Converter Control

University of Colorado Boulder via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/converter-control

Introduction

**Course Review: Converter Control on Coursera** **Overview:** The "Converter Control" course offered on Coursera is an in-depth exploration of feedback systems used to control switching converters, making it an essential resource for electrical engineering students and professionals alike. This course can be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5702, part of the Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree at CU Boulder. By the end of the course, participants will develop a practical understanding of designing and analyzing feedback loops for power converters, an invaluable skill set in today’s technology-driven world. **Content Structure:** The course is structured in a clear and logical progression that builds on prior knowledge acquired in earlier courses. Below is a brief outline of the syllabus and highlights of the key concepts covered: - **Chapter 7: AC Equivalent Circuit Modeling** This chapter focuses on transitioning from steady-state equivalent circuits to small-signal AC equivalent circuits. Understanding this is critical for modeling the dynamics of converters and regulator systems. Students will learn to derive these models, which are paramount for the subsequent analysis. - **Chapter 8: Converter Transfer Functions - Part 1** This chapter delves into the construction of Bode plots for various transfer functions, encompassing first-order, second-order, and higher-order systems. It emphasizes design-oriented analysis techniques that provide insight into optimizing complex AC systems. This section is crucial for anyone looking to understand the frequency response of converters. - **Chapter 8: Converter Transfer Functions - Part 2** Continuing from the first part, this section reinforces design-oriented analysis and graphical construction techniques. Participants will explore more advanced methodologies for analyzing transfer functions, which is essential for mastering the control of complex power systems. - **Chapter 9: Controller Design** In the final chapter, students will apply the knowledge gained from previous chapters to design closed-loop regulators using switching converters. This segment emphasizes how to create feedback systems that maintain output accuracy while effectively mitigating disturbances — a must-know for practical applications in electrical engineering. **Review:** The "Converter Control" course stands out for its comprehensive approach and hands-on application of theoretical concepts. The structured progression ensures that participants can build a robust foundation before tackling more complex material, making it suitable for both novices and experienced professionals. Key highlights include: 1. **Practical Application:** The course strikes an excellent balance between theory and application, allowing learners to directly apply concepts to real-world scenarios. 2. **Expert Instruction:** The course is led by industry professionals and academics who bring their extensive knowledge and experience to the table, providing a depth of insight that is both educational and inspiring. 3. **Interactive Learning:** With a mix of video lectures, quizzes, and practical assignments, the course encourages active engagement, helping to solidify understanding. 4. **Community Engagement:** Learners can interact with peers and tutors, allowing for collaborative problem-solving and discussions, which enhances comprehension. **Recommendation:** I highly recommend the "Converter Control" course to anyone interested in electrical engineering, particularly in the field of power electronics and control systems. Whether you’re looking to deepen your academic knowledge, seeking to advance your career, or aiming to build practical skills for real-world applications, this course provides a well-rounded education that fulfills those goals. For students pursuing a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, enrolling in this course for academic credit is a strategic choice that bolsters your credentials and prepares you for advanced challenges in the field. Don't miss out on the opportunity to enhance your skills and understanding of converter control — it could be a game-changer for your professional journey!

Syllabus

Ch 7: AC Equivalent Circuit Modeling

How to extend the converter steady-state equivalent circuits, derived in the previous courses, to obtain small-signal ac equivalent circuits that model the important converter and regulator system dynamics.

Ch 8: Converter Transfer Functions - Part 1

A review of the construction of Bode plots of the magnitude and phase of first-order, second-order, and higher-order transfer functions, with emphasis on techniques needed for design of regulator systems. Design-oriented analysis techniques to make approximations and gain insight into how to design ac systems having significant complexity.

Ch 8: Converter Transfer Functions - Part 2

Design-oriented analysis techniques to make approximations and gain insight into how to design ac systems having significant complexity. Graphical construction techniques.

Ch 9: Controller Design

Application of the material of Chapters 7 and 8 to design closed-loop regulators that employ switching converters. How to design a feedback system that accurately regulates its output while rejecting disturbances.

Overview

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5702, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree. This course teaches how to design a feedback system to control a switching converter. The equivalent circuit models derived in the previous courses are extended to model small-signal ac variations. These models are then solved, to find the important transfer functions of the converter and its regulator system. Finally, the feedback loop is modeled, analyzed, a

Skills

Reviews

This is the important part of converters to learn.It shows how much complex the systems will be and shows how can we minimize complexity by taking approximations.

very well designed course content with a very eloquent explanation of Dr. Erickson. Highly recommended for power electronics engineers!!

Very nice professor and very nice course! thank for your time and effort to upload such a quality materials online.

An important course for understanding the design procedures of converters as well as the importance of control system in them.

The analysis and materials of this course are very useful. A great section. If the MATLAB script for calculating the converter Poles and Zeros can be provided will be even better.