Power Electronics and Semiconductor Components

PN-junction. Diodeapplications. Zener-diode. Transistor (BJT and FET). The transistor as switch and amplifier. Switched DC-DC converters (buck, boost and full bridge). Battery technology (including Li-ion) and battery charging. Thyristor-converters. Frequency-converters/inverters with pulse-width modulation.

Knowledge - The candidate is to be able to:

• Explain the fundamental working principles for PN-junction/Si-diode, zener-diode, bipolar transistor and FET-transistor.
• Explain how the transistor might be used as a switch or an amplifier
• Explain the fundamental working principles for switched DC-DC voltage converters (including the fullbridge DC-DC converter).
• Explain the build-up of Li-ion batteries and the charging cycles of these
• Explain the fundamental working principles for thyristor bridges
• Explain the fundamental working principles for frequency-converters/inverters (one phase and three phase)
• Explain what commutation and pulse-width modulation is

Skills - the candidate is able to:

• Perform theoretical calculations on fundamental power electronic circuits based on diods, thyristors and transistors
• Apply a computer tool to simulate power electronic circuits
• Be able to do measurements and fault finding on basic electronic circuits
• Do reflections on differences between theoretical results based on ideal models and measurements on circuits-connections in the laboratory
• Document work done at the laboratory

General competence - the candidate is able to:

• Know Norwegian and English scientific expressions for important components and circuits in the course
• Find and apply technical information from datasheets for components

Lectures. Training exercises. Laboratory work.

The laboratory tasks including delivery of journals of performed laboratory work, are mandatory. The number of training exercises and laboratory task are given at semester start. The mandatory activities must be delivered according to given deadlines and must be approved to be allowed to take the exam.