Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/converter-control
For anyone venturing into the complex world of power electronics, understanding how to effectively control switching converters is paramount. I recently completed Coursera’s “Converter Control” course (also known as ECEA 5702 as part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering) and found it to be an exceptionally valuable resource for grasping the intricacies of feedback system design for these crucial components.
The course begins by building upon foundational knowledge, extending steady-state equivalent circuits to model small-signal AC variations. This forms the bedrock for understanding the dynamic behavior of converters and their regulator systems. Chapter 7, “AC Equivalent Circuit Modeling,” provides a clear and methodical approach to this essential step.
What truly sets this course apart is its practical, design-oriented approach to analyzing converter transfer functions. Chapters 8, “Converter Transfer Functions – Part 1 and Part 2,” delve into the construction of Bode plots and offer invaluable techniques for approximating complex transfer functions. This focus on making informed design decisions, even with intricate systems, is a major strength.
Finally, the course culminates in Chapter 9, “Controller Design.” Here, the theoretical knowledge gained from AC modeling and transfer function analysis is directly applied to designing closed-loop regulators for switching converters. The emphasis on creating feedback systems that not only regulate outputs accurately but also effectively reject disturbances is a key takeaway.
Whether you’re a student pursuing a Master’s in Electrical Engineering or a professional looking to deepen your expertise in power electronics, “Converter Control” offers a robust curriculum. The instructors manage to break down complex topics into digestible segments, making it accessible yet rigorous. I highly recommend this course to anyone serious about mastering the art of switching converter control.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/converter-control