EE290C Power Electronics (3 units)

Spring 2015

MW 9-10:30 in 521 Cory Hall

Prof. Seth Sanders

seth.sanders@berkeley.edu

Introduction to power conversion circuits and techniques with emphasis on representative applications
such as high density dc-dc conversion, electronic lighting, motor drives, and renewable energy
interfaces. Characterization and design of magnetic devices: transformers, inductors, and
electromagnetic actuators (i.e electric machinery). Fundamentals of inductor-based and switched
capacitor dc-dc conversion. Regulator design. Integrated and power-supply-on-chip dc-dc conversion
examples. Inverter fundamentals and applications. Characterization and application of power
semiconductor devices.
Undergraduates are welcome! Prerequisite is EE105, equivalent, or permission of instructor.
Useful references:
1) Principles of Power Electronics, J.G. Kassakian, M.F. Schlecht, and G.C Verghese, AddisonWesley 1991
2) Fundamentals of Power Electronics (2nd ed.), R.W. Erickson and D. Maksimovic, Kluwer
2001.
3) Power Semiconductor Devices, J. Baliga, PWS Publishing Company, 1996.
Assignments:

Homework: approximately biweekly

Term project

Approximate Class Schedule

Weeks 1-2

Introduction to principles and application examples. Rectifiers, power factor,

harmonics, pulse-width modulation

3-4

Power magnetics. Analysis and design of transformers, inductors, and actuators.

High frequency winding design considerations: skin and proximity effects and
optimization of litz wire windings

5-7

Intro to dc-dc conversion, circuit ratings and metrics, why switched capacitor
circuits rock, high density and integrated dc-dc converter examples

8-10

Feedback/feedforward regulator analysis and design, loadline regulation, digital

PWM control,

11-12

Inverters: harmonic cancellation techniques, pwm, multi-quadrant operation,

multi-level inverters. PV microinverter and HVDC system examples.

13-14

Power Semiconductor device overview. Progress on SiC and GaN devices.

Mosfet switching dynamics and switching loss analysis.

Projects:
Will be carried out in teams of two. Can be a study of a topic related to class, a design, or even a
hardware based experience. Some possible examples:
1) Solar PV technology. Centralized vs. micro-inverter technologies. Report on latest product
offerings from Enphase, Solarbridge, PowerOne, etc.
2) Energy storage systems and supporting power conversion technology. Report on battery and
mechanical energy storage systems conceived to meet emerging grid challenges and
opportunities in California, Hawaii, NY, etc.
3) LED lighting technology and driver circuits.
4) Energy harvesting device overview and system interface to energy storage and load circuits.
5) Capacitive contactless charging technology study.
6) Wireless power transmission.
7) EV, HEV, and E-bike technology. Want to propose to design and build an ultra-light e-bike?
8) Study of HVDC conversion and transmission technology.
9) Study of wind turbine technologies and systems.
10) Class D,E,F and/or envelope tracking RFPA systems
11) Class D audio amplifiers
12) Your idea here!
Well have a poster presentation at the end of the semester. You will also be responsible for a written
report.