
TI Power Electronics Board Configuration Utility Download